Jess' Tips for Suriving and Enjoying College

                

Hello all!

Who's excited for college? YOU ARE

Who's prepared for college? YOU AREN'T

Sorry,not sorry. For all of you heading into first year, first off, Congratulations. You are now going to embark upon the next chapter in your life. Some of you will be living from home, tasting true freedom. Others will be excited to meet new people and have wild nights out. But, college was nothing like I expected. Yes I expected the fun side, but remember, you are in college to study. So here are my tips for enjoying the whole college experience while knuckling down. If you didn't already know, I'm going into my third year in Dublin Institute of Technology( DIT)

Tip #1 - Attend Lecture and Do Assignments on time

Okay, I know I am stating the obvious,but it has to be said. I know some of you might think you will go out one night and not go in the next day for lectures and think its okay? It's not. In my first year of college, I went on a few nights out weekly and I attended all of my lectures the next day regardless if I was hungover, or in the worst case-still drunk! I made sure I went to my lectures to even retain a bit of information. Turns out, I did well in my exams. Sure, you can get your notes off a pal but it won't feel the same unless you do them yourself. Once you get your assignments, try and not leave them to the last minute. If you are like me and work under pressure, get a friend to push you towards your own deadline so you don't have to worry about it when the actual deadline arrives.

Tip #2 - Participate in Clubs and Societies

When Freshers week arrives, you will be attacked with people wanting you to join their society. Don't join a society because it looks cool or they are doing a trip you'd like to go on(sometimes those trips or plans don't actually happen). Join a club or society you have an interested in. I've been dancing since I was roughly 5/6 years young and I joined DIT's Dance Society. I made so many friends because we had the same interests and we danced at many events. So make sure you join at least one, to meet more friends as it helps through the whole college experience.

Tip #3 - Don't go home every Weekend

I know there are some of you out there who are home birds who want to go home every weekend. But try and stay up at least one or two weekends in the semester. It can be good to get used to your environment for studying or relaxing. From a social life point of view, your city/town might have a concert/exhibition or some event happening that you might like to attend. Even grab a few new friends from college and head out on a Saturday night. This all will help you being more comfortable in your new "Home" town.

Tip #4 Clean and Tidy Up- Mammy isn't here!

Safe to say, I have lived with many different people in boarding school and in student accommodation in Dublin. One lesson I learned, and I am still trying to keep to it, is to clean up after myself. You might be sharing a room,kitchen or bathroom,but for the sake of everyone else, try to clean it as much as you can. You are all sharing it together and if you have visitors over you want it looking some what decent. If you cook a meal,clean up after you eaten or before you go to bed. Little things like this, you'll be thankful for because you won't have that wait over your shoulder. Don't be waiting for a roommate or your mammy to do it for you!

Tip #4 - Ways to fight stress

During the year, it can get very stressful to manage aspects of your life while trying to get assignments finished on time. I would advise not resulting to fight stress by eating as this will make you more tired and might make you break out in spots if you fill yourself up with fast/junk food. Try taking a break by going to the gym or watching the latest episode of Pretty Little Liars. Everyone deserves a break and a time to tune out.

Tip #5 - Be an adult, a smart one.

I know when some of you break free from your parents you might go a bit crazy. Just because you don't see them everyday doesn't mean they aren't there. Try to text or call them whenever you can to let them know you are okay. At the end of the day, you are their little baby and will always be worried.

Tip #6 Find or Create an ideal study environment 

Whether it be at a library, Starbucks or your room, make sure you find an environment which lets you study comfortably. Everyone is different so its up to you to find that space. Some people like studying with distractions so they would go to a library or a cafe. Others might like to be on their own and study in their room. If you study in your own room, design it and organise it to what suits you. Its your space for a semester or two, so make it look cool and organised.

Tip #7 - Random things you might forget

While packing, you might just forget the odd one or two bits that weren't obvious to here. So here is a list of things you might forget that you could need: 

• USB Drive
• Small bin
• Laundry Bag
• Hangers
• Extension Cord
• Scissors
• Bin bags
• Plasters

So there you have it! My lucky 7 tips for College. It is a wonderful experience,so make the most of it! Have fun, think smart!

Stay Tuned for more chaos,

JB

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