With the long-anticipated CAO offers just around the corner, the words CAO, college, accommodation and first choices are ringing in the ears of many. However, this is not a time for panic.

Whatever the CAO offers may bring, be sure not to rush your decision and make sure you think things through before accepting or turning down an offer.

Filling out the CAO is now a distant memory for many, blurred by the panic and stresses brought on by the ever-looming Leaving Cert itself. If you happen to be one of the many students across the country that does not receive an offer for your first choice course, it’s not the end of the world.

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Don’t panic

If you are offered a course different from the original plan, left with no accommodation and no friends going to this college, don’t panic, there are plenty more aspiring first years just like you.

Do not let the fact that your friends will not be taking this course sway your decision, dare to be different and accept the offer if you have a keen interest in the course.

Speaking from personal experience, walking into your first lecture on your first day is a surreal experience, especially when you know no one else in your chosen course or even your chosen college, but keep in mind that everyone in the room has chosen or shown an interest in this course, meaning you all share a certain interest, so make that the starting point of every conversation.

In fact, chances are you will find yourself surrounded by like-minded people and you’ll have more in common with these people than you did with any of your pals from school. Just pull up a chair or say hello. Remember that everyone is new and looking to make friends, so the best thing you can do is be open and friendly.

Get involved

Clubs, societies, sports teams and extracurricular activities are the ideal opportunity to form life-long friendships. In all colleges, there are a huge variety of sports for you to get involved in.

Whether it is competitive or recreational, participation in sporting activities is a great way to immerse yourself in the college scene.

Societies exist in most colleges for each department, and whether it’s the law society, ag society, arts society or the engineering society, partaking in events or even getting involved with the society committee is not only a bonus on every CV, but a chance to meet people taking your course in the years above – and don’t underestimate their value. They can provide you with an insight into life within your course and give you vital tips on getting through your course.

They have also experienced everything you are about to experience and have even sat the same exams that may lie ahead for you. By joining your department’s society, you will find yourself – before you know it – that older, somewhat wiser society member who’s advising and helping the new first years, telling old tales of your first experiences as a newcomer.

Life on campus

Campus accommodation is also a great way of meeting new people. If you are facing into first year in college alone, what better way to meet people from all over the country than to move in with other people in the exact same situation.

Orientation week or day is run in nearly all colleges and is a great head start into the college term, where first year students are given an insight into college life before the remainder of the student body returns.

Week-long events run by societies and older members of the student body are a must for all new students, as an opportunity to meet first years from all courses within the college. Freshers week is also a great way of kick-starting the first semester.

Usually ran in week two or three of the term, you will have found your feet by this time and will be ready to venture into the college social life. It is a good opportunity to get to know people in a less pressurised environment, but try to avoid drinking too much as this won’t make a good impression.

If you’re facing the start of term alone, try not to panic and refuse to accept without weighing up all your options. Take a step back, take a deep breath and realise that the world is your oyster.