• 1 Do not enter into a relationship too soon when you start college.
  • 2 Get busy in the kitchen and learn how to cook at least two healthy and cheap meals.
  • 3 But even if you’ve no other food, always have milk and teabags in your house.
  • 4 Don’t overindulge on your first night out.
  • 5 Join a committee, whether for a club, society, in the Student Union or in a volunteering organisation. You meet loads of new people and it helps to develop skills and qualities – it’s NEVER too early to start developing your CV.
  • 6 Cycle – it’s a cheap method of transport and you can avoid the hassle of parking. However, make sure you buy a good lock as bike theft is notorious on college campuses.
  • 7 Use your student card anywhere you can – you get loads of great discounts.
  • 8 Bring a packed lunch with you as it’s cheaper than buying food on campus.
  • 9 Join loads of clubs and societies – it’s great for meeting new people and seeing what you like.
  • 10 Join the college bank – it’s very convenient.
  • 11 Plan a cleaning schedule with housemates – avoid the arguments before they begin.
  • 12 Figure out how to make €20 last you the whole week and cover your food shopping
  • .

  • 13 Go to as many things as possible and get to know as many people as you can. Get involved and don’t be afraid to talk to everyone, going out and socialising with people is the best way to make friends.
  • Listen to a discussion of the Leaving Cert results and tips for college life with education and careers editor Mary Phelan in our podcast below:

    Don’t run home straight after lectures, stick around.

    Don’t take a second of your first day for granted. The people you look around at now and think are total strangers will someday be your best friends/your worst enemies/ your first love/mother of your child. Go to the fresher tent with them in the first week and get to know them. Be open to everyone.

    Ask people for their numbers so you can meet them before lectures or walk to lectures together. In the first week, no one finds it weird for you to come straight out and ask for their number because everyone feels like they’re on their own. And it’s okay to forget people’s names. If you genuinely forget, it’s better to just ask them straight out rather than in a month’s time when they’ll be insulted you don’t know!

    College is more than just good grades – it’s the people you meet and the friendships you make that will stand to you the most.

    Read more

    CAO special 2016