Orientation Week for BA First Years
4-7 September 2012
Orientation is a very important week for first years entering UCD. Whether you have an older brother or sister who have been to UCD or are coming to UCD with a group of friends it is still crucial (compulsory too!) that you attend Orientation.
Orientation gives you the time and space (without the pressure of beginning lectures and tutorials) to find your way around the campus, to begin to understand the BA degree and the supports offered while you study here, and to make new friends.
What to do:
1. Attend the BA advice session on registration, student support and subject/modules choices
On Monday August 27th 2012 from 2-4pm in the Newman Concourse (around Theatre P & Q) you can learn more about how to register for your subjects/modules and also the kinds of student supports available to you as an Arts student and during your time in UCD.
There will also be academic staff available at stands to offer advice on subject (e.g. English, Philosophy) and module choices (within each subject you select a number of modules (e.g. for English you might choose Literature in Context 1, or Philosophy you might choose Introduction to Modern Philosophy). So it is very useful for you to come to this.
This session will take place in the Newman Building – as a BA student most of your lectures and tutorials are in this building.
Some very useful introductory information can be found in this ‘The BA Programme - A Short Introduction’ so please read this.
2. Print off your Orientation timetable and attend all the sessions
Every year a special timetable of Orientation events 2012 is issued for BA students and which is posted online on the UCD Orientation webpage here. Because there are so many first year BA students, we have had to split you up for Orientation week according to the letter of your surname. So you will need to look out for a timetable that matches the letter of your surname and that will give you a clear indication of what days you need to come in.
If your surname begins with A - H please check your timetable here.
If your surname begins with I-N please check your timetable here.
If your surname begins with O-Z please check your timetable here.
There is also a great range of social activities organized for all UCD students so make sure to check out the social events timetable too.
3. Meet your Peer Mentor and Peer Mentor group
At Orientation each first year is assigned a peer mentor and peer mentor group (made up of other first years) - so immediately from day one you will be part of a group of other first years all in the same boat as you.
Your peer mentor is a second or third year student (usually but not always studying the same subjects as you) who will be an informal point of contact for you as you transition into university.
They will guide you and your group through Orientation week, arrange group meetings throughout Semester 1 and early in Semester 2 to help you settle in, provide important advice around assignments and exams and also provide a relaxed and fun contxt where you can meet with other first years and make friends. You are strongly encouraged to join in the Peer Mentor Programme – more information can be found here.
