Over 4,000 students begin their undergraduate studies at UCD annually. Lectures generally begin in the first week of September, but during the preceding week, first year students have a chance to get to know one another, and learn about life at university.
The move from secondary school to third level is very exciting, but it can also be a daunting time for some people. UCD Orientation is an introduction to university that helps smooth this transition. First year students get to meet their new classmates, and together they are brought through a programme of activities that prepares them for their time at UCD.
First Years get a taste of Wall-Climbing, Rowing, Lacrosse and Trampolining at Sports Orientation events
UCD Vice-President for Students, Dr Martin Butler says that this is an exciting time of year. “We are tremendously proud of the students who start with us each September. They’ve worked hard to get here and we want to make sure they make the most of their time and realise their full potential.”
Dr Butler speaks at the President’s Welcome events, which are held in UCD O’Reilly Hall. Every new student attends one of these sessions, where they hear first-hand about the university’s hopes for them, and learn about the supports in place to assist them. They are also presented with a scarf in the UCD colours - St Patrick's sapphire blue, saffron and gold. Listen to the comments of UCD President, Dr Hugh Brady to the Freshers of 2009
Listen to the comments of UCD President, Dr Hugh Brady to the Freshers of 2009
During Orientation Week, first year students can finalise accommodation plans, attend IT induction, library introductions or campus tours. Registration help is also available and sessions are held for students on managing their money.
Each student group has a tailored Orientation programme that reflects their study area, for example science and agriculture students are introduced to their peer mentors, Arts students have sessions on study skills for third level and Medicine students are introduced to the Medicine Society. There are also special events for international, and Study Abroad students.
Many students also attend sample lectures such as Professor Danielle Clarke’s introduction to studying English at UCD. Professor Clarke says, “It’s really important for First Years to understand their options and make the right choices. UCD has the largest and most active school of English in Ireland, so we can offer them a fantastic range of opportunities, with the chance to study literature from Chaucer through to contemporary writing".
First Years enjoy DramSoc Workshops
However it’s equally important that students get to know one another, says Viv Rath, the coordinator of Orientation 2009. “The people you meet at the start of your time at university often turn out to be lifelong friends. I always advise people that they should just take the risk and say hello to people. Everyone’s in the same boat when they start off, so it’s the ideal time to make contact.”
Social Events during Orientation Week generally include film screenings, table quizzes for the UCD Volunteers Overseas, the TradSoc Céilí, Chaplaincy events and the LawSoc comedy debate. Music and comedy gigs in the Student Club, and DramSoc events complete the line-up.
The UCD Musical Society also performed several times during Orientation Week. Hear the producer of the UCD Community Musical talking about what’s involved.
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“Orientation helps students tick off the academic and administrative tasks they need to complete – such as collecting their student cards or attending academic advisory sessions – but it’s also a time for students to learn about the social opportunities and support services here at UCD,” says Vice-President for Students, Dr Martin Butler.
“I hope that every single student that joined us in September 2009 understands that they are a vital part of the UCD community and that we are here to celebrate their successes and help them at any stage along the way.”