Trimester 2 exams; Relaxation spaces now available!
Making college work
The transition from school to University brings it’s own challenges. During this transition period students need to strike a balance between coursework and any combination of
- Moving away from home
- Commuting to college
- Working in a part-time job
- Settling in with new roommates
- Eating healthily
… to name but a few
To support you in all aspects of your college life we’ve created a number of guides which should help you on your way
Personal challenges
- Accept that there will be challenges and that friendship groups will change
- Use this opportunity to make new friends, both in college and through Clubs & Societies
- Attend Orientation events and meetings with your peer mentor to discover how the University works
- Check the SU Facebook page to see what News & Events are happening
- Create a balance between your academic and social life by creating a timetable that includes both
- Use the gym and check out the classes on offer in the Student Centre
Wellness
Dave Delaney, Wellness and Community Projects Officer in the Student Adviser Unit, offers a number of Wellness sessions for students each week. Classes are free of charge and no booking is necessary. All current Covid-19 restrictions and recommendations are adhered to, and all sessions take place in large, well-ventilated spaces around the campus. For further information on any of these sessions please e-mail Dave at david.delaney@ucd.ie.
Weekly Activities for Trimester 1:
Mindfulness/Meditation
When: Tuesdays, 12:00-12:45 and 17:00 -17:45
Location: Multi-function room, House One, Ashfield Residences
Tai Chi and Wellbeing
When: Wednesdays, 13:10-13:50
Location: Harmony Studio – 2nd floor, UCD Student Centre
Mindfulness/Meditation
When: Thursdays, 13:10-13:50
Location: Harmony Studio – 2nd floor, UCD Student Centre
Further sessions and classes will continue to be added to this page so please check back regularly for all offerings.
Res Life
UCD Residences aims to build community through a series of social events, sports, classes etc and has an ongoing Res Life Programme.
Students living off-campus, in private rented accommodation will find the Threshold website useful. Spunout.ie also has some good tips on flat sharing which you might want to consider.
Getting the balance right
It is important to have a healthy balanced diet and this can be a challenge if you’re self-catering for the first time. SafeFood.EU is a wonderful reference source with everything from recipes for 5-minute meals to videos on how to prepare Green Thai Chicken Curry. It also has very useful information on food allergies and intolerences as well as a blog on a range of food-related issues.
Balancing work and study
Be honest with your employer about your availability and don’t commit to more hours than you can manage. This job should support your study, not the other way around.
- Try and get a job in your field of study. This could work to your advantage when potential employers are trying to differentiate between candidates with similar qualifications.
- Save some of your wages to subsidise when you are busy with exams and able to work less
- Appreciate the transferrable skills you learn and remember it shows you can multi-task!