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Student Survival Guide

The Livin’ is Easy

College is one of the best times of most people’s lives. Sure, you’ve got no money and there are assignments coming out your ears, but what does that matter? You’re in heaven.

There are a few things you can do to make it an even better experience, though. Read on for useful stuff like tips on saving money, finding a flat, and avoiding hangovers.

No. 9

Moving out of home is one of the most exciting, terrifying, and confusing things you’ll ever do. But there are a few ways to make the whole process a little less overwhelming, and to help make sure that you feel right at home for the whole college year. Plan Ahead Give yourself at least three weeks before the start of term to plan your search and find accommodation. If you’re renting with friends, make sure you’re all singing from the same hymn sheet: decide on a budget before you start, and find out what everyone wants from their accommodation.

Know Your Options If you’re moving away from home for college, you’ve got a few different housing options to choose from. A lot of colleges offer a limited number of on-campus places for their students, but you’ve got to act quickly! Get in touch with your college’s accommodation office to find out how you can apply.

Student Survival Guide

The Livin’ is Easy

College is one of the best times of most people’s lives. Sure, you’ve got no money and there are assignments coming out your ears, but what does that matter? You’re in heaven.

There are a few things you can do to make it an even better experience, though. Read on for useful stuff like tips on saving money, finding a flat, and avoiding hangovers.

No. 9

Comfort, Safety and Security Checklist

If that’s a no-go, you can: • Rent a room in an existing student house or flat

Websites like daft.ie and myhome.ie are often the best places to start looking for these kinds of accommodation.

• Find a house or flat with friends

Contact the Students’ Union or Accommodation Office in your college, who’ll be happy to give advice on the best local housing options.

• Lodge with a local family (this is usually the least expensive option, and meals are often included in the basic rent)

When you view a house, never forget that it’s going to be your home for the next ten to twelve months. What might seem like a small problem on a first visit can be a lot more frustrating when you have to put up with it every day. Make sure that any accommodation you’re thinking about renting has: Proper lighting and ventilation

No obvious dampness or mould

Decent facilities for heating and cooking

Windows and doors that close properly and can be locked

Adequate facilities for the storage and preparation of food Efficient central heating and good insulation

room ent for r

Working smoke detectors And Never... Agree to move in somewhere without viewing it first Sign a lease before the landlord has fixed any obvious problems.

Comfort, Safety and Security Checklist

If that’s a no-go, you can: • Rent a room in an existing student house or flat

Websites like daft.ie and myhome.ie are often the best places to start looking for these kinds of accommodation.

• Find a house or flat with friends

Contact the Students’ Union or Accommodation Office in your college, who’ll be happy to give advice on the best local housing options.

• Lodge with a local family (this is usually the least expensive option, and meals are often included in the basic rent)

No obvious dampness or mould

Decent facilities for heating and cooking

Windows and doors that close properly and can be locked

Adequate facilities for the storage and preparation of food Efficient central heating and good insulation

room ent for r

Working smoke detectors And Never... Agree to move in somewhere without viewing it first Sign a lease before the landlord has fixed any obvious problems.

Money Matters

A Few Final Tips: • Photograph every part of your new place as soon as you move in, especially any existing stains, scuffs or damage. If there are any problems later – with the repayment of a deposit, for example – photos will help to back up your side of the argument.

• You might want to take out personal contents insurance if you’re not covered by your parents’ policy.

A student is, by definition, short of cash. Food, rent, phone credit, books, gig tickets… it all adds up. Even if you’ve got a part-time job (and they’re in short supply these days), you’ll find that there’s no way you can go to every event on campus.

• Visit usi.ie/accommodationadvice for everything you need to know on renting accommodation as a student.

Budget Know how much money you’ve got, and don’t spend anything more. Write a list of everything you need to splash the cash on each week – things like rent, electricity, phone credit, and food – and then take that away from your weekly budget. Now you know how much you have left to spend on the good times.

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Wants

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Grant Grants cover your registration fees and some living expenses. From the academic year 2012/2013, first-time applicants apply for a grant through the new centralised grant authority -Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through studentfinance.ie. Grant renewals (those who have gotten grants before) are still handled by local authorities and VECs. To find out if you’re eligible and for detailed instructions on how to apply, visit studentfinance.ie or drop in to your Students’ Union.

Money Matters

• You might want to take out personal contents insurance if you’re not covered by your parents’ policy.

• Visit usi.ie/accommodationadvice for everything you need to know on renting accommodation as a student.

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Money-Saving Tips

Part-Time Jobs

They’re tough to find at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Make sure your C.V. is up to scratch, then don some respectable clothes (your manky class hoodie isn’t going to impress any employers!) and hand it in everywhere. And we mean everywhere; you never know when or where you might get lucky. Keep an eye on your college’s careers website, too, as they often

post student job listings. Visit www.gradireland. com/careers-advice for some great C.V., cover letter and interview tips. Sticky Situations If you’re having financial difficulties and don’t know where to turn, contact your Students’ Union. They’ll be able to give you information on the Student Assistance Fund, or any other hardship funds that might be available to help you out.

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• When comparing prices, look at the size of the product as well as the price. For non-perishables that you use regularly (like rice, pasta or tins of beans), you’ll often get better value if you buy larger pack sizes.

• Avoid rounds in the pub. Not only do they make your euros evaporate, they also tend to make you drink faster than usual. Just step back and say that you can’t afford it. You’re a student, after all, so it’s the perfect excuse.

• Never shop when you’re hungry. You’ll end up buying more than you normally would.

• Just make sure you’ve got enough cash left for a taxi home at the end of the night, or that you install the Hailo taxi app so that you can pay by card.

• Lots of colleges run second-hand book schemes, where you might be able to get that pricey textbook for a fraction of the cost. Contact your Students’ Union for more details.

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Money-Saving Tips

Part-Time Jobs

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• Never shop when you’re hungry. You’ll end up buying more than you normally would.

• Just make sure you’ve got enough cash left for a taxi home at the end of the night, or that you install the Hailo taxi app so that you can pay by card.

• Lots of colleges run second-hand book schemes, where you might be able to get that pricey textbook for a fraction of the cost. Contact your Students’ Union for more details.

RICE

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Split transport costs. Share a taxi with as many of your friends as possible, and it’ll be cheaper for you all individually. Alternatively, you can take turns being the designated driver on nights out. But never accept a lift from someone who’s been drinking alcohol, and don’t even think about getting behind the wheel yourself if you have. Remember, it takes your body about an hour to eliminate one standard drink. So if you’re drinking tonight, you might not be safe to drive the morning after.

One Standard Drink

A glass of stout / lager / cider (284ml) A small glass of wine (100ml) A pub measure of spirit (35.5ml)

Friends, Foes and Everything In-Between

There are thousands of people your own age here. It shouldn’t be hard to find a few friends… right? But it’s an intimidating prospect for a lot of people, and sometimes you just don’t know where to start.

Relying on booze to make you feel a bit more sociable is not a good idea. You might

scare off some potential mates if you hit the bottle before you even say ‘hello’. Just remember that most of your classmates are feeling as nervous as you, so take a deep breath and let the fun begin!

Meeting People The best thing you can do when you start college is talk to everyone. The girls in your orientation group, that guy sitting next to you in a lecture, the other nervous-looking first year waiting at the bus stop… You won’t be lifelong friends with all of them, but you never know who you’ll hit it off with.

One Standard Drink

A glass of stout / lager / cider (284ml) A small glass of wine (100ml) A pub measure of spirit (35.5ml)

Friends, Foes and Everything In-Between

Relying on booze to make you feel a bit more sociable is not a good idea. You might

Clubs and Socs

Clubs and societies are a great way to get involved with your college and meet new people. They’ll also help you get talking to second-, thirdand fourth-years who can give you the inside scoop on college life. Join any that take your fancy, and try to stick with at least one or two until the end of term!

Students’ Union Your Students’ Union is elected by the students to help with literally anything you need during college. From having problems with a lecturer, to getting a second hand book, to getting class hoodies, they are ready and willing to help. Don’t be afraid to drop them an email or call up to their office.

House Parties and Nights Out

You’ll be invited to party after party after party at the start of term, but going on an endless bender only seems like a great way to cement new friendships. Follow the tips below to avoid any embarrassing memories (or worse) at the end of the year. R-E-S-P-E-C-T There are loads of students who don’t drink. Alcohol isn’t essential for a great night out (or in), so don’t ruin other people’s craic by acting the eejit.

Ditch the Drinking Games They make everyone drink way too much, way too fast, and can have seriously dangerous consequences. There are better things to do at a party, like cheesy dance routines. Serve Food and Water You don’t have to be the next Rachel Allen, but you should always dish out some grub at a house party; drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea. Have lots of water and soft drinks too, because alcohol is really dehydrating - even without hours of sweaty dancing!

Clubs and Socs

House Parties and Nights Out

The Best Pace To Drink At Is Your Own

Do You Know… How many standard drinks in your usual? No bartender, no measures and no last orders… It’s harder to keep in control when you are drinking at home. Know how many standard drinks are in your usual to keep track of what you’re drinking.

1.7

An average can of beer (500ml) (alc 4.3% vol) contains 1.7 standard drinks An average naggin of spirit ( 200 ml) (alc 37.5% vol) contains 6 standard drinks

7.4

Whether going out or staying in you want to make the most of your night and wake up feeling bright and breezy, and without ‘The Fear’. Pace Yourself The trick is to cut down the amount you drink and slow down the pace you drink at.

An average bottle of wine (750ml)(alc 12.5% vol) contains 7.5 standard drinks

As some beers/wines/spirits have a higher alcohol volume, the number of standard drinks per container increases accordingly. Log onto drinkaware.ie and use the Standard Drinks Calculator to help you with the maths!

Pace your drinks with water regularly to stay refreshed and hydrated. This gives your body a chance to break down the alcohol already in your system and will help prevent dehydration… and that horrific hangover the morning after!

Getting Home Safely Getting home can be an adventure, especially for freshers in a new town or city. So know how you’re getting home before you head outtake a look at public transport timetables, save a taxi number into your phone, and check with your Students’ Union to see if they have any special arrangements in case you get stranded. Make sure you’ve also got your keys, enough spare cash to get home, and a topped-up phone (some networks even offer IOU credit if you run out, visit their websites for details).

The Best Pace To Drink At Is Your Own

1.7

An average can of beer (500ml) (alc 4.3% vol) contains 1.7 standard drinks An average naggin of spirit ( 200 ml) (alc 37.5% vol) contains 6 standard drinks

7.4

An average bottle of wine (750ml)(alc 12.5% vol) contains 7.5 standard drinks

Health is Wealth

Howiya Lads, We’re The Guards… We all like a bit of banter on the way home from a night out, just don’t overdo it. Knocking over bins, stealing traffic cones and shouting abuse can lead to a spin in the paddy wagon, a night in a cell and a fine slapped on top. It might also mean you now have a criminal record and may not be eligible for that visa you need to work abroad.

Know What To Do In An Emergency Alcohol poisoning is incredibly dangerous, and young people and inexperienced drinkers are particularly vulnerable to it. Someone may have alcohol poisoning if:

• They’re breathing less

than twelve times a minute or stop breathing for periods of ten seconds or more.

• They’re unconscious and unable to be woken up.

• Their skin is cold, clammy, pale and bluish in colour.

If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call an ambulance IMMEDIATELY

…And you’d better look after yours, because it’s all the wealth you’ll have as a student! Eat Fresh It may be tempting to live on noodles and sliced pan for the term, but you’ll only end up feeling run-down and sick. Buy yourself some fresh veggies every week, and invest in a cookbook full of simple, nutritious recipes (or look some up on the internet - safefood.eu and donalskehan.com are both great). At the very least, we’re pretty sure everyone can learn to make a stir-fry. Exercise! Did you know you can boost your energy, improve your mood and control your weight – by simply doing some physical activity every week? There might be a college gym on campus

that has a student discount, or else the clubs and socs usually have a timetable of classes. Eat Before You Go Out Something nutritious like beans on toast, some scrambled eggs, or chicken and pasta is best. It’s way better than scoffing a bag of greasy chips later on, and you’ll avoid puking on the dance floor because you drank on an empty stomach.

Health is Wealth

Know What To Do In An Emergency Alcohol poisoning is incredibly dangerous, and young people and inexperienced drinkers are particularly vulnerable to it. Someone may have alcohol poisoning if:

• They’re breathing less

than twelve times a minute or stop breathing for periods of ten seconds or more.

• They’re unconscious and unable to be woken up.

• Their skin is cold, clammy, pale and bluish in colour.

If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call an ambulance IMMEDIATELY

Alcohol

Got the Blues? If you’re feeling lonely, homesick, having trouble settling in, or finding it hard to meet new people, don’t worry. We promise you’re not alone, and that the first few weeks are hard for everyone.

You don’t have to be a party pooper, but there are some simple ways to make sure you don’t ruin your health by drinking too much. • Stick to your limits. The Department of Health and Children recommends that men have no more than 17 standard drinks a week, and women no more than 11. (Sorry ladies, but it’s been proven that alcohol affects you more than the fellas!) These should be spread out over the week, with some alcohol-free days in between, and not saved for one big ‘session’. • Pace yourself. Have a glass of water or a fizzy drink between each alcoholic one. It’ll keep you refreshed, hydrated, and ready to last the whole night!

Don’t Do Drugs! The best thing you can do with drugs is avoid them. This might sound a little preachy, but it’s true. Because most drugs are illegal, there’s no way of knowing what goes into them, and you can end up having a truly frightening or life-threatening experience. If you’re worried about your drug use or someone else’s, visit www.drugs.ie

If you need someone to talk to, most colleges have an on-campus student counselling service, or you can get in touch with the Students’ Union Welfare Officer directly. Talking is a sign of strength, so it’s important to reach out and talk to someone if you’re going through a rough time.

Reclaim Your Weekend!

Ah, the weekend. After a hard week of study and socialising, you may feel inclined to assume the position of couch potato at home. Why not make the most of your days off? Check out our new campaign with MSN.ie by logging onto ReclaimYourWeekend.ie. It has up to date info on weekend activities and events that cost nothing at all as well as some great deals that won’t break the bank, all aimed at helping you Reclaim Your Weekend!

Alcohol

Reclaim Your Weekend!

Sexual Health The best way to look after your sexual health is to educate yourself. Know how to use contraception properly (this goes for both guys and girls), read up on how Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are spread, and avoid getting too drunk to act responsibly. And always, always carry a condom just in case.

If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get tested for STIs regularly, as many have no obvious symptoms. Many student health centres offer this service free of charge, just ask them for information. It’s totally confidential, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Visit www.thinkcontraception.ie for more information, and watch out for SHAG (Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance) Week in your college during February.

Booze Lowers Your Inhibitions A lot. While it might help you feel more confident about getting romantic you could end up waking up somewhere (or with someone) you didn’t intend to. The Beer Goggles Effect For each pint you drink, you have more of a chance of falling victim to the beer goggles effect. Add a slippery nipple or two and you’ll be waking up next to a face you will try to spend the next few years forgetting.

Don’t Get Emotional If you’re having a drink, your emotional reactions may be higher than normal and you’ll be more likely to argue with your other half. Nobody wants to be that couple arguing outside the club. Leave it until the next morning and see if it’s as dramatic in the cold light of day.

‘From Essays to Exams…

Go to class.

It’s easy to let your newfound freedom go to your head. Pace yourself on a night out so you can get up hangover-free for that 9am lecture the morning after but not miss out on the craic the night before. Not every week has to be a ‘Golden Week’ but you’ll feel great if you do it. No matter what you’re studying, you’re going to have to write something for class sooner or later. Take a look at the hints below to help put a smile on your face come results time – they apply to every kind of writing, across all disciplines.

• Give yourself plenty of time. It’s tempting to leave it - til the night before your deadline to start writing, but you’ll only regret it in the end. Start at least a week before your work is due, so there’s time to revise and to ask for help if you need it. • Make a plan. Jot down an outline of your essay before you begin, to avoid wandering off topic in an effort to bulk up your word count! Make sure each paragraph or point addresses the question you were asked, and that you’re not including anything irrelevant. • Make a point. iLe

Can you sum up the main argument of your assignment in one sentence? And does it sound convincing? If not, you need to go back and look at what you’re trying to do.

A strong summary would read something like, “A healthy diet is important because it increases energy, prevents illness and promotes well-being”. There are three clear parts to the argument, all of which back up the main assertion (that a healthy diet is important). • Ask for advice. If you have a draft done in time, bring it to your tutor or lecturer for some guidance. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction, and give you tips to improve any problems with it. For more advice and writing tips, there’s a

fantastic Online Writing Lab at www.owl.english. purdue.edu.

Study Tips

Now ain’t the time to forget all the study skills you picked up for your Leaving Cert! Here’s a quick refresher course that’ll keep you on track:

Study regularly.

A few hours of study a week is better than a twelve hour stint the night before your exam. There’s no way you’ll perform at your best in the exam without a good night’s sleep.

‘From Essays to Exams…

Go to class.

Can you sum up the main argument of your assignment in one sentence? And does it sound convincing? If not, you need to go back and look at what you’re trying to do.

fantastic Online Writing Lab at www.owl.english. purdue.edu.

Study Tips

Now ain’t the time to forget all the study skills you picked up for your Leaving Cert! Here’s a quick refresher course that’ll keep you on track:

Study regularly.

A few hours of study a week is better than a twelve hour stint the night before your exam. There’s no way you’ll perform at your best in the exam without a good night’s sleep.

Plan your study

Sitting down and flicking through your notes for hours won’t do you much good. Take half an hour at the start of each week to decide on your study goals for the next seven days. • Do the hard bits first. Tackle the unpleasant parts of your course before you get into the fun stuff that you love. You’ve got the most energy when you start studying, so you’ll find the hard work easier if you do it first. • Two brains are better than one. Three can be even better, and you could probably conquer the world with four. Get together with other students to discuss assignments, review notes, and help one another out with difficult topics.

Exam Time

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Exam time can be tough, but there’s no need to start tearing your hair out in frustration.

The best advice we can give is to study hard, eat plenty of good food, avoid drinking too much, and get lots of sleep; you can’t learn properly when you’re tired and run-down. • If you’re sick or affected by a serious event (like a death in the family) around exam time, you should contact your college to find out what support systems they have in place. The same goes for repeats and rechecks, as they’re a bit different in each college. • Your Students’ Union Education Officer will be able to help you out if you’re having trouble, too. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with them!

Chapter one Chapter two Chapter three

Grades A bad grade or a failed exam can crush your confidence, but there’s plenty you can do to get yourself back on track. • Feedback is everything. When you get a grade back – no matter how well you did – go and discuss it with your lecturer. They’ll tell you where you went wrong, what you did right, and how you can produce better work in the future.

• Keep things in perspective. Okay, maybe you didn’t do so well this time. But it’s most likely not a huge deal in the long run. Focus on how you can improve your next assignment instead of worrying about what you did wrong last time. And never be afraid to ask your lecturer or tutor for help.

Plan your study

Exam Time

Grades

Exam time can be tough, but there’s no need to start tearing your hair out in frustration.

A bad grade or a failed exam can crush your confidence, but there’s plenty you can do to get yourself back on track.

• Feedback is everything. When you get a grade back – no matter how well you did – go and discuss it with your lecturer. They’ll tell you where you went wrong, what you did right, and how you can produce better work in the future.

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Support Organisations

Who ya gonna call? If the Ghostbusters aren’t available, you might try one of these other support organisations: • Threshold – The National Housing Organisation advises tenants on their rights and responsibilities. www.threshold.ie • MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Services) gives free advice on budgeting, finance, and debts. www.mabs.ie • Think Contraception is a great source of information on contraception and sexual health. www.thinkcontraception.ie • SpunOut.ie gives advice to young people on all aspects of life, from personal safety to sexual health to travel advice. www.spunout.ie • The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) provides information on your rights as a tenant, what to expect from your landlord, how to protect your deposit, and how to resolve any disputes that may arise.

• Headstrong, See Change, Reach Out, and Please Talk

have information on mental health services all over Ireland. www.headstrong.ie, www.seechange.ie, www.reachout.com, www.pleasetalk.org.

• Bodywhys provides information and support for anyone who suffers from an eating disorder, as well as their family and friends. www.bodywhys.ie • USI (The Union of Students in Ireland) is the representative body for third-level students in Ireland. www.usi.ie • LGBT.ie and BeLonG To provide information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people in Ireland. www.lgbt.ie, www.belongto.org • drinkaware.ie publishes a whole series of ‘survival guides’ for young people, and has loads of advice to help you enjoy alcohol responsibly. www.drinkaware.ie