First Aid for Freshers! How to prepare for First Year College/I.T./University What are the Pitfalls??? What is all this talk about “Drop out”…. “Attrition”…

Factors that contribute to “Drop Out” – Personal Problems (Health, Finance, Home-sickness etc.) – Academic Failure – Large class size – Lack of Awareness of Student Support Services – Inadequate Study Skills – Wrong Course of Study – Early departure – failure to integrate socially – Later departure – failure to succeed academically P. White, Guidance & Counselling 2005

Non-Completion  Two-thirds (66.7%) of leavers stated they had chosen the wrong course  Over Half were disappointed with the course content P. White, Guidance & Counselling 2005

Course Leaders Opinion “it would appear that preparation of students for what is ahead of them with a good back up or support programme while at college” NEED TO ENGAGE ENGAGE IN RESOURCES & SERVICES AVAILABLE Sometimes Students go around with “blinkers” or even”buckets”on!!!!

Services for First Years Fresher Orientation 1-2 Days of introduction to college life, course activities etc. You will be sent a handout outlining all details Campus Tour, Library Tour. Computer Centre – , courses. ECDL Mentors/Buddy System/ Students Connect Students Union Staff Clubs & Societies Sports Officer Etc. P.White, Guidance & Counselling 2005

Services available on request Academic Advisor Counsellor(s) Chaplain (s) Medical Centre Staff Accommodation Officer Disability Officer Creche #Services vary in colleges

Subject Choice More than half of graduate jobs are for graduates of any discipline. Subject is far less important than standard of Degree. It is far better to excel in a subject not in great demand than to be average at one that is! Employers are more concerned with transferable skills and work exp than the degree discipline

Choose subjects you like and are good at! P. White, Guidance & Counselling, 2005

When a student leaves prematurely De-registration – “retire early” – “deserters” – “leavers”  Requested to complete paperwork, may need to have a form signed by Academic Advisory Office  Failure to submit Exit Form could have future implications for students in relation to grants

De -register before end of October – can register for First Year later without incurring fees De-register before end of January – only incur half fees De-register before end of January – only incur half fees

Useful Websites www thecollegeyouhavechosen.search for Calendar for notes on study; The study guides of University of St. Thomas

Not quite all it’s cracked up to be!!?? The monthly national average income for a student living away from home in 2004 was € The average monthly cost of going to college and living away from home in Dublin in 2004 was €875 Travel, clothing, medical expenses and laundry add up to €120 per month approx.

Last year students spent an average of €117 a month on socialising REMEMBER YOU DON’T REALLY KNOW SOMEONE UNTILYOU LIVE WITH THEM! P.White, Guidance&Counselling, 2005

“I hope you have the time of your life” GREENDAY P.White, Guidance&Counselling, 2005