Most students making the big move to college won’t know anyone in their course, making them feel apprehensive and nervous about meeting new people and fitting in.
But don’t worry, everyone is in the same boat and there are several ways of getting to know people in your course and college, particularly during the first few weeks.
Getting involved in extra-curricular activities, particularly sport, can help students make new friends and find people with similar interests.
Most colleges host a Fresher’s Week for First Year students where all the sporting teams have stands, manned by people you can talk to. This is a good time for students to see if there is any sport or club you would like to try.
You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete or even a county player, the good thing about college teams is the social aspect is more important.
College can be stressful, there is a lot of pressure on students from both a financial and academic perspective. A lot more students are commuting to college as a result of the price and shortages of accommodation, so it’s important to have an outlet.
A study by the Irish Sports Monitor found that 35% of young people who participated in sport reported better mental health and wellbeing compared to those who do not.
Another study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ERSI) found that students who engage in sport are more likely to preform better academically.
Irish Country Living spoke to some students who shared their experience of playing sport in college and what benefits they got from it.
Students share their opinions...
Adam McNally, Agri-Environmental Science student
Adam McNally, Agri Environmental Sciences student.
“I went into my first year of college in Dublin not knowing a single person which was quite daunting as I was the only person from my school, Royal School, Dungannon in Co Tyrone to attend university in Dublin.
"Joining a sports club, in particular the GAA club, helped me bridge that friendship gap. That feeling of walking around campus not having anyone to grab a coffee with or even to say hello to, quickly vanished when I attended my first training session. From then on friendships and lifelong relationships started to form.
"Getting added to the ‘fresher football group chat’ opened the pathway to being able to grab a group of lads down after a tough lecture or lab for a kick about or to go for a drink in the evenings. The early friend group established via sport became my flatmates in second year onwards, culminating in a USA trip this summer.”
Andrew Sparrow, Animal Science student
Andrew Sparrow, Animal Science student
“I am from Dublin and have been playing rugby since I was four, thanks to my dad, who introduced me to mini rugby and a passion for agriculture. It started as just a fun activity, but it quickly became a core part of my life.
"Through secondary school, rugby provided me with unique opportunities, including some leniency around exams during big matches. As I transitioned to college, my passion for the sport led to my acceptance into UCD’s Ad Astra Academy.
"The academy has been instrumental in helping me balance the demands of my rugby career and my animal science degree. Rugby has not only opened doors for my future but also helped me settle into college life by surrounding me with a supportive group of teammates.
"Sports, much like college, require early effort that pays off during crunch time. The experience has shaped who I am, both on and off the field and I believe no matter what happens I’ll be able to carry on doing something I love.”
Clodagh Nash, Economics and
Finance graduate
Clodagh Nash, Economics and Finance graduate.
“I played handball and camogie with UCD GAA throughout my time in college. I had played both sports before I started and wanted to keep them up when I moved up to Dublin from Clare. Playing sports helped me make great friends for life from different courses and countries.
"Also having a break and outlet from the stressful side of college life was really beneficial, especially at the busier times of the semester. A highlight for me was getting to go on some great trips both in Ireland and abroad. I went to both Texas and Arizona for the US Collegiate Handball Championships.
"UCD GAA’s motto is ‘a home away from home’ and it definitely helped me to settle in. For any incoming first-year, I would say don’t be afraid to try new things, your college experience is what you make it.”
Florence Maughan,
Food Science student
Florence Maughan, Food Science student from Rathgar, Co Dublin.
“My name is Florence Maughan, I’m 20 years old from Rathgar Co Dublin and I am going into my third year of Food Science in UCD. I play hockey in UCD ladies hockey club for the women’s 1st team. I started playing hockey when I was 13 years old.
"Deciding to play college hockey was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The transition from secondary school to university can be hard and daunting. I’ve found having a team sport has helped me integrate into college life. In the short amount of time I have been there I have already made friends for life, and it has been great to see friendly faces all over UCD campus.
"The social aspect of playing sport in UCD has been one of my favourite things about college, the team socials provide a good balance with course work and studying. I cannot recommend playing college sport enough. It really makes the difference in your college experience.”
Read more
Educational bodies join forces to combat ag science decline
Milking 155 Holsteins and fattening 2,200 pigs in France
Most students making the big move to college won’t know anyone in their course, making them feel apprehensive and nervous about meeting new people and fitting in.
But don’t worry, everyone is in the same boat and there are several ways of getting to know people in your course and college, particularly during the first few weeks.
Getting involved in extra-curricular activities, particularly sport, can help students make new friends and find people with similar interests.
Most colleges host a Fresher’s Week for First Year students where all the sporting teams have stands, manned by people you can talk to. This is a good time for students to see if there is any sport or club you would like to try.
You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete or even a county player, the good thing about college teams is the social aspect is more important.
College can be stressful, there is a lot of pressure on students from both a financial and academic perspective. A lot more students are commuting to college as a result of the price and shortages of accommodation, so it’s important to have an outlet.
A study by the Irish Sports Monitor found that 35% of young people who participated in sport reported better mental health and wellbeing compared to those who do not.
Another study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ERSI) found that students who engage in sport are more likely to preform better academically.
Irish Country Living spoke to some students who shared their experience of playing sport in college and what benefits they got from it.
Students share their opinions...
Adam McNally, Agri-Environmental Science student
Adam McNally, Agri Environmental Sciences student.
“I went into my first year of college in Dublin not knowing a single person which was quite daunting as I was the only person from my school, Royal School, Dungannon in Co Tyrone to attend university in Dublin.
"Joining a sports club, in particular the GAA club, helped me bridge that friendship gap. That feeling of walking around campus not having anyone to grab a coffee with or even to say hello to, quickly vanished when I attended my first training session. From then on friendships and lifelong relationships started to form.
"Getting added to the ‘fresher football group chat’ opened the pathway to being able to grab a group of lads down after a tough lecture or lab for a kick about or to go for a drink in the evenings. The early friend group established via sport became my flatmates in second year onwards, culminating in a USA trip this summer.”
Andrew Sparrow, Animal Science student
Andrew Sparrow, Animal Science student
“I am from Dublin and have been playing rugby since I was four, thanks to my dad, who introduced me to mini rugby and a passion for agriculture. It started as just a fun activity, but it quickly became a core part of my life.
"Through secondary school, rugby provided me with unique opportunities, including some leniency around exams during big matches. As I transitioned to college, my passion for the sport led to my acceptance into UCD’s Ad Astra Academy.
"The academy has been instrumental in helping me balance the demands of my rugby career and my animal science degree. Rugby has not only opened doors for my future but also helped me settle into college life by surrounding me with a supportive group of teammates.
"Sports, much like college, require early effort that pays off during crunch time. The experience has shaped who I am, both on and off the field and I believe no matter what happens I’ll be able to carry on doing something I love.”
Clodagh Nash, Economics and
Finance graduate
Clodagh Nash, Economics and Finance graduate.
“I played handball and camogie with UCD GAA throughout my time in college. I had played both sports before I started and wanted to keep them up when I moved up to Dublin from Clare. Playing sports helped me make great friends for life from different courses and countries.
"Also having a break and outlet from the stressful side of college life was really beneficial, especially at the busier times of the semester. A highlight for me was getting to go on some great trips both in Ireland and abroad. I went to both Texas and Arizona for the US Collegiate Handball Championships.
"UCD GAA’s motto is ‘a home away from home’ and it definitely helped me to settle in. For any incoming first-year, I would say don’t be afraid to try new things, your college experience is what you make it.”
Florence Maughan,
Food Science student
Florence Maughan, Food Science student from Rathgar, Co Dublin.
“My name is Florence Maughan, I’m 20 years old from Rathgar Co Dublin and I am going into my third year of Food Science in UCD. I play hockey in UCD ladies hockey club for the women’s 1st team. I started playing hockey when I was 13 years old.
"Deciding to play college hockey was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The transition from secondary school to university can be hard and daunting. I’ve found having a team sport has helped me integrate into college life. In the short amount of time I have been there I have already made friends for life, and it has been great to see friendly faces all over UCD campus.
"The social aspect of playing sport in UCD has been one of my favourite things about college, the team socials provide a good balance with course work and studying. I cannot recommend playing college sport enough. It really makes the difference in your college experience.”
Read more
Educational bodies join forces to combat ag science decline
Milking 155 Holsteins and fattening 2,200 pigs in France
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: