First Aid for Freshers!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 Factors that contribute to “Drop Out”“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-CompletionNon-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 OpinionCourse 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 ENGAGEENGAGE IN RESOURCES & SERVICES AVAILABLE

Sometimes Students go around with “blinkers” or even”buckets”on!!!!

Services for First YearsServices for First Years Fresher Orientation1-2 Days of introduction to college life, course activities etc.

You will be sent a handout outlining all details Campus Tour, Library Tour. Computer Centre – email, courses. ECDL Mentors/Buddy System/ Students Connect Students Union Staff Clubs & Societies Sports OfficerEtc.

P.White, Guidance & Counselling 2005

Services available on requestServices available on request

Academic Advisor Counsellor(s) Chaplain (s) Medical Centre Staff Accommodation Officer Disability Officer Creche

#Services vary in colleges

Subject ChoiceSubject ChoiceMore 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 Choose subjects you you likelike

and and are are good at!good at!

P. White, Guidance & Counselling, 2005

When a student leaves When a student leaves prematurelyprematurely

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 De -register before end of end of OctoberOctober – can register for – can register for

First Year later without First Year later without incurring feesincurring fees

De-register before De-register before end of end of JanuaryJanuary – only incur half fees – only incur half fees

Useful WebsitesUseful Websites

www thecollegeyouhavechosen.search www.educationalpolicy.org www.gradireland.ie www.nuim.ie - for Calendar

• for notes on study;

The study guides of University of St. Thomas

Not quite all it’s cracked up to Not quite all it’s cracked up to be!!??be!!??

The monthly national average income for a student living away from home in 2004 was €726.19

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 I hope you have the time of your life” your life” GREENDAYGREENDAY

P.White, Guidance&Counselling, 2005