Questions about UCC and BIS

Johno91

Hi,
Putting this down on the CAO and was just wondering about:

• Does getting the better work placements (e.g. with the big US companies) depend on grades in the first 3 years?
• I heard around 60 got US placements last year, how many is usually on the course total?
• Also, I noticed that most of the people talking about going to UCC are from Cork. Is this the case? Its just that I would be coming from far and it would be better for me if there were a few people who know no one:o It would be easier for me to do BIS in NUIG, but I like that UCC has a brilliant employment record in the US (NUIG is mostly Ireland)
• Never been to Cork, does it have a legendary nightlife? Much scum starting fights? (Hoping this is rhetorical :P)
• What would be my best accomodation choice for first year if I didnt know many people and like plenty of house parties to go to?
  (Preferably on campus as its first year?)

pirateninja

Johno91 wrote: »

Hi,


Putting this down on the CAO and was just wondering about:

• Does getting the better work placements (e.g. with the big US companies) depend on grades in the first 3 years?

Yes 2.2 or higher. Although an excellent interview and some kick ass extra cirricular stuff can get you there (maybe)

Johno91 wrote: »

heard around 60 got US placements last year, how many is usually on the course total?

About 140- 150 usually start out. My year has 116 but the year ahead has 150 so it can vary. It's never starts out as less than 120 though.

Johno91 wrote: »

Also, I noticed that most of the people talking about going to UCC are from Cork. Is this the case? Its just that I would be coming from far and it would be better for me if there were a few people who know no one:o It would be easier for me to do BIS in NUIG, but I like that UCC has a brilliant employment record in the US (NUIG is mostly Ireland)?

I'm from Tipperary, didn't know a single person on the course when I started, theres people in UCC from all over Ireland and all over the world. Obviously there is a lot of Cork people beacause it's their local unioversity and most of them can stay at home but at least a third of my class are from outside of Cork.

Johno91 wrote: »

Never been to Cork, does it have a legendary nightlife? Much scum starting fights? (Hoping this is rhetorical :P)

Cork is great to go out in. The bouncers can be a bit strict but it's a case of there is something for everyone.

stainluss

pirateninja wrote: »

kick ass extra cirricular stuff can get you there (maybe)

What sort would they look for?

For first year accomodation, im thinking Victoria Mills vs. Castlewhite, thoughts?

rachel_koeman

stainluss wrote: »

What sort would they look for?

For first year accomodation, im thinking Victoria Mills vs. Castlewhite, thoughts?

vic mills is a really high standard, en suite rooms and house parties. castlewhite has its own little community and loads of house parties. rooms not so great!

stainluss

rachel_koeman wrote: »

vic mills is a really high standard, en suite rooms and house parties. castlewhite has its own little community and loads of house parties. rooms not so great!

Both equal amount of first years? Id like a place to meet loads of new people:)

D'Agger

stainluss wrote: »

Both equal amount of first years? Id like a place to meet loads of new people:)

I just finished BIS this year - it's a tough course believe me - if you're struggling in first year then it gets harder - I'm telling you this because I had repeats in first year but liked the course, hated 2nd year and 3rd year was difficult because of placement the years work had to be pushed together and your exams are finished in March.

Programming can be tough to get your head around to start with but I've found BIS classes can be cliquish - everybody helps each other out which is good.

It's a good course - and what I've just written isn't to put you off, it's just to let you know that it's difficult but it's a very good degree - lots of American & English companies love BIS students due to the reputation previous graduates have built over the past few years and, depending on which line of IT you go into you can earn good money!

Just bear in mind the course was in the 500 points region a while ago, it was brought down due to the demand in Ireland for IT grads.


The main advice I'd give you is:

You have to work to get through - go to all of your labs and lectures - attendance is taken and while they're not as strict as they claim to be, you could still be called in by the head of the dept. and given an earful.

Get started on projects early - very hard to do because they give them to you 2months or so before the deadline or so and before you know it you've only a week to get it done. If you want to get a good grade then continuous assesment is about 40% of your overall marks and can set you up well for the final exams.

Regarding where you should stay - Vic Mills is where I've been for the last 2/3 years and summers. It's very good, you have centra just by the office, the mardyke over the road, AIB, and it's a 3min walk from brookfield library if you need to study. The sessions there can be brilliant too - didn't see to many myself this year because was up the walls but I can't speak any higher of it - love living there, you should definately check it out imo