Things First Years should know...

banquo

So I'm putting together the First Year Handbook and I figured it'd be better to see what stuff people thought n00bs first years should know.

(Before I forget: Welcome!)

For those who don't know, the First Year Handbook is a guide to the college, town and university life from the Student's Union. All first years get it during Freshers'.

I already have all the obvious stuff. I'm looking for those little tips that you'd only know from living in a certain area / working in a certain place / just living here for a few years.

Also, what kind of stuff do ye first years want to know? I'm open to all ideas to make this a decent guide.

*Rob

luv-eirexx

Hey!!!

I'm heading into 1st year, was up to see maynooth for the first time today!!!

I think you should definately put in a map of the campus and the town, marking all the supermarkets and pubs and stuff.

Possibly bus times from maynooth to all sort of big towns in Ireland on fridays and sundays, that'd be handy to have for the first few weeks for going home at weekends.

Possibly a top 10 of the best take aways in town??(i'm very hungry as I'm writing this!!!!)

just a few thoughts,

LeixlipRed

I know it's boring and study related but mention the Maths Support Centre!

kenon

I'm going to be a 1st year post grad and I'd like tips to filling in large gaps (> 2 hours) between lectures/labs/tutorials etc.

Ideally it won't involve getting plastered as I've already figured that one out.

banquo

LeixlipRed wrote: »

I know it's boring and study related but mention the Maths Support Centre!

Brilliant. I'd totally forgotten about that. Don't know much about it, can you send me the details to communications@nuimsu.com? Would be savage!

luv-eirexxx wrote:

I think you should definately put in a map of the campus and the town, marking all the supermarkets and pubs and stuff.

Possibly bus times from maynooth to all sort of big towns in Ireland on fridays and sundays, that'd be handy to have for the first few weeks for going home at weekends.

Possibly a top 10 of the best take aways in town??(i'm very hungry as I'm writing this!!!!)

All good ideas. And welcome!

just a few thoughts,

freeze4real

I was in maynooth today and my mate asked if the AstroTurf was free?
Is it?
What about the gym?

Are we allowed to use it anytime is there a schedule or we have to book in advance.

Thanks.

J.D.R

freeze4real wrote: »

I was in maynooth today and my mate asked if the AstroTurf was free?
Is it?
What about the gym?

Are we allowed to use it anytime is there a schedule or we have to book in advance.

Thanks.

That'd be good. A list of the prices of the things to do around the town. Be very handy to have

clikityclak

5 ways to sneak a naggin into mantra

LeixlipRed

Just check out the website Rob, the hours, etc, for this year haven't been finalised but info will be given at orientation.

LeixlipRed

freeze4real wrote: »

I was in maynooth today and my mate asked if the AstroTurf was free?
Is it?
What about the gym?

Are we allowed to use it anytime is there a schedule or we have to book in advance.

Thanks.

It's free to use for students, you just book in the gym in advance. But you'll never have injuries like you will on that thing. Missed the whole of pre season because of that stupid surface. Gym is also free, opening hours yet to be determined for term time but pretty decent during the week.

princess_calico

A bus and train timetable would be fantastic...

Also, remind students that they do in fact have a first year rep... I was this year's one and no one ever came to me with a problem! Did that mean that there were no problems that they needed sorting??

hypersquirrel

I'd actually recommend a list what buildings the various rooms are in. Most of them are pretty obvious but I also know a lot of people who missed tutorials and the like in the Arts Annexes and a huge number of students get confused regarding Lower/Middle Loftus.

mp3guy

Perhaps a list of colloquial names for different things around campus.

Like the different acronyms, JH = John Hume, CS = Computer Science, "Callan" = The building on the other side of arts, Biosciences = The Engineering Building, Electronic Eng = The Engineering Building.

irish_goat

Mention the fact that Maynooth taxis are cheaper than the metered ones that land in from Dublin at night time and charge way more.

mickstupp

Free refill pads from the Academic Advisory Office!
Highlighters too.

Actually, there's something else that might be useful, and Banquo's most likely the man to find a solution... for those of us with an iPhone or iPodTouch or some newfangled Blackberry or whatever else is being used these days... not just how to get onto the campus network, but also how to get the blasted inbuilt email program to receive mails! Works fine everywhere except on campus. Would rather use that program because it handles multiple email accounts, rather than logging in separately through a browser. Is such a thing possible on the college network?

banquo

Some great ideas here. @mickstupp: that always worked for me, though it can be finicky. I'm en route to meet the computer centre right now, I'll ask why, though I've a string feeling it's the app's problem...

@mp3guy: quality idea.

BuroniKiisu

princess_calico wrote: »

A bus and train timetable would be fantastic...

Also, remind students that they do in fact have a first year rep... I was this year's one and no one ever came to me with a problem! Did that mean that there were no problems that they needed sorting??

I believe the position is currently penciled in for good coverage in the booklet after having the chats with Rob yesterday.

banquo

mickstupp wrote: »

Free refill pads from the Academic Advisory Office!
Highlighters too.

Actually, there's something else that might be useful, and Banquo's most likely the man to find a solution... for those of us with an iPhone or iPodTouch or some newfangled Blackberry or whatever else is being used these days... not just how to get onto the campus network, but also how to get the blasted inbuilt email program to receive mails! Works fine everywhere except on campus. Would rather use that program because it handles multiple email accounts, rather than logging in separately through a browser. Is such a thing possible on the college network?

Yeah. It's just you I'm afraid! If you're around Maynooth soon drop into the SU offices and I'll configure it up nicely for you

Seren_

Probably a good idea to put the whereabouts of Rooms 61 and 62 in the handbook as well. Good few tutorials/seminars tend to be held in there and they're almost impossible to find. Or maybe it's just my poor sense of direction :pac:

How about a few cheap recipe ideas? It'll be a lot of the first years first time away from home and cooking for themselves, so they'd find something like that useful I think. Unless they want to live on Pot Noodles and toast, like my brother. I can email some into you if you want?

wonton

a list a places with student discount would be handy, elverys in maynooth do 10 percent and i never realised that till yesterday.



i'm not sure if putting a dublin dus timetable in it would be useful because as far as i know they're rearranging alot of buses, so maybe you could ask dublin bus for an advanced copy of the new one if they have one made out, although it could probably change so i dunno.

banquo

Your Text Here wrote: »

How about a few cheap recipe ideas? It'll be a lot of the first years first time away from home and cooking for themselves, so they'd find something like that useful I think. Unless they want to live on Pot Noodles and toast, like my brother. I can email some into you if you want?

Have some stuff on that. It's essentially:

1. The Basics of Food - this is, like, the absolute basics for people who've never had to make their own food.

2. Basic Subsistence: food for no money, working up to...

3. Tasty Subsistence: food for almost no money, but is edible, working up to...

4. Tasty and Healthy: Normal meals that aren't 48% crap

The whole section is essentially a ''Welcome to Adult Life'' theme, peppered with all the things your mammy knows about food and the kitchen.

But I'll take any recipe ideas! Forward them on to communications@nuimsu.com with your real name and I'll credit any we use to you

mickstupp

banquo wrote: »

Yeah. It's just you I'm afraid! If you're around Maynooth soon drop into the SU offices and I'll configure it up nicely for you

I appreciate it! Should be some time next week. Much obliged.

banquo

Do!

Wendero

Do not powernap during class

It's essential knowledge that I learned the hard way

Will this guide be published online? I'd like to read it, figure I probably have some stuff left to learn :P

JellyBeans92

1. A comprehensive timetable including all clubs and societies, a rough one anyway if the times would vary slightly each year?.

2. List of 1st Year Reps

3. A map of the campus detailing the location of EVERY lecture hall/room

4. List of resources/sites for general study

5. Details on how to use Moodle

6. Details of where we can avail of free stuff such as highlighters?. :P

7. Bus/Train timetables from Maynooth to major towns/cities


.. I'm bound to think of more.

J.D.R

JellyBeans92 wrote: »

5. Details on how to use Moodle correctly

Just had to add to your post. It'd be nice to teach people how to use forums correctly unlike some who have obviously never typed B4 n der livs:pac::pac::pac::pac::pac::pac::pac::pac:

encryptix

mickstupp wrote: »

Free refill pads from the Academic Advisory Office!
Highlighters too.

Actually, there's something else that might be useful, and Banquo's most likely the man to find a solution... for those of us with an iPhone or iPodTouch or some newfangled Blackberry or whatever else is being used these days... not just how to get onto the campus network, but also how to get the blasted inbuilt email program to receive mails! Works fine everywhere except on campus. Would rather use that program because it handles multiple email accounts, rather than logging in separately through a browser. Is such a thing possible on the college network?

If you mean setting up the email in the app ive a post here from a while ago that works. Never tried it in the college but i get the emails fine anywhere else ive been on an iTouch.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=62236310#post62236310


And also about the trains (Incase its gets included): There is a new timetable coming out soon:

http://www.irishrail.ie/your_journey/printed_timetable_pdfs/2010/Dublin%20Maynooth%2010-2.pdf

freeze4real

I was in maynooth yesterday and my iPhone had a hard time locating the wifi.
What's up with the wifi.
My mates nokia located it. But after joining it he couldn't go on the internet.

banquo

See other thread!

CnaG

banquo wrote: »

The whole section is essentially a ''Welcome to Adult Life'' theme, peppered with all the things your mammy knows about food and the kitchen.

I have about 42 really easy recipes to make with baked beans, if you're interested. However, if you use the phrasing 'everything yer mammy knows about food and the kitchen', or similar in the handbook I will have to hunt you down. And lecture you. At length. Just so you know.

One of the worst things I saw in a first year handbook was a list of the types of groups you were going to encounter in Maynooth. This included things like jocks, nerds and various other stereotypes, I would not recommend including something like that.

How to Get a Locker might be useful though. Along with arrows drawn on a map to wherever you can get your locker key this year and how much it's going to cost.

Also, basic nutritional information might be nice to include in your cooking section, as in eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day, 8 glasses of water, eat lots of fibre, it's good for you, but not too much or the results may not be pleasant. Oh, and don't drink tea within 30 minutes of a meal as the tannin in it reduces your ability to absorb iron. You could include a food pyramid? A few good veggie/vegan recipes would be nice.

What else? Maybe a quick study guide? How To Take Notes in College? How to write a Really Good Essay/Lab Report?A reminderer for commuters that they can get a 30 day Dublin Bus student ticket for €75 (2.50 a day)?

Also, (I know it's on the website but) a list of the services the Medical Centre in college can provide, and a list of the local doctors and what they charge students.

And an idea of what union council is, and how to get yourself elected (and why you really shouldn't run if you're going to be unable to attend)

I think that's about it for now. Can cycling have a section? Please nicely thank you

Oh, and the pool in Maynooth is free to access for students. Opening hours 12-4 on week days, 7-8.30 on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and 12-2 on Saturdays and Sundays. At least, that was the timetable last year, it's unlikely to change too much. For staff (or post-grads) there's an additional session 5.30-7 on Thursdays. MUCK (the kyaking club) have the pool 7.15-9 on Mondays and Wednesdays, NUIM Devils (the swimming club) have it the same sort of times on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are adult lessons on from 9 to 9.45 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays as far as I know, if any students can't swim. I think it might be a good idea to have seperate swimming lessons for students though, as lessons in Maynooth could prove a bit pricey for your average student. A life-guarding course for students spread out over a semester might be nice too. What do you think?

Don't forget to mention boards.ie for instant access to a lot of knowledgable NUIM students if they're really stuck

banquo

CnaG wrote: »

I have about 42 really easy recipes to make with baked beans, if you're interested. However, if you use the phrasing 'everything yer mammy knows about food and the kitchen', or similar in the handbook I will have to hunt you down. And lecture you. At length. Just so you know.

I was going to put it in the ''Women'' section. That cool?

But seriously: some great stuff there.

/shoves into handbook

JellyBeans92

I dunno if this is generally a done thing for the first year hand book, but if it could be co-ordinated with some of the local stores (I've no idea what ones are there, I live in Wexford! xD ) to include coupons from them in the first year handbook.

for example:

1. 10% of stationary if you spend over €X in Easons

2. Buy one, get one half price on NUIM Hoodies

3. 20% of purchases over €Y at a certain Butchers

I'm finding it hard to come up with more ideas as I've NO IDEA what stores are up there.

krazykatz

That's a class idea Jellybean!;)

JellyBeans92

krazykatz wrote: »

That's a class idea Jellybean!;)

I do but try?!

b2thaza

we clearly have someone to step up and give a hand making next years book eh JellyBeans??!!

JellyBeans92

b2thaza wrote: »

we clearly have someone to step up and give a hand making next years book eh JellyBeans??!!

back up the train, I haven't even registered yet!?



... Though I probably wouldn't say no. :P

b2thaza

we could spend like the whole year going around getting discounts from every store known to man, and each student guide comes with like a tesco clubcard, supervalu rewards card, dunnes clubcard, and every other loyalty card known to mankind!! =D

would it be an idea to like try and establish like a maynooth student discount?? widespread through every place in town?? like a town voucher, but it gives nuim students discounts everywhere in maynooth?! that would be EPIC!!

Ian Beale

The two best tips I can think of is, 1. Bring your own lunch 2. Don't buy books in first year unless absolutly necessary, the library has more then enough to go around for the people that actually want to use them.
As far as a town wide student discount, not a chance of that happening, most of the businesses in maynooth are sole traders and even a 10% discount cuts heavily in to any profits.

Jimmy Iovine

Surprised this hasn't been mentioned considering the amount of threads on it last year, shutting up in the library.

Doesn't affect me though cause i wear headphones in there and no the music can't be heard coming from them haha.

Don't take first year too seriously. Have the crack cause the year will flash by you before you know it.

Also take advantage of the ability to have cans for breakfast haha. These opportunities don't come around often and once you finish college you'll have to start acting mature and all that jazz

Rozabeez

The whole section is essentially a ''Welcome to Adult Life'' theme, peppered with all the things your mammy knows about food and the kitchen.

Adult life? College?



............................really?

J.D.R

If you could include the dos and don'ts of lectures that'd be great.

And, also, I know this might be impossible, as lecturers will probably read what the guide, but if you could include the things to be weary of with the different lecturers that'd be good, like don't say x to y, or don't do x in z.

Also, I have read many times tha people are saying only buy the books you have to in first year. How will you know which ones you need to buy and which ones you don't?

Ian Beale

J.D.R wrote: »

Also, I have read many times tha people are saying only buy the books you have to in first year. How will you know which ones you need to buy and which ones you don't?

Well one example is for chemistry, the chemistry tutorials are done online through another company and you have to buy your own book and enter a single use code in the back of it to use the online tutorial service which is compulsory for the chemistry course.

lsuzanne1987

Maybe you could put in info on what the students can do around the SU and college, like working/helping out with the newspaper.I'd really like to know how to get involved with the SU paper.

banquo

lsuzanne1987 wrote: »

Maybe you could put in info on what the students can do around the SU and college, like working/helping out with the newspaper.I'd really like to know how to get involved with the SU paper.

I love you.

Send your details on to communications@nuimsu.com (email, phone number, area of interest)

There will be plenty of info on that kind of thing, and there'll be a big newspaper involvement push at the start of October. If this handbook doesn't finish me off first...

lsuzanne1987

banquo wrote: »

I love you.

Send your details on to communications@nuimsu.com (email, phone number, area of interest)

There will be plenty of info on that kind of thing, and there'll be a big newspaper involvement push at the start of October. If this handbook doesn't finish me off first...

Cool, I'll get in touch soon so.

DarkBlue_18

Hey I was just wondering can a second year join a club or soc if they were not a member in first year? This may be a stupid question but what the heck I'll go with it :P

Ian Beale

DarkBlue_18 wrote: »

Hey I was just wondering can a second year join a club or soc if they were not a member in first year? This may be a stupid question but what the heck I'll go with it :P

Yes absolutely.

princess_calico

DarkBlue_18 wrote: »

Hey I was just wondering can a second year join a club or soc if they were not a member in first year? This may be a stupid question but what the heck I'll go with it :P

Yup, in fact you should join the new and improved Media Soc.

In fact, there's no should about it. Do it.

banquo

princess_calico wrote: »

Yup, in fact you should join the new and improved Media Soc.

In fact, there's no should about it. Do it.

May need your band of merry mens' help during the year

princess_calico

banquo wrote: »

May need your band of merry mens' help during the year

Merry WOmen!

:D:D

Rafcam

Hey, I have two probably very stupid questions that hopefully someone can help me with.

The first is, you know on the college maps that came in the handbook? What does PACR mean in the blue box? I can't find any meaning for it written somewhere. It's probably something obvious or something but I can't figure it out.

And the second is to do with societies and clubs. How are the run, do they meet every week or fortnight or something? I'm wondering because there's a good few that I would like to try out but I'm worried they might clash times. Do you have to attend every meeting?