Worried about 1st Year????

karaokeman

Hi all I live in Leixlip and was thinking of getting accomodation in Maynooth for these reasons.

1. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from my house to louisa bridge as I live at the far end of Leixlip

2. I need to carry a laptop, a college bag and a sports bag if I join any clubs, so they're a lot to carry all the way

Reasons I'm pushed to get accomodation.

1. I'm worried I mightn't make friends as well by meeting people at the bus stop, train station etc.

2. I really (really) want to get to know people in college a.s.a.p as I'm very shy and lack confidence socially

3. Easier to stash away all my bags unless lockers are big enough???

I'll be ok if I can't afford to board on-campus. If not how much does evening study etc. cost because I would rather come home late so I can get to know people better.

LeixlipRed

I'm from Leixlip myself. Whereabouts do you live, what estate? Can't imagine there's too many places 20 mins walk from one of the train stations! I'd recommend you commute at the beginning, it'll save money and you can always decide to move later. Dozens of people from Leixlip go to Maynooth every year, do you know any? At least find someone to commute with at the start until you make friends

karaokeman

Not really, all my friends live in Celbridge.

I'm from Rinawade, which is the far end.

Are you living near Louisa Bridge?

LeixlipRed

No, I live in Maynooth now. Get a bike, cycle up to the station? Some of your Celbridge friends must be going to Maynooth?

karaokeman

LeixlipRed wrote: »

No, I live in Maynooth now. Get a bike, cycle up to the station? Some of your Celbridge friends must be going to Maynooth?

Yes some of them are.

Except I don't get to see many of them outside school.

Although I would probably see them at the same bus stop on the way home, not the same bus because 66 goes to Leixlip and 67 to Celbo.

I'm mainly interested in knowing how much evening/midterm study in the college would cost and if many do it. I've seen some in empty study rooms during the open day so that had me thinking.

I also feel if I stay late and see some of them there it might help with getting to know peoples.

LeixlipRed

You don't pay to sit in a room and study in university. Well you do, in your registration fee but there's no extra charge. I think you have a classic case of over thinking things. I suggest you forget about it for now, concentrate on your exams and when the time comes just be relaxed about it. Don't try too hard

mp3guy

karaokeman wrote: »

1. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from my house to louisa bridge as I live at the far end of Leixlip

As LeixlipRed suggested, get a bike. It's nearly a twenty minute walk from the train station/bus stops to certain very far away buildings on campus, it's not that bad.

karaokeman wrote: »

2. I need to carry a laptop, a college bag and a sports bag if I join any clubs, so they're a lot to carry all the way

There are lockers available all around the University as well as the gym. Also unless you've got some sort of disability there's no need for you to bring a laptop with you anywhere (even if you're doing Computer Science). There are public access computers all over campus.

karaokeman wrote: »

1. I'm worried I mightn't make friends as well by meeting people at the bus stop, train station etc.

2. I really (really) want to get to know people in college a.s.a.p as I'm very shy and lack confidence socially

You basically make friends with anyone you speak to and anyone within a 10 metre radius during your first two weeks, it's really difficult not to make friends.

karaokeman wrote: »

I'll be ok if I can't afford to board on-campus. If not how much does evening study etc. cost because I would rather come home late so I can get to know people better.

Don't move out, you're more than close enough to commute and living away from home is a lot more expensive than grabbing the bus/train everyday. There are dozens of places on campus available for evening and day time study and of course, it's all free.

Don't worry, again as LeixlipRed said you're over thinking things. Relax, college is awesome.

karaokeman

Alright I think I'm feeling better now. Cheers dudes I still have a few questions to ask, which are underlined in bold.
Other than that you've cleared up many of my fears.

mp3guy wrote: »

As LeixlipRed suggested, get a bike. It's nearly a twenty minute walk from the train station/bus stops to certain very far away buildings on campus, it's not that bad.

Ok I know this is sudden but I've decided its not too bad. I'm ok with commuting every morning, just so long as I get a time where I should reach louisa bridge every morning, rather than just leaving my house at any time to get a train. I can be lazy sometimes so forgive me for
complaining.

mp3guy wrote: »

There are lockers available all around the University as well as the gym

I will decide in september what I can fit in my locker based on their size. Could I get an extra locker for my sports gear or would you recommend one locker?

mp3guy wrote: »

Also unless you've got some sort of disability there's no need for you to bring a laptop with you anywhere. There are public access computers all over campus.

I have Aspergers Syndrome. I use my laptop just for homework, essays and during exams. Would I ever need a laptop during lectures, or are they not allowed?

mp3guy wrote: »

You basically make friends with anyone you speak to and anyone within a 10 metre radius during your first two weeks, it's really difficult not to make friends.

Are students friendly in NUIM? I'm not really into drinking or any of that and I would like to be with people who like me for who I am and don't care about how popular I am etc.

mp3guy wrote: »

Don't move out, you're more than close enough to commute and living away from home is a lot more expensive than grabbing the bus/train everyday

As explained I'm sorry for acting like a lazy lump in my earlier post and LeixlipRed does have a point I'm a heavy overthinker. At the moment I'm ok about the prospects of leaving and returning home everyday, and I agree now that my money could be well better spent on concerts, food, DVD's and everything else I like.

mp3guy wrote: »

There are dozens of places on campus available for evening and day time study and of course, it's all free.

Well thats just brilliant. I would rather stay at college till evening times because I'm always too tired to study when I come home from school and at school I think evening study is a waste of money so I would rather do it for free.

mp3guy wrote: »

Don't worry, again as LeixlipRed said you're over thinking things. Relax, college is awesome.

Thanks I will try:D

Dont worry OP, people at NUIM are very friendly. Plus it's small enough so you'll always bump into them again. You'll get to know people at lectures and at clubs&socs. Sure you meet them on the very first day and get chatting!

Ms. Koi

karaokeman wrote: »

Alright I think I'm feeling better now. Cheers dudes I still have a few questions to ask, which are underlined in bold.
Other than that you've cleared up many of my fears.

Here's an answer to most things,

karaokeman wrote: »

Ok I know this is sudden but I've decided its not too bad. I'm ok with commuting every morning, just so long as I get a time where I should reach louisa bridge every morning, rather than just leaving my house at any time to get a train. I can be lazy sometimes so forgive me for
complaining.

Just time it well and you won't have a problem there!

karaokeman wrote: »

I will decide in september what I can fit in my locker based on their size. Could I get an extra locker for my sports gear or would you recommend one locker?

Lockers wouldn't fit sports gear and all your books, so you might be best off getting a locker over in the sports hall too.

karaokeman wrote: »

I have Aspergers Syndrome. I use my laptop just for homework, essays and during exams. Would I ever need a laptop during lectures, or are they not allowed?

You can bring your laptop anywhere! Lecturers usually allow laptops, if they say don't use them, just pop up at the end of the lecture, say you need to use it. Don't see a major problem with that! It's pretty standard to see heaps of laptops in lectures anyway.

karaokeman wrote: »

Are students friendly in NUIM? I'm not really into drinking or any of that and I would like to be with people who like me for who I am and don't care about how popular I am etc.

Yes! We're all in the same boat in first year, everyone is new to the game, so there is a great common ground there. I don't drink and I've never had a problem with that here. My mates drink, but some don't either!

karaokeman wrote: »

As explained I'm sorry for acting like a lazy lump in my earlier post and LeixlipRed does have a point I'm a heavy overthinker. At the moment I'm ok about the prospects of leaving and returning home everyday, and I agree now that my money could be well better spent on concerts, food, DVD's and everything else I like.

karaokeman wrote: »

Well thats just brilliant. I would rather stay at college till evening times because I'm always too tired to study when I come home from school and at school I think evening study is a waste of money so I would rather do it for free.

There's the library and the reading room as just two places to study. Loads of space, particularly in the evenings. They tend to get pretty packed around this time of year because of assignments and everything else, but get there early and you're sorted!

Hopefully this goes in some way to helping you!
Don't worry, college is full of people that don't know each other in the first few days! You'll meet loads! There's always us boardsies too!
Good luck!

Mastroph

You are allowed to use your laptop in lectures (you're basically allowed to do whatever you like in lectures, as long as you're quiet. :P). Most people seem to prefer taking written notes, at least in my subjects anyway.

As far as making friends is concerned, joining societies is really the way to go. I'm not very outgoing myself but I joined GameSoc and the Juggling society in first year and made loads of freinds. This is especially good if you're not that much into drinking, plus you know you have at least one common interest with everyone in the room, which helps.

There's really no need to worry, college will probably be the best years of your life.

LeixlipRed

There are lots of clubs and socs that don't rotate around drinking. I'm not a big drinker either and I've never had any problems meeting new people in all my years in Maynooth.

No need for an extra locker for sports gear I would say, 2 hour lockers in gym should be enough for you. Laptops are allowed in lectures. Also, you should register with the Access and Disability Office. They are very helpful and can give you a range of supports, including advice on exams, etc.

Ms. Koi

+1 on both joining clubs and societies and the access office!
I'd recommend letting the departments that you are studying with know as early on as you can. It's important that they know too, the more information they have, the easier it is for you!

mp3guy

karaokeman wrote: »

I will decide in september what I can fit in my locker based on their size. Could I get an extra locker for my sports gear or would you recommend one locker?

You can get a normal "academic" locker around many buildings on campus (they use standard locks/keys). While the lockers in the sports centre have special wristbands and automatically unlock at the end of the day. They're more for temporary storage of your gym gear while you're using the sports facilities (rather than leaving it in the changing rooms). I've fit my jacket, gym bag and normal backpack (with laptop) in the standard "academic" lockers no problem before, so I don't think you'll need two.

karaokeman wrote: »

I have Aspergers Syndrome. I use my laptop just for homework, essays and during exams. Would I ever need a laptop during lectures, or are they not allowed?

You'll never need a laptop during lectures. They're usually allowed, however some lecturers may not like people using them if they're not using them for something related to the lecture. For example browsing youtube or facebook. A4 pad and pen is all you need for lectures.

karaokeman wrote: »

Are students friendly in NUIM? I'm not really into drinking or any of that and I would like to be with people who like me for who I am and don't care about how popular I am etc.

Very friendly. You should check out the clubs & societies on fairs day, a way to make even more friends. It's not like secondary school, the concept of "popularity" doesn't really exist.

<edit>

And going by this topic and all of the replies, you can see people in Maynooth are literally clambering over each other to help and advise :P

LeixlipRed

kellief wrote: »

+1 on both joining clubs and societies and the access office!
I'd recommend letting the departments that you are studying with know as early on as you can. It's important that they know too, the more information they have, the easier it is for you!

The access office will actually do that for you once you register! If you want of course!

Seren_

Hey karaokeman, I'm assuming you've applied through DARE if you have Aspergers? As LeixlipRed said, the Access office will send the info on to your departments so there's no need to be worrying about that. The English and Sociology departments are great when it comes to helping out students with a disability Seriously, they've been amazing to me over the past few years! There's also the Assistive Technology Centre (a computer room specifically for students registered with the disability office) and it's never usually too packed, so you probably won't need to bring your laptop with you everyday either.

UnLuckyAgain

As some people have mentioned, the first few days in college are great for making new friends, and as time goes on you'll recognise peoples faces and get to know them.

Majority of subjects/degrees have smaller classes or tutorials which are more intimate and are also a great opportunity to make new friends. Some lectures can be in big theatres with over a hundred people which can be quite daunting, but everyone is in the same boat so don't be afraid to put yourself out there and take a risk (if you're quite shy like me, this can be the hardest part).

Clubs and socs are fantastic because they attract a nice mixture of people and most people join with the idea of making new friends and socialising.

As for commuting, I also live in Leixlip and its actually quite handy - the bus times can be hard to predict so the train is a safebet. Again, as time goes on you'll recognise people from commuting so you're not on your own!

Hope that helps somehow.

karaokeman

Thanks to all for the replies.

And yeah I contacted the disability office and they were very helpful with giving me advice and telling me what supports are available etc.

I also agree with some earlier posts. Lots of users are flocking to this thread to give me advice and try to increase my self-confidence about going to Maynooth next year.

I really do want to go now, I actually love the idea of NUIM more than any other college out there.

I got the letter to inform me of my Irish and third language exemptions so no I'm just trying to get the best grades in my 6 Leaving Cert subjects and hopefully I shall see a lot of you next year.

I've thought long and hard about it but I'll be more than happy to walk from my gaff to louisa bridge and go straight to the college 5 days a week.

But being in huge lecture theatres doesn't frighten me at all because understandably all first years are in the same boat. I'd say so long as I join clubs and socs I will be fine and I'll get to know people easy enough. Right now the society that interests me the most is the Music society:D.

karaokeman

Ok so I'm grand with the whole disability supports and what not.

What I'm really looking forward to learning about is about clubs and societies.

How are these things run?

I know clubs are like sporting activities so therefore there must be specific times each week for training and matches too.

But for societies how do you meet people, how do you organise activities? I know about going to see stuff in town and all.

Is there certain times a week you have a meeting with other members of a society?
Do you meet in a specific part of campus?
Are these meetings in the evening or earlier in the day generally?

Thanks to all who can educate me:)

BuroniKiisu

karaokeman wrote: »

What I'm really looking forward to learning about is about clubs and societies.

How are these things run?

I know clubs are like sporting activities so therefore there must be specific times each week for training and matches too.

But for societies how do you meet people, how do you organise activities? I know about going to see stuff in town and all.

Is there certain times a week you have a meeting with other members of a society?
Do you meet in a specific part of campus?
Are these meetings in the evening or earlier in the day generally?

Thanks to all who can educate me:)

Clubs and societies are run by committee members elected from the club's / society's membership. These positions are more often than not filled during the end of each academic year for the following academic year, although all clubs and societies should have a First Year Representative position which they'll elected at the beginning of the academic year.

As for society meetings, it depends on each society. Some hold weekly meetings / training sessions (Amnesty, LGBTQ), some host numerous training sessions each week (Dance, Trampoline), while others host a series of events intermittently throughout the year (Drama). Some hold events during the day, although the majority of societies hold their events in the evenings (after 6pm).

You get your first opportunity to join clubs and societies on Clubs & Socs Day, which'll more than likely be on the 28th of September this year. Most will require a €2 sign-up fee, which can be paid upfront at each club or society's stall. Once you've signed up, you will be added to that club or society's membership newsletter, which most sent out weekly to inform members of various upcoming events. I'd also recommend searching out the club or society's Facebook page.

You can of course request to join any club or society at any stage during the academic year simply by e-mailing them. There's some clean-up due to occur in the Students' Union over the summer, so a comprehensive list of all of the active clubs and societies e-mail addresses will also certainly be easily accessible by September.

Sorry for the wall of text. Hope this has been helpful.

Compton

only read the first post so sorry if this has been suggested,

why don't you get a car?

LeixlipRed

*resists urge to be a smart arse*

He lives in Leixlip, a town 5km from Maynooth. Cars are expensive. Students rarely have much money. Leixlip has good transport links to Maynooth. The rest you can figure out yourself.

Compton

yes, but surely if he wanted to move because it was a hassle to get to, apparentely, then a car would be an option, as he would save money from moving to maynooth.

karaokeman

I have cleared this up previously.

I WAS worried and thought accomodation would be a good idea.

Now I've realised I'll have just as much fun even if I don't.

Hence the title of this thread is "Worried about 1st Year" in a general sense.

This means anything related to my move to NUIM.

For now I've decided against getting accomodation for costs etc. and I can't get a car because I haven't got my full license and I can't afford one.

My interests now are learning about Clubs & Societies as well as the social life in NUIM.

LeixlipRed

shblob wrote: »

yes, but surely if he wanted to move because it was a hassle to get to, apparentely, then a car would be an option, as he would save money from moving to maynooth.

Or stay at home, suffer the walk and not waste a couple of grand on a piece of **** car that will cost a fortune to keep on the road. It'd be different if he was from a rural area with poor transport links and he had to drive. Leixlip is not that place.

mp3guy

LeixlipRed wrote: »

Or stay at home, suffer the walk and not waste a couple of grand on a piece of **** car that will cost a fortune to keep on the road. It'd be different if he was from a rural area with poor transport links and he had to drive. Leixlip is not that place.

Can't agree more here. Cars are ridiculously expensive and rarely needed.

mickstupp

If it's only 5k, why not buy a second hand bike? You'd be there in no time. Get some good exercise too.

Why aren't my exams finished yet? I feel like I should be doing nothing instead of studying. :mad:

LeixlipRed

Not safe to cycle from Leixlip to Maynooth. The main road has no lights. The canal has no lights. So by the time you fitted yourself out with proper reflective gear and lights for your bike it wouldn't be so cheap anymore. Plus in general, it's a fairly dangerous road. I'm a fairly experienced cyclist and I wouldn't recommend anyone cycling up and down that road without a proper road bike and proper reflective gear/lights.

mickstupp

Ah, that's a pity.
Still, wish I lived within cycling distance.

tootyflutty

If even after you get the offer you are unsure about living arrangements, you should definitely commute for the first week or two, that way you can say that you gave it a go.
I know people that moved on campus after 2/3 weeks of the start of the year, and even I moved from off campus during November of first year to campus. Lots of people move to and from Maynooth through out the year, having tried the moving out experience.
Give it a go, see which clubs/societies you join and how your social life pans out then make the decision! College is all about trying out every option

karaokeman

Ok so I no longer plan on getting accomodation because people get to know each other commuting, I don't live too far from the train station and whatnot.

And I don't plan on getting a car until I have the money, which will be a while yet because college fees are enough as they are at the moment.

One other query I have is about on-campus computers.

Do you need a password for most of them or is there a separate student account where all students know the password, or can you just access them at anytime to study, write assignments and so fort?

Sorry for bothering you lot but I enjoy keeping this topic alive as I can't get college out of my head, maybe I should wait till Sept but its just such a thrilling experience and I want to learn as much as possible.

Ian Beale

All pc's require a password, username will be your student number and a unique password will be given to you on registration day. This is used to access your @nuim email, web services and to log in at the public access computers.

LeixlipRed

I wonder will anyone be able to afford a car now that Labour has done a u-turn and decided it is in favour of the rise in registration fee to 2000 euro? Maybe all those people who voted Labour can line up neatly and I can all tell you I told you so

karaokeman

Ian Beale wrote: »

All pc's require a password, username will be your student number and a unique password will be given to you on registration day. This is used to access your @nuim email, web services and to log in at the public access computers.

So basically all students have their own username and password for the computers on-campus, which are recorded on your student card?

Thats great if thats the case, I will also carry a memory stick around with all my typed notes, assignments and all so I can make good use of my time on the computers.

tootyflutty

karaokeman wrote: »

So basically all students have their own username and password for the computers on-campus, which are recorded on your student card?

Thats great if thats the case, I will also carry a memory stick around with all my typed notes, assignments and all so I can make good use of my time on the computers.

Your student card has your student number, but not the password, that would a bit stupid, especially if you lost your card and someone else picked it up

Just spend 2 minutes at the start of year learning off your password and number, you use it for loads of things through out the year and it's easier then taking out your card and piece of paper every time you need it!

Depending on the lecturer/department all your notes and assignments should be online, accessed using your number/password! And to ensure you don't get a virus on your memory stick, maybe consider emailing your notes to yourself?

Seren_

Believe me, at the end of first year your student number and password will be engraved into your brain and you'll be able to type them in without thinking.

karaokeman

tootyflutty wrote: »

Your student card has your student number, but not the password, that would a bit stupid, especially if you lost your card and someone else picked it up

Just spend 2 minutes at the start of year learning off your password and number, you use it for loads of things through out the year and it's easier then taking out your card and piece of paper every time you need it!

Depending on the lecturer/department all your notes and assignments should be online, accessed using your number/password! And to ensure you don't get a virus on your memory stick, maybe consider emailing your notes to yourself?

Alri thanks.
Well I didn't expect the password to be on the student card, just my number. Even for me a password on the actual card would be a bit too "in your face".

Yeah I will try and memorise it from day 1. Hopefully that won't be too much of a distraction from meeting new people on my first day.

I think you're right I probably should email myself the notes. I do have two email addresses so that should help.

Hopefully I will be able to check out more of these public access computers on the University Day. I will defo be going.

How so Joe

karaokeman wrote: »

Alri thanks.
Well I didn't expect the password to be on the student card, just my number. Even for me a password on the actual card would be a bit too "in your face".

Yeah I will try and memorise it from day 1. Hopefully that won't be too much of a distraction from meeting new people on my first day.

I think you're right I probably should email myself the notes. I do have two email addresses so that should help.

Hopefully I will be able to check out more of these public access computers on the University Day. I will defo be going.

I'll tell you something, actually - do you have your CAO number? You can figure out what your student number will be from that! for example, my CAO number was 08XXXXXX, and my student number is 68XXXXXX.
So, given the fact that you'll type your student number into any computer, into your e-mail, your moodle (twice if you're off-campus), to gain internet access, to get at your results, to re-register every year, you'll write it on every assignment and exam, have no fear! You'll know it pretty soon.

In fact, not only can I recite my own student number, I can also recite my sister's and my boyfriends. I'm a commuter who's lived in Leixlip for the last three years, and I'll be honest with you, the friends I made the first day in college are some of the best friends I've EVER had, and probably ever will. There are only about a million ways to meet people on campus. There will, doubtless, be a ton of people from Leixlip in the college, as well as a myriad of people from Celbridge, town, commuters and non-commuters, people with LOADS of friends there and people with NONE there, and, believe me, it. will. be. great.

They always go on about the Maynooth experience and, until you get here, you think it's kind of bs, but then you see it and more importantly, feel it.
So good luck in the LC, and we'll see you around campus come September!

xxshebeexx

Your Text Here wrote: »

Believe me, at the end of first year your student number and password will be engraved into your brain and you'll be able to type them in without thinking.

Halfway through second year, I completely blanked on my password. Had to go to the Computer Centre and ask for it again. They gave me that orange sheet all over again. Morto. How do you just forget a password completely from one minute to the next, after using it practically everyday?

XxMCRxBabyxX

How so Joe wrote: »

I'll tell you something, actually - do you have your CAO number? You can figure out what your student number will be from that! for example, my CAO number was 08XXXXXX, and my student number is 68XXXXXX.

I think it's changed from 6 to 1 though! I'm a 2nd year and my no was 69XXXXXX but all the first years I know have numbers that are like 10XXXXXX

Mastroph

My student number is exactly the same as my CAO number. Only noticed when I found a scrap of paper on which I'd written my CAO number and immediately recognised it as my student number. :P

Edit: Also, MCR Baby is right, most first years have student numbers that begin with 10whatever. Some start with a 6 I think but they're in the minority.

LeixlipRed

62 = 2002, 63 = 2003, etc,. 10 = 2010 and prizes for what students who register next year will start with

XxMCRxBabyxX

LeixlipRed wrote: »

62 = 2002, 63 = 2003, etc,. 10 = 2010 and prizes for what students who register next year will start with

Ooh ooh I think I know!

Totally gonna be 20 right?

LeixlipRed

Idiot :P

XxMCRxBabyxX

LeixlipRed wrote: »

Idiot :P

But I was so sure that I was right!

karaokeman

So when do I apply for Orientation week?

Is it in August when I get accepted to NUIM?

Seren_

karaokeman wrote: »

So when do I apply for Orientation week?

Is it in August when I get accepted to NUIM?

Which orientation week are you talking about, the DARE/HEAR one, or the one involving all new first years?

If it's the Launchpad programme (DARE etc), you'll get a letter out soon after you accept your CAO offer telling you all about it. It's on during the last week of August this year. The general orientation week is on the week before lectures begin, and you'll also get info on this sent out to you after you accept your CAO offer.

Good luck in your exams karaokeman

karaokeman

Your Text Here wrote: »

Which orientation week are you talking about, the DARE/HEAR one, or the one involving all new first years?

If it's the Launchpad programme (DARE etc), you'll get a letter out soon after you accept your CAO offer telling you all about it. It's on during the last week of August this year. The general orientation week is on the week before lectures begin, and you'll also get info on this sent out to you after you accept your CAO offer.

Good luck in your exams karaokeman

Both I don't want to miss my chance to be part of either.

I thought it would probably make sense if the applications are in August because I don't get any CAO offers until then.

I'm more interested in the general orientation week because from there I will be able to meet as many people as possible, which is my ultimate intention.

But I will defo go to the DARE one too as I usually have nothing more to do in the last week of August and its not on the same day as my Debs, so that will be handy too.

philologos

Orientation Week stuff is sent out following your acceptance to NUI Maynooth. I wouldn't worry about it at all until then.

Paczini

Well I have a question that may be a bit unusual.
I currently Live in Swords and I am not planning to leave home,
I don't know anyone that studies in Maynooth or plans to go there.
I will be doing Law and Arts. I did honours English for my LC so I know it quite good but..
I'm too shy to use it in a conversation so it is quite difficult for me to make friends and I don't want to only be with people of my nationality.
How can I cope with that?

oh yeah and I forgot to add that it took me nearly 5 years (I'm serious March 2011) to make friends in my secondary school, before that I was just an outsider and I don't want that to happen again

Seren_

Paczini wrote: »

Well I have a question that may be a bit unusual.
I currently Live in Swords and I am not planning to leave home,
I don't know anyone that studies in Maynooth or plans to go there.
I will be doing Law and Arts. I did honours English for my LC so I know it quite good but..
I'm too shy to use it in a conversation so it is quite difficult for me to make friends and I don't want to only be with people of my nationality.
How can I cope with that?

oh yeah and I forgot to add that it took me nearly 5 years (I'm serious March 2011) to make friends in my secondary school, before that I was just an outsider and I don't want that to happen again

There's loads of students from different countries studying in Maynooth Paczini, so don't be worrying about feeling like an outsider. Everyone, regardless of where they're from, feels like that when they start college. Just talk to as many people as you can during the first few weeks and you're bound to find people you've stuff in common with! And there's clubs and societies to join too, which are a great way to get to know people.

Also, don't be shy about speaking to people in English just because you think you can't speak it well - it's my first language (and I even have a degree in it) and I still find it hard to think of words :pac: The more you get used to speaking it, the easier it will get