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So, IT Tallaght might not be known for its massive lecture halls or state of the art facilities, but what it lacks it size it makes up for in character.  

Whether it's impromptu drinks in the Metro, or the fun and frolics of Fresher's Week, there are some things that will stick in the mind of graduates long after they've walked through those revolving doors one last time. 

The library was cramped, the internet connection was pretty much non-existent and the canteen was overpriced, but hey, it was ours. 

Here's just a few things we won't forget any time soon. 

1. Getting pretty sick of people making the TIT joke

"Oh, so where do you go to college?" 

"IT Tallaght" 

"So you go to *pause*… TIT?"

"LOL never heard that one before. Have you ever thought of going into stand-up comedy?" 

2. Feeling sorry for the poor souls whose mates dared them to take part in the Fresher's Week games

It's all fun and games until someone ends up permanently damaging their taste buds after taking part in the chicken wing challenge… 

Someone get these lads a glass of milk! 

3. Heading to the Metro during long breaks 

Long breaks, short breaks – or anytime at all really. 

Not to mention Messy Mondays… 

In fact, we won't even go there. 

4. Getting stuck holding the library door open

Deciding to pop in and have a look for that book you're too broke to actually buy, only to get caught up in a mass exodus of students who have has enough study for today. 

And nary a 'thank you' between them. 

5. Speaking of doors, WHO thought a revolving entrance was a good idea? 

"Should I go now or should I wait for the next one?"

The side door was always a safer bet. 

6. Saving your coffee stamps for a Venti Starbucks

The caramel latté is all the more satisfying after you've suffered through a full week of lukewarm filter coffee. 

7. The length of the ATM queue on grant day

One cash machine between 4,000 students wasn't exactly the greatest idea was it? 

8. The distinct lack of colour printers

All that effort you put into making your graphs look fab, and for what? – to print it in black and white? 

I don't think so. 

9. Don't even get us started on those bloody ramps 

It doesn't matter how slow you're going – that coffee in your cup holder is still going to spill everywhere. 

 

10. Missing the bus to the exam hall  

"Oh, there it goes."

"See you in August, repeats!" 

Oh, and one more thing while we have you! Don't forget that you can catch up on all your favourite shows for free for a month right here, so sign up now!

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College life is hard, guys.

Juggling classes, assignments, jobs and of course, going out (you are in college after all) takes it toll on you and can leave you constantly tired.

While getting a sufficient amount of sleep is essential, eating well is another key element to success in college. 

You probably don't have the time and money to make Insta-friendly acai bowls with hemp seeds and goji berries, but this doesn't mean you can't be healthy, 

If you follow these simple rules, which are more like general guidelines, you are sorted. 

 

1. Learn how to make the most of a microwave

Microwaves are great to reheat some pre-cooked food, but you can also cook loads of things with this appliance: mug cakes, rice, pasta, eggs, veggies, potatoes, fish.

Do a bit of research and you'll be surprised to see how useful a microwave can be. 

 

2. Get a small blender

For a healthy breakfast or a quick snack, throw whatever fruits you have around, a handful of spinach, almond or peanut butter, almond milk, yoghurt or just water and make a tasty smoothie.

This is an easy way to make sure you get a lot of nutrients and fibres at once, even of the rest of your day is instant noodles or pizza.

 

3. Eat bananas

They are cheap, easy to carry to classes, don't make a mess when you eat them, and also, they are quite delicious. Rich in vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, copper and fibre, bananas are nature's best snack on-the-go.

Get a bunch of bananas every time you do your food shopping so you'll always have something healthy to snack on when you get hungry. They are also a tasty base for your smoothies. 

4. Eat something green every day

No, this doesn't include green Smarties and M&Ms. We are talking broccoli, spinach, courgettes, kale, peppers, and any leafy green.

Even if you struggle to get your five a day, including one portion of greens ensures that you get essential nutrients and fibre.

 

 

5. Have substantial meals

Chocolate bars and packs of crisps are not real food, they are empty calories. The reason why you crave them is because they fill you up quickly when you are hungry.

To make sure you don't get the midday slump, get (or make, even better) a hearty pasta salad for lunch, a bowl of soup with a sandwich, a big salad with carbs and protein… Something that will actually keep you going for a while.

 

 

6. Avoid sodas as much as possible

Sugary and fizzy drinks (even the light version) are pricey and not healthy. Water should be your beverage of choice 99% of the time.

To this day, water is still the best way to stay hydrated, and also the cheapest if you invest in a water bottle. 

 

7. Stop everything when you eat

It is important, even for a few minutes. While we understand breakfast is a tough one, get 15 minutes to enjoy your lunch and your dinner, without being on your phone or on your laptop.

Use this time to focus on your food, chew properly (the first step to a good digestion), talk with your friends or just empty your head. 

 

 

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It's about that time of year again. Evenings are getting shorter, there's a definite chill in the air, and college students across the country are gearing up for another semester of tight deadlines and mid-week partying. 

And whether you're a fresher or a fourth year, it's essential to start the year out in the right foot. 

From laptops to stationary, shopping for college supplies can seem like a daunting task. But never fear – we've done the all hard work for you. 

Here's our top pick of this year's back to college essentials. 

1. Laptop

So, this one is kind of obvious, but important to mention none the less. Whether a you're total tech newbie, or just looking for an upgrade, August is the perfect time to invest in a new piece of kit.

With so many back to college offers just dying to be snapped up, make sure to shop around for the best deals. 

HP Notebook –  €429.99 Currys PC World

2. Headphones

Whether you need to drown out the sounds of a packed canteen, or simply want to unwind with your favourite album on the bus home, headphones are an essential part of college survival – trust us.  

Beats by Dr Dre Solo 3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – €309.99 Littlewoods Ireland 

3. FitBit 

Let's face it between study and socialising, many students just don't have the time to focus on their health – which is why it's a lot easier to let a gadget do it for you. 

Designed to help you become more active, eat a better and sleep well, a FitBit is the perfect choice for a anyone looking to keep their health on track while studying. 

After all , those late nights, early classes and liquid lunches can really take their toll.

Fitbit Alta HR Black RRP: €149.99 – Currys PC World 

4. Printer

We've all been there. Your essay is due in 15 minutes and someone has chosen that exact moment to print out two copies of their 20,000 word thesis. 

Save yourself the stress and do it at home.

HP Deskjet 3720 AIO Wireless Printer – €79.99 Currys PC World

5. Bag 

It's got to be enough to hold those heavy textbooks, yet stylish enough to bring along to those post-lecture pints. 

It's a fine line. 

Black quilted backpack – €47.00 River Island 

6. Planner/ Notebook

Sure, you could use your phone or laptop to keep track of important dates and deadlines, but there's something oddly satisfying about keeping track of your schedule the old fashioned way. 

Happy Jackson Great Ideas A5 Notebook  – €12.99 Littlewoods Ireland

7. Reusable Coffee Cup

Even if you're not a coffee drinker, a good thermal flask must for those early commutes. 

Whether it's a black americano, a refreshing herbal tea, or just some left over soup from the night fore, there's something very comforting about a warm little pick-me-up on a frosty morning. 

Travel Mug – €6.00 Dunnes Stores 

8. Smoothie Maker 

While the contents of your fridge may not scream health and wellness, chances are you'll be able to forage enough fruits and veggies to whip something together. 

Perfect for an on-to-go breakfast or post-lecture snack, a good quality blender is a welcome addition to any student kitchen. 

Brevill VBL134 Blend-Active Personal Blender  – €39.99 Littlewoods Ireland 

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A total of 52,374 third-level applicants will be offered at least one college course this morning, the Central Applications Office has confirmed.

Points for more than half of all honours degree courses are down from last year's figures, while close to 10 per cent saw no change at all.

Just over 300 level eight courses saw points rise, however, these increases were limited to 15 points or less in most cases.

While the volume of applications has remained relatively unchanged, almost 1,700 additional level eight course were offered to applicants by 35 colleges this year.

Teaching degrees saw the biggest decrease, while many nursing courses also had significantly lower entry requirements, though applicants fell by 5 per cent in this case.

Some areas of study with traditionally high points, such as medicine and dentistry, have risen slightly.

Arts remains the most popular choice for applicants, with slight in creases and decreases seen across individual colleges.

Applicants have until next Monday, August 28, to accept their first round offer.

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If you're planning on applying for a college grant this year, you better get your skates on.

Applications for third-level maintenance grants and financial aid are expected to exceed 100,000 for the upcoming academic year and SUSI are therefore encouraging anyone who has not yet filled out their submission form to do so by Thursday, July 13. 

Over 80,000 applications have already been received and over 10,000 new students have been awarded funding.

Graham Doyle, Head of Communications with SUSI is urging students to check their website in order to find out in they are eligible or not.

"There is a section on our home page called a grant eligibility reckoner. It sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is but it's a really quick tool where students can self assess whether they may or may not be entitled to a grant," he said.

"It takes on average over two minutes to complete. I would encourage students to use it and see if they are eligible for a grant."

He continued, "We've got over 50% of our applications already completed and we've awarded grants to more than 41,000 students.

"Of those 41,000, a lot of them would be renewing their grant from previous years but we've over 10,500 new students, the vast majority of these are leaving cert students."

To apply for a grant, or to find out if you are eligible, please visit www.susi.ie.

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I cried during my last Leaving Cert exam. It was music. I was supposed to get an A2 at the very least. I was devastated telling everyone that I had “definitely failed”.

I relished in the theatricality of it all. My life was over. I honestly believed it was true and had invented a plan to flee to some hot country, take up the hair-braiding profession and live off the land.

I had turned 18 in March and since then, the Leaving Cert had been my excuse for breakdowns and Ben and Jerrys binges.

Anyone who has been through the Irish education system can relate to this ridiculous lack of perspective that is given to us since the morning after Junior Night.

The quiet, serious tones they used when referring to the exams. The pang of dread when anyone mentioned Maths Paper One and Irish Paper Two. What grinds do you get and what did you put on your CAO? Are you sure you’ll have the points for that?

I never thought anything would be as emotionally draining as the Leaving Cert. I was utterly shocked to realise that a whole world of stress existed outside the exam hall.

The perspective I had been so very lacking during my music exam came one afternoon at the end of September. I was a few weeks into the college semester and was supposed to be doing a group project after lunch. I had a sick feeling in my stomach the whole morning, but I told myself it was just nerves.

My dramatic nature – one my family so often reminded me was the cause of all my ‘problems’ –  was manifesting itself in nausea. I knew it was a lie as soon as I said it out loud. I had always been a good liar, which would prove to be handy in the coming months, but I could rarely lie to myself. My period was late. My stomach was in knots.

A few hours later, my hands shook as I disposed of the positive pregnancy test. I hadn’t been able to bring myself to buy the test, so I called my best friend to perform the horrifying purchase.

Someone was banging on the door; a customer at the café, probably late for a meeting or something equally as grown up. I was hot and sweating, but shivering cold at the same time. I left silently but my mind was screaming. Not in a dramatic damsel way, but like a child. Like a baby.

I had been with my boyfriend for three years, and I knew him well enough to anticipate his supportive yet clueless reaction. I don’t think he had ever even thought about getting pregnant. I don’t think any boy of 18 really considers what would happen in this situation.

I had hardly given it much thought. I would learn in the coming months that college life was a breeding ground for pregnancy scares unlike secondary school where you would hear about it on the grapevine and swore it would never happen to you, but maybe to someone’s sister in the year above.

For the first time in my life I was silenced by reality. I normally talked openly about anything slightly negative I had going on, but my pregnancy was a new kind of problem; an internal one. Though my boyfriend was more than supportive (something I would discover to be rare in the teen mom universe), my pregnancy was not something I shared with anyone.

What happens when you get pregnant at the wrong time in Ireland? Nothing and everything. Nothing on the outside, and everything on the inside. By inside, I do not mean the foetal growth week by week. I mean the mental agony of crisis pregnancy.

The hormones hit me like a bus. I know now this bus was not routed for me alone, but for hundreds of women in Ireland every day. Every girl I have met over the last few years describes the feeling in the same way. Shame. Anger. Love. Guilt. I was a child that became an adult overnight. I felt totally alone after deciding to hide my pregnancy from everyone except our parents.

I lived in my family home with three younger sisters, one who would sit the Leaving Cert during my due date. The exam that I had been so distraught over only months ago. I was terrified of what my pregnancy would do to her. I had become that sister of that girl in the year above.

Now that this year’s Leaving Cert is in full swing, I think of my own daughter when I see those kilts trudging towards the local school. She was three last week.

She is dramatic and emotional and assertive. If she sits her Leaving Cert in fifteen years’ time, I will buy her Ben and Jerry’s. I will tell her to cry and vent as much as she needs to, to make it through the dreaded month. I will not shatter the bubble of skewed perspective I once lived in because it will be her reality at the time.

The Leaving Cert is only one of many paths to take to get to where you want to be. Flawed as it is, it happened to be my path.

This direct school to college route is a path that very few of us teen moms have the privilege of walking. I know many young mothers who have entered third level through alternative systems such as Access programmes, PLC courses and more.

However, I have the Leaving Certificate to thank. I managed to make some attempt at a college degree in the years that followed, having passed my teary music exam after all.

 

 

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University College Dublin has revealed it may be forced to cut the number of places available to Irish students if it does not get more funding.

Although this will not affect intake for the 2017 academic year, UCD president, Professor Andrew Deeks, has warned that the issue could pose a threat in the future.

According to independent.ie, international students typically pay between €18,000 and €24,000 for undergraduate courses – fees which in turn subsidise the costs for Irish students.

"Unless there is movement on the funding of Irish students soon, the university will have to consider the option of reducing the number of places available to Irish students in order to preserve quality," Professor Deeks said.

The news comes after figures show that the demand for college places will rise over the next two to three years.

It's no secret that Ireland's education system is going through a financial crisis. But with rising fees and cuts to grants putting students under huge pressure, there is controversy over who must pay to fix the problem.

According to Professor Deeks, as a result of the Government's failure to properly address the issue, UCD have been forced to up their intake of international students in order to increase staff number at the college, and maintain their place in The QS World University Rankings. 

 

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The first day of my Leaving Cert coincided with my 17th birthday.

Having started school at four-years-old and skipped Transition Year, I was one of the youngest people in my year and spent all of 6th year as an awkward 16-year-old.

This fact coupled with my compulsion to throw sickies and bunk off at every possible opportunity meant that my parents (and my teachers) weren’t exactly confident in my capabilities.

Would I even show up? Or would I do what I did in previous years and decide to opt out of summer exams ‘due to an ear infection’ or sidestep the Mocks with a bout of Bronchitis?

13 years on, I can confirm that I showed up and was then accepted into my first-choice course.

And didn't go.

Instead, I deferred my place and as my friends began their first semester, I worked in retail.

But as my first year in university approached twelve months later, I began my degree with an air of trepidation.

And then promptly dropped out.

I wasn’t ready for university. That’s right, after a year out and more than half way through my first ’deferred’ semester, I still wasn’t ready.

For a teenager who barely managed to make it to class when it was mandatory, setting me free in an environment that allows you to create your own schedule was playing with fire.

And I was positively ablaze.

So, I left.

After spending another year working, I returned to the same university and decided to choose three different subjects.

Having originally opted for English, Psychology and Sociology, I decided to wildcard it and go with German, Anthropology and Biology.

Having done French all through school, I decided to ‘challenge’ myself with German.

Having never heard of Anthropology, I decided to ‘enlighten’ myself with the Humanities subject.

And having gotten the lowest grade in Biology in my Leaving Cert, I decided to… well… I don’t actually know what I was thinking with that one.

I know; who leaves me in charge of my own life?

And yet, after deferring my place the first time around, dropping out the second time around, and forcing myself out of my comfort zone the third time around, I spent the next four years learning a new language and discovering a real interest in Anthropology.

(The less said about Biology the better, but hey, I got to drop that sucker after the first year.)

My undergraduate degree lasted four years, with one spent in Vienna.

Now, I’d be lying if I said changing direction meant I became one of those students who established societies, initiated study groups or even showed up every day.

I still regularly skipped lectures, often found myself wandering into the SU only to leave two days later, once got 4 per cent in a German exam, and was forced on more than one occasion to introduce myself to a lecturer, but there was a certain drive which simply wasn’t there the first time around.

I was older, more confident in myself and knew that the onus lay with me, and me only. We all know college isn’t for everyone, but it’s also important to remember that college mightn’t be for everyone at that particular time.

I mean, my friends were going into their final year when I was being brought on orientation around a college I had registered at twice before, but I mosied on.

Such was my interest in Cultural Anthropology, I decided to do a two-year MA after graduating, spending another year in Vienna.

I graduated with a 1st, and was advised to look into pursuing a PhD.

True to form, and despite the fact I thoroughly enjoyed my MA, I decided that I had taken the wrong route entirely, and eight years after completing the Leaving Cert lamented the fact I hadn't done a course in journalism.

Why didn't I think of that back when I was filling out my CAO? Why do I do everything arseways? What is life?

After spending a worrying amount of time glaring at my graduation photo, I decided to use my research in contemporary media and women in modern society to navigate my way into a writing career.

And I managed it.

Look, I’m (obviously) by no means a Steve ’I dropped out of college at 19’ Jobs, not lest because… what is a computer?

But while I spent years agonising over my decision to first defer, then drop out and finally return, ultimately my haphazard, ‘what in the name of Jaysus am I doing?' approach worked for me.

Yes, I graduated long after my friends, yes I entered the workforce years after them as well, and yes, the kids doing their Leaving Cert today were in Junior Infants when I was doing mine, but the advice still stands.

Your future isn't determined by your Leaving Cert, nor is it even determined by the first course you choose, or even the second.

You'll get where you're meant to be eventually… even if your chosen poet didn't come up today.

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Last week, Nicki Minaj reached out to fans via Twitter, asking if anyone need help with their college expenses. 

Hundreds of fans responded to the message, revealing their personal financial struggles.

In a hugely generous act, Nicki then gave more than $50,000 to 30 fans in need, according to Glamour. 

But she didn't stop there.

On Friday, the rapper announced the launch of her ''official charity for Student Loans/Tuition Payments.'' 

Struggling fans will be able to formally apply for financial relief, providing they can supply proof of expenses.

What a wonderful act of kindness – Nicki, we applaud you.   

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There's no denying that the transition from secondary school to third-level education takes some getting used to.

And while some students thrive in their new environment, countless others struggle to adjust, and ultimately berate themselves for being unable to adapt to their new surroundings.

But according to a recent study, this default response to an apparent failing only serves to perpetuate the feelings of distress many students experience during their first year at university.

Researchers from the University of British Columbia have concluded that students who exhibit higher levels of self-compassion feel more energetic, alive and optimistic during their first year of university.

"Our study suggests the psychological stress students may experience during the transition between high school and university can be mitigated with self-compassion because it enhances the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which in turn, enriches well-being," explained the study's lead author, Katie Gunnell.

Researchers conclude that for a student to prosper during their first year, it is vital that they avoid negative self-judgement and feelings of inadequacy.

Research shows first-year university is stressful," said co-author and UBC kinesiology professor Peter Crocker.

"Students who are used to getting high grades may be shocked to not do as well in university, feel challenged living away from home, and are often missing important social support they had in high school."

"Self-compassion appears to be an effective strategy or resource to cope with these types of issues," he explained.

By initiating self-compassion exercises which promote self-kindness, students were less likely to be self-critical, and ultimately perform better over the course of their first year in third-level education.

Something to think about…

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Digging deep into the psyche of Kanye West would definitely be an interesting experience.

From his thoughts on art and politics and his cryptic Twitter presence to that massive ego, love him or hate him, Kanye is a pretty fascinating creature. 

Clearly Washington University agrees, as they have created a course called "Politics of Kanye West: Black Genius and Sonic Aesthetics."

Image result for kanye west

Not that Kanye needs anyone else calling him a genius, but professor Jefffrey McCune, who founded the course, hopes to look at the rappers impact on society through the 14-week course. 

The course will also use Kanye's hip hop influence as a vehicle to explore other areas of society like sexuality and culture.

And yes, there will be a Taylor Swift module.

“I knew my students had connections to Kanye,” professor McCune told Time. 

 

A photo posted by Kanye West (@kanyewest_daily) on

“They’re always referencing his music and performances and videos and fashion." 

"What better time than now to take seriously Kanye West as a cultural icon? I’m always interested in how he’s pushing whatever boundaries.”

While there is no disputing that Yeezus is seen by many as a cultural icon, what can one do with a degree in Kanye West though? 

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The transition from secondary school to third-level can be overwhelming on so many levels.

While some people take to the new environment like a duck to water, countless others struggle massively with the process, and often feel out of step with the rest of the student body.

From adjusting to independent learning to adapting to changeable timetables, college is a far cry from your days in the local comprehensive, and for some, it's a transition which impacts on their mental and emotional wellbeing.

As you face into the second semester of this academic year, you may have toyed with the idea of jacking it all in, and if that's the case, you may want to consider some of the following questions.

1. Are you unhappy with your subjects?

Identifying the source of your upset is the first step towards taking positive action.

If you are unhappy with your subjects or degree, you need to approach the university and ask for guidance on the matter.

The staff and faculty of any university are employed to guide and support students, so they'll be more than happy to advise you on your options.

And remember, they've heard it all before, so lay it out for them, and it could be as simple as swapping subjects for one you're more interested in.

2. Are you unhappy with your university?

If you don't feel your choice of degree at this particular university is what you were expecting, that's not a reason to drop out of education altogether.

Seek guidance from the staff at your current university, and communicate your concerns.

It's always possible to start again, but doing it by yourself is where it gets tricky, so reach out and give yourself a voice.

No one knows the system better than those working within it, so there's a high chance there are options available to you which you haven't even considered.

3. Are you unhappy with the social element of third-level?

TV and movies would have us believe that college is where you make life-long friends, but for many, college is spent floating between various classes, unable to make a proper connection with fellow students.

After groups forge in the first week, those who didn't make the cut are often left looking in – a sensation which makes for a wholly unpleasant third-level experience.

In this instance, you need to bite the bullet and join some societies. College is chock-full of clubs which don't require a passion for philosophy or history, so join the trampoline club or movie society, and start making pals.

But listen…

College isn't for everyone, and maybe it's just not your time yet.

If you have addressed all of the above issues, and still know that you would benefit from some time away from education, there's no harm in taking a year out or deferring your place.

Everybody is on a separate journey, and there is no rule that says you have to do everything in the same sequence as everyone else.

But before you simply turn off your alarm, and refuse to step foot on campus ever again, make sure you talk through your options with the experts.

 

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