It’s that time of year again fellow students; Back to College, and for many of us there is a certain degree of preparation involved. Preparation is a key to avoid last minute stress and any dreaded ever so many university fines. Take a look at our list that covers the fundamentals for ensuring you’re ready to go again for college.
1. Having somewhere to live is pretty handy: Contrary to popular belief, most City Councils and Student Unions frown upon homeless students. Despite suggesting otherwise, a “campus” is not to be mistaken as a place of outdoor refuge and all non-commuters should ensure they have a safe roof over their heads for the year. For those students who are still contemplating their accommodation options for the 2012/2013 academic year, we at Studenty suggest you hop to it. Remember, there will be a significant rush in accommodation hunting within the next few weeks due to the CAO offers for new undergraduate students so anybody still homeless should keep their eye on websites such as www.collegecribs.ie for accommodation options in your college area. A full list of potential Dublin accommodation options is included at the bottom of this article.
2. Registration: We all hate it. There’s always sure to be one university computer system to crash in the process. In an effort to avoid numerous calls to the Registry office which as we all know, takes large chunks out of our valuable Fresher’s Week Beverage Indulging Time, ensure to find out correct registration details from university websites with regard registration opening times so as to avoid fines and to ensure correct research into any modules you are considering taking. Registration details for most colleges are available in the Registry link on each university website.
3. Let’s go shopping!:
If you’re any way similar to my housemate Deirbhile and I, you’ll be recession busting your way through pre-college supplies shopping. Recent personal investigations into kitchen utensil and stationery shopping (the most fun shopping of all) reveal that if you shop around you’ll find a bargain.
• Before moving in, find out from campus residences or your landlord if you are to bring any kitchen items with you. Most kitchens will already be equipped with appliances such as a toaster, kettle and microwave. For those of you planning on fitting your “gaf” out with student friendly kitchen utensils I suggest you try Tesco. In my opinion, Tesco have beaten the common notion that Ikea are the kings of providing students with hot deals. The kitchen ware department in Tesco is sure to fulfil all your student needs with the cheapest cutlery, frying pans, plates, mugs, WINE/BEER GLASSES, saucepans and extras such as baking trays and cheese graters etc working out at less than 30euro altogether if you opt for the cheap versions of everything. Without breaking the bank balance, your student kitchen is sure to have your neighbours pining with jealousy. Call in store to snatch up friendly priced kitchen goodies. Your local “Euro” shop is sure to whip up a bargain or two also.
• For most of us, gone are the days when late August became a stationery shopping mania. As laidback students, many of us are under the impression that we no longer need separate stationery for each subject, colour coordinated ring binders or fancy Paper Chase pens to ensure school success. After all, what’s a successful Leaving Cert without a matching pencil case and spiral notepad?! Now, it’s a simple case of finding an old half empty Briathra copybook and a blotchy Bic from under the sofa to ensure we’re well prepared for lectures. Once again, Easons are offering financial friendly stationery options for students with reasonable priced lectures note pads and pens. For more information, check out http://www.easons.com/pid/page/stationery or call in store.
• For many on-campus television owners remember it is illegal to own a television set without a TV License. If you’re intending on enjoying the privilege of a TV set in your new home, make sure to invest in an up to date license. All details can be found here at http://www.anpost.ie/anpost/tvlicence250108.htm
• Trusty shops such as Penneys, Heatons and Dunnes Stores are a haven for bargain student essentials such as duvets and towels.
4. Other Bits and Bobs:
• In a bid to work out the cost of travelling for the year, commuters or students travelling from student accommodation to college via bus should be aware of up to date prices with regard student ticket prices from www.dublinbus.ie or www.buseireann.ie
• Students in receipt of a town council grant should ensure to have proof of grant available in time for registration so as to prove your fees are being handled by a third party.
• On campus students should be aware of any extra costs they will have to pay in advance for services such as Wifi internet and parking. Sometimes, those sneaky campus residences forget to mention these things!
Stuck for accommodation? Check out the following
http://www.daft.ie/
http://www.rent.ie/
http://www.let.ie/
http://www.collegecribs.ie/
http://www.hazelwood.ie/
http://www.gatewaystudentvillage.ie/
http://www.shanowensquare.com/
http://www.shanowenhall.com/
http://www.broadstoneaccommodation.com/
http://www.schoolhousecourt.com/
http://www.ghr.ie/accommodation/index.html
Keep an eye on websites such as www.boards.ie and click on your college as fellow students may be advertising rooms.
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