Getting the most out of your College Experience.

I'm going into the third week of my final year at college....

Yeah, it's exciting to be preparing for the big bad world but.. I'm not sure I'm ready to leave a life of student discounts behind! No more fiver burritos or free in to Coppers before 12. Having to pay the full bus fare in to town. I think I might even miss those last minute cram sessions before an exam...

It took me a while to really get into the swing of college life and in a way I regret that. I didn't get very involved in the social side of things until I was in my third year, and if I could go back that is one thing I would definitely change! So for all you lucky ducks just beginning your third level education, here is some advice on how to make the most of those sweet student years!

Get the most out of your education:

Take advantage of tutoring opportunities. Most colleges offer free tutelage, which in some colleges is mandatory. Abuse the hell out of them! Don't make the mistake I did and say "ah sure, be grand, I'll be well able to lash out the assignment on my own". Tutorials in my college are not mandatory and only last 20 minutes but you can book as many as you like throughout the year, with any tutor, about any thing. Even if its just getting someone to proof read your work, DO IT! These guys are pros and they are giving you extra time to learn, so take advantage of that!
Go to class. Number one, you are paying for it, you don't go to Burger King and ask for just the bun, same applies here. Class is where you will get the most information and engagement. Sure, we all say "ah I can get the slides online" but do we ever really look at them? Really? If you go to class you can ask the lecturer any questions you have straight away, rather than trawling through Wikipedia definitions at 4am.
Network. Going to class makes this a bit easier. Networking is oh so important. These are the people who are going to make up the workforce you will inevitably venture into. So make contacts, friends and allies and don't be ashamed to make a note of those you wouldn't want to work with either, that's all part of the experience!
Find your study spot. If you're living away from home, create a study space in your room if you can. Have a desk and chair, DO NOT STUDY WHILE SNUGGLED UP IN BED. Lets face facts, if you sit in bed and study, the netflix tab is always at the ready. Ideally you should find an environment away from your everyday, one that you associate solely with study. I find my college library a godsend, there's loads of little nooks and crannies for me to set up my laptop and get out my books. Even if I don't get much work done, I always feel way more productive sitting in a library with all my fellow students "studying".
Save your course materials. I cannot stress this enough! Download your lecture notes and class slides to a USB and keep them. You never know when they might come in handy!
Attend extracurricular lectures and seminars. In my college, these come in the form of masterclasses and I have had some pretty awesome opportunities out of them. I've gotten to meet Lisa Hannigan, Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal, Ryan Bingham, Andy Mckee, Michael League to name but a few. If your college provides opportunities like this, GODDAMN GO TO THEM. The information you get is invaluable. For me as a musician, we get first hand experience stories from the cream of the crop (and some brag worthy facebook profilers). But for other colleges, these provide extra information and tips on your college work and how to develop yourself as a professional!

Get the most out of your social life:

Talk to other students. Make the effort with this from day one! It's perfectly normal to be shy but just remember that everyone else is probably experiencing that "small fish, big pond" feeling just as much as you. Attend those fresher nights and make friends, even if they are just your designated bestie for that one night!
Experiment. Always wondered what you would look like with green hair? Now is the time to test that. Wanted to get your nose pierced? I'm almost sure I saw a student discount on that. Just bear in mind that if you get an arm full of tattoos you should be prepared to more than likely have to cover up those arms for the rest of your professional life. (Bummer I know, I have an arm tattoo myself, but there ya go)
Join a society/club/both. How can I emphasise this enough? DO IT!!! Societies was one of the best things that happened to me in my college life. The people you meet and the opportunities you get are amazing. If you just want to stick to the membership side of things, clubs and societies are a great way to relax from the study hubbub. If you want to take it one step further, I would highly recommend getting involved on a committee level. Your college provides training and funding for your society/club to do all sorts of cool stuff, that you have the honour of organising!
Keep an open mind. Starting college can be overwhelming. There's such a crazy clash of people, ideas, tastes and styles. But I beg you to please keep an open mind. You never know, you might find a new interest or skill. Or completely change your opinion on something. Sometimes that is what college is all about, finding who you are is easier when you are open to who everyone else is. (Quote and a half right there, amirite?)
Stay in touch over breaks. We all know that meme. "RIP to all the meet ups that never happen". Its so important to keep in touch with friends over college breaks. Meet up for drinks, go on a weekend away, keep the networking and friendships flourishing. Having said that, don't forget about your friends from back home!
Mix the social with the educational. Create a study group. This way you and your friends can help each other with college work while simultaneously having the absolute banter. Also: - Try not to live off pizza and pot noodles (no honey, no). - Never underestimate the power of de-stressing, be it meditation or numerous episodes of Rick and Morty. - Exercise regularly, not only does this help avoid the dreaded "freshman fifteen", it also does sciency stuff to your brain to help you study better. - Peanut butter is bae. Until next time x