By Deputy Editor, Ciara Clarke.
A look into how first year students are adapting to college life.
In September 2025 DCU welcomed over 4,300 new undergraduate students, with there now being over 20,000 students across five faculties.
While an exciting and hopeful time, it can also be stressful and nerve-wracking for many as their newfound independence can leave students wondering how to navigate their new surroundings in an effective way.
For many students, independence is what they craved the most. However, college is a much different beast to secondary school without teachers keeping track of your attendance and parents no longer being called if you miss a class. Many students struggle to find a solid routine to stick to and stay on top of their work.
Michael Dunphy began his undergraduate degree in multimedia earlier this year, and has been finding it hard adapting from secondary school to college.
“It’s not as intense as secondary school would have been like, they don’t really care if you show up to every lecture. I made the mistake of thinking the HG building was the Henry Grattan building, and it was actually the Nursing building.”
Micheal isn’t alone in his struggles. Many students, post and undergraduates, struggle to find their way across campus.
First year Mechatronic Engineering student David Lee spoke of his difficulties navigating Glasnevin campus during his first few weeks:
“Initially it was quite tough when we came in, there were a lot of new buildings and we had no clue where anything was. I feel like there should more guides for the students and that some of the rooms are not adequately signposted for where they’re trying to go”
For many students, Clubs and Societies are a vital part of college life, allowing for new social opportunities and a breath of fresh air away from assignments.
Lauren Joyce VP for Wellbeing for the Student Union also reinstates the importance of welcoming first years.
“Clubs and Societies give students a sense of belonging, while also improving independence, especially for first years who have the opportunity to choose what to get involved in alongside their studies, possibly for the first time.”
Student representatives are a vital part of college life and can be a great help to students. Those who are elected to the role help students by liaising with staff and lecturers to try and provide a better experience for students.
According to DCU Student Life, student representatives sit on the governing body of DCU Students’ Union, Class Rep Council, voting on decisions for how the Students’ Union can support students. Your Class Rep can be found here.
Dylan Smith, a first year journalism student was elected as a representative for his course this year
“From speaking amongst people in my course we are all quite happy with settling in and have found it to be an inviting environment. Within my first day of being in DCU I had made a few friends who I had the pleasure of going out with that night.
Overall I would say most people are adapting well and are finding the rhythm of college life well so far. Every person is talkative and luckily enough since it’s a small course group nobody feels like a stranger.”
Image Credit: Ciara Clarke