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How to prepare for First Year College/I.T./University What are the Pitfalls??? What is all this talk about “Drop out”…. “Attrition”…. First Aid for Freshers!. Factors that contribute to “Drop Out”. Personal Problems (Health, Finance, Home-sickness etc.) Academic Failure Large class size
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How to prepare for First Year College/I.T./University What are the Pitfalls??? What is all this talk about “Drop out”…. “Attrition”… First Aid for Freshers!
Factors that contribute to “Drop Out” • Personal Problems (Health, Finance, Home-sickness etc.) • Academic Failure • Large class size • Lack of Awareness of Student Support Services • Inadequate Study Skills • Wrong Course of Study • Early departure – failure to integrate socially • Later departure – failure to succeed academically P. White, Guidance & Counselling 2005
Two-thirds (66.7%) of leavers stated they had chosen the wrong course Over Half were disappointed with the course content Non-Completion P. White, Guidance & Counselling 2005
“it would appear that preparation of students for what is ahead of them with a good back up or support programme while at college” NEED TO ENGAGE IN RESOURCES & SERVICES AVAILABLE Sometimes Students go around with “blinkers” or even”buckets”on!!!! Course Leaders Opinion
Services for First Years • Fresher Orientation 1-2 Days of introduction to college life, course activities etc. You will be sent a handout outlining all details • Campus Tour, Library Tour. • Computer Centre – email, courses. ECDL • Mentors/Buddy System/ Students Connect • Students Union Staff • Clubs & Societies • Sports Officer Etc. P.White, Guidance & Counselling 2005
Services available on request • Academic Advisor • Counsellor(s) • Chaplain (s) • Medical Centre Staff • Accommodation Officer • Disability Officer • Creche #Services vary in colleges
Subject Choice • More than half of graduate jobs are for graduates of any discipline. • Subject is far less important than standard of Degree. • It is far better to excel in a subject not in great demand than to be average at one that is! • Employers are more concerned with transferable skills and work exp than the degree discipline
Choose subjects you likeand are good at! P. White, Guidance & Counselling, 2005
When a student leaves prematurely • De-registration • “retire early” • “deserters” • “leavers” • Requested to complete paperwork, may need to have a form signed by Academic Advisory Office • Failure to submit Exit Form could have future implications for students in relation to grants
De -register before end of October – can register for First Year later without incurring fees • De-register before end of January – only incur half fees
Useful Websites • www thecollegeyouhavechosen.search • www.educationalpolicy.org • www.gradireland.ie • www.nuim.ie - for Calendar • for notes on study; The study guides of University of St. Thomas
Not quite all it’s cracked up to be!!?? • The monthly national average income for a student living away from home in 2004 was €726.19 • The average monthly cost of going to college and living away from home in Dublin in 2004 was €875 • Travel, clothing, medical expenses and laundry add up to €120 per month approx.
Last year students spent an average of €117 a month on socialising REMEMBER YOU DON’T REALLY KNOW SOMEONE UNTILYOU LIVE WITH THEM! P.White, Guidance&Counselling, 2005
“I hope you have the time of your life” GREENDAY • P.White, Guidance&Counselling, 2005