Top Student Questions
Where can I meet people?
There are lots of ways to meet new people both on and off campus, and you'll be making new friends in no time!
New undergraduates will be assigned to mentor groups by the Student2Student (S2S) Programme, and - even before they step foot into their first lecture - their mentors will be in touch about meet-ups and events designed to help students make new connections within their courses and beyond. The Students' Union (SU) and Trinity Hall JCR will also be organising events for people to get together, and there are a range of social spaces on campus including the SU Café and the Global Room.
Obviously, you don't have to make all of your friends in your first week of College! There'll always be ways for you to meet new people during your time at Trinity; you could join a sports club or society, chat to your classmates whilst waiting for a lecture to start, or just say a friendly hello and strike up a conversation with someone you cross paths with on campus.
Postgraduate students can avail of the Postgraduate Common Room, and should keep an eye on emails from the Students' Union for Postgrad events and activities.
The most important thing to remember is that most people don't know other students when they come to Trinity, so you needn't feel like you are the only person anxious about making new friends!
Who can I talk to?
If you're feeling stressed out, worried, or upset, the first thing to do is to talk about it. From fellow students (Niteline, SU Welfare Officer, Trinity Hall JCR Welfare Team) to professional Counselling and other supports (Chaplaincy, Tutorial Service, Postgraduate Advisory Service, The Global Room), there are a range of services on and off campus designed to give you space and time to get things off your chest. They will also be able to guide you to additional supports if concerns about immigration, financial matters, adapting to a new culture, your essay feedback, or otherwise are contributing to your distress. Have a look at the links in this passage and see what's right for you.
What do I do if I'm worried about my academic work?
The Student Learning Development team are here to help you throughout your degree. Whether you are concerned about the transition from secondary school to third-level education, need advice about studying through English, or are struggling to put words on paper, they have the experience and resources to support you.
If you feel like you need subject-specific support, you might like to email your module co-ordinator, or departmental Head of Year to book a time to talk to them during their Office Hours. Remember that your lecturers purposefully hold office hours so that students can come and speak to them 1:1, so don't be afraid to make use of this support!
If you are nervous about approaching a member of staff, your S2S Mentors may also be able to offer you some useful advice. They will likely have developed their own top tips for studying, and may even have experienced the same anxieties as you. However, you should remember that your mentors are also students, so they may not be able to answer all of your questions. Chances are they will refer you on to Student Learning Development, or a lecturer in your school!
If you have been absent from classes and/or have not been able to undertake study due to personal circumstances make sure you inform your Tutor/Supervisor/departmental Head of Year as soon as possible, so that they can help you to take the time that you need, and to get back on track when you're ready. It is important to take your learning seriously and submit work by the deadlines set by your professors, but, they understand that you are human, and sometimes things happen that we can't expect! Just remember that if you are absent from class for more than consecutive three days due to illness, you may be asked to provide a doctor's note.
How do I get active?
As a Trinity student, you are able to use the campus Sports Centre, as well as the College's off-campus training grounds. In the Sports Centre you can find a full fitness suite, pool, sports hall, and even a climbing wall. You will often find Trinity sports clubs and societies using the on- and off-campus facilities. These clubs and societies are a great way to get active whilst also meeting new people!
You can find a list of Trinity's Sports Clubs at www.tcd.ie/Sport/, and of College societies at www.trinitysocieties.ie/. Remember that you don't have to be an Olympic athlete to get involved! When browsing through these lists, you will find that there are teams for all ability and fitness levels, and it's perfectly okay if you're joining a club because you want to go on a post-training pub trip.