theirishtimes--2020-11-03--Higher Options 2020: What you can expect from the virtual experience

Students traditionally spend a lot of time researching courses and educational institutions as they reach the end of their secondary school days .
This is a key part of making informed decisions about future career choices .
However , like almost everything else in society , the coronavirus pandemic has impacted how colleges and universities can now deliver this information to prospective students .
Just as the pandemic prompted a surge in demand by business for tech conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams , the quick shutdown of schools and universities across the country also resulted in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One knock-on effect has been that major events in the academic calendar such as Higher Options , Ireland ’ s main information-gathering opportunity for secondary school students , have also gone online .
We caught up with Janet Stafford , manager of Higher Options , and asked her what students can expect from this year ’ s virtual experience .
What can students expect from Higher Options 2020 ?
We have aimed at making Higher Options 2020 as like attending the event in any other year as it can be .
Students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meet representatives from the Irish , UK and EU universities and institutions to pick up information and ask questions about courses and college life .
A full programme of career talks will give students the opportunity to find out about different areas of study , what to consider when thinking beyond the Leaving Cert , options for Further Education routes and how to get the best from CAO choices .
Why should I attend when I already know what I want to do ?
If you already know what you want to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students are still making decisions though and Brian Mooney ’ s talk on choosing a course and career will be an ideal starting point for them on day one .
There will be information available from other bodies such as CAO , SUSI , HEAR and DARE and information on further study options for those looking at that study route .
Why should I attend when I can just contact the university directly ?
Higher Options should give the opportunity to speak directly with college and university representatives but also to engage with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learn things from the questions other people are asking .
One of the great benefits of Higher Options is that it allows you to speak to many different institutions on the one day as they are all gathered together with staff waiting to provide you with information .
Each individual student attending the event will get their own personal virtual backpack to fill with brochures and information – you can fill it with information from all the stands there .
Will it give me good idea of what college will be like ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ students who are very well placed to share information on what the college experience is like .
Nobody really knows what college life is like until they are there but an event such as Higher Options , and other virtual open days that are taking place , gives those wishing to go on to further study as much information as possible to help with making good choices .
By finding out information and understanding what a course of study entails you ’ ll have the best chance for a happy and fulfilling college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buys a ticket will receive an individual password shortly before the event opens .
This enables them to have unique access for the two days of the event and to access material on the event site and in their personal backpack for one month afterwards .
Will there be a queuing system in place for each stand ?
Stands will have a group chat function where students can submit questions and see everyone else ’ s answers .
There is also the opportunity for individual chats .
Like the Higher Options event some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands for different faculties or schools so if you are interested in science in UCD , for instance , you can go to that faculty stand .
It should mean less ‘ queuing ’ to have your question answered .
The event will run from 1pm to 6pm each day .
That means that you can access it during school hours but also on your phone or tablet later in the afternoon or evening .
You might even let your parents go around the stands or ask a question .
Will I be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Yes .
The universities , colleges and institutions attending will have staff on their stands who should be able to answer questions about specific courses .
How do I ask a question ?
There is a chat function at each stand that enables you to put your question and to see answers displayed .
Will the responses be instant ?
It is a little difficult to say .
It will depend on the number of questions being asked at a stand at any given time .
Higher Options is a very busy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you are waiting to speak with someone on a stand .
As we move to a different format for the event there will undoubtedly be busy periods at stands .
Your ticket enables you to visit a stand during opening times on any of the two days of the event so you should have no problem putting questions to each of the exhibitors you wish to speak with during that time .
Will it be possible for me to get a prospectus ?
Yes .
Each attendee will have their own individual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospectus material .
You can also request to have a copy sent to you if you wish by the exhibitors .
What topics will be covered by the talks ?
The talks will cover topics such as CAO , mapping a career with a science degree , options for study in Europe , careers with a law degree , Further Education opportunities and routes , nursing and midwifery , careers in agricultural science and horticulture .
A full listing will be available on higheroptions.vfairs.com to enable attendees to plan their activity .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible for me to look back on it ?
Yes .
Ticket holders will be able to access recordings of the talks .
Have you any tips for how I can make the most of Higher Options ?
Put in some preparation ahead of the event .
Visit the event page and look at the institutions that are attending and Talks timetable .
Note down some questions you want to ask .
You will be able to dip in and out of the event but make the most of the access you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions you want and to collect the material you want to read back over afterwards .
See higheroptions.vfairs.com or irishtimes.com/higheroptionsfor more info .

The universities, colleges and institutions attending Higher Options 2020 will have staff on their stands who should be able to answer questions about specific courses.
Students traditionally spend a lot of time researching courses and educational institutions as they reach the end of their secondary school days. This is a key part of making informed decisions about future career choices. However, like almost everything else in society, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted how colleges and universities can now deliver this information to prospective students.
Just as the pandemic prompted a surge in demand by business for tech conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, the quick shutdown of schools and universities across the country also resulted in a shift to online teaching and remote learning.
One knock-on effect has been that major events in the academic calendar such as Higher Options, Ireland’s main information-gathering opportunity for secondary school students, have also gone online.
We caught up with Janet Stafford, manager of Higher Options, and asked her what students can expect from this year's virtual experience.
READ MORE
What can students expect from Higher Options 2020?
We have aimed at making Higher Options 2020 as like attending the event in any other year as it can be. Students will be able to visit stands and meet representatives from the Irish, UK and EU universities and institutions to pick up information and ask questions about courses and college life. A full programme of career talks will give students the opportunity to find out about different areas of study, what to consider when thinking beyond the Leaving Cert, options for Further Education routes and how to get the best from CAO choices.
Why should I attend when I already know what I want to do?
If you already know what you want to do, that’s great! Many students are still making decisions though and Brian Mooney’s talk on choosing a course and career will be an ideal starting point for them on day one. There will be information available from other bodies such as CAO, SUSI, HEAR and DARE and information on further study options for those looking at that study route.
Why should I attend when I can just contact the university directly?
Higher Options should give the opportunity to speak directly with college and university representatives but also to engage with group chat on stands. You can learn things from the questions other people are asking. One of the great benefits of Higher Options is that it allows you to speak to many different institutions on the one day as they are all gathered together with staff waiting to provide you with information. Each individual student attending the event will get their own personal virtual backpack to fill with brochures and information – you can fill it with information from all the stands there.
Will it give me good idea of what college will be like?
Many stands will involve current or recent students who are very well placed to share information on what the college experience is like. Nobody really knows what college life is like until they are there but an event such as Higher Options, and other virtual open days that are taking place, gives those wishing to go on to further study as much information as possible to help with making good choices. By finding out information and understanding what a course of study entails you’ll have the best chance for a happy and fulfilling college and further study experience.
How do I access Higher Options?
Everyone who buys a ticket will receive an individual password shortly before the event opens. This enables them to have unique access for the two days of the event and to access material on the event site and in their personal backpack for one month afterwards.
Will there be a queuing system in place for each stand?
Stands will have a group chat function where students can submit questions and see everyone else’s answers. There is also the opportunity for individual chats. Like the Higher Options event some of the larger universities will have different stands for different faculties or schools so if you are interested in science in UCD, for instance, you can go to that faculty stand. It should mean less ‘queuing’ to have your question answered. The event will run from 1pm to 6pm each day. That means that you can access it during school hours but also on your phone or tablet later in the afternoon or evening. You might even let your parents go around the stands or ask a question.
Will I be able to ask questions about specific courses?
Yes. The universities, colleges and institutions attending will have staff on their stands who should be able to answer questions about specific courses.
How do I ask a question?
There is a chat function at each stand that enables you to put your question and to see answers displayed.
Will the responses be instant?
It is a little difficult to say. It will depend on the number of questions being asked at a stand at any given time. Higher Options is a very busy event and often it requires some patience when you are waiting to speak with someone on a stand. As we move to a different format for the event there will undoubtedly be busy periods at stands. Your ticket enables you to visit a stand during opening times on any of the two days of the event so you should have no problem putting questions to each of the exhibitors you wish to speak with during that time.
Will it be possible for me to get a prospectus?
Yes. Each attendee will have their own individual virtual backpack for collecting PDF brochures and prospectus material. You can also request to have a copy sent to you if you wish by the exhibitors.
What topics will be covered by the talks?
The talks will cover topics such as CAO, mapping a career with a science degree, options for study in Europe, careers with a law degree, Further Education opportunities and routes, nursing and midwifery, careers in agricultural science and horticulture. A full listing will be available on higheroptions.vfairs.com to enable attendees to plan their activity.
If I miss a talk will it be possible for me to look back on it?
Yes. Ticket holders will be able to access recordings of the talks.
Have you any tips for how I can make the most of Higher Options?
Put in some preparation ahead of the event. Visit the event page and look at the institutions that are attending and Talks timetable. Note down some questions you want to ask. You will be able to dip in and out of the event but make the most of the access you have over the two days to ask any questions you want and to collect the material you want to read back over afterwards.
See higheroptions.vfairs.com or irishtimes.com/higheroptionsfor more info.


theirishtimes--2020-11-03--Other institutions: All you need to know about open days

While third level campuses have been closed down and the public can not gather in any significant numbers for the foreseeable future , third-level institutions are using virtual platforms to give prospective students a taste of the lifestyle and study opportunities they offer .
The following is a selection of open days across the country .
When ?
MIC virtual open day took place in October but events can be reviewed at micopenday.ie .
What will open day look like ?
MIC ’ s virtual open day features talks from the college ’ s academic and student services and support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the MIC virtual open day includes an interactive digital tour that showcases the college ’ s two campuses – MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles .
A number of student testimonials are also available to watch .
To learn more about the college , interested parties are encouraged to view the undergraduate prospectus , which provides general information on the college , student services/supports and specific details relating to the selection of undergraduate programmes , entry requirements and testimonials .
The prospectus can be viewed at mic.ie .
Strengths : Each year MIC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The college has one of the highest retention rates of all the third-level institutions .
It prides itself on its student-centric ethos , a highly supportive atmosphere and extensive range of support services .
It currently has more than 5,000 students , including a large cohort of international students , registered across its range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles .
Accommodation : This year the MIC-owned facility Courtbrack student accommodation opened in Limerick and is available for rental on a weekly rotational basis .
MIC Thurles will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every second week , during each semester for the 2020-2021 academic year .
Students considering applying to MIC for the academic year 2021-2022 should review the MIC website on a regular basis for updates .
For more information please contact the MIC accommodation office on 061-302500 .
What ’ s new ?
Two new programmes were added to the MIC offering in 2020 , namely the bachelor of education– international ( MI004 ) at MIC Limerick and the bachelor in education , mathematics and business studies ( MI014 ) at MIC Thurles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid-19 restrictions , MIC offered interested parties the chance to ask lecturers and other key members of the college community anything they would like to know about MIC and its degrees , via a series of Instagram Live Q & A sessions .
They can be viewed at : Mayo campus open days are November 14th from 10am -1pm and May 5th 2021 from 2-5pm .
Letterfrack campus open days are November 13th from 2-5pm and March 27th 2021 from 11am-2pm .
Winter open day is November 21st from 10am-1pm .
Pathways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 5-7pm .
Mountbellew campus open day is March 3rd from 9:30am-3pm .
Spring open day for all campuses is March 13th 2021 from 10am-1pm .
What will open day look like ?
GMIT launched a virtual open day earlier this year in response to Covid-19 and it is available seven days a week , 365 days a year .
This site is designed for prospective students and their families , offering information about all campuses , courses , facilities , supports , interactive career advice and guidance .
For the 2020-2021 open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to this virtual experience , where students can watch and comment on live webinars , join in Q & A sessions and more .
The institute has recently launched its new interactive prospectus ( gmit.ie/general/online-prospectus ) .
It includes video footage and interactive features that will give students a good feel for the colleges courses and campuses .
Strengths : GMIT prides itself on the positive relationship between staff and students .
It offers a broad choice of programmes – in business , science , engineering , health sciences , agriculture , hospitality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are designed around the three P ’ s – practicals , projects and placements .
GMIT was the first Irish college to offer a degree in hotel management and offers a number of courses relating to hospitality , culinary and tourism .
Accommodation : GMIT does not own or operate student accommodation but the Students Union offers an accommodation listing service on its website gmitstudentpad.ie/Housing .
What ’ s new ?
GMIT and its partners in the Connacht-Ulster Alliance ( CUA ) – IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT – are working together to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the west and north west of Ireland .
The CUA will make its formal submission for designation this December .
GMIT recently approved a bachelor of education ( Hons ) in art , design and graphics .
Don ’ t miss : A unique feature of GMIT ’ s virtual open day is the “ careers corner ” , a valuable tool for any Leaving Cert student who may be unsure of their course and career choices .
It features a series of presentations and a strengths profiling questionnaire to help them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suit their personality and interests .
Register at : itsligo.ie/opendayWhat will open day look like ?
IT Sligo ’ s open days will take place virtually with some on campus activity in 2021 , if it is safe to do so .
During the open day prospective students can watch films featuring IT Sligo and the college ’ s programme offerings .
Students will be able to discover the modern campus , listen to guest speakers , hear from students and support services and also be in with a chance to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be available to answer any questions students might have about courses and student life at the college .
Guest speakers at the first event will include Dr Eddie Murphy , a clinical psychologist from RTÉ ’ s Operation Transformation who will focus on mental wellbeing during these difficult times plus Donnchadh O ’ Mahony from O ’ Mahony Careers who will give advice on the CAO application process and tips on researching programmes to find the best course for you .
Strengths : IT Sligo is ranked in the top five best performing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The college is an internationally recognised third-level college , providing university-level education with a reputation that covers the globe .
Accommodation : There is a vast range of accommodation options available to students in Sligo where the cost of living is more affordable than many other towns and cities in Ireland .
There are seven student villages located around the campus , all within a 10-minute walk , so living here and getting around is easy .
Student villages offer high-speed broadband , some offer smart televisions and free Netflix , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free shuttle bus to the train and bus station .
What will open days look like ?
The event focuses on undergraduate entry for September 2021 but also showcases the opportunities for postgraduate learning and research and flexible study .
The WIT team is planning for an open day experience that closely matches its physical open days : The same presentations , question and answer sessions , opportunities for one-on-one conversations with academics and students and virtual campus tours that would normally take place in-person will now happen online .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a virtual exhibition space with booths people can drop in to online to chat with someone about their specific queries .
As with other years , there will be talks delivered by an academic ( this time via Zoom ) and time for a Q & A session afterwards .
It is expected there will be a schedule of lifestyle talks , such as student supports and clubs and societies .
The virtual booths will be attended by lecturers in certain disciplines or various support staff .
Strengths : Celebrating its 50th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education opportunities .
The college offers degrees in law , architecture , arts , psychology , agricultural science and music .
As well as courses across these disciplines : business , accounting , digital marketing , retail management , engineering , built environment , engineering technology , architecture , nursing , health sciences , sport and exercise sciences , arts , social science , culinary arts and hospitality , art , and design .
Accommodation : WIT has two accommodation locations .
College campus consists of 66 single en-suite rooms , of which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These apartments are located on the main campus .
Located two-minutes walk from College Street campus and fifteen-minutes walk from the main city campus , accommodation is the ideal location for many WIT students .
Flexi-stay packages are now available , which can be tailored to meet individual student requirements .
What ’ s new ?
The 2021 offering will include three new course options : WD232 Bachelor of business ( Hons ) in business information systems , WD231 Bachelor of arts ( Hons ) in early childhood care and education , WD007 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ automation engineering .
What will open day look like ?
Visitors will be able to take a campus tour , listen to IT Carlow students tell their stories , learn about the range of different courses such as business , engineering , science and health , humanities , and computing .
Prospective students will be able to participate in live Q & A sessions with the faculty teams , receive advice and guidance on fees , grants , scholarships , and the college ’ s different access routes .
Strengths : IT Carlow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Level 9 across two different campuses .
They include courses in engineering , computing , sports and health , science , business , law , media and design , ranging from Level 6 Higher Certificate to Level 9 Master ’ s degree .
The recreational sports programme at IT Carlow provides opportunities for physical activity , friendship and social interaction and there are more than 40 active clubs and societies .
What ’ s new ?
IT Carlow is three-quarters of the way into a €150million capital development programme that has already delivered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dargan Centre for Research and Innovation , a multimillion Student Services and Sports Facilities Centre and the Haughton Centre for Teaching and Learning .
Work is nearing completion on a 31-acre south sports campus that will consolidate IT Carlow ’ s position as one of Ireland ’ s leading third-level institutes for the provision of sport and physical activity .
Don ’ t miss : The “ Start Your Story ” videos shot and fronted by students across various courses who tell their own story .
What will open days look like ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Limerick , Griffith College offers courses in accountancy , business , computing , design , fashion , law , media , music and drama , training and education .
The private college , which currently has more than 7,000 enrolled students , provides for a range of study options including internationally recognised undergraduate , postgraduate , part-time , professional and blended learning courses .
It has a good reputation nationally and internationally for the quality of its graduates .
Prospective students can register for upcoming open days at : What will open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to run an “ Open Fortnight ” this year providing a two-week programme of live online events , open to students , parents/guardians , teachers and guidance counsellors .
Participants can ask questions to staff members from a broad selection of programmes to provide the insights required to help prospective students choose CAO programmes of interest and relevance to them .
Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from current students and recent graduates who will talk about their personal experiences and offer advice about student life .
Strengths : CIT offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The institute wins multimillion-euro research funding on an annual basis and has strong connections with industry .
Work placement features strongly and during their studies , CIT students get the opportunity to gain skills for employment or to start their own businesses .
What ’ s new ?
On January 1st 2021 , CIT will join with Institute of Technology Tralee to establish Munster Technological University ( MTU ) .
Incoming students will enjoy many additional benefits , such as an enhanced range and quality of services and supports available to students and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choice , progression opportunities , research and industry placement .
When : Primary and post-primary webinar is on November 4th and 18th and December 2nd .
Open day webinar is on November 26th .

The IT Sligo team will be available to answer any questions students might have about courses and student life.
While third level campuses have been closed down and the public cannot gather in any significant numbers for the foreseeable future, third-level institutions are using virtual platforms to give prospective students a taste of the lifestyle and study opportunities they offer. The following is a selection of open days across the country.
Mary Immaculate College’s virtual open day features talks from the college’s academic and student services and support teams.
Mary Immaculate College (MIC)
When? MIC virtual open day took place in October but events can be reviewed at micopenday.ie.
What will open day look like? MIC's virtual open day features talks from the college's academic and student services and support teams. As well as programme talks, the MIC virtual open day includes an interactive digital tour that showcases the college's two campuses – MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles.
READ MORE
A number of student testimonials are also available to watch. To learn more about the college, interested parties are encouraged to view the undergraduate prospectus, which provides general information on the college, student services/supports and specific details relating to the selection of undergraduate programmes, entry requirements and testimonials. The prospectus can be viewed at mic.ie.
Strengths: Each year MIC welcomes more than 1,000 first-year students. The college has one of the highest retention rates of all the third-level institutions. It prides itself on its student-centric ethos, a highly supportive atmosphere and extensive range of support services. It currently has more than 5,000 students, including a large cohort of international students, registered across its range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in MIC Limerick and MIC Thurles.
Accommodation: This year the MIC-owned facility Courtbrack student accommodation opened in Limerick and is available for rental on a weekly rotational basis. MIC Thurles will be offering accommodation for 70 first-year students every second week, during each semester for the 2020-2021 academic year. Students considering applying to MIC for the academic year 2021-2022 should review the MIC website on a regular basis for updates. For more information please contact the MIC accommodation office on 061-302500.
What's new? Two new programmes were added to the MIC offering in 2020, namely the bachelor of education– international (MI004) at MIC Limerick and the bachelor in education, mathematics and business studies (MI014) at MIC Thurles.
Don't miss: In light of Covid-19 restrictions, MIC offered interested parties the chance to ask lecturers and other key members of the college community anything they would like to know about MIC and its degrees, via a series of Instagram Live Q&A sessions. They can be viewed at:
micopenday.ie/instagram-live-q-and-a.
A diverse range of courses are on offer for students in colleges such as RCSI and GMIT.
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT)
When?
Mayo campus open days are November 14th from 10am -1pm and May 5th 2021 from 2-5pm. Letterfrack campus open days are November 13th from 2-5pm and March 27th 2021 from 11am-2pm. Winter open day is November 21st from 10am-1pm. Pathways to GMIT is on January 21st 2021 from 5-7pm. Mountbellew campus open day is March 3rd from 9:30am-3pm. Spring open day for all campuses is March 13th 2021 from 10am-1pm.
Register at: openday.gmit.ie
What will open day look like? GMIT launched a virtual open day earlier this year in response to Covid-19 and it is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. This site is designed for prospective students and their families, offering information about all campuses, courses, facilities, supports, interactive career advice and guidance. For the 2020-2021 open days, GMIT is adding live events to this virtual experience, where students can watch and comment on live webinars, join in Q&A sessions and more. The institute has recently launched its new interactive prospectus (gmit.ie/general/online-prospectus). It includes video footage and interactive features that will give students a good feel for the colleges courses and campuses.
Strengths: GMIT prides itself on the positive relationship between staff and students. It offers a broad choice of programmes – in business, science, engineering, health sciences, agriculture, hospitality and computing. Most of those programmes are designed around the three P's – practicals, projects and placements. GMIT was the first Irish college to offer a degree in hotel management and offers a number of courses relating to hospitality, culinary and tourism.
Accommodation: GMIT does not own or operate student accommodation but the Students Union offers an accommodation listing service on its website gmitstudentpad.ie/Housing.
What's new? GMIT and its partners in the Connacht-Ulster Alliance (CUA) – IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT – are working together to become a Technological University (TU) for the west and north west of Ireland. The CUA will make its formal submission for designation this December. GMIT recently approved a bachelor of education (Hons) in art, design and graphics.
Don't miss: A unique feature of GMIT's virtual open day is the "careers corner", a valuable tool for any Leaving Cert student who may be unsure of their course and career choices. It features a series of presentations and a strengths profiling questionnaire to help them choose the right career path and course to suit their personality and interests.
The IT Sligo team will be available to answer any questions students might have about courses and student life.
Institute of Technology Sligo (IT Sligo)
When? November 20th-21st, January 12th 2021 and April 24th 2021.
Register at: itsligo.ie/opendayWhat will open day look like? IT Sligo's open days will take place virtually with some on campus activity in 2021, if it is safe to do so. During the open day prospective students can watch films featuring IT Sligo and the college's programme offerings. Students will be able to discover the modern campus, listen to guest speakers, hear from students and support services and also be in with a chance to win prizes. The IT Sligo team will be available to answer any questions students might have about courses and student life at the college.
Guest speakers at the first event will include Dr Eddie Murphy, a clinical psychologist from RTÉ's Operation Transformation who will focus on mental wellbeing during these difficult times plus Donnchadh O'Mahony from O'Mahony Careers who will give advice on the CAO application process and tips on researching programmes to find the best course for you.
Strengths: IT Sligo is ranked in the top five best performing universities in Ireland, according to U-Multirank. The college is an internationally recognised third-level college, providing university-level education with a reputation that covers the globe.
Accommodation: There is a vast range of accommodation options available to students in Sligo where the cost of living is more affordable than many other towns and cities in Ireland.
There are seven student villages located around the campus, all within a 10-minute walk, so living here and getting around is easy. Student villages offer high-speed broadband, some offer smart televisions and free Netflix, while others offer a laundry service or a free shuttle bus to the train and bus station.
Celebrating its 50th year, WIT offers a breadth of education opportunities.
Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT)
When? November 20th-21st
Register at: wit.ie/events/all_news/autumn-open-days-2020
What will open days look like? The event focuses on undergraduate entry for September 2021 but also showcases the opportunities for postgraduate learning and research and flexible study. The WIT team is planning for an open day experience that closely matches its physical open days: The same presentations, question and answer sessions, opportunities for one-on-one conversations with academics and students and virtual campus tours that would normally take place in-person will now happen online.
In addition to a schedule of specialised talks there will be a virtual exhibition space with booths people can drop in to online to chat with someone about their specific queries. As with other years, there will be talks delivered by an academic (this time via Zoom) and time for a Q&A session afterwards. It is expected there will be a schedule of lifestyle talks, such as student supports and clubs and societies. The virtual booths will be attended by lecturers in certain disciplines or various support staff.
Strengths: Celebrating its 50th year, WIT offers a breadth of education opportunities. The college offers degrees in law, architecture, arts, psychology, agricultural science and music. As well as courses across these disciplines: business, accounting, digital marketing, retail management, engineering, built environment, engineering technology, architecture, nursing, health sciences, sport and exercise sciences, arts, social science, culinary arts and hospitality, art, and design.
Accommodation: WIT has two accommodation locations. College campus consists of 66 single en-suite rooms, of which three are suitable for disabled access. These apartments are located on the main campus. Located two-minutes walk from College Street campus and fifteen-minutes walk from the main city campus, accommodation is the ideal location for many WIT students. Flexi-stay packages are now available, which can be tailored to meet individual student requirements.
For further information contact: accommodation@wit.ie
What's new? The 2021 offering will include three new course options: WD232 Bachelor of business (Hons) in business information systems, WD231 Bachelor of arts (Hons) in early childhood care and education, WD007 Bachelor of engineering (Hons) in automation engineering.
Institute of Technology Carlow (IT Carlow)
When? November 26th from 10am-3pm
Register at: itcarlowvirtualopenday.ie
What will open day look like? Visitors will be able to take a campus tour, listen to IT Carlow students tell their stories, learn about the range of different courses such as business, engineering, science and health, humanities, and computing. Prospective students will be able to participate in live Q&A sessions with the faculty teams, receive advice and guidance on fees, grants, scholarships, and the college's different access routes.
Strengths: IT Carlow offers more than 80 taught programmes to Level 9 across two different campuses. They include courses in engineering, computing, sports and health, science, business, law, media and design, ranging from Level 6 Higher Certificate to Level 9 Master's degree. The recreational sports programme at IT Carlow provides opportunities for physical activity, friendship and social interaction and there are more than 40 active clubs and societies.
What's new? IT Carlow is three-quarters of the way into a €150million capital development programme that has already delivered a Centre for Aerospace Engineering, the Dargan Centre for Research and Innovation, a multimillion Student Services and Sports Facilities Centre and the Haughton Centre for Teaching and Learning. Work is nearing completion on a 31-acre south sports campus that will consolidate IT Carlow's position as one of Ireland's leading third-level institutes for the provision of sport and physical activity.
Don't miss: The "Start Your Story" videos shot and fronted by students across various courses who tell their own story.
Griffith College
What will open days look like? With campuses located in Dublin, Cork and Limerick, Griffith College offers courses in accountancy, business, computing, design, fashion, law, media, music and drama, training and education. The private college, which currently has more than 7,000 enrolled students, provides for a range of study options including internationally recognised undergraduate, postgraduate, part-time, professional and blended learning courses. It has a good reputation nationally and internationally for the quality of its graduates. Prospective students can register for upcoming open days at:
griffith.ie/admissions/visit-griffith/open-days.
Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)
When?November 16th-25th
Register at: cit.ie/cao
What will open days look like? CIT has decided to run an "Open Fortnight" this year providing a two-week programme of live online events, open to students, parents/guardians, teachers and guidance counsellors. Participants can ask questions to staff members from a broad selection of programmes to provide the insights required to help prospective students choose CAO programmes of interest and relevance to them. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from current students and recent graduates who will talk about their personal experiences and offer advice about student life.
Strengths: CIT offers an extensive range of CAO courses. The institute wins multimillion-euro research funding on an annual basis and has strong connections with industry. Work placement features strongly and during their studies, CIT students get the opportunity to gain skills for employment or to start their own businesses.
What's new? On January 1st 2021, CIT will join with Institute of Technology Tralee to establish Munster Technological University (MTU). Incoming students will enjoy many additional benefits, such as an enhanced range and quality of services and supports available to students and a greater range of options regarding course choice, progression opportunities, research and industry placement.
Other open days include:
Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT)
When: January 18th 2021
Register: iadt.ie/study/open-days/
Royal Irish Academy of Music
When: TBC
Information at:
[ riam.ie/degrees-programmes/open-days-degrees-and-programmes ]
Hibernia College
When: Primary and post-primary webinar is on November 4th and 18th and December 2nd. Open day webinar is on November 26th.
Register: hiberniacollege.com/meet-us/
National College of Ireland
When: November 25th and December 5th
Information:
[ ncirl.ie/Students/CAO/School-Liaison-Programme/Open-Days ]
Dublin Business School
When: December 1st from 5-6.30pm
Register: dbs.ie
Pulse College
When: November 9th-11th
Register: pulsecollege.com/open-day-booking-form-virtual/


theirishtimes--2020-11-03--Open Days: Should you bring your parents?

Would you welcome your parents tagging along to an open day ?
Or would you be more likely to say : “ please go away , you ’ re embarrassing me ” ?
Over the past decade , third-levels have gone to greater lengths to provide information for parents at open days , with some even running a two or three-day event with a greater parental focus on one of the days .
This year , with all open days taking place virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic , there ’ s less risk of mortification because parents can quietly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Doherty ( 17 ) , sustainability officer with the Irish Second-Level Students ’ Union ( ISSU ) and a sixth year student at Alexandra College , involving her parents in college is a no-brainer .
“ It ’ s common enough for parents to be involved in these decisions , ” says Doherty .
“ I want their input and I want them to see where I am going .
For others , it might be that the parents are paying their way .
On the open days , my parents will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laptops open .
The decisions , however , will still be mine - and that ’ s the way my parents want it.
” Matthew Colgan ( 17 ) , national secretary with the Irish Second-Level Students ’ Union and a student at Coláiste Éamonn Rís in Wexford , says that he would like to have his parents involved but students need to set their own boundaries in consultation with their parents .
“ Leaving the best is a massive step , particularly if you ’ re going to college on the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope to be .
My own parents have only ever supported me with whatever decision I make .
It ’ s definitely not a good idea to push a particular course on your child : it ’ s better if a parent can sit down and talk with them about what they want to do and why they think a course is the right call for them.
” Neil McCann , a guidance counsellor at St Vincent ’ s Secondary School in Glasnevin , Dublin , says that virtual open days will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Previously , a big part of the open day was the social aspect : going with friends , looking around campus , seeing if it is the right fit .
Open days are a day out for students , so while parents might accompany them , by and large they go alone or with friends .
This year , the inability to visit a campus is a drawback but it means there ’ s no barrier to a parent sitting down with their child at the laptop.
” McCann says that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing a key role and allowing their child to have their own experiences .
“ Parents should encourage and provide support and listen to their child .
They should not tell their child what to do : that ’ s an alarm bell for any guidance counsellor .
Parents are doing it from a place of love and support but it ’ s important that they listen to their child .
It ’ s okay to step and talk about realities , but don ’ t overegg the pudding.
” Betty McLaughlin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mullingar and a former president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors , agrees .
“ If you ’ re invited by son or daughter , it ’ s fine to consult and collaborate , but firstly you should listen to the young person , because that way they ’ ll be more willing to listen and to consider your advice.
” In talking to their child , what advice does McLaughlin have ?
“ Successful career and course choice decisions are made when a student factors in their interests , abilities and possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If a student is pushed to follow their parents own interests , values or passions - rather than listen to their own hearts - then the student is likely to make a wrong decision , and that could end failing exams or dropping out of college .
The cost of the students ’ unfulfilled dreams and desires could cost the parents far more in the long run .
“ Students need space , time , trust and support , ” says McLaughlin .
Young people want to receive approval and to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they also really want to be respected , listened to and given responsibility.
” The college view : what do parents want to know , and what are colleges organising ?
* Colette O ’ Beirne , DCU Student Recruitment : “ We will have a specific session for parents and guardians to guide them on how they should support their son or daughter ’ s path to third-level , with academic and support staff , as well as student ambassadors , on hand to answer any questions they might have on course @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences between similar degree courses , work placements and career prospects , and more .
Parents might also be interested in attending our first-year panel discussion on what it ’ s like to be a DCU student during a pandemic .
* Sarah Geraghty , director of student recruitment and outreach , NUI Galway : “ Typically parents were keen to explore details relating to fees , admissions , accommodation , careers and employability and student services - and all of these were available at the event with more information and sessions now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of admissions , TU Dublin : “ Our careers service advisers talk to parents about helping their son or daughter to make an informed choice that recognises their own strengths and passions .
We will have content on our CAO hub during a year with a specific parents ’ event in January.
” * Rosemary Fagan , open day project manager , UCD : “ Parents will be welcome to all our open days and evenings , with some topics including helping your son or daughter to make a course choice , study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , key information on fees , student accommodation , sports and recreation and scholarship programmes.
” * Sarah Doody , school liaison officer , UL : “ Last year , we introduced the parents and guardians seminar , where parents could sit down with others on the same journey .
We couldn ’ t offer tea this year , but our event is now online .
It covered finance , accommodation , careers and - so important at this time - the supports available and what college might look like next year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weeks programme which helps students to settle in , with sessions on everything from academic writing to cooking for themselves .
”

Would you welcome your parents tagging along to an open day? Or would you be more likely to say: “please go away, you’re embarrassing me”?
Over the past decade, third-levels have gone to greater lengths to provide information for parents at open days, with some even running a two or three-day event with a greater parental focus on one of the days.
This year, with all open days taking place virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there’s less risk of mortification because parents can quietly participate in the event.
The student view
READ MORE
For Beth Doherty (17), sustainability officer with the Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU) and a sixth year student at Alexandra College, involving her parents in college is a no-brainer.
“It’s common enough for parents to be involved in these decisions,” says Doherty. “I want their input and I want them to see where I am going. For others, it might be that the parents are paying their way. On the open days, my parents will be close by, perhaps with their own laptops open. The decisions, however, will still be mine - and that’s the way my parents want it.”
Matthew Colgan (17), national secretary with the Irish Second-Level Students' Union and a student at Coláiste Éamonn Rís in Wexford, says that he would like to have his parents involved but students need to set their own boundaries in consultation with their parents.
“Leaving the best is a massive step, particularly if you’re going to college on the other side of the country, as I hope to be. My own parents have only ever supported me with whatever decision I make. It’s definitely not a good idea to push a particular course on your child: it’s better if a parent can sit down and talk with them about what they want to do and why they think a course is the right call for them.”
The expert view
Neil McCann, a guidance counsellor at St Vincent's Secondary School in Glasnevin, Dublin, says that virtual open days will make it easier for parents to be involved.
“Previously, a big part of the open day was the social aspect: going with friends, looking around campus, seeing if it is the right fit. Open days are a day out for students, so while parents might accompany them, by and large they go alone or with friends. This year, the inability to visit a campus is a drawback but it means there’s no barrier to a parent sitting down with their child at the laptop.”
McCann says that parents need to walk the line between playing a key role and allowing their child to have their own experiences.
“Parents should encourage and provide support and listen to their child. They should not tell their child what to do: that’s an alarm bell for any guidance counsellor. Parents are doing it from a place of love and support but it’s important that they listen to their child. It’s okay to step and talk about realities, but don’t overegg the pudding.”
Betty McLaughlin, a guidance counsellor at Coláiste Mhuire CBS Mullingar and a former president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, agrees. "If you're invited by son or daughter, it's fine to consult and collaborate, but firstly you should listen to the young person, because that way they'll be more willing to listen and to consider your advice."
In talking to their child, what advice does McLaughlin have?
“Successful career and course choice decisions are made when a student factors in their interests, abilities and possible career outcomes,” she says. “If a student is pushed to follow their parents own interests, values or passions - rather than listen to their own hearts - then the student is likely to make a wrong decision, and that could end failing exams or dropping out of college. The cost of the students’ unfulfilled dreams and desires could cost the parents far more in the long run.
“Students need space, time, trust and support,” says McLaughlin. Young people want to receive approval and to make their parents proud of them. But they also really want to be respected, listened to and given responsibility.”
The college view: what do parents want to know, and what are colleges organising?
* Colette O'Beirne, DCU Student Recruitment: "We will have a specific session for parents and guardians to guide them on how they should support their son or daughter's path to third-level, with academic and support staff, as well as student ambassadors, on hand to answer any questions they might have on course content, choices within degrees, the differences between similar degree courses, work placements and career prospects, and more. Parents might also be interested in attending our first-year panel discussion on what it's like to be a DCU student during a pandemic.
* Sarah Geraghty, director of student recruitment and outreach, NUI Galway: "Typically parents were keen to explore details relating to fees, admissions, accommodation, careers and employability and student services - and all of these were available at the event with more information and sessions now online."
* Frank Costello, head of admissions, TU Dublin: "Our careers service advisers talk to parents about helping their son or daughter to make an informed choice that recognises their own strengths and passions. We will have content on our CAO hub during a year with a specific parents' event in January."
* Rosemary Fagan, open day project manager, UCD: "Parents will be welcome to all our open days and evenings, with some topics including helping your son or daughter to make a course choice, study abroad opportunities, understanding the application process, key information on fees, student accommodation, sports and recreation and scholarship programmes."
* Sarah Doody, school liaison officer, UL: "Last year, we introduced the parents and guardians seminar, where parents could sit down with others on the same journey. We couldn't offer tea this year, but our event is now online. It covered finance, accommodation, careers and - so important at this time - the supports available and what college might look like next year. Our student support includes the First Seven Weeks programme which helps students to settle in, with sessions on everything from academic writing to cooking for themselves."


theirishtimes--2020-11-03--How much can you learn about a college from a virtual tour?

Open days have always been a feature of choosing a course , but the threat of Covid-19 has effectively closed campuses to visitors , with third levels moving their information and tours online .
These virtual tours echo the current college experience for most first years , with courses being largely delivered online this year and normal student life in hiatus .
So what will they look like , and how can you best prepare for them ?
Betty McLaughlin is a guidance counsellor at Coláiste Mhuire CBS in Mullingar and a former president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online application facility opens this year on November 5th , and says that now is the time to research all course options .
“ Virtual open days are still a very useful option and a great way to explore what a college provider has to offer , ” she says .
“ Students should make the most of this opportunity and get a feel for the place they may choose to attend.
” Different third levels are taking different approaches .
Most , including DCU , Maynooth University , NUI Galway , Trinity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UL and WIT are organising big-bang one- or two day-events where prospective students can attend panel discussions , course information sessions , virtual campus tours and more .
Some other third levels are taking a different approach .
GMIT ’ s open day is online 24/7 but the institute is adding live events and webinars throughout the year .
TU Dublin and CIT are running a series of live events and webinars across the year .
Clubs and societies will be available to answer questions about student life – what it was like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it like when most events are virtual , and what they hope for the next academic year .
There will also be multiple opportunities for parents to get information .
What are the practicalities ?
Whether it ’ s an open day run by a university , college , institute of technology or college of further education that provides post-Leaving Cert ( PLC ) courses , students usually have to register in advance .
“ They will then have to go to the college website and follow the link on the day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ website will explain in advance how all of this works on the day , so check it out in advance.
” What can you find out ?
Some third levels are also hosting live interactive webinars , where academics and students will answer live questions .
“ College students can answer questions about the culture and ethos of the college , ” McLoughlin advises .
“ You can ask questions about societies , clubs , facilities , library , the local city , student accommodation , student support services , special needs [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transportation and more.
” Students are also advised to ask questions about current graduate destinations or careers .
“ All colleges should have tracked graduate destinations and collated this information annually .
Ask also about Erasmus opportunities or work placements during the course of your study , as these are often central to decisions on college and course choices.
” How can a student best prepare for an open day ?
“ As you begin your career and college exploration , you should make a list of the college open days that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ As they are happening virtually , students don ’ t need to travel , so they can attend more open days than they had previously planned to attend.
” Some preparation will help you get the make of the day .
“ Think about what you want to know before you attend .
Be clear on which department or departments you want to check out .
Have a notebook to hand and some questions ready in advance .
Check out the size of the building via the interactive maps so you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together.
” Students could also use Google Maps and Google Images to get a sense of what the campus is like .
Beyond the open day itself , it ’ s important to speak to as many lecturers and current and former students as possible .
These don ’ t necessarily have to be students on the exact same course : a business or science student or graduate from DCU or UL will still give an insight into what those courses are generally like .
“ Through these conversations , students should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how a chosen course will be delivered and assessed , as well as presentations , essays , coursework and/or exams , ” McLaughlin says .
CIT The college organised webinars and Instagram Live events during the earlier part of lockdown , and there ’ s more to come .
These sessions will be recorded and put on the website for students who can ’ t make the live sessions .
DCU Interactive sessions , course info sessions , guidance for parents and a panel discussion with first years on what it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic .
GMIT Open days and events running through the year , all recorded and available online .
Maynooth University A Friday open day focused on campus and student life , and a Saturday event with a tighter academic focus .
NUI Galway The event took place on October 24th but information , including talks and presentations , is still online .
Trinity College Video presentations , Q & A sessions , virtual campus tours and chats with student ambassadors through social media .
TU Dublin Running a series of online events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with course lecturers .
UCC UCC already has a series of talks and presentations available on its website .
UCD : Students can chat with student advisers and take virtual campus tours .
UL The university ’ s event took place on October 29th and 30th , with talks , presentations and interactions from lecturers , current students and alumni .
But it ’ s all available online .
Web , Facebook , Snapchat and TikTok are among the ways the university is reaching out to students .
WIT An ‘ Ask Button @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need , while virtual booths will mimic the experience of an in-person open day .

Open days have always been a feature of choosing a course, but the threat of Covid-19 has effectively closed campuses to visitors, with third levels moving their information and tours online.
These virtual tours echo the current college experience for most first years, with courses being largely delivered online this year and normal student life in hiatus.
So what will they look like, and how can you best prepare for them?
Betty McLaughlin is a guidance counsellor at Coláiste Mhuire CBS in Mullingar and a former president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. She points out that the CAO online application facility opens this year on November 5th, and says that now is the time to research all course options.
READ MORE
“Virtual open days are still a very useful option and a great way to explore what a college provider has to offer,” she says. “Students should make the most of this opportunity and get a feel for the place they may choose to attend.”
Different third levels are taking different approaches. Most, including DCU, Maynooth University, NUI Galway, Trinity College Dublin, UCC, UCD, UL and WIT are organising big-bang one- or two day-events where prospective students can attend panel discussions, course information sessions, virtual campus tours and more.
Some other third levels are taking a different approach. GMIT’s open day is online 24/7 but the institute is adding live events and webinars throughout the year. TU Dublin and CIT are running a series of live events and webinars across the year.
Clubs and societies will be available to answer questions about student life – what it was like before the virus, what’s it like when most events are virtual, and what they hope for the next academic year.
There will also be multiple opportunities for parents to get information.
What are the practicalities?
Whether it’s an open day run by a university, college, institute of technology or college of further education that provides post-Leaving Cert (PLC) courses, students usually have to register in advance.
“They will then have to go to the college website and follow the link on the day,” says McLaughlin. “The college website will explain in advance how all of this works on the day, so check it out in advance.”
What can you find out?
Some third levels are also hosting live interactive webinars, where academics and students will answer live questions.
“College students can answer questions about the culture and ethos of the college,” McLoughlin advises. “You can ask questions about societies, clubs, facilities, library, the local city, student accommodation, student support services, special needs [supports], finance questions, local transportation and more.”
Students are also advised to ask questions about current graduate destinations or careers. “All colleges should have tracked graduate destinations and collated this information annually. Ask also about Erasmus opportunities or work placements during the course of your study, as these are often central to decisions on college and course choices.”
How can a student best prepare for an open day?
“As you begin your career and college exploration, you should make a list of the college open days that you wish to attend,” says McLoughlin. “As they are happening virtually, students don’t need to travel, so they can attend more open days than they had previously planned to attend.”
Some preparation will help you get the make of the day. “Think about what you want to know before you attend. Be clear on which department or departments you want to check out. Have a notebook to hand and some questions ready in advance. Check out the size of the building via the interactive maps so you can work out how the campus fits together.”
Students could also use Google Maps and Google Images to get a sense of what the campus is like.
Open day done, research closed?
Beyond the open day itself, it’s important to speak to as many lecturers and current and former students as possible. These don’t necessarily have to be students on the exact same course: a business or science student or graduate from DCU or UL will still give an insight into what those courses are generally like.
“Through these conversations, students should be able to get a good idea of how a chosen course will be delivered and assessed, as well as presentations, essays, coursework and/or exams,” McLaughlin says.
A SELECTION OF VIRTUAL EVENTS
CIT The college organised webinars and Instagram Live events during the earlier part of lockdown, and there's more to come. These sessions will be recorded and put on the website for students who can't make the live sessions.
DCU Interactive sessions, course info sessions, guidance for parents and a panel discussion with first years on what it's like to be a DCU student during the pandemic.
GMIT Open days and events running through the year, all recorded and available online.
Maynooth University A Friday open day focused on campus and student life, and a Saturday event with a tighter academic focus.
NUI Galway The event took place on October 24th but information, including talks and presentations, is still online.
Trinity College Video presentations, Q&A sessions, virtual campus tours and chats with student ambassadors through social media.
TU Dublin Running a series of online events, some generally focused and some discipline-specific with course lecturers.
UCC UCC already has a series of talks and presentations available on its website.
UCD: Students can chat with student advisers and take virtual campus tours.
UL The university's event took place on October 29th and 30th, with talks, presentations and interactions from lecturers, current students and alumni. But it's all available online. Web, Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok are among the ways the university is reaching out to students.
WIT An 'Ask Button' will direct students to the info they need, while virtual booths will mimic the experience of an in-person open day.


theirishtimes--2020-11-03--What’s left of the social side? Discover all you can

For many students , the social side of college life overshadows academics .
College is where you meet your tribe .
In school , friendships may be based on who sits closest to you in maths class .
In college , however , you can choose friends based on common interests and mutual understandings : whether you ’ re interested in drama , debating , chess , writing for the college paper , student politics , Pokemon , tea , running , GAA , trampolining , tennis or fencing , there ’ s a club or society for almost everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can set one up yourself ( see panel , UCD Food Society ) .
Of course , Covid-19 has stopped student life in its tracks - for now at least .
The great hope is that normal campus life might resume for the class of 2021 but , for now at least , clubs and societies are finding new and innovative ways to connect with their members - and to connect their members to each other .
Indeed , Anita Conway , societies officer at TU Dublin , says that clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and she urges college applicants to find out all they can about student life at this year ’ s open ’ s days .
“ This year ’ s Clubs and Societies Festival is happening on virtual platforms , and while that ’ s not the same as meeting up in venues across campus , students can get a taster of everything - and can find out how to set up a society themselves , ” Conway says .
“ We will have videos to show prospective students to give them a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer.
” TU Dublin ’ s head of sport , Christy O ’ Shea , says that they are working around the current restrictions .
“ We have at-home challenges to engage students in trying different skills ; social competitiveness within and between clubs ; and getting students to try something they would not normally have attempted.
” Ian Russell , student engagement officer at Maynooth University says that things will look a little different for the foreseeable future .
“ But while what and why we do things has not changed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We hosted our ever virtual clubs and societies fair this year where students were able to visit our dedicated clubs and societies website ( MULife.ie ) and the Students ’ Union website ( msu.ie ) to get an idea of the range of activities they can get involved with .
At DCU , students are being kept in the loop via social media channels or reading the weekly student life newsletter that is emailed to all students every week .
When students are on campus , CIT is facilitating connection points where students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new interests , and they ’ ve also opened their sports facilities including gym , sportshall , astroturf , track and pitches , while operating within safety guidelines .
But what should prospective students find out about student life , whatever college they ’ re looking at ?
“ Take the time to have a look at what clubs , societies or activities are currently on campus - look at the events and news sections as well as their social media accounts , ” Russell advises .
“ Pick the ones that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an activity that you are continuing with from home or school , or you might be looking to do something completely new .
Cubs and societies cater for the beginner right up to advanced levels.
” Russell advises prospective students to visit the virtual stalls or chat forms pn open day and talk to committee members .
“ Whilst it is important to know whether a group organises its events virtually or in person , it is probably more important to ask them questions such as : * How many members do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have events ?
* How do they involve their members ?
* What events have they organised in the last couple of months ?
* Do they cater for commuter students ?
* I am new to an activity , what do I need to do get started ?
Maynooth and other third-levels are always looking for new ideas to add to the list .
‘ We always encourage students to come to the clubs and societies office if they see a gap in the list and we will help them establish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Russell .
Prospective students say that this matters to them .
Matthew Colgan , 17 , is a sixth year student in Coláiste Eamon Rís , Wexford and national secretary with the Irish Second Level Students Union .
“ The social side is college is something I ’ m really looking forward to , ” Colgan says .
“ Colleges and students ’ unions understand this and are reaching out to us virtually .
My college dream involved social events and house parties and meeting people and while I understand why we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can only hope that things will be better next year.
” UCD Food Society : Can you have eating events in a pandemic ?
We ’ ve been around for five years , and we ’ re now the biggest society in UCD and Society of the Year 2020 .
Our mission is to hold food and drink themed events for our members .
We bring restaurants to campus and provide samples for students , organise guest lectures and run an annual food ball - but this is obviously difficult during a pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Since lockdown , we ’ ve been running giveaways and moving our masterclass series online , giving classes in coffee and cocktail making .
Indeed , quite a lot of our speakers , tutorials and classes can be moved online .
But we are conscious that it is harder for people - particularly freshers - to put themselves out online , so we ’ re trying to think of innovative events such as live cookalong classes .
“ Being off campus is tough , but everyone understands why it has to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We ’ re considering smaller groups for on-campus or online events such as food challenges and a socially distant Masterchef .
“ It is the job of societies to help people settle into college .
We know these restrictions are only temporary .
Students who want to learn more about clubs and societies can do so on open days , but it ’ s also a good idea to follow them on social media and see how they ’ ve adapted to student life online .
”

For many students, the social side of college life overshadows academics.
College is where you meet your tribe. In school, friendships may be based on who sits closest to you in maths class.
In college, however, you can choose friends based on common interests and mutual understandings: whether you’re interested in drama, debating, chess, writing for the college paper, student politics, Pokemon, tea, running, GAA, trampolining, tennis or fencing, there’s a club or society for almost everyone. And if there isn’t, you can set one up yourself (see panel, UCD Food Society).
Of course, Covid-19 has stopped student life in its tracks - for now at least. The great hope is that normal campus life might resume for the class of 2021 but, for now at least, clubs and societies are finding new and innovative ways to connect with their members - and to connect their members to each other.
READ MORE
Indeed, Anita Conway, societies officer at TU Dublin, says that clubs and societies are more important than ever, and she urges college applicants to find out all they can about student life at this year's open's days.
“This year’s Clubs and Societies Festival is happening on virtual platforms, and while that’s not the same as meeting up in venues across campus, students can get a taster of everything - and can find out how to set up a society themselves,” Conway says. “We will have videos to show prospective students to give them a flavour of what our 80 societies can offer.”
TU Dublin’s head of sport, Christy O’Shea, says that they are working around the current restrictions. “We have at-home challenges to engage students in trying different skills; social competitiveness within and between clubs; and getting students to try something they would not normally have attempted.”
Ian Russell, student engagement officer at Maynooth University says that things will look a little different for the foreseeable future. "But while what and why we do things has not changed, how we do things has changed. We hosted our ever virtual clubs and societies fair this year where students were able to visit our dedicated clubs and societies website (MULife.ie) and the Students' Union website (msu.ie) to get an idea of the range of activities they can get involved with.
At DCU, students are being kept in the loop via social media channels or reading the weekly student life newsletter that is emailed to all students every week. When students are on campus, CIT is facilitating connection points where students can still meet new friends or discover new interests, and they’ve also opened their sports facilities including gym, sportshall, astroturf, track and pitches, while operating within safety guidelines.
But what should prospective students find out about student life, whatever college they’re looking at?
“Take the time to have a look at what clubs, societies or activities are currently on campus - look at the events and news sections as well as their social media accounts,” Russell advises. “Pick the ones that you are most interested in. It might be an activity that you are continuing with from home or school, or you might be looking to do something completely new. Cubs and societies cater for the beginner right up to advanced levels.”
Russell advises prospective students to visit the virtual stalls or chat forms pn open day and talk to committee members.
“Whilst it is important to know whether a group organises its events virtually or in person, it is probably more important to ask them questions such as:
* How many members do they have?
* How often do they have events?
* How do they involve their members?
* What events have they organised in the last couple of months?
* Do they cater for commuter students?
* I am new to an activity, what do I need to do get started?
Maynooth and other third-levels are always looking for new ideas to add to the list. ‘We always encourage students to come to the clubs and societies office if they see a gap in the list and we will help them establish a new club or society,” says Russell.
Prospective students say that this matters to them. Matthew Colgan, 17, is a sixth year student in Coláiste Eamon Rís, Wexford and national secretary with the Irish Second Level Students Union.
“The social side is college is something I’m really looking forward to,” Colgan says. “Colleges and students’ unions understand this and are reaching out to us virtually. My college dream involved social events and house parties and meeting people and while I understand why we can’t right now, we can only hope that things will be better next year.”
UCD Food Soc - back row Joseph Aherne and Robyn O’Keefe.
UCD Food Society: Can you have eating events in a pandemic?
We’ve been around for five years, and we’re now the biggest society in UCD and Society of the Year 2020. Our mission is to hold food and drink themed events for our members. We bring restaurants to campus and provide samples for students, organise guest lectures and run an annual food ball - but this is obviously difficult during a pandemic when there are no students on campus.
“Since lockdown, we’ve been running giveaways and moving our masterclass series online, giving classes in coffee and cocktail making. Indeed, quite a lot of our speakers, tutorials and classes can be moved online. But we are conscious that it is harder for people - particularly freshers - to put themselves out online, so we’re trying to think of innovative events such as live cookalong classes.
“Being off campus is tough, but everyone understands why it has to be done. Everyone is adapting. We’re considering smaller groups for on-campus or online events such as food challenges and a socially distant Masterchef.
“It is the job of societies to help people settle into college. We know these restrictions are only temporary. Students who want to learn more about clubs and societies can do so on open days, but it’s also a good idea to follow them on social media and see how they’ve adapted to student life online.”
Robyn O'Keeffe and Joseph Aherne, co-chairs, UCD Food Society
Instagram: @ucdfoodsoc/ Facebook: UCD food society
[ UCDFoodSoc.com ]


theirishtimes--2020-11-03--Don’t focus on one course: be open to whatever is out there

Asking someone in their late teens to settle on a college course doesn ’ t mean committing to a particular career , says Neil McCann , a career guidance teacher at St Vincent ’ s Secondary School in Dublin .
“ It ’ s not a conversation that college applicants need to get into .
They won ’ t be graduating for four years , and with the rate at which technology changes , the jobs market may be very different by then .
These days , a college education is not limited by what you study : a degree @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directions.
” There are more than 4,000 courses available so whatever you are interested in will probably have a college , post-Leaving Cert or apprenticeship course linked to it .
Don ’ t focus on one course : be open to whatever is out there .
McCann says that degrees and courses are a springboard , not a funnel to a narrow stream .
“ Very few of them will spit you into a particular job .
Engineering graduates might go on to work in accounting , for instance .
So what you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t lock you in.
” Of course , we all know people who have dreamed of a particular , vocationally-oriented course since childhood – medicine , veterinary science and architecture being obvious examples .
“ In school career guidance , we ask students to think back to when they were five , 12 and 15 .
Naturally enough , most career ideas they had fall by the wayside , but sometimes a kernel of an idea still exists .
At the age of five , we all want to be astronauts or football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an accountant .
A lot of people want to be doctors but when the CAO points come into play , they can be put off .
“ But when it comes to making a decision , it ’ s worth teasing out : what is it about this career that appeals to you ?
What are your dreams and motivations ?
If you ’ re interested in medicine , could it be a starting point for a conversation about another [ health science ] course or career path ?
Anything that a student @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , McCann says , students will be more engaged with a course that interests them – and be less likely to drop out , so it ’ s a mistake to opt for a certain course purely because it pays well or because you ’ re likely to get the necessary points .
“ Look at your areas of strength and weakness : careersPortal.ie can be very helpful here , ” McCann says .
Of course , it ’ s a wonderful coincidence if a student ’ s interests coincide with a big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you have a skill or interest in an area where there ’ s an identified shortage in the job market , such as languages or computer skills , it ’ s natural enough that you should consider it.
” Realism is dull , but it is important to bear in mind when choosing a college course .
Whatever choice you make , McCann urges students to research it thoroughly : talk to people who work in the area for their perspective and ask about what college is like .
“ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a desire to learn about a particular topic or area , you will enjoy it and do better in terms of marks .
When you commit four years to a degree , you want it to be something you enjoy.
” Does this mean students should ignore their parents ’ protests and plump for that degree in drama , music or fashion ?
“ If you can make your hobby work , fantastic , but your choice should be based on research and likely realistic outcomes , ” McCann says .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play a key role : we nurture ambitions while also being aware of the realities of the world of work , jobs market and paying bills ; we know college is an experience and learning space while we ’ re also aware of careers and jobs afterwards .
“ It is natural that a parent will mention ‘ the real world ’ or ‘ not well-paid ’ into their child ’ s career choices .
And while it is true that you might do a drama degree but you ’ ll still have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ education or further training equips you with the skills you need for different careers .
If you have a degree , you are more likely to be employable , and that is why we promote higher and further education : if you can complete a degree , employers know that you have talent , the ability to learn and drive yourself on , and a broad range of skills .
”

There are over 4,000 courses available so whatever you are interested in will probably have a college, Post Leaving Cert or apprenticeship course linked to it. Photograph: iStock
Asking someone in their late teens to settle on a college course doesn't mean committing to a particular career, says Neil McCann, a career guidance teacher at St Vincent's Secondary School in Dublin.
“It’s not a conversation that college applicants need to get into. They won’t be graduating for four years, and with the rate at which technology changes, the jobs market may be very different by then. These days, a college education is not limited by what you study: a degree will take your career in many different directions.”
There are more than 4,000 courses available so whatever you are interested in will probably have a college, post-Leaving Cert or apprenticeship course linked to it. Don’t focus on one course: be open to whatever is out there.
McCann says that degrees and courses are a springboard, not a funnel to a narrow stream. “Very few of them will spit you into a particular job. Engineering graduates might go on to work in accounting, for instance. So what you pick on your CAO course won’t lock you in.”
READ MORE
Guidance
Of course, we all know people who have dreamed of a particular, vocationally-oriented course since childhood – medicine, veterinary science and architecture being obvious examples.
“In school career guidance, we ask students to think back to when they were five, 12 and 15. Naturally enough, most career ideas they had fall by the wayside, but sometimes a kernel of an idea still exists. At the age of five, we all want to be astronauts or football players – no five-year-old dreams of being an accountant. A lot of people want to be doctors but when the CAO points come into play, they can be put off.
“But when it comes to making a decision, it’s worth teasing out: what is it about this career that appeals to you? What are your dreams and motivations? If you’re interested in medicine, could it be a starting point for a conversation about another [health science] course or career path? Anything that a student has considered is worth considering.”
Ultimately, McCann says, students will be more engaged with a course that interests them – and be less likely to drop out, so it’s a mistake to opt for a certain course purely because it pays well or because you’re likely to get the necessary points.
"Look at your areas of strength and weakness: careersPortal.ie can be very helpful here," McCann says.
Of course, it’s a wonderful coincidence if a student’s interests coincide with a big gap in the jobs market. “If you have a skill or interest in an area where there’s an identified shortage in the job market, such as languages or computer skills, it’s natural enough that you should consider it.”
Realism is dull, but it is important to bear in mind when choosing a college course. Whatever choice you make, McCann urges students to research it thoroughly: talk to people who work in the area for their perspective and ask about what college is like.
Enthusiastic
“If you’re engaged and enthusiastic or have a desire to learn about a particular topic or area, you will enjoy it and do better in terms of marks. When you commit four years to a degree, you want it to be something you enjoy.”
Does this mean students should ignore their parents’ protests and plump for that degree in drama, music or fashion?
“If you can make your hobby work, fantastic, but your choice should be based on research and likely realistic outcomes,” McCann says. “This is where parents and guidance counsellors can play a key role: we nurture ambitions while also being aware of the realities of the world of work, jobs market and paying bills; we know college is an experience and learning space while we’re also aware of careers and jobs afterwards.
“It is natural that a parent will mention ‘the real world’ or ‘not well-paid’ into their child’s career choices. And while it is true that you might do a drama degree but you’ll still have to work in four years, any education or further training equips you with the skills you need for different careers. If you have a degree, you are more likely to be employable, and that is why we promote higher and further education: if you can complete a degree, employers know that you have talent, the ability to learn and drive yourself on, and a broad range of skills.”