Starting college is a stressful time. Everything is new and different, so making mistakes is natural. Here are some common mistakes freshers (inlcuding myself) have made in the past, and how you can avoid them.

Freshers' week:

1. Having FOMO – and saying yes to everything: Don't over-commit yourself. Say yes sparingly. Attend only what you can. You wouldn't want the freshers' flu.
2. Forgetting your ID: If you are going to an event that may require ID, then DEFINITELY take it. Don't be let out of the fun for such a simple reason.

Moving in and Settling down:

Moving away from home can be very tricky. Here are some common mistakes you NEED to avoid.

1. Leaving common space dirty: Be a nice flatmate. Don't have a falling out with your flatmates over trivial reasons.
2. Not getting a spare key: Make a spare key as soon as possible, and give it to someone you trust. Being locked out of your flat at 3 in the morning isn't the best.

Academic survival:

1. Skipping lectures/tutorials: Remember, your professors are the ones who set and correct the exams!
2. Not using career services: UCD offers free career services. Book an appointment early on. Future you will thank you!

Social Life:

1. Hanging out with just school/known friends: Stay close with old friends, but invest time in new relationships too.
2. Not following-up after a friendly chat: If you have had a lovely conversation with someone, follow-up. Chances are they liked speaking to you as well.

Hopefully these were useful.

I cover all these points in-depth, and give tons more advice in my article which you can read HERE.

In the article, I give advice on settling into UCD, how to avoid the most common mistakes and make the most of your first year in college.

Check out the article, and if you have any questions you'd like to as me, feel free to do so!

every time i try to select a time for a module, i click select and it does nothing?

Anyone else have this problem? it means I can't actually register for anything

Im trying to finish my registration because there’s a few things it says I still have to do and one is the term address but I can’t find the eircode for ucd village 1 E anywhere. Can someone help idk what to do

Hi I submitted the form for PPSN but I couldn't see any option to upload my documents while filling out the form now it shows your application is under review so should I wait for them to send a link separately for documents or mail them regarding my query has anyone else faced the same issue? Also how do we apply for IRP went through a lot of videos on YouTube but there are no clear instructions.

Hey everyone — I’m back with an update. A little while ago I posted here about something I was working on to make it easier for UCD students to meet people outside their course or accommodation.

When I first started at UCD, I found it pretty tough to branch out. Societies are great, but not always consistent, and outside of your lectures and housemates it can be hard to actually meet new people. I always wished there was a simple way to connect with other students who shared the same interests, hobbies, or goals.

So over the summer I started building something — and now, after a lot of late nights and trial-and-error, it’s finally live.

It’s called Skillora.

What is it?
Skillora is a free platform where UCD students can connect based on what they know, and what they’d like to explore. Think of it as a place to find:

• A study buddy for that subject you’re struggling with
• A gym partner to keep you accountable
• Someone to jam with if you play music
• A language exchange partner
• Or just people who share the same vibe or hobbies

There’s no money involved — it’s all value-for-value swaps. Psychology notes for Photoshop tips. Spanish for guitar lessons. Or just mates for chess, cooking, or football.

Where it’s at right now
The site is still small (just launched this week), but it’s working and open to everyone at UCD. The more people that join, the more valuable it becomes — so even just signing up, checking it out, or sharing it with a friend would make a huge difference.

👉 You can sign up here: [getskillora.com]()

It’s been a bit surreal taking this from an idea in my head to something real that people can actually use. I know it won’t be perfect yet, but I really believe Skillora can make starting or returning to uni feel a little less intimidating, and hopefully help a few of us find new friends along the way.

Would love to hear your thoughts, feedback, or just see some of you on there. Thanks for all the support so far — it honestly means a lot ! If anyone wants to help me with this or wants to learn more follow our instagram account: skilloraofficial.

Moving into glenomena soon and just wondering if it’s like 3 boys 3 girls kinda thing or would you ever have a case of just 1 girl with 5 lads and etc

Is there any social football (soccer!!) for women in UCD. I always get 5 a side emails but I assume it's for mens?? I know there is also an official team but not looking to join that.

Advice- Umbrella vs. Raincoat/Jacket

So I'm trying to get together the clothes I'm gonna be wearing in uni (cause I'm abt to start) and I started thinking about the weather and which would be more practical to get, an umbrella or a raincoat/waterproof jacket.

I'm sure I would need at least one of these cause winter's coming up and I hate getting wet in the rain, especially with the risk of getting my devices and books damaged.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of umbrellas cause on a windy day, they get damaged very easily (or maybe there are ones that don't; if so pls lmk).

As for the jacket, I just wanna know if anyone has any experience with using one or if they have any really good ones. Also, I'm constantly thinking about having to carry it around cause you just can't trust the weather sometimes. I've never actually gotten one cause... well life.

Honestly, I just need a bunch of opinions abt this.

Thanks.

May I know if there is an affordable place to get groceries near Roebuck Castle please? Somewhere walkable? Thanks

I'm an abroad student from the US. I'd love to hear recs on clubs, pubs, etc as good local spots to go out to, especially with halloweekend just around the corner!

First I lost UCD engineering to 1 cao point. Then I lost trinity to random selection.

Now UCD isn’t even taking in internal transfers.

All I can do now is pray and wait for CAO offers💔🥀

Does anyone have any advice on where to look for parttime jobs for students? I’ve looked on the UCD website but I’m not really finding anything except for babysitting.

Just wondering what is the deal with people coming who don't have tickets , like my ma and da are coming into the actual ceremony as my guests and my girlfriend and granny are going to wait outside but I've heard that it's nearly 2 hours long even longer in some cases I heard that from the college themselves, is there anywhere free around campus that they could wait and watch the live stream ? My graduation is tomorrow

Hey! I’m looking to join the sailing club. Has anyone joined? What do you guys think? Is it worth it?

I got accepted into UCD but I can’t enter Ireland yet because I need a visa. I’ll probably only be able to start in October. Is that a problem? Is it normal for students to start a bit later? I already tried reaching out to the university but haven’t gotten a reply.

Is the soccer tryouts on monday only for undergraduates? Is there different tryouts for upcoming graduate students ? I am trying to connect with coach via mail and telephonically , no answer !!!

so i’m an english literature major and i have gotten two lectures on my schedule starting next week but they’re both pretty short. i believe i was supposed to have three core modules this term.

are there any other english lit majors who have received the same thing and if maybe im getting worried way too early since module registration opens tomorrow though i am under the impression that first years cant select optional modules until january.

i hope this wasnt too incoherent!

I need to replace the batteries on my virtual pets 🥲 idk where to get anything lol

Went to the general one yesterday and got the whole tour and all the information about financials and where to go but I saw today was the specific subject ones am I cooked????

Please share the schedule if possible.

I've been trying to get into my SISweb all morning (it was fine yesterday), and every time I try my password is removed from the box. I don't even get a notification saying login failed or anything. Is it working for other people?

i’m in 6th year and noticed that course and it really interests me. id love to hear the opinions from anyone doing it!!

also- i have no interest in becoming a guard or anything like that so if anyone else has the same mindset as me, what do you want to do with this degree? and could it get me a job somewhere like america or canada

The Finance Department of UCD has been completely silent on the status of our refund. Does anyone know what accreditation or compliance bodies we can reach out to for some help?

Hi all, due to visa delay I might miss orientation and maybe few classes too. Should I mail UCD global about this or fetch the subject professor's mail to inform about the delay? Also, will it affect in making friends a bit?