Kenneth Eze Most valuable thing for me was the introduction of guest speakers. This showed me a lot about the industry and what was really expected from me as a professional in my career in the future. What I found challenging as an international mature student was getting a part-time job without work experience or existing networks.

Chikumbutso Ojes Teaching Effective Learning and Development was the most valuable thing my institution did that helped my transition into college Grasping underlying concepts was the biggest challenge I faced when moving into current study

Lisa Flannery The most valuable thing was that I was made to feel welcome, an interactive and inclusive induction day that gave a real sense of belonging. As I progress into 4 th year I still remember my first day with a smile on my face Biggest challenge was being out of education for 12years, being a mature student with family commitments is my biggest challenge and my biggest accomplishment

Shane The most valuable thing I felt was the welcoming atmosphere from the lectures and staff. The most challenging thing I found was the self based learning. I found the transition challenging.

Deirdre Ní Chearúil The most valuable thing I found was how easy it was to get involved in the college life in such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. I really appreciated the help and support that was available which made it such an enjoyable experience The most difficult part for me was having such a large class without having any tutorial classes for a subject. In that way it made it harder to attend lectures.

Lisa Moran The best thing about college for me was how the lecturers expected excellence and this encouraged me to try my very best. The relationships I have developed with them really helped me to discover who I am and achieve my full potential. The most difficult thing for me was the transition away from academic writing in the Visual Communications undergrad to lots of drawing and designing, and then the dramatic transition back to academic writing in my PR masters.

Lauren Hurst I didn’t really know what to expect and felt pretty lost. But the induction day used lots of humour, involving lecturers, the student union and other staff and it made me feel way more relaxed. I felt respected and knew I could talk to lectures if I ever needed help. It’s a whole different vibe compared to second level The biggest challenge was homesickness. I was nervous and knew I would miss home moving into student accommodation but once I started getting into my classes and made new friends I got over it pretty fast.

Caroline McGrotty The orientation/induction week was instrumental. I learned about disability support, learned study skills such as assignment writing, referencing, how to use the library and meeting my class reps before lectures and teaching term commenced. Learning how to write academic language for my assignments was my biggest challenge. My primary language is Irish sign language, which was also the medium on my course. But I was taking in information in ISL, then translating information from class into plain English. This in itself was a challenge never mind having to write it academically!

Fiona Beglan The most valuable thing for my was provided by the Student Union’s involvement in assisting 1 st years. They made things like finding accommodation and getting grants which could be daunting much easier. They gave students a voice and allowed us to bring up issues without having to go to tutors or administration. The biggest challenge was public speaking which is an element of a lot of our modules. It was difficult for me to get the courage to overcome my fear and present my own work for the first time to my peers. But it got easier and I improved every time.

John O’Driscoll The most useful thing for me personally, was the use of student leaders and induction week. I found out valuable information from current students about all aspects of college life and got to know my classmates through ice breakers, and so on. The most challenging aspect of my college life was when I did not enjoy my college course. After spending 2 ½ years within the course, I really didn't know where my life was going to take me and that was pretty scary for a 20 year old. However without the help of the Students Union and some of my lecturers I would never have come back and finished another course last month.

Shane The most valuable thing is a combination of a positive academic, social & personal development approach to aid a student’s transition into third level education. For me this was encapsulated through my involvement in the Students’ Union as a class representative. This role for me developed immensely all of the aforementioned developmental areas. The biggest challenge I found through my journey in level education was time management and constantly striving to always get the balance right. I found at times juggling numerous responsibilities e.g. attending lectures, studying, working in a part time job, being an effective class representative, founding and being chairperson of a society trying, but nonetheless would account all of these things for shaping my fantastic experience of third level education. I feel extremely lucky to have acquired a broad, well-rounded educational experience.

Clare Considine The most valuable thing for me on my transition to third level education was knowing students already in the college that were useful for gaining information about college life that may not have been written in induction manuals or spoken about at orientation. Without having known anyone I also had access to a student ambassador on the first day who fulfilled the same role as friends. My college also ran a weekly PASS session that was of intrinsic value to a first year. The most challenging aspect of my transition was attending college, it was all too easy to abuse the newfound freedom of being away from home for the first time.