CAO Month: Starting to panic about your choices? Here's why everything will be fine

So here you are, halfway through the Leaving Cert year and all you can think about is college. First of all, a major congrats on getting this far. In no way is the Leaving Cert easy, so kudos to you: now, you need to push on to ensure you get the results you need.

As someone who is now halfway through her degree, I can safely say I’ve loved every minute of my college experience so far. However, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t absolutely terrified and clueless when I first started out. Leaving home for the first time and beginning college can be a scary time for many people, therefore I wanted to share my experiences, to help give you guys to get a better understanding of what post-Leaving Cert life is all about.

First of all, course choice. This is something that will affect your next three-to-four years, so you want to be absolutely certain that you’ll get something out of the course you choose. My advice is: do what you love. It may sound obvious, but many people actually find themselves studying something they hate, just because they think they’ll get a job or a good salary out of it. Trust me, that is not the way to go. Believe in yourself, do what makes you happy and just go for it.

So let’s assume the best! You’ve received your college place (yay!) but need somewhere, away from home, to live. Searching for college accommodation can be a real nightmare at times. I highly recommend applying for on-campus accommodation if you’re living away from home. Some colleges do a first come first serve basis and others are random selection. Either way, do make sure to get your application in early to be safe.

Always have a back-up prepared. Plenty of families offer digs to students which can be a very comforting option for many. As well as that, there are always students looking for fellow students to help fill up rented houses. Every college website will give guidelines and recommended websites on how to go about searching for accommodation so there’s no need to worry.

Now to the good part. Everyone has a different experience of college, so this is purely based on my experience and what worked for me. As I previously mentioned, college can be an extremely daunting time for many, but it’s also a chance for new beginnings.

First, I would highly encourage everyone to join clubs and societies. If you’re afraid you won’t make any friends, this is the perfect way of putting yourself out there, while being surrounded by people who share the same interests as you. You will meet your family through these societies and create some of your best college memories with them. College can be stressful, therefore it’s important to have an escape away from the work, and what better than doing what you love, with the people you love.

As exciting as all this can be, it’s important not to overwork yourself. Yes, it can fun to always be doing something and attend the latest event– but remember to take time out for yourself. Know when to take a break, and schedule some ‘me time’ – because trust me you’ll need it.

I wish every single one of you the best in your upcoming exams, and have no doubt you’ll do an amazing job. Whatever happens is meant to be. I truly believe that, so don’t panic if things don’t work out just how you imagined.
Give it your all, take care of yourselves and do what you love.