Student advice from the Hot Press team: "Relax, put yourself out there, and see who you really connect with"

Terry

Leeds Beckett

Going to university will be some of the best years of your life and also some of the most stressful. Remember to study hard but to also have fun and enjoy your new life. Do not slack off from your academic work, always stay on top of it and then that will ensure much less stress when it comes to handing in assignments and sitting exams.
Get regular advice from your tutors. It’s always advantageous to build a great rapport with your lecturers and tutors. But most of all enjoy your student life. You will be in a full-time job soon and will never have this opportunity again. Work hard, play hard and know that you will make new life-long friends along the way. Best of luck out there.

Student Advice Headshots on September 2nd, 2025. By Abigail Ring

Mercedes

ATU

Moving to Ireland as an international student can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s also such an exciting time. My biggest advice is: get involved in as many activities as you can, societies, events, gigs, volunteering - that’s where you’ll meet friends and build real connections.

Don’t be shy to talk to Irish friends; sometimes it seems like they already have their groups, but once you break the ice, you’ll see how kind and welcoming they are! Also, use apps like UNiDAYS or Student Beans, and don’t be afraid to ask in local shops if they offer student discounts - you’ll be surprised how often they do (especially pharmacies!).
Small savings add up and make life much easier.

Student Advice Headshots on September 3rd, 2025. By Abigail Ring

Aine

DCU

The best advice I ever received about college is to treat the whole thing as a growing experience. Try everything you can, join societies, learn what you can about the friends you make, the music you like, films, fashion, art, who you are as a person - whatever you like.

It’s such a wonderful experience that gives you the opportunity to try on a million versions of yourself because everyone is doing the same thing. It’s about exploring who you are. Try your best and get the most out of your degree, but don’t take everything so seriously - there’s plenty of time for that.
Listen to as much music, watch as many films, and talk to as many people as you can. The voices of students and young people really matter, so remember to speak up, value yourself and look after each other.

Student Advice Headshots on September 3rd, 2025. By Abigail Ring

Riccardo

Trinity & DCU

Some boring but practical advice. When you start out, there’s going to be a lot of optional orientation and workshops explaining how college works, where stuff is, essay writing etc. Go to them.

Yes, I know there’s an ice cold €10 four-pack Pratsky with your name on it at the bar. But you don’t want to end up like me, still figuring out how to borrow a book from the library when your dissertation is due.

Other than that, you’ll have a lot of free time, especially early on.

Take the opportunity to do interesting things. Travel, read more, learn an instrument, try a new hobby, join a society, take up a new sport. You never know what you might learn about yourself and who you might meet.

Student Advice Headshots on September 2nd, 2025. By Abigail Ring

Jenna

DCU

My advice for college is to throw yourself into whatever you can, whether that’s a society event, joining a club or just talking to the person next to you in class. You never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities might come from it.

Don’t take yourself too seriously, and make sure to just enjoy the next few years. Be as open as possible to trying new things, even if they’re a little outside your comfort zone. Oh, and one practical tip: don’t waste money buying all your books new – there are always cheaper second-hand or
online options!

Flo

Griffith College Dublin

The best thing you can do for yourself in college is try to be consistent. Ideally, that would mean staying on top of your readings, doing your assignments as they come in and not too close to the deadline, and showing up well-rested to every lecture.

But realistically, for a college student, consistency will probably start by getting out of bed every morning, feeding yourself properly for every meal, and trying to get enough sleep every day. Taking care of your body and mental health is just as important as taking care of your college work - and just as much work.

Student Advice Headshots on September 2nd, 2025. By Abigail Ring

Róisín

IADT

Take risks and put yourself out there. It can feel daunting, and sometimes it seems like everyone is watching. But in reality, most people are far too focused on themselves, especially in college. So go out, have fun, take chances and enjoy the experience. Back yourself, too.

College is often the first time you’re working more independently, so trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. That’s exactly what lecturers are there for, even if they seem like they’ve got a million other things on their plate.

Lastly, invest in good hygiene and don’t forget to eat. You can’t live off snacks and pints forever, trust me!

Jess

University of Galway

It’s really important to choose a degree course that you’re genuinely interested in and one that can lead you (directly or indirectly) to the career you want. Value your friendships in college - they often have a big influence on what you do or where you move to after you graduate.

Get to know the city you’re studying in and embrace your newfound independence. It’s such a short few years in the grand scheme of things so make the most of it. Say yes to trips away with friends, going to gigs and trying new things. You’re only young once so do it right!

Grace

Northeastern University

Try new things! University is the perfect time to step outside of your comfort zone and explore different activities. Maybe that’s trying a new sport, picking up a new hobby or joining a club. If the idea of this absolutely terrifies you, that’s totally okay.

The important thing is that you push through the initial fear and do it anyway. I promise you that you’ll meet new people, make new friends and learn so much about yourself and the world. If I hadn’t joined my school’s music magazine, I wouldn’t have ended up at Hot Press!

Nadine

IADT

Stay curious and ask the ‘silly’ question - dive into every opportunity. Student Unions are amazing and will nurture your interests. Everyone is in the same boat, so try not to be embarrassed and go build your hobbies. Set up a Credit Union/ savings account, you will thank yourself later!

And use your student card at EVERY opportunity for a wee discount, I definitely didn’t use mine enough. Most importantly, as you enjoy your beans on toast for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a sprinkle of grated cheese is the chef’s kiss!

Student Advice Headshots on September 2nd, 2025. By Abigail Ring

Chloe

Northeastern University

Know the value of your time. You worked hard to be there and you’re only going to be this young with access to so many wonderful opportunities once, so you ought to make the most of it. That means saying yes to trying new things like societies or sports, but that also means being aware of how lucky you are to be attending college.

If you ever feel like skipping class: look at your tuition costs and do a bit of maths to figure out how much each day of class costs, then ask yourself if you still want to skive off. But do remember to have fun, it’s good for the soul. A healthy amount of fun, that is.

Alice

UCD

It’s been a long time since I was a student, but looking back, I think the best advice I could give is to be yourself, enjoy every moment, and put yourself out there. Join societies, go to guest lectures and wander down to the student bar, because believe me, you never know what might happen.

In my first year of college, I met my now best friend (whose baby I’m godmother to) through the Fashion Society. We were both nervous, shy and figuring things out, and while I didn’t become the next Anna Wintour, I gained something better - I got a lifetime friendship.