This article is from page 9 of the 2006-08-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
STUDENTS are being urged to stick to their original choices when the Leaving Certificate results are published tomorrow (August 16).
Around 1,500 students in Clare are expected to receive their results on Wednesday. The latest figures released by the Central Applications Office (CAO) show that courses in Arts and the Social Sciences continue to be the most popular.
Career Guidance Officers are advising students to stick to their preferences and not be swayed if they score higher than anticiYOU have your results in your back pocket and the college offer safely tucked away at home, so you’d be excused for thinking that the hard work is done and dusted.
Not so, I’m afraid. The first, and for some people most difficult, challenge for anyone beginning a college career is simply to find a house. Anyone who has experienced it will tell you that it’s open warfare so it pays to be pated.
John O’Donovan, Deputy Principal and Career Guidance Officer at Scariff Community College, says it is important students not make any rash decisions.
“When the results come out and if the points are higher than expected then they might be swayed to change their mind and go for different courses. I would say to hold tough and stick to what you really want to do….People might think that the number of points reflect the true value of a course, but that is really an artificial construct.”
Leaving Certificate Examination results will be available from prepared.
Most colleges have an accommodation office designed to help students who wish to live on or off campus – this is the best place to start. Failing this, you may be forced to try your luck with the unbridled masses, knee-deep in newspaper classifieds, praying for salvation.
In this situation, there are three items which will see you climb to the top of the evolutionary ladder, naturally selected for a house: a mobile phone (with credit), a full deposit and a car. schools across the county from about 9.30am on Wednesday, August 16. Most students are expected to pick up their results by lunch-time.
For students not in a position to visit their school, they can call 1530 719290 or, if they are outside of the country, 01 2589001. Students must have their unique candidate Personal Identification Number (PIN) to hand.
Points for courses may increase or decrease from year to year so it is preferable to wait until the CAO makes its offer of places on Monday, August 21, before counting CAO points. Students can access their offer on the CAO webWith these three things in hand, you cannot fail.
However, it’s not just about finding accommodation, you need to find the right house. It’s important to consider its location – is it close to bus routes, shops and launderettes?
Will there be unforeseen costs? Will there be big electricity or gas bills? Do the electrical appliances work? Is there a smoke detector, fire extinguisher or an escape route? Ask who pays for rubbish disposal and when is the rent paid. Get a rent book. site from 6am on August 21.
There has also been an increase in demand for courses in law, medicine, nursing, architecture and science while there has been a 14 per cent drop in the number of applications for teacher training.
John O’Donovan says there are plenty of options available to students.
“If you take law, you don’t have to take the undergraduate route. There are plenty of other avenues open if you want to go down that route. It’s not too surprising that teaching is down, especially at secondary level, as there is less job security.” It is also important that you feel safe in your new home. Check that the neighbourhood looks safe and that there is a secure place for bicycles or cars.
When you pay a deposit, make sure you get a receipt and establish when the landlord will enter the house. And when you’re finished all of this, don’t forget to enjoy yourself.
Meanwhile, NUI Galway will hold an information evening for new students at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis on Monday, August 28.
This evening is aimed at parents and students commencing their third-level education in September 2006 at NUI Galway.
Organised by the NUI Galway Alumni Association, incorporating Cumann Céimithe na Gaillimhe, the meeting will advise students on what to expect when arriving at NUI Galway and will answer any questions relating to university life.
Topics covered will include accommodation, finance and the students’ assistance fund, safety, careers, counseling, clubs and societies and the students’ union.
The meeting takes place on Monday, August 28, at the Old Ground Hotel and admission is free.