My name is Colm and I’m currently working for a department in UCD called Student Recruitment.

I volunteered to write this blog about my UCD experience over the years so that students and prospective students can read and comment on it. I was hoping to give information which you cannot get from school talks or Careers Fairs. I want to give information about the ‘Student Experience’ - basically giving students a mix of advice, wisdom, insight or simply an entertaining story. 

(That's me in the middle!) 

A note about myself:

I’m a postgraduate student of UCD. I’ve a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) joint honours degree in ‘History & Politics’ and a Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree in ‘The History of International Relations’. I studied both my undergraduate and postgraduate at this University. It was such an amazing experience I’m delighted to have the opportunity to represent the University now and learn and develop some new skills that will ultimately help me with my career afterward... 

I’ve now been working for Student Recruitment for over a year, for me it's a perfect break from my academic career. I ultimately intend doing a Ph.D. in due course as that's where my passion lies.

A University experience:

University itself is an exciting and liberating experience. It’s a chance to develop into the person you want to be. Your University experience is defined by what you put into it. 

The best advice I could impart about your time at University is to get involved. This is something you will hear emphasized by many students and past students.

UCD was much more than just an academic experience for me, I developed so much, socially and personally; in a career sense it has opened up paths for me that I never knew existed. I’m passionate about my experience at UCD and I hope that shows through in my writing.

Why attend University? 
University gives you the possibility of three to four years to do anything you want, to try something new, to meet new people and to find out more about yourself, it’s an opportunity to experiment, to get involved in different things and see what ultimately makes you happy. 

It may put you in a better position for employment after University, you may have a better idea what career you want to get involved in and if you enjoy it like I did, it will be an experience you won’t forget. 

Deciding what course to study & my experience of the B.A. Joint Honours Degree.

The best advice I ever got concerning what to do with my life, what I should study and where should I go was when my dad turned to me and simply said:

“Do something you're passionate about”

It’s something that seems simple and obvious, but at the time it did not cross my mind, that one sentence for me was better than any careers advice I ever received. Before that “pearl of wisdom” I had been talked into considering studying a course that combined Economics, Computers and Mathematics – all subjects I was capable of doing but had no real interest in. 

I could not have been happier with my decision as I ultimately would develop such a passion in my subjects that I wanted to study them further (and still do!).

When I began my studies in 07/08 I studied the following three subjects in my first year.

History was the only subject I truly enjoyed whilst attending secondary school. After a tough decision between English and Politics I coupled History with Politics. I had only decided what to do when the last CAO change your mind form arrived, so I wouldn't worry if you’re unsure of what you want to do just yet. 

I've never looked back since!! [History class of 2010] 

“Explore your Options” & “Broaden your Horizons”:

When you commence your BA degree you will have the choice between studying additional subjects in first year as well as your CAO choices. I chose Information and Social Computing. 

You’ll probably hear it a lot, but studying Arts at UCD gives you access to Ireland’s broadest range of arts and humanities subjects. 

If you are interested in studying a B.A. Joint Honours Degree this is how you will study your degree:

Whether you decide to try an entirely new subject that you might be interested in or a subject you have previously studied at second level it’s a nice way to explore other options. 

UCD gives you ample opportunities to adapt the curriculum to your individual interests and needs; it also allows you to broaden your knowledge in new areas through electives.

The beauty of UCD Horizons is that you can have more of a choice regarding how your degree is structured in terms of your modules. To put it very simply, there are modules you must do as part of your degree and then you get to pick whatever other ones you want to do

I personally spent my Second & Third year studying only History & Politics, but I had friends in my class do all sorts of other things ranging from Geography classes to 'Introduction to Massage'! 

A little explanation of University 

terminology:

(Feel free to skip to the next page)

Modules:  Modules are self-contained units of teaching, learning and assessment which usually run for one semester. Modules are worth a fixed amount of credit, so if you pass the module you gain the appropriate number of credits which then count towards your degree. The modular degree system at the University greatly adds to the flexibility of undergraduate study. (The aim is to accumulate 120 credits a year, usually 60 credits a semester)

Core Modules:  Modules you have to complete during your degree.

Electives: Two classes out of 12 each year can be spent in any subject across all programme areas. So if you’re studying Arts and have an interest in sport you can spend two classes a year studying sports modules and so on. Alternatively you may want to invest the time back in your main subject choices to study more areas.

Option Modules: These are modules that you have to choose yourself. Option modules are relevant to your degree.

Erasmus: There’s also an International Study Abroad opportunity which enables you to spend an extra year studying at another university in Europe. If you study in Europe this is termed an Erasmus year and you even get a grant from the EU to help fund living abroad! 

Now that you know the basics why don’t you have a look at what our Bachelor of Arts Degree offers? 

http://www.ucd.ie/students/course_search.htm

Studying History

What I liked most about Studying History ... 

What I have learned from the various History and Politics modules I have studied is that foreign affairs, global issues, terrorism all have a long history behind them. Human actions have consequences; certain choices, once made, cannot be undone. This is why I’m very fond of the saying by George Santayana.

I believe a good understanding of history should play a role in all of a state's decision making processes and that we should learn from the past to make better more educated decisions for our future.

My interest and studies further strengthened my opinion of the value of taking a historical perspective - this is ultimately why I chose to do a History Masters.

History at University is a great deal different to how it is studied at second level. 

Assessment: The most important difference to mention is that when it comes to assessment, you’re not assessed by how many words you can write per minute or by learning dates/facts off by heart. Instead, for the most part, you are assessed by essays and continuous assessment.  

You’ll be provided with the skills necessary to understand the world we live in, which is a very complex world and the more you study some issues the more it soon becomes apparent.

The way you are assessed at university means you are given the time to explore this complexity, there are after all many historical controversies and different ways the past and past events can be understood. 

This made History at university a far more enjoyable experience than at second level. It also meant there was no repeat of the horrible History Leaving Certificate 'write as much as you can in 2 hours' exam.... 

You learn from both large lectures and small tutorial groups... 

Tutorials: Tutorials are small group seminars that discuss the content of a lecture, debate the issues which may have arisen and give students an opportunity to have their own voice heard on subjects. It’s also an opportunity for group work to take place and so on. 

I met some fantastic friends whilst debating the Origins of World War I in my Second Year. The post class debate was taken to the pool tables in our Student Bar and it was to become a regular occurrence…. we even decided to meet at the pool tables before our final presentation at the end of the year!

History at UCD allows students to explore the past, examine a wide range of periods and topics that cover many parts of the globe. You’re also given a lot of freedom to explore what interests you. 

My Main Interest: Modern History, International Relations, Revolutions, Nationalism and Conflict. I was always very interested in those who tried to change the world, for better or worse and the reasons behind it.

What I loved most about History is the variety of subject choice; the majority of lecturers are even let you field your own essay questions (This is especially important in the later stages of your degree). 

This is an example of some of the modules I undertook and essays I wrote, I want to emphasize how I tailored my essays to my interests. 

The more you progress in your studies the more freedom you are given. 

It's that freedom to adapt your curriculum to your own interests that is very important in University, as you always have more drive to succeed in something you're very interested in. 

But don’t just take my word for it, have a look at the choice on offer …

www.ucd.ie/students/course_search.htm

Studying Politics

What I liked most about studying Politics ....

In University my interest in history was met with new interests in politics, international relations (IR), IR theories, sovereign states, failed states, terrorism, ethnicity, identity and nationality….

You will learn about political theorists such as Aristotle & Karl Marx, you will look at the Irish Political System, you will look at the European Union, you will learn how to compare political institutions examining benefits and negatives of other political systems, you will gain insight into how conflict mediation and resolution works, you will learn about Human rights, war and political violence and much more. 

The Prisoner’s Dilemma is something I very much enjoyed learning about. 

To use a more common example, it may seem logical that states work together to combat pollution and global warming.

“If everyone who worries about global warming cooperates in cutting emissions, climate change is averted and everyone is moderately happy. If everyone else cooperates in cutting emissions, but one country defects, climate change is still mostly averted, and the defector is at a significant economic advantage (they are in a better situation). If everyone defects and keeps polluting, the climate changes and everyone loses out. Again a Prisoner's Dilemma…”

International Relations and in particular Neorealism & Constructivism also really fascinated me, they offered two lenses in which to view the world of International Relations which were to help explain how states and international politics worked and why such outcomes occurred.

Neorealists argue this structure of anarchy leads states to the pre-eminent goals of survival, security and independence, each unit wishing to remain a part of the system which produces a recurrent pattern of various balances of power (self-help systems which states do things only for their own security & benefit).

Constructivists offer a more positive outlook, explaining that if the implications of anarchy are not constant across all relationships and issue areas of international politics (if states are seen to cooperate in some instances against their own self-interest & security) , then one day the international system may come to mean, say, unconstrained opportunities for cooperation and collective security. It also reminds people that social structures are both enduring and mutable... so that in theory one day it could happen ... but that day may not necessary ever come. 

Here is an example of some of the essays and topics I really enjoyed studying (I've listed my three favorite modules/essays):

What I liked Most about the University ...

What I liked most about the University....

The University Campus

Everything is located on the one campus. Belfield Campus is known for its parkland setting and mature landscape and unlike other Universities our faculties are located on ONE CENTRAL CAMPUS; creating a sense of unity to faculties. This is one of my favourite features of the campus; even if you have friends in other facilities you can easily see them. This fits in with Newman’s “The Idea of a University” in that:

“A university should bring people of all disciplines together so that they would learn from each other as much as learning from their tutors”.

There’s a great atmosphere on campus – There’s lots of people to meet and parties to be had; I spent two years on campus, my first year and my third year. The fact everything was on the one campus meant I had some great friends in many different programme areas.

The location

Living by UCD it is only a 10-15 minute bus trip to Dublin City Centre or an inexpensive taxi ride late at night, so you’re close enough to the City Centre but you’re far enough away to avoid being constantly surrounded by people.

It’s a beautiful leafy campus where one can get spend hours sitting around pleasantly enjoying the day. 

You've the best of both worlds – coming from a tiny fishing village in the South East this was really appealing to me.

Largest University in Ireland 

It’s the biggest University in Ireland - If you’re very sociable you will enjoy getting to know some of the 24,000 people. I had a fantastic time and met some incredible people and there were some really great events! 

The Student Bar was always great for putting on a great show, whether it was at free gigs such as Bluemoose or larger gigs such as Digitalism.

The thing I like about the bar is the opportunities to have really great nights without all the cost of taxis and paying in to night clubs. It’s great fun attending these events whilst living on campus

There’s usually an annual "Cheese fest” night where the bar has members from the likes of Five and S-Club on stage.

The Coronas used to play annually for our Irish society (seachtain na gaeilge), singing some of their songs in Irish. 


Loads of Societies 

There’s loads of on-campus clubs, societies, entertainment and events… barely a week goes by without something you want to go to, do, or see.

One of the societies I really enjoyed getting involved in most was the Entertainment Society (ENTS). This involved helping to organize events on campus as well as working at events.

Whilst involved in ENTS I got to bring my younger brother to see Deadmau5 for his birthday when he played in our Student Bar, which was a great night. (see photo to the right)

Being a part of the society also helped us all take a small part in event management, learning how to organize, plan & set up a successful event. 

The Annual 'UCD BALL'

There are also the annual UCD Balls to look forward to - which over the last few years have been amazing, they are like a one day outdoor festival without the camping.

At the UCD Ball – now advertised as the largest private party in Europe - you can expect larger gigs like The Saturdays, Professor Green.. I personally will always remember the Vengaboys coming on after the sun had set and people going insane.   

Campus Accommodation & Facilities... 

The huge campus has outstanding facilities for sports and great on-campus student residences – Roebuck, Merville, Glenomena and Belgrove. 

I couldn't emphasize how great it was living on campus, it really helped me get involved. You've no excuse not to go to an event, guest speaker, lecture or tutorial when you're but a minute walk away. It's something I'd definitely recommend for First Year. 

My housemates in First Year: Apartment 2.1 Roebuck

New Student Centre

I’m also very envious of all new Students starting this year. Since the academic year 2012/2013 any student attending UCD can avail of the New Student Centre and its fantastic new facilities. 

The cinema, pool, gym, debating chamber & society rooms… 

Once again I really recommend visiting the various Universities before making your mind up where you’d like to attend. 

Orientation at UCD

My First Day:

Picture yourself in this situation, you've arrived on campus very early in the morning, you’re standing in your apartment having unpacked, none of your room mates have arrived, the only person you know from school has decided he wants to set up his computer something…. What would you do? In desperate need of adventure I set out; overwhelmed at the time it was probably one of the best decisions I ever made.  I’ve never really reflected on how happy I am with that decision.

Even if it’s hard, throw yourself out there; there’s never a better time than Orientation week - It’s a week when only first years are roaming campus - everyone is in the same boat.

[UCD Ambassadors at 2010 Open Day] 

There's a huge range of support services available for First Years at UCD - Peer Mentors, the Students Union and the Orientation Guides are all examples. UCD places a strong emphasis on the First Year Experience acknowledging the vast differences in second level and third level education. 

When I finally got to the Student Centre I decided taking a tour of campus. It was a great way of actually talking to people. For me it really helped me get involved. Our Orientation Guide encouraged we talk to each other and afterwards I no longer felt like I knew no one. Not only did we see the majority of buildings we also got to mess around on the Climbing Wall, rowing machines and trampolines whilst in the Sports Centre. 

It’s a whole lot easier to go anywhere when you know at least one person there; well this was the case for me. So by meeting Rachel and Daryl on that tour I found it a whole lot easier to head down to the pit for a barbecue that week. The pit was a large outdoor area that used to exist outside the Student Centre before the construction of the New Student Centre. I met some people that day that I am still friends with today. A group of us even started meeting up on a regular basis.

I was even to help train Orientation Guides this year just as a way of saying thanks to the program that started off my University experience so well.

For me, I am truly thankful for the Orientation Program.

Going Abroad & doing a Masters ...

Through societies, Erasmus Programmes, Internships, class trips away or for research you could find yourself abroad whilst attending University College Dublin. UCD offers its students unmatched opportunities to study at our 200+ international partner universities and institutions around the world.

I didn't go on an Erasmus myself; I had the 'economical' choice between spending one year abroad or doing a Masters Degree.  Things would have been totally different for me if I had chosen one over the other. Without regret I can accept this.

I did try make up for not going by trying to visit friends who were away studying and undoubtedly having one of the best cultural experiences one can have.. (It’s probably very important to mention, they also enhance your employment prospects.)

Bilbao for example was incredible!

 [Picture of the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao 2010]

Many students from around the world chose UCD when wishing to study abroad, it's only natural that you get to meet people from all sorts of backgrounds and places. Because of this I've got friends to visit all across the globe, from Australia to America. 

Mastering an adventure:
For my Masters Year I did however get to have my own adventure, whilst researching for my thesis I had to go to a number of places (London, Lincoln and Cambridge) and I tried to see as much as I could whilst getting my research done – mixing work with play.

I started off in London in order to visit the Kew National Archives to examine primary source material for my thesis.  

[London]

[Lincoln]

[Breffni, Eva and myself punting in Cambridge]

[Cambridge]

All these places I had to visit to consult archival material to help in writing my thesis: 

(it's quite a mouth full I know) 

Hopefully at University you too will find something you’re very interested in and wish to study further. 

I felt very strongly about the value of taking a historical perspective, I think a good understanding of history should play a role in all states decision making role processes, so I chose to study the History of International Relations.  

It was a great experience and helped boost my desire to ultimately become a lecturer – wishing to remain in academia. 

Getting Involved at the University ...

Earlier I stressed the importance of viewing your University experience as much more than just an academic one.

The following is a short overview of what I got involved in whilst at university, I used the following in a presentation at an Arts Open Evening for prospective Arts Students to show just SOME of the things you can do whilst at university: 

All of the above helped make my university experience something I will remember for the rest of my life as well as greatly adding to my C.V.

Societies:

When it comes to sport you have around 60 sport societies to choose from. Ranging from sports like Rugby to Ultimate Frisbee.  

I got involved in Lau Gar Kickboxing as a means of keeping fit, and although my attendance was very poor throughout the years I did always enjoy a get together (especially the annual Martial Arts Ball).

Societies are a fantastic way to keep up current interests as well as developing new ones. There are so many societies & clubs you can try out. 

There are tons of student societies as well. For me playing poker with GameSoc was what I liked to do on a Wednesday evening.

As well as getting involved in different societies there are lots of events you can attend regardless of if you're a society member or not, such as silent discos (you wear headphones instead of there being music - great for meeting people!), mystery bus tours (a whole day adventure on a bus!) and University Balls (which are always classy affairs) to name but a few.... 

Other Extra-Curricular Involvement.



Class Representative: 

I was elected the Third Year History Class Representative which involved attending meetings with the department throughout the year. I was also responsible for dealing with class problems relating to academia, keeping my class readily informed and up to date whilst organizing class events.


I organized some parties for my class throughout the year and being the 'witty' individual I thought I was, I organized class hoodies for my class with 'Historians Make All Dates Memorable' on the back. Needless to say, that hoody was never worn once I graduated! 



Students Union Representative:

This involved representing and defending the rights of all our members. Taking an active part in Union Campaigns, Elections, The Student Union Council and Welfare Events. We marched against fees, we held awareness campaigns about many issues such as mental health & sexually transmitted diseases and we raised money for causes such as the Student Welfare Fund. It was really enjoyable. I was delighted to have got involved if only for a year and it was a great way of meeting a load of different people. 

It was also a nice insight into politics in practice - for me it ultimately helped me decide that I'd prefer to stick to the books then get further involved in politics. 

Part Time Jobs.

Because of the jobs I undertook whilst at UCD & for UCD .. most importantly my time as a Student Ambassador, then a Senior Ambassador…  I developed some transferable skills that helped me get a full time job in UCD straight after I graduated. 

Post-Degree Post ...

This is just a post to illuminate what I'm doing now, my 'post-degree post' ..

As previously mentioned I'm presently working in Student Recruitment developing and learning new skills which I plan to combine with my subject expertise and the transferable skills I picked up whilst studying my Bachelor of Arts Degree and Masters.

I'm in charge of the Student Ambassadors - learning skills in leading people, developing greater confidence in myself and getting some practical people management skills which will help me in the future.

I'm improving my communication skills giving various presentations on UCD, sometimes at large events such as the UCD Arts Open Evening. 

Whilst working as a member of our team I'm learning some social media skills 

As well as organizing Campus Tours/Visits to the University I'm gaining some Marketing experience whilst helping to run large events such as the RDS Higher Options/Open Day.

(see our myucd page : www.facebook.com/myucd) 

What next. 
I know Academia is where my main interest lies, my passion is in my subjects, so I hope that I will be able to write a Ph.D. over the next few years and work at a university in the future as a Lecturer and continue to research my interests which I still do in my spare time ...

Stepping Stones. 
I strongly believe that any experience I can build up after completing my degree is most worth while and that most degrees should be viewed as a stepping stone on to many career paths. 


The skills you learn after all can be transferred.... http://www.ucd.ie/careers/whereareucdgraduatesnow/

Despite difficult economic times and a great deal of negative publicity about graduate job opportunities, it is still the case that the level of unemployment amongst UCD graduates (10 per cent) is significantly lower than the current national average for people aged 20 to 24 (25.9 %).

(Survey Conducted of 2010 graduates of UCD Primary Degree, Higher Degree and Postgraduate Diploma programmes. Survey is based on status of graduates on March 31^st 2011).