By Aileen O’Leary
Now that we are all a few weeks into college, reality has finally sunk in. Tutorials have begun, lectures are in full swing, you’ve gone from feeling ‘refreshed’ to feeling weary, and the post-Christmas glow has finally worn off. Gone are the days of having free time, instead you are facing the first of many assignments. However, not all hope is lost.
‘Tis the season for balling, in the next six weeks we will have the Commerce Ball, the Arts Ball and the Engineering and Nursing Ball to name a few, and it won’t be long before Paddy’s Day rolls around the corner. This semester also brings with it longer evenings, warmer weather and even more excuses to head down with the lads and go “Sparching” on a Tuesday in April.
For many, myself included, these next few weeks will be critical. This is my last semester at NUI Galway, and the end of college for me. For many final years, the next few weeks will either make or break their degree, whether you’re aiming for a first or just looking to pass. The reality of this semester has truly set in, there is no going back, what you do between now and May is important.
It’s a strange feeling, knowing you won’t be coming back. I always knew I would be coming back to Galway after every exam, every semester, every year, but this time things are different. As soon as I finish that last exam, pack up my things and drive away that’s it. College is over.
That thought alone is terrifying, but it also motivates you to make the most of the time you have left, whether it’s jumping off the diving board at Blackrock, heading to a silent disco in the Roisin Dubh, walking through the quad, visiting the cathedral or Salthill, whatever is on your Galway bucket list, make sure you tick it off this semester.
From one final year to a fellow NUI Galway student, try to make the most of it. Go on that night out and crawl into your 9am the next morning, at least you’ll live to tell the tale. Go for lunch after your lectures with your classmates, get to know them. If you’re willing to step outside your comfort zone, it’ll be one of the best things you’ll do.
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