Well-being

from Options 2021

Third Level Education

1. Make a Budget - make a list of

ALL the money you get on a weekly/monthly basis and ALL the outgoing bills you have. https://www.ccpc.ie/ consumers/money/budgeting/ life-stages/going-to-college/ #tips https://www.mabs.ie/en/ how_we_help/ debt_and_budgeting_tools

2. Learn how to cook - you will save so much money if you can cook from scratch. Eating healthy and having a healthy sleep pattern will keep you healthy and avoid too many trips to the doctor. 3. Make a meal plan before you go shopping - make a list of what you need and stick to it. 4. Store your food properly to get the most out of it - learn what foods can be frozen and therefore can be bought in bulk. Learn how to defrost foods properly to avoid any illness. 5. Check your bank account is a

Student Account, they have no transaction fees.

Don’t underestimate the benefits of attending Orientation/Induction - you can find out lots of tips from current students such as where is the best place to eat, what is the best time to get a seat in the library, etc.

Clubs and Societies (Socs) is a great way to make new friends and keep up a sport, hobby or interest that you have. There is always a day designated to allow incoming students to sign up to these, find out when it is and sign up to at least one, it will be fun.

BACKUP YOUR NOTES - this is so important. Back them up onto a USB, the cloud (or even both), especially if you are working on an assignment. You don’t want to have spent hours working on an assignment only to lose EVERYTHING you have done the day before the deadline.

Attend tutorials - these too can be underestimated. You can gain an insight as to what to expect from the exams, study together, work out things that you just don’t quite understand in class.

Keep on top of assignments - don’t keep putting them off until the last minute. You could end up with 3 assignments due in the same week but all were given at different times. These usually go towards your end of year marks so it’s best to keep on top of them and not rush them. You don’t want your summer ruined by having to study for resits.

Finishing secondary school and moving on with your life into adulthood can be daunting and sometimes scary. You are not expected to do this alone. Looking after your well-being and your mental health is a very important part of becoming an adult. This means looking for support when you need it, when things become too much. Find out where the campus doctor, nurse and councilors offices are. Check out what student support options are at the institution you chose to go to and you can always contact us at Donegal Youth Service for more information on wellbeing and one to one support. In the mean-time, here are some tips on keeping your wellbeing in check:

1. It is completely normal to have days when you’re feeling low or sad. If this goes on longer than a week, Seek support from someone you trust. 2. Make sure you have some balance, take time out from studies, and try to get quality sleep and eat as well as you can 3. Poor diet, alcohol and other substances can have negative effects on your mental health. 4. If you are worried about your course and think it is not what you thought it was, speak to someone. Do not struggle through it. You may be able to switch to another course

 Feeling sad or down  Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate  Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.  Extreme mood changes of

highs and lows.  Withdrawal from friends and activities.  Significant tiredness, low energy or trouble sleeping. Source: www.mayoclinic.org

Please visit the following site for more information about mental health support and places you can get help. https://spunout.ie/help