Freshers handbook by IT Carlow Students' Union

Freshers’ Handbook 2013 / 2014

StudentsUnion.itcarlow.ie facebook.com/ITCSU

Institute of Technology Carlow

Students’ Union

Table of Contents IT Carlows Student Union

pg4

SU President | pg6 Deputy President | pg8 Vice President | pg10 Part Time Officers

pg12

SU Staff | pg14 Feic IT | pg15 Class Reps | pg16 Student Services | pg18 Clubs & Societies

pg20

Weekends In Carlow

pg23

Mens Health

pg24

Womens Health

pg26

Contraception

pg28

Managing Stress

pg30

Money Matters

pg32

Being Safe & Sound

pg36

Self improvement

pg38

For The Laugh | pg40 Mature Students

pg42

Anti-Social Behaviour | pg44 Accommadation | pg48 Pubs & Clubs | pg50 Work Placement | pg54

For The Laugh | pg56

On behalf of all students and staff, I am delighted to welcome you to the Institute of Technology Carlow. The Institute is full of possibilities to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional goals. Your college experience is really what you make of it, so make the most of your time here by being open to experiencing new things and getting involved.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;your college experience is really what you make of itâ&#x20AC;?

Your Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union and Student Services Department work closely together to provide you with many opportunities for rewarding and enriching experiences, while also providing practical supports to ensure that your academic and social endeavours are successful.

I would encourage you to become well informed about college life by participating in our induction and orientation programmes. Get to know your elected student representatives in the Students Union and find out how you can support each other in developing and implementing important student initiatives in the coming years. Apply your talents to the various Student Clubs and Societies available on-campus and take every opportunity to form friendships that will support you both here and throughout your life. Remember, that all members of our college community are here to help and support you throughout your time in college. I wish you every success.

Institute of Technology Carlow

Students’ Union IT Carlow Students’ Union is here to help you with every aspect of your college life and our aim is to be approachable, friendly and to represent you as best we can. Our primary role is to represent our members’ views and defend your interests. Student life is not solely about the academics. It comprises of many different aspects such as making friends, learning new skills, getting involved, taking a stand and getting the most out of what college has to offer. The SU is here to ensure that you have best experience possible at IT Carlow. The Students’ Union is comprised of 7 Students’ Union Officers, 3 full-time officers & 4 part-time officers. These officers have been elected by you to represent you in a number of different areas across all campuses of IT Carlow and other organisations on a local, national and international level. You can be sure that IT Carlow Students’ Union is working hard to represent the student voice at many levels.

To Lead, Represent & Inspire 4

We are at the heart of the IT Carlow community

We provide you with all the information and support you may need over your time here in IT Carlow. One of the more visible ways that you will see the Students’ Union at work on campus will be when we carry out campaigns. The overall aim of any campaign we run will be to further enhance your college experience. These campaigns range from welfare to education and information campaigns. On top of this, we organise student entertainment and publish a bimonthly magazine and provide a number of student orientated services in the SU Area. We are extremely proud to have one of the best SU Areas in the country with state of the art facilities. The SU Area provides a very lively atmosphere for students perfect for having a chat with friends, relaxing and having fun during breaks between classes and in the evening time. Throughout the year, the SU hosts movie nights, big sporting events & other popular TV programmes in the evening. The main facilities in the SU Area include: • • • • • • •

A large, comfortable seating area Free Wi-Fi Pool Tables Playstation 3 TVs Jukebox SU Shop (clothing, stationary, binding & more)

Hi, My name is Podge Sheehan and I am your Students’ Union President for the current academic year. Firstly, I would like to take this time to warmly welcome all new first years who have decided to begin a new chapter in your life. It’s a huge step and decision to make and I would like to congratulate you on that. Choosing IT Carlow was one of the best choices you have made and you can quote me on that! You are about to become part of a community that is so warm, welcoming and friendly and that rings through from both students, staff and academics. Over the coming weeks, you’ll begin to feel a real sense of belonging here. To all those returning to IT Carlow, congratulations on passing all your exams and I hope you enjoyed your summer. Looking forward to seeing you all again. We have some great things ahead to make sure you get the most out of your academic year. So who am I? And how did I get here? I’m a Wexford man through and through and don’t take well to any insults towards The Model County. I am a Public Relations & Media graduate and recently just completed a course in Online Marketing. I became a class rep way back in 2009 and then I was elected as Publications Officer. Last year I worked as an intern in the main SU Office and in March, IT Carlow Students elected me to be your Students’ Union President and I am honoured.

“representing your

What exactly does the President do? The fundamental core of the Students’ Union is representation and I aim to represent every single IT Carlow student on a local and national level. I am the CEO, manager and chief spokesperson for the SU and am in charge of the finances of the union. I sit on a number of committees within the Institute including Academic Council and Governing Body representing your views and making sure the student voice is heard. I liaise with all college authorities, the local government and media to represent and protect you.

views and making sure the student voice is heard”

I am extremely excited for the year ahead. I have a fantastic team that are so dedicated and enthusiastic and I know they are going to do a fantastic job! I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting with you all over the coming weeks. My office is based in the Barrow Centre, if you have any questions or queries or would like to raise an issue please call down to me or email me. Remember, we work for you and need you to raise your issues so your voice can be heard. See you all soon - Podge

Hi everyone! My name is Sandy and I’m your Welfare and Education Officer this year. I was elected into this position by you, the student body, so thank you to everyone who voted and I promise to do my best by you and your fellow students. My position can be a pretty hectic one. Regarding welfare, I am here as a referral process for absolutely any enquiries you may have, whether it be on finance, accommodation, contraception or mental health (to name just a few). You can come to me with anything and I will do my best to help by pointing you in the right direction and providing you with the information you need to empower yourself. On the education side of things, I sit on several committees, such as governing body, representing you and all of IT Carlow’s students on important issues that may affect you during your time here. I work on creating/implementing policy and again, I’m a signpost for you in helping you get an answer for any enquiries you have regarding your course, modules, or anything academic. I’m always interested in hearing from students on any issues that you believe need to be addressed, so please call into me if you know of an area that needs to have attention drawn to it. I can only help with issues I know about, and if you don’t want to approach us yourself, use the class rep system so you can have someone to bring forward any issues that we can assist you with.

“you can come to me with anything”

This college is a pretty special one, with a great working relationship between staff and students and a fun, lively atmosphere. The years you spend here should be some of the best in your life, but they can be the most challenging too. Don’t do it alone, because no man is an island. Use your Students’ Union, talk to the staff and make use of the Students Services here in the college. Happiness is a choice, so choose to help yourself at every available opportunity. And remember, the Student Services and the Students’ Union don’t cost a thing (the best things in life come free, eh?) On that note, I look forward to meeting you and have a great year. Regards, Sandy

Hello there, My Name is Ian Hannon and I’m your Vice President for the year. Before I start I would like to welcome all incoming first years to IT Carlow. It’s going to be a whirlwind experience to say the least. So about me, I studied Industrial Design here for the past 3 years and can guarantee that if you enjoy it half as much as I did it will be the best years of your life. Carlow is as my colleague Sandy says “Irelands best kept secret “give it a few months and I think you will understand why. So back to business, what exactly is it I do here? Well I’m your Vice President for Entertainments, Commercial Activity & Publications so without all the boring nitty gritty stuff I organise your night out, Freshers week, Rag week and everything else in-between. Carlow has a wellknown reputation for being a place to go for a great night out and that’s something I plan to keep going. We have a great reputation for our RAG week and I can assure plans are already underway for this year’s one. This year I have a few things planned and will do my upmost best to see them find a happy through, some of which are a student race medium day, mystery tour and possibly a ski Trip. Apart from that the usual madness will go between on weekly in our official Students’ Union nightclub The Foundry. Over your time in work & play Carlow you will become to love The Foundry and will think there’s no place to like it. Not to forget college isn’t all about partying so over the year I will have as many on campus activities as possible. There’s a few mad ideas floating about in this head of mine and with planning we should see some of them expand.

“

”

I was In your position 3 years ago I know how daunting your first week/ weeks can be so here is some advice. College cannot be all work no play nor can College be all play no work so find a happy medium there. If you find yourself in a panic about something ask “Will this matter in 5 years’ time” Find that 1 person you can confide in, Lads(being all macho) wont appreciate that one but its vitally important everybody has somebody to turn to. Last but not least guys, Enjoy yourself, Be safe, Smile and be happy.

Hey everyone! Mark Grincell here your SU Union Rep, to all the returning students, welcome back! Hope you had a great summer and if you’re like me, your delighted to be back to college, make some new friends, make some new memories, learn to cook a new meal, awh another year of savage college banter! To all the new students, welcome! The hardest exam of your life is over and congratulations on getting your course. Some of the best moments, experiences, friends of your life will be made and had in IT Carlow and I can say personally, college is the best years of your life, so make the most of it, play hard study hard. Ok so a little about me, I’m currently going into my third year in Architectural Technology, when I first came to IT Carlow I didn’t know what to expect little did I know I would make the best friends of my life here, and the greatest classmates, who elected me Class Rep in first year that’s when I really found my place in IT Carlow. Ever since then I have been involved in the Students Union! This year I am your Students’ Union Rep, and it has to be the biggest achievement I have ever accomplished to date, as your Union Rep I aim to have a strong communication system in the Student’s Union and that’s done by YOU the students being involved, having a strong Class Reps system plays a vital part of any union, and I am going to ensure your voices are heard. Issue or no issue I am always there for every student of this college. You can contact me by email. Keep your head up and your heart strong.

Your friendly Union Rep, Mark Grincell.

Hi everyone, Catherine Dillon here, I hope everyone had a great summer and I want to welcome all the new students to the college. This college can seem like a huge place when you start but in no time you’ll be settled and used to the busy lifestyle of ITC! Some advice I’d like to give is that this time will fly, 3 or 4 years may seem like a life time but you blink and its nearly over! Make the most of your time, you’ve come here to study, but you deserve to enjoy yourself too! College is a great place to build friendships and you may come in as strangers but leave as lifelong friends! I wish you all the best in your future studies and hope you love ITC as much as I do! Firstly a little bit about me, I am a third year Media and PR student. For the past two years I have been involved heavily in the ITC music society and have been the secretary for the past two years, I’ve also taken part in many SU events! The Students’ Union to me has been a safe haven away from the hustle and bustle of college life, somewhere to sit back, relax and of course get some well needed advice! As the first ever IT Carlow Mature Student and Equality Officer. I am so excited to see what this year holds! As promised, I want to have an anonymous help box situated in the Students’ Union for all questions and suggestions and these will be answered on a Students’ Union blog, I also plan on running the first ever disabilities day right here on campus! Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to LGBT pride this past summer and hope to bring a huge pride celebration to ITC too! I intend to attend USI Pink Training alongside the LGBT society this year. I am also very eager to work with the rest of the Students’ Union team on their campaigns and events! It is my intention to hold mature students events this year and want every single student to feel involved in the Students’ Union! It is my job to provide help and advice to anyone that needs it and I will always be here to help! If ever you need me for anything, big or small, do not hesitate to e-mail me. Talk to you soon, Catherine Dillon

New SU Hoodies & Bottoms On Sale Now!

Ross

The SU Admins &

Lydia

What is this...

publications

...you speak of?

The FEIC IT is a college magazine that is produced twice a month free of charge for the Students’ of IT Carlow. It includes articles from your Full and Part time officers on what’s going on and their officer reports. It includes articles of interest, fun and deals for our students. We try - two tho usand & thstudents with great deals from companies our upmost12 best monthsto- provide 52 week irtee s - benefit around town that will be of to the students in the magazine. 365 d

2013

Make - It a

Over the past few years the FEIC IT has gone from strength to strength once being a black and white A4 magazine to an A5 full colour print magazine. None of this would have been possible without the dedication and help from officers and Students past and present. Each year we ask for students to submit articles into the FEIC IT. These articles can be anything that you feel would benefit other students. This year we want a huge input from students to make the FEIC IT bigger and better. If you fancy doing a one off piece for it, an on-going piece or even have any funny pictures/face palm moments don’t hesitate N ISSUE TE on us or even call into the SU for a chance of winning a to email them few free passes into “The Foundry” Email anything you feel would suit the EIC IT onto - SUVICE@itcalrow.ie

SU io t c IT is actually feasible Not forgetting how the eFEIC n us to produce ow iofor l m n U o Throughouttsthe year the Business & we must thank all our E sponsors. c t Companies provide us with the sponsorship to produce this magazine Ou 20

and for that we are ever so grateful.

Keep your eye out for the FEIC IT; you never know you could spot yourself in it at any stage.

Class Reps Class Reps are a vital part of the Students’ Union. A Class Rep provides a link between his/her class and the Students’ Union, informing the SU of the concerns and problems faced by students on a day-to-day basis. Class Reps meet monthly to discuss the problems, issues and concerns of students and propose solutions to these problems; this meeting is also the Governing Body of the Students’ Union, which means it directs the sabbatical Officers actions throughout the year.

Why become a Class Representative? • You can make a big difference to your degree and quality of your education in IT Carlow. • You can get to know your department and fellow students! • It will add an extra spark to your CV by improving your transferrable skills - Graduate Employers love this! • Great Class Rep social events! • You will have a good working knowledge of formal meetings.

How do I become a Class Rep? • Class Reps are recruited at the start of every course. • If you would like to be a class rep, then let your lecturer or course coordinator know, or put up your hand when they ask for a rep during class. • If your class has not elected a Class Rep yet, a member of the Students’ Union will address your class in the coming weeks • You can also pick up a nomination form from the SU Office in the Barrow Centre

Student Services

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The aim of Student Services is to provide a comprehensive and caring service to help our students to achieve their full academic and personal potential. The key to success for these services is that people find them easy to access and are not afraid to ask questions! We have a wide area of supports and services available to students.â&#x20AC;? Ms Helena Johnson MEng, BEng Head of Student Services T: 059-9175600 E: helena.johnson Mrs Geraldine Parr ECDL Student Services Officer T: 059-9175602 E: geraldine.parr Ms Aisling McHugh BSc, HDipCG, PGDip SocSc Access Officer T: 059-9175603 E: aisling.mchugh Ms Michelle Woods Accommodation Officer T: 059-9175600 E: studentservices Ms Grace McKevitt Nurse I.T Carlow Medical Suite T: 059-9175606 E: grace.mckevitt

Fr Martin Smith Chaplain T: 059-9175612 E: martin.smith

WHAT WE ARE The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is the national representative body for students in Further and Higher Education in Ireland. USI is over 50 years old and represents over 250,000 students in over forty colleges across Ireland. USI is run by students, elected by our members every year, so if you want to get involved; get involved!

WHAT WE DO USI fights for freedom of access to education by: • • • •

Lobbying local and national politicians. Campaigning through meetings, sit-ins, petitions, lawsuits etc. Mobilising tens of thousands of students to march for their rights. Representing students at home and abroad, in all aspects of their student experience, academic and outside college life.

USI BELIEVES 1. That access to education is a fundamental right of all people in Ireland. 2. Students have a right to a decent standard of living including adequate financial support, decent housing and decent prospects of employment in Ireland. 3. Students have an active part to play in promoting and defending all democratic and human rights.

WHAT WE NEED USI needs you to get involved! Each year USI runs campaigns on everything to protecting the grant to promoting good mental health to ensuring students with disabilities are treated equally. Whatever area of activism interests you, please call into your Students’ Union to find out more about how to get involved today!

Joe O'Connor USI President

Union of Students in Ireland 1st Floor 3/4 St. Agnes Road Crumlin Dublin 12

Ciara Guinan

USI Vice President for the Southern Region

www.usi.ie twitter.com/theusi facebook.com/usi.ie

Clubs & Societies

Facilities

Over the past 5 years IT Carlow has seen major changes and development of facilities in the sports sector. IT Carlow has some of the finest facilities in the country at the moment with Full length Rugby, Soccer and GAA pitches not to mention the 5 a side AstroTurf pitches. The sports centre has dressing rooms equipped with coded lockers and hot showers. Both GAA and the Rugby Pitches are equipped with flood lights and can house students in the stands alongside The development of these facilities has also developed the standard of the sportsmanship of all athletes involved in the sports sector with the college grabbing numerous Titles last year. Some of which are • • • • • • • •

Colleges and Universities League titles, Umbro, CFAI, Bob Eustace and WCSAI Cups in Soccer Mens Rugby Div 1 All-Ireland title Womens Rugby Leinster League title All-Ireland Intermediate Gaelic Football title All-Ireland Mens & Womens Basketball League titles Gold medals in Athletics & Boxing Final of the Division 1 Hurling League Final placings in Camogie and Womens Gaelic Football

Along side the sports facilities is a state of the art gym that is open to students upon registering and paying a small affiliation fee. An elite performance athlete centre is available for athletes competing and playing on a sports team.

Sports Scholarships

IT Carlow offers a number of Sports Scholarships to students of exceptional sporting talent each year. The scholarships afford the elite sports person the opportunity to compete at the highest level while pursuing a course in the Institute. Sports Bursaries are designed to develop individual talent and maintain the institutes sporting tradtion. Closing date for application- 30 September 2013

Clubs & Societies

For those of you who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sport orientated not to worry we have numerous Clubs & Socs that will most definitely appeal to you. Every year IT Carlow sees the addition of another Club & Soc and the total now stands at 50+. The variation of Clubs and Socs is broad with the likes of Go-Karting, Archery, Hip hop dance, Astronomy, Law, and many more to mention. You can be sure to find something that will be of interest to you. We advise all students to become part of some Club or Society throughout their time here as it is a great way to socialise and make new friends. If you have interest in joining up a Club or Society visit the Clubs & Socs day during fresherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s week to join up. Is there a Club or Society that you feel would be a great addition to IT Carlow? Well we can facilitate that also. If you have interest in starting your own Club or Society call into Fr Martin who is based in the Student Services Building and he will be more than happy to facilitate your request.

Barrow Centre

The Barrow Centre is the institutes sports centre which is equipped for a wide range of sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, badminton, table tennis, futsal, Handball and many more. Students can book the Barrow Centre for an hour of their choice (Free of charge). Equipment is available on presentation of a student card. Astro Turf Pitches can be booked in the Barrow Centre. Students using the Centre can make use of the facilities ie changing room, showers and lockers.

Opening Hours Monday-Friday 9am-10pm Saturday 9am-1pm Contact T: 059 917 5608 E: carmel.lynch@itcarlow.ie 21

Bring it on

Whatever the future brings. Bring it on. Student Plus Account We’ve created THE FUTURE PROJECT to bring you talks from inspiring achievers, lots of prizes and exclusive benefits. Get more out of college and beyond. Open an AIB Student Plus Account. Drop into AIB Carlow IT • 059 9132315 • aib.ie TheFutureProjectAIB

@FutureProjAIB

Terms and conditions apply. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Sleep In: This is a must do. 11/12 O’Clock, don’t go overboard now. Treat yourself: After a hard week it’s important to treat yourself to some decent food. Either go out for breakfast or make yourself something nice. You need to look after yourself in college and treating yourself every now and then is vital. Relax: Always nice to do nothing after a tough week so if the weather is nice which is not very often but we would advise you go lie on the hill in Graiguecullen Park. Really nice to lie there and chill for a few hours. Lunch: There are some lovely places in Carlow to try for food but if you’re feeling up to it I would go to a supermarket and purchase some ingredients. Trying to make something you have not done before can be tough but very rewarding if you pull it off. Try making soup first don’t be aiming for a Michelin star now or anything. Town: Have a wander around town for a while you never know who or what you might bump into. If your sports orientated there are numerous places that have matches on. If you’re not into sports not to worry you are bound to find something if you keep your eyes peeled. There is a market every Saturday just at the fountain, they have some lovely foods and things there it’s well worth the trip.

Weekends In Carlow

“If you ever find yourself stuck in Carlow for a weekend there are many things you can do to keep yourself amused. Using the two other lists (10 things) you will be certain to keep yourself occupied. We have devised a list of stuff that you could do in Carlow.”

Gym: If you are a member of the Gym you can use it on Saturdays also. Open from 8-5. Dinner: Similar to Lunch there are loads of places you can try. Why not improve on your home made lunch and make dinner? Dessert is a must; you can’t beat ice-cream. Going out: If you’re going out you can use our Pubs & Clubs review to find the hotspots. Staying in: If you want to relax for the evening why not head down to Xtra-Vision and grab a few DVDs, then to the closest shop and get some munchies. If you have any local mates bring them over as well, more the merrier sure.

Men’s Health

Taking a Look Under the Bonnet Men need to look at their bodies like they look at their latest car-a little care will make it perform a lot better, for a lot longer, and cuts down on the need for maintenance and new parts. Unfortunately men don’t realise that your body is the most important high performance vehicle you will ever own! Today we’ll look at a few old wives tales that can be misleading about cancer and some top tips for top performance. For more information on what warning signs to look out for, pop into your Students’ Union and grab a copy of The Manuel, provided by the Irish Cancer Society.

Myths and Truths Surrounding Cancer Cancer is infectious. FALSE

Cancer cannot be passed on from one person to another.

Mobile phones cause brain tumours. FALSE (yet to be proven) There is research being done on this all the time, but as it stands it has never been proven. Masturbation causes testicular or prostate cancer. FALSE Definitely false! Tight underpants cause testicular cancer. FALSE Yet again, completely false! Your method for cooking food doesn’t affect your chances of getting cancer. FALSE Cooking food at very high temperatures including burnt meat cooked on a BBQ can increase your cancer risk. Choose baking, boiling, steaming or stir-frying as healthy options. Men don’t get breast cancer. FALSE (but it is quite rare) Women have prostates, but they don’t give them as much hassle as they do for men. FALSE A survey found that 50% of men believed that women also had a prostate but it’s false once again!

How to avoid cancer Smoke should come out if the engine, not go into it

Smoke should leave a finely tuned engine, not enter it. If you smoke 20 a day and quit, you’ll save 3,000 euro a year, plus many men don’t realise that smoking is a cause of erectile dysfunction too, alongside cancer, heart disease and numerous other diseases.

Use the best and cleanest fuel for best performance

You wouldn’t put diesel into a petrol tank, so you can’t expect your body to work 100% if you’re eating the wrong foods. Basically, you need plenty of fruit, vegetables, wholegrain foods and pulses. Wholegrain foods include brown rice, bread and pasta. Pulses are foods such as peas, beans and lentils. These foods keep energy flowing without piling on the weight and are high in fibre so help fight off cancer. When putting together your dinner, keep in mind that your plate should contain approx. 1/3 meat and 2/3 vegetables, pasta or rice.

Go for a spin 30 minutes a day

Physical exercise is a great way of avoiding getting a spare tyre and keep your engine ticking over nicely. In caveman times, in times of danger, your body released adrenaline to help you fight or take flight. These days we have different types of stress but the same old adrenaline pumping through our veins. This is why we get a release from exercise, it uses up stressful hormones and leaves us with that lovely stress-free and light post-workout feeling. Apart from the clear benefits to your mental health, losing 10% of your weight will • • •

Reduce blood pressure by 10/20 Reduce cholesterol by 10-15% Reduce fasting blood sugar by 50%

You don’t need to lose a lot, or even all your weight, to reduce your risk of heart disease-even just one stone will make a huge difference to your over-all health.

Protect your bodywork

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland. Cases are on the increase and you need to protect your bodywork. Be extra careful if you have pale or freckly skin that burns easily or tans poorly, with red or fair hair and blue, green or grey eyes. You are also more at risk if you have a mole, or unusual moles and if you have been sunburnt in the past or have family members that have had skin cancer

Women’s Health

Listen up, ladies. Between college, balancing work, a social life and keeping on top of other commitments, it’s easy to leave very little time for yourself. During your time here in IT Carlow, it’s important that you learn to take time for yourself and your health. Your lifestyle strongly influences your chances of getting a range of cancers and most cancers can be treated and cured if caught early. This is why it’s crucial you don’t stick your head in the sand and remember that you have the biggest influence on your destiny-whether it is through prevention or by detection. For a comprehensive and easy to read guide on this topic, call into your Students’ Union and pick up the Irish Cancer Society’s Women’s Guide to Healthy Living and Cancer. Today we will explore myths and misunderstandings of women’s cancer, look at just a few positive steps you can take for a better health and explore signs and symptoms to look out for.

Popular Myths Surrounding Cancer It’s in the genes FALSE Only 5% of all cancers are hereditary or are in your genetic make-up. A smear test checks for a few different female cancers FALSE A smear test only tests for cervical cancer. It does not test for other cancers of the female reproductive system, like ovarian cancer. It’s not really possible to protect yourself against cancer FALSE Many people believe that getting cancer is purely down to their genes, fate or bad luck. But by making healthy lifestyle choices as described in the Irish Cancer Society guide provided in your Students’ Union, experts say that up to half of all cancers could be prevented. Only women who sleep around get cervical cancer FALSE Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a major cause of cervical cancer and is passed on through sexual contact. However, sexual contact with just one person is enough to catch the virus if they have it.

Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer FALSE Researchers have carried out many studies investigating a possible link and there is no evidence to support this claim.

Positive Steps to a Better Health Half of all women’s cancers could be prevented by changes to lifestyle. Here are just six changes that protect you from numerous cancers. 1. Stop smoking It’s the best present you will ever give yourself. 2. Be a healthy weight This is one of the best ways to prevent yourself from cancer. 3. Limit alcohol The less you drink, the more you protect yourself against cancer. 4. Be physically active Women of all ages, shapes and sizes benefit from being active. Physical activity helps protect against getting cancer. 5. Eat for health Choose a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit to reduce your risk and prevent cancer. 6. Be safe in the sun Protect yourself when outdoors, and not just on our rare sunny days.

Signs and Symptoms Each gynaecological cancer has different symptoms. Often symptoms can be easy to ignore or confuse with another condition which is why it is important to take notice of your body and know what is normal for you. Here is a summary of some of the signs and symptoms often linked to women’s cancers in this chart. See your GP if you have bleeding that is not normal for you, like if it is heavier or unusual. See your GP if you have any of the other symptoms for two weeks or longer. It may be nothing to worry about, but find out for sure!

Contraception

“When considering the best contraception for you or your partner, there are a few options worth exploring, and a few questions you need to answer before making your decision. Different methods suit different people in different stages of their lives, so it’s a good idea to consider all your options and find out what advantages and disadvantages there are and which work best for you” • How important is it for you to avoid pregnancy? • Your age and health are important factors, as there are medical conditions and circumstances that may play a deciding factor in whether certain contraceptives would be advisable or allowed for you. Your doctor should have access to your medical history, which is important when making a decision right for you. • Your relationship status needs to be taken into account. For example, are you in a committed relationship or is your relationship open? How often do you have sex? Is your family completed or do you still want to have children? • Do you want a contraceptive that is independent of your sexual activity or could you use a barrier or behavioural method within your sexual activity? In other words, are you prepared to take time to use a condom or would you prefer taking a pill each day? Or would you be afraid you might forget to take it regularly and prefer a method that is long term that you don’t need to worry about? Contraceptive methods vary in their effectiveness to prevent an unintended pregnancy. For a comprehensive guide to what contraception methods there is, what would suit you and for a table comparing the reliability of each contraceptive method, call into your Students’ Union for a brochure and ask me, your Welfare and Education Officer for the table outlining the above. That table in particular takes into consideration both perfect use of each method and typical use (where the contraceptive might not be used correctly 100% of the time).

There are a number of methods available for you to choose from, and one of them will be right for you. It’s essential that you take the time to read up on all the different options and I highly recommend looking through some of the great brochures we have available for you to pick up at your discretion in the SU area. Talk to your Student Services nurse, Grace, or for more information and assistance.

Because 20% off is 100% on

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Managing Stress

Before we look at how to manage stress levels, let’s examine some of the reasons why you should. When you get stressed, your adrenal glands release cortisol and adrenaline, and when you’re in real (i.e. physical) danger, these hormones prompt you to either run or fight. This goes all the way back to caveman times when you literally had to fight for your life on a daily manner. Thankfully, we don’t have to deal with hungry bears trying to steal your food these days (hopefully) but we have a new, modern kind of stress which appears subtle, but is toxic. When you’re not using the hormones being released into your bloodstream, they float around your body, eventually ending up as fat on your tummy and waist. They also make you crave sugar. All this cortisol in your system leads to a particularly toxic layer of fat just below your abdominal muscles that’s really hard to shift. And doing all the sit-ups in the world is pointless because the problem isn’t being addressed.

this too shall pass

Furthermore, overworked adrenal glands can cause lowered immunity, tiredness and fatigue. Sleep is also affected, (look at all those sleepless nights playing running through things in your mind, over and over) alongside your digestive system, leaving you constipated, toxic and bloated. The only way to ditch the harmful effect of stress is to ditch the stress in your life! In fact, similar to how stress leads to weight gain, it affects you in many different ways, and is often referred to as one of the main contributing factors to cancer. Stress can destroy you physically but also mentally. As someone who naturally stresses over things (the one genetic attribute I would have preferred not to receive from my mother) I have come to realise that there loads of really simple things I can do to control my stress levels and live a much happier and healthier life. And so can you.

The key is to try a few different things, and if it relieves your mind and makes you feel happy, you’ve found your stress buster. It might be walking, running off them hormones or joining a club or society of interest to you and taking time out for you in the evenings. Think of some of the things that cause you stress from day to day. Is it possible to avoid some of them? Read on and see what stresses you can eliminate from your life! Talk about a problem Don’t be tempted to bottle it all up and speak with someone you can confide in or speak with a professional. This doesn’t mean you are crazy! Sometimes it’s just easier to speak to a professional in confidence. Stand up for yourself Learning to be more assertive can help you take control of the things that are causing you stress. Learn to say no If you find yourself agreeing to do everything, learning to say no is very important. Don’t let guilt make you take on projects you don’t have time for. Do a few things well instead of putting yourself under pressure to do it all when there are other people who could do it instead. Delegate Trying to do everything yourself will leave you feeling tired and stressed. Let someone else help. They may not do it the way you would but as long as the job gets done that’s all that matters! Accept offers of help You’re not out to prove you’re superhuman. Let others help you if they offer and remember, if you keep turning down their offers, they will eventually stop asking! Avoid people who stress you out Some people will always leave you feeling annoyed, upset or negative. Spend less time with them and talking to them.

Money Matters 32

“A college lifestyle need not empty your pockets, so I’ve thrown together a few ways of keeping your money where you want it-in your pocket!” • An organisation called ‘Get Cash 4 Clothes’ on Kennedy Street pay you €15 per bag of unwanted clothes, shoes, bags and belts that can be re-used and re-worn. Get rid of unwanted clutter and make money too! Call 01-8428335 for more info. • Keep an eye and ear out for people who you could carpool with and make your journey a more convenient and cost effective one. Plus the company is always a bonus for long journeys! • Tea, coffee and something to nibble on will have you spending €5€7 a day, easily. That’s €25 a week, which is €1,300 a year down the road. Instead of your morning coffee and a snack in college, why not hang back 5 minutes at home to have your coffee before leaving, and make some lunch too? You can leave it in a locker (rentable for the year for a small deposit) and not only control the amount you spend but boost your nutrition through your favourite meals as well! • Want an entertaining and affordable night with your friends? Why not go and buy a great board game like ‘30 Seconds’ between you and your friends? You can always get creative and play games that don’t require anything other than a good imagination, like Sticky Licky. It’s simple, everyone writes the name of a person you all know on a small piece of paper, swap with your neighbour, lick the back and stick it to your forehead. From there, you take turns guessing who’s licked to your forehead by asking yes/no questions. The last one guessing loses and is out of that round. If you guess wrong at any point, you’re out. This can be a particularly revealing and hilarious game, and absolutely free!

• Make a food diary to document all your meals and everything inbetween, even if only for a week or two. Then when you’re shopping, you can make a comprehensive shopping list filled with items you use and eat the most (instead of spending loads on stuff you ‘think’ you need). Now you can shop around and get the best value for the food you use most. • Making simple observations on prices can make a huge difference to your pocket. For example, a bag of nuts (Brazil nuts, peanuts, almonds etc...) are often €4.50 a pop, but if you head down to Dealz you’ll find them there for €1.49. When you start to get a feel for where is the best place to get what, jot it all down, and next time you’re shopping you’ll know exactly what to get and where. • Use sites such as Groupon.ie and LivingSocial.ie to find deals either at home or around Carlow for hairdressers, fun things to do, getaway weekends, the list is endless. Sign up for free, create a folder in your email account for the notifications from these sites (so you don’t clutter up your inbox) and in your spare time, fly through the folder looking out for deals of interest. • Don’t forget to carry your student card with you everywhere you go and don’t be afraid to ask for a student discount, even if it’s not advertised. Keep your card in a visible spot in your wallet where you’ll see it and be reminded every time you go to pay for something. • Bring a plastic bottle to college with you and use the water machines in the Barrow Centre to fill up. Why spend money on bottled water when there’s perfect water on tap nearby? • Get yourself a membership in the college gym. For €60 euro, you have access to a timetable of fun and challenging classes each day, use of the gym and a personal assessment and fitness plan done up for you. The classes are a great way of meeting new people and making friends. You’ll look and feel great too, which is always a bonus! If the gym isn’t your scene, join a club or society to try new things. You won’t regret it!

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Being Safe & Sound

“The other day a friend of mine told me that in broad daylight, someone snatched her phone from her hand and ran off. She was sickened. And she’s not the only one with a story to tell. There are simple measures you can take to protect yourself and make sure that you don’t have a story to tell from your time here in IT Carlow. If something does happen, or you wish to find out more information on personal safety, please call into the Welfare & Education Officer and we can discuss it in more detail, and how we can help you have the best and safest college experience this year.”

Essential Tips: • Always have credit. It sounds simple but it is absolutely essential! Tell friends when you’re calling them that your credit has beeped and you need to go. They won’t know any difference and you’re ensuring you’re keeping some credit for an emergency. An important number to have saved in your contacts is Carlow’s Garda station, and they can be reached at 059-9136620. If you’re in any doubt about your safety, don’t hesitate in calling them! • Make sure you give a contact number to your family for one of your housemates (making sure they agree to this first). If you can’t be reached, this will give them another option to try. It will mean the world to your family and you will get much less hassle from family and friends from home if they know you are doing all you can to keep in contact and stay safe. • If there is one thing you do this year, please save a trusted contact under “ICE” (eg ICE Sandy) in your phone. ICE stands for In Case of an Emergency and is also essential on a night out if you are spiked or have one too many. It allows someone to ensure you get home safe by calling a designated friend that you trust. If you usually have a lock on your phone, put this information on a piece of paper in your wallet as “In Case of Emergency: Gemma” for example, so that people have a trusted contact they can call to ensure you get home safe.

• Set up a system with your family agreeing on how regularly you will keep in contact with them, and when suits to call for a chat. It’s easy to disappear for a week or two up here, but bad things happen, and your family don’t want to be left wondering if something has happened to you. By having a systematic approach to contact, they will know if something has gone awry or not. • Buy an Attack Alarm from your Students’ Union for nights out or for walking home late. The alarm is a key-ring that can be attached to your iPod, phone, etc. When you pull the pin it makes a piercing noise to scare off potential attackers. There are two models available, one with a torch and the cheaper charm alarm, which is disguised as a charm key-ring in a multitude of colours. Prices for both are very reasonable so please enquire within the SU for more information. Alternatively, enquire about the scheme being rolled out in the library and SU where you can leave in your student card, pick up an alarm and bring it back the following day. • Never, ever walk home alone. I’ve had numerous friends mugged coming home from the Foundry. Unfortunately, there are dangerous people out there. Don’t take short cuts! Follow the busy, well-lit road. I’ve heard of several people being attacked in Penney’s car park, going through the park and going through the narrow dark alleys around Carlow, like across from the Foundry to the Casino. Make sure you and your friends all get into the habit of ringing or texting about after a night out to ensure everyone is safe.

Self Improvement

How often have you found yourself wanting to do something new, experience something exhilarating or break free from a rut in your life? You wonder are you simply existing, instead of truly living? You’ve always wanted to try boxing, volleyball, arts and crafts, drama, something that fills you with excitement and hope, but it never happens. Then the excuses start flooding in.

“I was too busy. I didn’t have enough money. I didn’t have the time. I wouldn’t be good enough. I’d feel uncomfortable. I might not enjoy it. I don’t like commitment. It wouldn’t lead anywhere.” I don’t know about you, but I‘ve decided that I want to prioritize more of the things that make me feel passionate and excited in my life. And not just spontaneously, but on a day“I don’t believe to-day basis. Why not? I don’t people are looking want to wake up some day to for the meaning of life find I’m filled with regrets on as much as they are what could have been.

looking for the experience of being alive.” Joseph Campbell

So with all this in mind, here are just ten things to start us on this journey to feeling more alive and empowered, and in each FeicIT I’ll be adding even more ways to this list to self-improve, to find joy in your life on a regular basis and to make the most of your time here in IT Carlow. Please email me any tips or suggestions you have to sudeputy@itcarlow.ie and receive a Foundry pass if it’s published!

SAY SOMETHING YOU’VE BEEN MEANING TO SAY 1. Tell someone how you really feel about them instead of waiting because you’re scared. 2. Tell someone what you really want and need, instead of building up resentment. 3. Share your fears publicly, in a blog post for example, and ask the community to keep you accountable in overcoming them. 4. Tell a friend your greatest dream, and then ask them to hold you accountable in pursuing it. 5. Admit to a friend how you really feel about how you spend your time—then brainstorm about ways to improve it. 6. Introduce yourself to someone you’ve been dying to meet, even if you feel nervous. 7. Ask someone who’s done what you want to do for advice and encouragement. 8. Tell your boss what you can do instead of wondering if you’ll ever move forward professionally. 9. Or tell your boss his services are no longer needed—then finally start pursuing your passion. 10. Tell yourself the truth instead of lying to yourself about the changes you want to make in your life.

For The Laugh

10 Things to do for less than a €10 “The current economic climate we live in means we are in fact NOT millionaires. Unfortunately the government seem to think different which in turn causes us to be more creative with our money. We’ve devised a list of fun stuff to do for under €10. Possibly the most used item in your wallet this year, apart from your bank card will be your Student Discount Card so we would advise you carry it with you at all times.” 1. Feed yourself: Instead of spending €10 on a Chinese, go to the supermarket which there seem to be hundreds of in Carlow and purchase some obvious but essential items. Bread, Ham, Cheese, Butter, Pasta, Sauce, Fruit. Not the most exciting way to spend money we know but very essential. Tip- Get your housemates together and pool your money together for better results. 2. Cinema & Shneak in food: A must do when going to the cinema is bring your own secret food, Student 1 Cinema 0. With the use of your Student Card you can get entry to the cinema for as little as €8 3. Play Pool: For €1 you can avail of the pool tables in the Union from 9am-10pm 4. Gain entry into The Foundry: Prices as low as €5 you can get yourself & a friend into the club. 5. Swimming: Essentially swimming can be free but if you want to avail of a swimming pool with Steam room & Sauna there is one located in Graiguecullen. €4.50 6. Delta Centre Gardens: Always worth a trip here if you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing time. For as little as €4 also it’s a bargain. These gardens are located in strawhill (Near Dr Cullen Park) 7. Driving Range: Want to blow off some steam? For €7 you can equip yourself with a 100 balls to drive away that anger. 8. Oak Park: Located near Dr Cullen Park it’s always a nice place to go for a walk or even for a picnic. You can get into here for FREE so it’s well worth a trip. 9. Par 3 Golfing: If golfing is your thing you’re just in luck. Quinagh Par 3 comes in at €8 for students and is sure to keep you entertained for a few hours.

10. Bowling: Last but not least bowling, grab two of your friends and you can play bowling for an hour at a cost of €4.80 per hour. At that price you could play for 2.

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Mature Students

A Guide to Navigating College What exactly does it mean to be a mature student? If you’ve taken time out to travel the world, raise a family, get real life experience or take a break from education, it’s very possible that you could be a mature student. ‘Mature student’ refers to anyone over the age of 23 who is returning to education that may, or may not, have had sufficient school-leaving qualifications for the course they applied for. These are students who found the area they wish to work in and have come back to college to get the skills they need to succeed. If you’re a mature student, you’ve decided to educate yourself to overcome the work opportunity issues that face us. It isn’t easy returning to education after being away for any length of time, and you may have some initial troubles balancing your normal life with your new college life. Feelings of isolation can be a huge problem for older students, as there can sometimes be a lack of socialisation with younger classmates. The college offers supports and services to mature students to help make the most of their college experience. Your Access Officer in the Students Services will know what is available to help you, and our Welfare and Education Officer will be happy to assist if you need information on anything to enhance your college experience.

Here are some top tips to help mature students get the most out of their time here in IT Carlow.

1. Give yourself time to settle in and find your feet. Don’t feel like you have to hit the ground running and manage everything from the first moment! 2. Manage your time. In the first few weeks of college, you may find the first few assignments clashing. If you get a list of all your assignments and their due dates, write them down so you can plan ahead. 3. Be organised. When you attend lectures and seminars you will be writing notes and given lots of handouts. Organise and file your work for each module. This will make revision at the end a whole lot easier. 4. Work to your strengths. Ask yourself, what time of day do you find it easiest to work? In what environment? How long can you concentrate for? Then plan for your work. Remember to keep some time for yourself, this is crucial or you’ll burn out. 5. Booklists are meant to help you with your studies, not confuse you. Find out which books on your list are essential reading. Ask your tutor if this isn’t clear. Also, keep an eye on the notice boards in your department for people selling some of these books second-hand. Sites online like Amazon will have your books for very reasonable prices. 6. Exchange ideas. Discussing your work and ideas, sharing notes and reading one another’s notes is quite acceptable, though plagiarism isn’t. Understand the difference by grabbing a copy of “Credit Where Credit Due” in the library which will explain everything you need to know about plagiarism (copying someone else’s work or ideas) and ask a librarian or your tutor for more information if you’re confused! 7. Learn to discard information. This can be difficult, but you can’t use all the notes you take for one assignment. Stick to what’s relevant, and use the rest of your notes to get a general gist of things. Remember, you won’t be given enough time to write it all down in your exams! Practice exam questions to get accustomed to what examiners look for. 8. Get to know people on your course. No matter what their age, this helps you feel more socially connected and enable you to chat with other students about assignments or set up study groups. 9. If you feel you aren’t coping, ask for assistance. Your tutors, the officers in the Students’ Union, the Access Officer or any staff in the Students Services building will be delighted to assist you. Facilities like the quiet room beside the Students’ Union, can offer you some calm and peaceful space when needed.

Anti-social Behavior

“How ye Gards, we’re the lads” “Carlow is one of the most random and fun loving towns you are going to come across, but while having the time of your life, it’s easy to forget about the consequences of throwing caution to the wind. The Gardaí are getting more and more reasons to give out Anti-Social Behaviour Warnings and you would be surprised how easy it is to get one. And trust me, if you get one, the fun is over.” Anti-Social Behaviour is where a person causes (or appears likely to cause) any of the following a person or a few people of a different household: • Harassment • Significant persistent alarm, distress, fear or intimidation. • Significant and persistent impairment of their use/enjoyment of their property. Examples include: • Noisy parties • Minor harassment such as name calling • Offensive remarks • Drinking in open areas • Making un-acceptable levels of noise such as shouting • Loud music or any other behaviour that is offensive or is justifiably annoying to others.

What you need to know: 1. The identity of the person who makes the complaint is protected. 2. The offender is informed orally of offense, before being given a paper copy. 3. It is an offense to provide a false misleading address. 4. An official warning stays in force for three months. 5. It must be given within 1 month of behaviour taking place. 6. If 3 warnings are given within a 6 month period, the Superintendent may make an application to district court for a civil order to be served against the offender.

7. If offender breaches this civil order, they may be arrested and be subject to a fine over €3000 or 6 months imprisonment or both.

Fixed Charge Penalty Notices (i.e. a fine or more) 1. If you are risking drinking in public, like on the way to the nightclub for example, a Fixed Charge Penalty Notice can be issued by Gardai for ‘Intoxication in a Public Place’ and/or ‘Disorderly Conduct’. 2. Both offenses result in a Fixed Charge Penalty Notice being issued by post. 3. An €80 fine applies if paid within 28 days of receiving it in the post. If unpaid between 28 and 56 days of receiving the FCPN, the fine increases to €120. After 56 days, a summons is issued for the offender to attend court.

Adult Cautions: 1. A caution can be issued instead of a prosecution for most offences including public order or theft. 2. To get a caution the offender must admit to being guilty of the offence. 3. They must also have no previous convictions. 4. A meeting is then arranged between the offender and the Superintendent, where the adult caution is officially issued. 5. Receiving an adult caution does not result in a criminal record.

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Accommodation 101

What You Need to Know! “Now before you skip to ‘fun’ pages, here is one sad and common occurrence that should keep you reading on. According to research done by the Union of Students in Ireland, 40% of students had their deposit unfairly withheld last year. The good news is that you and your friends can protect your deposit, so read on and don’t get caught out!”

The New Gaff • By law, in self-catering accommodation you’re entitled to a rent book or written agreement containing specified information about the tenancy, costs and your rights. You’ll be glad to have this if trouble arises. • Get an inventory off your landlord (a list of everything in the house that’s included in your tenancy). Anything on it MUST be provided by your landlord. Also, check everything works on that. • Investigate what kind of heating system there is. Oil, gas, electric, none? What bills are you expected to pay and what’s included in your rent? Think ESB, heating, internet, waste disposal, service charges etc. Once you know what to expect, you won’t have any nasty surprises.

know you rights.

• Many of you will be well accustomed to Snapchat, so put them photography skills to work. When you get into your new place, take pictures of everything. Document every room, every bit of damp or mould, scratch or other noticeable damage around the house that you didn’t create and have them filed away safely for your inspection day. Don’t pay for something you didn’t do.

You’re in!

You’ve signed yourself into a written contract, so you’ve agreed to adhere to a certain set of rules. There’s no point not reading ‘the fine print’ and then throwing a massive party, wrecking the place and wondering why you’re getting kicked out unfairly. If it says no parties, then that’s what you’ve agreed to, so always read the small print. But don’t forget that once you’re in your new home, you are entitled to certain rights that your landlord has signed themselves into too..

It’s My Right and I’ll Cry If I Want To You have many rights as a tenant. The law can be a wonderful thing, once you stay on the right side of it, that is! Here are just some of your rights and obligations as a tenant this year: •

You are entitled to quiet and exclusive enjoyment of your home, and the landlord is not allowed to enter without your permission (except in an emergency).

•

You can have friends stay over for short periods or just over-night (great news if you’ve pulled in the Foundry) but you MUST tell your landlord if someone extra is moving in on a more full-time notice (in case it turns into love).

•

If you’ve signed up to a fixed term lease and break it by leaving at any point throughout, your landlord can bring you to court to pay for the whole term’s rent. If you don’t have this kind of lease and wish to leave, you must give a month’s notice.

•

You’re expected to pay your rent on time. If you’re having trouble paying because you’re particularly short on money, go and talk to your landlord and explain your situation to them, as many can be very accommodating and helpful. Student Services can discuss financial help in your difficult time and discuss your options.

•

Don’t forget to keep the accommodation in good nick. Don’t cause damage (or you’ll have to replace it or pay with your deposit) and don’t be a nuisance and disturb the peace. Tut tut.

•

If you’re living in the same house as your landlord, your rights are MUCH more limited. Make sure you spell out some rules in advance, such as the rent you’re paying, the period of your stay, and any restrictions regarding visitors or noise levels.

•

A verbal agreement isn’t as strong as a written one if it’s broken, so protect yourself and ask to agree on some sort of written contract. It’s essential.

•

If you have any further questions or issues drop an email to our Welfare and Education Officer at sudeputy@itcarlow.ie and I look forward to helping you!

Pubs & Clubs

For a number of years now, IT Carlow Students’ Union and Dinn Rí including The Foundry Nightclub, Tower Live, Dinn Rí Bar, Cedar Square and Brooks Café Bar have been working in partnership to provide IT Carlow Students with fun and friendly local venues to socialise in. This strong working relationship has resulted in some extraordinary and very memorable student nights over the years. The Dinn Rí Student Discount Card entitles IT Carlow Students to up to 20% off all beverages in all of the venues listed below and 10% off food in Dinn Rí Bar and Brooks Café Bar from midnight Sunday to midnight Friday. Discounts on admission to The Foundry Nightclub also apply (see outlined below) and many other partner discounts are available on presentation of the card. See http://www.dinnri.com/index.php/students for more information. The Foundry Nightclub The Foundry Nightclub offers the very best in commercial music guaranteed to cater for all types of music lovers. With multiple bars including The Bamboo Bar and the exclusive Theatre Bar upstairs, as well as the Tower Live next door, it is safe to say that it is one of the biggest and best nightclubs in the country. Agro Santos, Sidney Samson, Paul Kay, Dimetri Vegas, Like Mike and TJR are just examples of some of the many DJs of international fame that have entertained students from the decks at The Foundry Nightclub. Of course the Resident Foundry Nightclub DJ’s are also renowned for throwing great student party nights. Dedicated weekly Student Nights at The Foundry Nightclub this academic year are Manic Mondays, Wacky Wednesdays and Thrilling Thursdays! In addition to up to 20% off all beverages, your Dinn Rí Student Discount Card entitles you to discounted admission to The Foundry Nightclub on nights outlined below:

• • • • • •

Saturday – Adm: €10 or €7 with your student discount card Sunday – Adm: €5 or €3 with your student discount card Monday - Adm: €3 Wednesday - Adm: €5 Thursday - Adm: €5 or €3 with your student discount card Friday – Adm: €5

Tower Live As the name suggests, the multi-level Tower Live venue usually hosts popular live bands. Tower Live has a strong reputation for staging some of the newest and coolest bands on the Irish music scene offering a mix of covers and originals. You’ll be sure to enjoy plenty of gigs at The Tower and possibly even some special IT Carlow student events like ‘Take Me Out’ nights or similar. With your Dinn Rí Student Discount Card you are entitled to up to 20% off all beverages at Tower Live. Dinn Rí Bar A warm and relaxed atmosphere awaits you at Dinn Rí Bar. The ultimate pub, Dinn Rí Bar is popular for all the sporting action with giant screens and plasma TVs and stereo sound. This venue is also well known for live music and offers great casual dining, making it a great spot for students for regular socialising. With your Dinn Rí Student Discount Card you are entitled to up to 20% off all beverages and 10% off food at Dinn Rí Bar. Cedar Square Cedar Square is a popular open air terrace and garden with an automated retractable roof offering a seasonal BBQ menu, full bar service and regular live music sessions. It is a fantastic venue in the sun and you can also dine and drink under the sky at Cedar Square during the winter months whilst remaining dry under the glass roof and warm, nestled by cosy heaters. Of course, it also offers a superb smoking area. With your Dinn Rí Student Discount Card you are entitled to up to 20% off all beverages at Cedar Square. Brooks Café Bar For a more refined dining experience, the sleek and stylish Brooks Café Bar is the place to go. Brooks is full of character and offers great choice with a broad range of menu options from breakfast, brunch and lunch to early birds and evening dining. The cosy surroundings there will make you want to curl up with a cuppa and relax with friends. With your Dinn Rí Student Discount Card you are entitled to up to 20% off all beverages and 10% off food at Brooks Café Bar.

Pubs & Clubs

The Barracks Come and join us in one of Carlow’s busiest and most stylish bars! The Barracks is a lively, modern and contemporary bar and a landmark in a vibrant and hugely popular part of Carlow. The venue has all the right ingredients - tantalising cocktail and wine lists to suit every mood, live DJ’s playing the hottest sounds and dance hits as well as live music every Sunday night. Catch up on the latest games on our plasma and big screens showing a great selection of Premiership, GAA, and Six Nations matches, along with all the other major sporting events. With your Dinn Rí Student Discount Card you are entitled to up to 20% off all beverages at The Barracks. Scraggs Alley Scraggs Alley and IT Carlow Students Union have been working together for many years now! Scraggs has its reputation as not only one of the best student bars in Carlow but one of the best in Ireland. Offering live music, Legendary Party Games, promotions, and top DJs it’s easy to see why Scraggs has such a reputation. Numerous different bars and Venues ensure it’s never a normal night in there for students. Infamous for its “Rag Week Monday” it’s easy to see why students love it. Available to students looking for class parties also, all you need to do is call down and they will do the rest. Tully’s Carlow’s original student bar and a hugely popular place among students Tully’s is among Carlow’s finest student venues. Offering live music weekly from the Music & Dj Society it provides great entertainment for students. Great food during the day along providing entertainment at night it’s definitely a hotspot in Carlow town. The atmosphere in Tully’s is always electric and you’re always guaranteed a great night Great deals on drink and food .

Work Placement

“If you are a student within the Department of Humanities, Sport and Health or Computing, you have a module of work placement somewhere along the way. Some of you have it in first year, others in their final year. Some will be doing it in Semester one, others in Semester two. But don’t worry. You will be told in good time when it’s happening. What you might not be familiar with is some of the finer details, so I’ve gathered some essential tips to create a guide for you in successfully navigating your work placement, with help from your lecturers and college staff that sent on everything you need to know”

What is it?

Work placement is a module with the aim of enhancing your learning through practical firsthand experience in the workplace. The idea is to use and develop essential skills for your field of work (e.g. as a pharmacy technician, computer systems manager etc) and this placement allows you to work in the industry and learn these work-related skills.

When is it?

You will be given the dates for your placement as soon as your lecturers have them, giving you plenty of time to look. If your placement typically commences from the beginning of semester one, it is recommended that you start looking for your work placement as soon as you get offered a place on the course.

What do I do about accommodation?

It is essential that you do not sign a fixed term lease if you plan on leaving before your lease is up as you are legally bound to pay the full term’s rent. Be honest with your landlord about the months you will be staying and offer to find someone to fill your place when you leave(for example from a different course that may be just finishing their own placement as you start yours). Remember, if you don’t find a replacement, you will lose your deposit. If you’re not on a fixed term lease, you can give one month’s notice of leave, but you may still lose your deposit.

How do I get placement?

Depending on your course, getting your placement will involve going through the normal procedures of application, applying to the company you wish to work for and then passing an interview with them. Your lecturers will help you in every way they can. Some courses have excellent relations with companies that take people on annually. Your lecturers will present you with opportunities, where possible. In cases where your work placement begins straight away, you present your written specification of your intended company, supervisor details and duties of your placement and it will need to be approved by the programme board. Any students who wish to work abroad will also need to present the same information for approval.

What if I can’t find a place?

The timing of your placement can be changed with consent of the programme board if you experience difficulties finding a placement.

Whose responsibility is it?

Although your lecturers will help you in every way they can in helping you get a placement, it is your responsibility to secure an interview and get it. The college cannot guarantee a placement position to any student, because you need to actively cooperate with the college in making the most of all opportunities that come about and present yourself in the best possible manner, attending and passing any procedures needed to apply, such as an interview.

Warning!

Sometimes, it’s at the discretion of the college whether they are happy or not to present you for placement. If your attendance is poor or your results have been poor, or if you miss the interview without a legitimate reason, the college will not present you with or consider you for further placement opportunities.

What about wages?

You may or may not get paid; it’s all at the discretion of the company you apply to. The college has no control over payment.

How do I pass?

Remember, all work placements secured must be fully completed to the required standard before you’ll get your pass, so make sure you know what exactly is needed from you, such as a weekly diary.

It’s impossible to fail, right?

Wrong! It can be, and has been, failed. The tutors have a final say on whether or not a student has met the learning outcomes. You may be asked to work extra days to meet the learning objectives.

What about work placement etiquette?

Make sure your Facebook settings are set as private as possible, as many companies will look at the pages of prospective employees. Also, create a professional email address; ilovebubbles@hotmail.com isn’t appropriate. Don’t start emails with “Hey” as it is not attractive to potential employers. Remember, at your work placement you are expected to uphold the Student Charter values which you agreed upon when registered as a student here, so read up on them (or check out my article on it further on!)

Finally

Find out what your responsibilities and learning outcomes are, but also ask what the responsibilities of your company are. This is particularly important, because if they are not doing their part of the deal, you aren’t learning. You aren’t there to sweep floors! So go to your supervisor if you encounter any issues.

For The Laugh

Things that you will do before you leave IT Carlow • Make best friends with someone during Fresher’s Week and spend the rest of your time in college avoiding them. • Fall madly in love on a night out and believe that you are 100% soul mates… only to realise that from the next morning on you will avoid speaking to each other ever again. • Get sick in a public place • Fall asleep in a pub/club. • Believe on a night out, that a chicken burger is without a doubt the best food you have ever tasted. • Text someone on a night out thinking it’s the best idea in the world and that what you have to say can’t wait! Trust me, it can. • Try to solve the world’s problems with your taxi driver on the way into town. • Pick up quare weird and wonderful sayings that people from home just won’t understand. • Go home on a Friday to your parents, they’ll say “God your looking very tired” you’ll say “Yeah it’s been a tough week in college, a lot of projects” (Lie: in fact you were out until 5 the night before) and then get ‘Mammied’ for the entire weekend. • Sacrifice early morning lectures to watch Jeremy Kyle and Dr. Phil • Sacrifice eating, for a night out on the beer (not advisable). • Stay up all night with someone you just met and discover the meaning of life. • Get a message after a night out from someone who claims to have met you the night before and have no recollection of it happening.

“Some of your best memories will come from your most foolish decisions”

• Fight with an ATM machine because it won’t give you that €4 that’s in your account.

• Say to everyone ‘Nope I’m definitely not heading out tonight’ just to discover you’re the first on the dance floor in the Foundry Nightclub.

Institute of Technology Carlow

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