A new city, your first time at university and probably a lot of new names to remember!
Moving to Cork for university means meeting plenty of people for the first time, whether you are starting at UCC or MTU, or moving to Ireland as an international student.
It is also an exciting new beginning. University gives you plenty of opportunities to meet people and make new friends, often without having to make a big effort. Here are a few simple ways to get started when you arrive in Cork.
Start With the People Around You
Some of the first people you meet will probably be on your course. Orientation events, lectures, seminars and tutorials all give you opportunities to get to know other students who are settling into university life too.
Even something as simple as chatting before a lecture or grabbing a coffee afterwards can help you become familiar with your coursemates. Sometimes, courses provide group chat links so you can get to know peers before arriving. But these are not always guaranteed.
Curious? Here’s what to expect in your first week at university in Cork.
Your Student Accommodation Can Help You Meet People
Where you live can also play an important role in your first year!
Choosing purpose-built student accommodation in Cork means you are living alongside other students from the very beginning. Shared kitchens and communal areas create natural opportunities to meet your neighbours and spend time with your flatmates.
Unlike a private house share, where your housemates may be at different stages of university or working, student accommodation gives first years the opportunity to become part of a wider student community.
For students moving away from home for the first time, purpose built student housing Cork can be one of the advantages of choosing student accommodation over a traditional house share.
Learn how to find accommodation now.
Explore Clubs, Societies and Student Events
Don’t just look inside the lecture halls — your university is another great place to meet people outside your course.
UCC and MTU offer a wide range of clubs, societies, and student events for different interests. You don’t need to sign up for everything during your first week; while it can help, going all-in can put unnecessary pressure on your schedule. Instead, have a look at what is available and choose a few activities that interest you.
Societies and clubs are especially beneficial, as having something in common already gives you an easy starting point for getting to know other students.
Get to Know Cork Together
Speaking of having something in common, being new to Cork gives you something else to share with other students: exploring the city.
Ask a flatmate or coursemate if they want to grab a coffee, explore Cork city centre or find somewhere for lunch after lectures. You will get to know your new home while spending time with people outside university. Just make sure you check the bus connections before you head into town!
Choose Student Accommodation That Feels Like a Community
Your first-year accommodation is much more than somewhere to sleep between lectures, as it can often be where much of your university experience begins.
At The Haven Student Living, students have their own comfortable space alongside communal areas designed for student living. Our location close to UCC and MTU in Victoria Cross also makes it easy to stay connected to campus and student life in Cork.
If you are searching for student accommodation Cork students can call home, contact The Haven today.