I think we'll all agree it's a little bit different this Semester but hopefully you are settled into your online learning environment and enjoying the experience. The days getting longer and the hope of vaccination in the not-too-distant future is certainly giving us lots of reasons to see an end to the dark tunnel that we have been forced down.
So! This week, we are giving you opportunities to engage / re-engage with University life. Many of you have felt isolated and out of touch with that beautiful world of 'being a student' and this week we have lots of options to help you get back into that zone. Make a promise to yourself to do 'one' thing to re-connect to DCU outside of the classroom - you'll look back at a much better you by the end of the Semester if you do!
Enjoy!
Claire
Event Date Time Event Link Mindfulness Presence19/01/21 13:00 - 14:00 Register here - Awareness in the Now
How to Write an Effective CV 28/01/21 13:00 - 13:50 Register here
Pathways to Success (Wk 1) 02/02/21 17:00 - 18:00 Register here 'Beginning Your Journey'
Pathways to Success (Wk 1) 04/02/21 13:00 - 14:00 Register here 'Beginning Your Journey' There are lots of new workshops and events coming up in Feb and March! For details on more upcoming online events, check out the My DCU events calendaron Loop.
WAYS TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN UNIVERSITY LIFE
University is about more than getting a degree. Getting involved in extracurricular activities will help you to make the most of your DCU experience. The pandemic has temporarily altered university life but there are opportunities to get involved remotely this semester!
1. CONNECT VIA ONLINE STUDENT CHAT FORUMS
If you'd like to make virtual connections with other students in your course/year this semester, then why not join the DCU SU Fresher's Instagram pageand visit My Virtual Neighbourhood on Loop, where you can start or join conversations with other DCU students. There's still lots of time to make some new connections before the year is out!
2. TAKE PART IN AN ONLINE WORKSHOP OR EVENT
As well as learning new skills and boosting your career prospects, taking part in online workshops can also help you to connect with other students with similar interests.
Here are two upcoming programmes that you can get involved in:
Pathways to Success is a 4 week online coaching course that supports students to build self-confidence and develop a strategy for creating success in their life. It's an interactive programme so there are opportunities to join in discussions and share ideas. Registration for the Feb course is now open - for more details see the SS&D events calendar.
The Career and Workplace Skills Programmeis a series of online skills sessions facilitated by DCU Careers Service. Topics for Semester 2 include Writing an Effective CV, Building Your Personal Brand and Online Interview Skills. The team will be joined by leading employers for some of the sessions, who will share their expert advice. Participants who complete 5 sessions will receive a certificate of achievement for their CV.
3. JOIN A DCU CLUB OR SOCIETY (REMOTELY)
Joining a club or society is a great way to meet people, try new things and even boost your CV! DCU alumni, including TV Presenter Laura Whitmore, have spoken about the benefits they got from being involved, from discovering their passions to finding their 'tribe'.
The Virtual Clubs and Socs Refreshers Fairis on today (26th of Jan) from 10am to 4pm so why not log on and see what's happening this semester?! If you can't make the fair then check out the wide range of clubs and societies and contact them directly to find out if they are operating remotely at the moment.
We asked a current DCU student to share her experience of being involved in a remote society this year - see what she had to say in our Spotlight section below!
4. GET INVOLVED IN STUDENT VOLUNTEERING
Remote volunteering is another great way to get involved right now. DCU Volunteer helps students to find suitable volunteer roles which enable them to meet new people, develop new skills, get valuable work experience and make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteering is really rewarding and there are lots of different ways in which you can help. Get more info in the DCU Volunteer handbookor visit the DCU Volunteer website.
Also...Hear What DCU Student Volunteers Have to Say!
We reached out to DCU students to ask about their experience of getting involved in University life - particularly this year in a remote learning environment.
Read about Valerie's experience below and see her advice for students who would like to become more involved in university life this semester. Over to you Valerie...!
'With a new year and a new semester, now is the best time to get involved in University life!
I’m a 2nd year student and I have been involved in clubs and societies since I started at DCU. I got so much from the experience last year that I decided to join some clubs and societies again this year. I loved trying new activities and meeting new people, as well as diversifying my college experience.
One society I’ve joined is Media Production Society, and being a Science student, it’s refreshing to do something that's different from my degree. The people are so friendly and encourage everyone to get involved in all of the different projects, such as DCUFM, the YouTube channel, news show ‘Newswire’ and so much more.They also love hearing new ideas on how to change up their content, to reflect what different audiences would enjoy engaging with. They have allowed me to be more creative and have pushed me out of my comfort zone, giving me the chance to do things I could never see myself doing before - like co-hosting a news show for example!
It's something for me to look forward to every week, and with over 100 different groups in DCU, you are bound to find one that sparks your interest like MPS does for me.
There are also lots of different workshops and events happening this semester. With links in the SU and SS&D newsletters and on the My DCU events calendar, it’s easy to register for things like quizzes, career series, and even webinars about looking after yourself at home. You can learn new skills, get a certificate for completing many of these (a great addition to the CV), and most importantly have fun!
Keeping busy and trying new societies, events, and workshops has helped me feel less lonely in these tough times. You get to meet new people, as well as getting a break from college work. I would recommend anyone to try as many new things as possible now while you have the chance.
Who knows, you might find a new hobby to keep up after lockdown!
For more information on Student Support Services visit the SS&D website here.
General Student Advice queries:
Chat: using the 'Ask' button on My DCU
Email: to student.support@dcu.ie
Phone: 01 700 7165 to speak with a Student Adviser
