Brought to you by Iarnród Éireann
Things always get better with the second semester.
Look, the initial excitement of starting college is unlike anything you've experienced before. After finally making your way through secondary school, it's always a light at the end of a very long tunnel.
On that first day, we're willing to bet you went into college all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, eager to start your new adventure.
Once you're diving into semester two, you're a lot more prepared than you were back in September. Like a battle-hardened veteran, you're ready for whatever the next few months bring your way.
Less stress
Did you have a lecture at 9 am on your first day of college? We're betting that you turned up half an hour early to it to make sure you impress the lecturer with your eagerness.
The same can be said for any assignments you get in the early days. The second you hear about it, you're already planning it in your head.
More power to you if you can keep that enthusiasm up. By the second semester, most of us were willing to push deadlines (and our sleeping patterns) to the very limit.
You're more prepared
Especially for those of you who are in college away from home, it can all be a bit of a shock the first time around. It seems like a baptism of fire sometimes, but those trials and tribulations are only lessons for the second semester.
The first time you run out of toilet paper or milk will more than likely be the last. This semester, you're *ready for whatever comes your way.
Well, we hope so. Take our personality test to see
how well prepared you are for semester two.
You're better at getting around
Another one that is particularly true when you're away from home. Unlike the days when you got the same bus at the same time with the same people to school every morning, you're suddenly in charge of making your own way about the place.
You're a lot more confident at figuring out the best bus routes, and it's all making a lot more sense now. We'd like to think by now that you're also making full use out of your student card by taking advantage of the
discount student train fares for every route across Ireland.
Fewer awkward greetings
"Hi, nice to meet you! My name is ____."
This sentence is absolutely crucial in the first sentence. It's likely going to have to come out of your mouth several times a day for the first week or two.
The thing is, it gets a bit boring after a while. There are only so many times you can introduce yourself to strangers without feeling like you're doing an Eminem impression.
No more fooling you
Maybe every college is different, but maybe some things are the same in all of them.
Clubs and societies sign-ups are great and everything, but they can result in you signing up to a lot of stuff you aren't really interested in.
Those clubs know what they are up to by duping hungry first year students with free pizza. You were likely the victim, walking away as a member of everything from the Kayaking Club to Taekwondo.
Not this semester though. You know their game by now.
No matter which of them you're studying in, Iarnród Éireann offers special student rates for all routes. It's just about the most comfortable way to travel, and you can even rest your weary head on the table. Just don't put your feet on the seats!
Brought to you by Iarnród Éireann 
