Outgoing WIT Students' Union President Meadhbh Roche discusses how students can have the best of both worlds by staying in the south east to study
Foulksmills Health Promotion student at WIT Meadhbh Roche got the once in a lifetime opportunity to represent 10,000 students at WIT when she was elected WIT Students’ Union President two years ago. Meadhbh Roche who has a degree in Health Promotion from WIT has just finished her second and final year as President of WIT Students' Union.
Meadhbh recommends that students and their families consider options close to home.
“Finance is a major issue for students, so studying locally really does help in that field but also you have the best of both worlds living at home while also being close to your new and old friends. Even for those who have a part time job they can work evenings and don't have to travel too far. Studying locally means there is also plenty of opportunities to car share to WIT, this year has seen an increase in students driving and sharing lifts,” she says.
Meadhbh who is from Little Cullenstown, Foulksmills, Co Wexford attended Our Lady of Lourdes Secondary School, New Ross, Co.Wexford. She hopes to go on and study a Masters in International Relations after working in Abu Dhabi for a year teaching English.
“I chose to study close to home as it was convenient and wasn't too far from my part-time job in Wallaces Supervalu in Wellingtonbridge where I worked for approximately six years.”
Meadbh had been to a lot of open days in many colleges around the country. “WIT had the best atmosphere with students and staff. Everyone was so engaging and really there for you if you needed help. The student life experience was also very important to me and I had spoken to many students who had previously studied in WIT and everyone had such positive things to say."
Meadhbh explains the benefits of living at home and living in the Waterford Community daily. "I lived in Waterford for three years and commuted in my final year. In my final year I saved a lot of money commuting as there was four of us, I didn't drive at the time however they took turns every week. It was really handy as I felt my days were more productive being up earlier and getting a spot in the library. Now I live in Waterford again and I commute at the weekends using the bus. They go so frequently and I am only 25 minutes away from home!"
Meadhbh's advice for CAO applicants who are considering their options is "really think about the course you want to do and look at the modules the course teaches. Be well informed and look after yourself, there are so many supports in WIT you just need to ask and anyone will help you."
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
