Students who attended SETU's open days and evenings tell us why they have found value in attending such events as part of their course research
So you've been to the Schools' Open Day and read through course descriptions thoroughly, but if you've read either of our booklets How to research your CAO choices and College Choices – the parent's manual you'll know asking real people questions is a key part of listing courses on the CAO in the right order. Download and print out at www.wit.ie/how or pick up a printed booklet at the Open Evening.
The Open Evening is the perfect opportunity for prospective students and indeed parents to meet with lecturing staff, admin staff and students, who can help decipher what college life means and what to expect.
"Speaking to the lecturers made the decision for me"
Postgraduate student Maria Ronan began her journey in third level education at SETU in the Level 7 BA Applied Social Studies in Social Care and then progressed to the Level 8 by adding an additional year to her studies, Maria is now undertaking her Master’s degree in SETU.
Maria’s first experience of SETU was at the Open Evening in 2010 which she attended with a friend. “On the day, I spoke to a number of staff and lecturers at different stands. At this stage I had pretty much decided I wanted to apply for social care, but speaking to the lecturers made the decision for me. Hearing other students’ positive experiences of the Social Care courses prompted me to apply for this course as well.”
"One-on-one tour from people who are now my lecturers"
Presidents’ Scholarship student and first year Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering student at SETU, Gareth Dineen attended the Open Day both in 2015 and 2016.
At the Open Day, Gareth made a beeline for the Engineering stalls, where he spoke to lecturers and students and where he was given the “answers to questions I would have never thought to ask.”
“I got a one-on-one tour both times I went from people who are now my lecturers and people I am very good friends with. In the end what made me go to SETU was simply the fact it ticked every single box I was looking for, the course, the level, the location, the amazing staff, the excellent facilities and surprisingly how welcome and homely feel the college had.”
"Got all the information by speaking to lecturers and students"
Waterford student Louise Dunphy attended the Open Day in 2015 accompanied by her school friends and travelled to the Institute via bus.
While at the Open Day, Louise made sure to utilise her time to get all the information she needed about the courses she was interested in by speaking to lecturers and students.
“I decided SETU was for me because of the great opportunities the BA (Hons) Business level 8 degree offers students and also the closeness of where I live in Waterford city was a help in making my decision.”
After applying for the Business degree at SETU, Louise also applied for the President’s Scholarship, for her contribution to Arts and Theatre. Louise was chosen along with four other students to represent SETU for their ability to shape a better society.
“It’s great to be recognised for this award. I have been given an opportunity which will better my college experience.”