Alice Hefferanan

I'm staying in my brother's flat - home is in Tullamore. I suppose I was quite nervous last night because you just don't know what to expect on your first day. I came into Aungier Street this morning and they had tea and coffee for us. Now we're having free drinks, so I feel quite welcomed. It's good so far, but we'll see when we get into the lectures and studying.

Thomas Kennedy

I'm living at home in Dublin so that, at least, is just the same for me. The teachers and students' union crowd talked to us at orientation - they seemed helpful. I wasn't really too nervous about starting college, but you do feel a bit stupid standing there until you get talking to people. You get offered plenty of free drink, but I'm going to take it fairly easy.

Lynn Bennett

I was scared at first because I didn't know anybody apart from one girl from school, but I didn't know her that well. Everyone's friendly, so it's not embarrassing introducing yourself. It's a lot more mature than school, and I love not wearing uniform. My parents are great and treat me like a grown-up now. I'm looking forward to making lots of good friends and having fun.

Trevor Jordan

I wasn't nervous about starting college, just worried I'd look like a big eejit, standing around on my own. I've met a good few people so far and it remains to be seen if they turn out to be nerds. I live in Palmerstown with my aunt, she's very handy for the washing and cooking. I was looking forward to the first day and we got free drinks, so we're off to a good start.

Cian Ryan

I was just looking forward to starting college - I repeated last year and some of my friends have come here too, so I'm quite comfortable. I walked into enrol and started talking to people - it wasn't awkward. At orientation, they tell you all about social nights and stuff. There are a lot of good looking women around, which is great. It's early days, but so far, so good.