College can seem like a big place, with even bigger questions. How will I ever find anything? Will I make friends? And, for many, where am I going to live?

Fortunately, help is at hand: the students' union is there to deal with these and any other difficulties that you may encounter.

From advice on accommodation to even more serious problems, such as unplanned pregnancy, unfair landlords or depression, the students' union should be your first port of call, says Alison Gibney, welfare officer with USI.

"Students' unions provide a range of services, including welfare, education and students. That means that they can help you in any manner of problems you might encounter during your time in college," she says.

Many unions around the country will also plan a Freshers' Week, usually just before term begins. It is a chance for first-years to meet each other at organised events like gigs, quizzes and outings, or just get to know each other in the bar.

Often the most daunting obstacle for first-time students is finding a place to live. "It's important not to rush into an accommodation arrangement that won't suit. Start early, take your time and don't be shy about asking for help from the students' union or the college accommodation service," says Paddy Jordan, SU president in NUI Galway. He strikes an optimistic note though, "you'll always get sorted out in the end".

It's worth checking with the union at your college before seeking accommodation, as they will often have advice on where to look. They may even have a noticeboard advertising vacancies in your local area. However, as the year progresses, many unions find that students come to them with a different set of problems.

The good news is that they are well equipped to offer help and advice to those who need it. Many unions boast education, disability, women's and equality officers as well as the traditional welfare staff.

Universities such as TCD also provide trained psychologists and psychotherapists; study skills and stress management groups are also available in addition to the regular union services, so there is a wide range of options for students in trouble.

Student volunteers from Trinity and UCD have come together in a joint venture, Niteline. This is an anonymous service that aims to provide a listening ear for the 30,000 or so students from the two universities. They handle calls on everything from loneliness and bereavement to sexuality. "We receive a higher number of callers than you might expect," a Niteline spokesperson says.

Both those on the Niteline service and other welfare officers are quick to point out that they are not a solution in themselves. However, students often feel more comfortable talking to people of their own age, who can refer them to college counsellors or other organisations if the need arises.

Today's students are facing more obstacles than their parents' generation with society changing more rapidly than ever before. Today's young people are more unsure of their paths in life, no matter how career focussed they and their courses may be.

Gibney says: "If you have any problem, big or small, SU welfare officers are only more than willing to help in any way they can." USI facilitates the training of SU Officers on a wide range of topics, by experts in the welfare and education fields. They can be more helpful than people realise. "Don't suffer on your own. The chances are that students' union officers have heard similar stories before and can point you in the right direction," Gibney says. Unions do receive a small portion of the student capitation charge. However, this doesn't amount to a whole lot and the unions are often short of funds; the positive side is that they have independence; they are in a position to act in the students' best interests as opposed to those of university bureaucracy.

And because many of those running the union are on a year out from their studies, they are well aware of the issues facing those around them.

The union is a source of empowerment to the student population. Union representatives sit on the many committees that exist in the college and have a say on how the institution is run.

Of course most students will sail through college with little or no need to visit the welfare officers. For most, the union remains the hub of the social scene and somewhere to avail of cheap photocopying or typing services.

It's important to remember that many unions provide lots more amenities than students tend to realise - including job opportunities. Student shops, bars and restaurants offer a chance to earn some extra cash for those who need it, and they are often a lot more understanding about the time constraints and essay deadlines facing students than other employers.

Getting involved in the day-to-day running of the union will not only enhance your social life - it looks great on your CV later on.