Faculty of Computing, Digital and Data | Kickstarting College Success Podcast

Kickstarting College Success Podcast Series

Welcome to the KickStarting College Success Podcast – your ultimate guide to thriving in your first year of university! Whether you’re navigating lectures, assignments, or just trying to find your way around campus, this is your go-to series for tips, tricks, and strategies to SMASH your transition into college life.

I’m Wesley Kelly, Transition Coordinator for 1st-year students in the Faculty of Computing, Digital and Data at TU Dublin. I’m here to support you every step of the way and help you make the most out of your first year.

To bring you real, practical advice, I’ve teamed up with a 3rd-year Creative Digital Media student, giving you insider tips and perspectives from someone who’s been exactly where you are now. Together, we’ve created six episodes packed with guidance, insights, and actionable strategies to help you hit the ground running.

New episodes drop every Monday, starting 22nd September – perfect to tune in on your morning commute, a study break, or whenever you need a boost of motivation to tackle your week. Get ready to kickstart your college journey with confidence and a little bit of fun!

Episode 1 - Key advice for new students starting at TU Dublin from an academic perspective

Listen HERE to our very first episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Róisín Faherty, Head of Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Computing, Digital and Data. Before taking on her current role, Róisín spent 23 years as a Computing Lecturer at TU Dublin’s Tallaght campus, where she inspired countless students with her passion for technology and innovation.

In this episode, Róisín shares her wealth of experience and offers practical tips to help first-year students settle in, navigate university life, and truly thrive at TU Dublin. From study strategies to making the most of your time on campus, her insights are both inspiring and actionable.

First-year computing students – remember, you’re not alone on this journey! I’m here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out anytime at wesley.kelly@tudublin.ie.

Tune in, get inspired, and start your TU Dublin journey with confidence!

Episode 2 - Tips & Tricks from two students to help you settle into college life at TU Dublin

Episode 2: Navigating Your First Year with Nafis & Angelika

Listen HERE - In this episode of the Kickstarting College Success podcast, I sit down with first-year students Nafis Syed and Angelika Arutunyan from the School of Informatics and Cybersecurity in Blanchardstown.

We explore the real experiences of starting college—the highs, the challenges, and everything in between. Nafis and Angelika share practical strategies for adjusting to college life, effective study habits, tips for academic success, and ways to get involved on campus. They also reflect on the lessons they wish they had known before stepping foot on campus, offering invaluable advice for incoming students.

Whether you’re looking for guidance on time management, making connections, or simply surviving your first semester, this episode is packed with honest insights and relatable stories from students who’ve just been through it.

A huge thanks to Angelika and Nafis for sharing their experiences—this is a must-listen for anyone eager to make the most of their first year at TU Dublin!

Episode 3: Studying Smart at TU Dublin

Listen to episode 3 HERE.

This week on Kickstarting College Success, we’re diving into a topic every student needs: how to study smart at TU Dublin. I’m joined by academic experts Karen Nolan and Marie Brennan, who share their top tips for thriving at college, including:

Effective Study Strategies – maximize your learning with proven techniques
Time Management & Avoiding Procrastination – get more done without the stress
Active vs. Passive Learning – learn smarter, not harder
Common Challenges & Solutions – tackle obstacles with confidence
Enhancing Academic Performance – boost your grades and skills
Final Words of Wisdom – expert advice to carry you through the semester

If you found this episode helpful, don’t miss our next episode, where we explore Sports, Societies, and Volunteering at TU Dublin.

Thanks for listening to Kickstarting College Success!

Episode 4 - Dive into Clubs, Societies and Volunteering at TU Dublin

Listen to Episode 4 HERE !!

In this episode, I sit down with two students who give an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how getting involved on campus can completely transform your college experience. From trying new activities to meeting incredible people and finding your perfect balance, they share tips, stories, and inspiration to help you make the most of your college journey.

Whether you’re curious, ambitious, or just looking for a fresh perspective, this episode has something for you.

Episode 5 - Financial Supports Available for Students at TU Dublin

Listen to Episode 5 HERE !!

In this episode we zoom in on the financial side of student life. Whether you need help with rent, travel, childcare, class materials, dental or optical costs, or general hardship support, TU Dublin’s Financial Aid team has you covered.

All these supports—like the Student Assistance Fund, Rent Assistance Scheme, Compulsory Travel Scheme, Childcare Support, Class Materials Scheme, Dental/Optical Assistance and more—are detailed on the TU Dublin website.

I’m delighted to welcome the lovely Mags Nicholl, Financial Aid & Projects Manager, who’ll walk us through some of the schemes, share real-world stories of how financial aid transformed students’ journeys, and offer practical budgeting tips for college life.

Contact Financial Aid Service:

Email: Phone: 01 220 8556