Maynooth Life Podcast

In this episode, we talk about how the MU Student Helpdesk helps students and staff navigate the university.

Bret fills in for Ciarán and Ian to talk with Brian McKenzie and Aneta Stępień of Critical Skills about the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning into third-level studies.

More information about Critical Skills can be found at https://maynoothuniversity.ie/critical-skills

With Ciarán and Ian on an academic journey abroad, Bret takes a few minutes to talk through some advice for that scariest of topics: writing essays for your courses. Listen in for some practical tips and tricks to defeat writer's block and avoid the anxiety of procrastination.

Another full episode of Maynooth Life will drop next Tuesday.

This week Ciarán and Ian chat with Catherine Heffron-Roche (Assistant Fees & Grants Officer) and Ruth Killeen (Student Budgeting Advisor) about all things to do with student budgeting, Student Fees & Grants and other supports that are available to students.

Useful Resources

Student Budeting Advice Service

Student Budgeting website: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/money-matters

Book an appointment with the Student Budget Advisors by clicking on the BOOKING FORM LINK

Student Fees & Grants

Student Fees & Grants Website: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-fees-grants

Book an appointment with a member of staff of the Student Fees & Grants Team by clicking on the BOOKING FORM LINK.

Easy Payment Plan: Link to Easy Payment Plan APPLICATION FORM . For more information please visit the Student Fees & Grants Office website or book an appointment to chat to someone in the office about the Easy Payment Plan.

Laptop Loan Scheme: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-services/laptop-loans

Student Assistance Fund: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/access-office/SAF

This week, the Maynooth Life Team (Bret, Ciarán & Ian) take time to reflect on the semester so far but also on the study break which can in itself be a time for students to reflect on the 1st half of the semester as well as a time to rest.

Ciarán and Ian chat to Kealan Hilley (MSU Vice-President Welfare & Equality) and Kirsten Baltazar (President of the MU Mental Health Society) about our mental health and the importance of minding our mental health.

MU Counselling Service: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/counselling

The Counselling Service is a professional, confidential service, which is available to all registered students of the University and is provided free of charge. The Service offers one-to-one counselling and support on a wide range of psychological and mental health issues, as well as academic, family and social concerns, any of which may impact on your personal health and well-being or academic performance.

We are here to support you. If you are experiencing any difficulties, please link in with us. It can be helpful to talk with someone in a confidential way about your worries and concerns.

The Mental Health Advisor, Sandra Fox is a Mental Health Clinician with over 20yrs experience in both community and hospital settings. She is available to all students who in confidence wish to speak about their mental health & wellbeing.

Sandra is based in the student health centre with her GP and nursing colleagues, she can offer face to face or virtual appointments .

For an appointment with Sandra please contact the student health centre on 01- 7083878.

The MU Chaplain is Ciarán Coughlan and he can be contacted at [email protected]

Chaplaincy Website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-services/chaplaincy

Whatever the conversation, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I offer a friendly, non-judgemental ear to anyone who wants or needs it. I have regular drop in hours weekly (Accessed via telephone if you are not on campus) and you can make an appointment with me at any stage.

Chaplaincy is available by telephone, online or in person (Room 49 Arts Block, North Campus)

Chaplaincy is here for those of all faiths and none and is here to faciltate:

The Student Support Officer, Dr Colleen Doyle, is available to offer personal support and practical guidance to students.

You can contact the Student Support Officer by email at [email protected]

Maynooth Students’ Union (MSU) represents the students of Maynooth University and St Patrick’s College Maynooth. The primary objective of the Union shall be to provide for and promote and defend the interests of its members.

MSU Website: www.msu.ie

Welfare Officer email: [email protected]

The Mental Health Society (MHS) is for anyone who has an interest in Mental Health or who believes Mental Health is a topic worth talking about. The MHS slogan is "unleash the elephant", as Mental Health often feels like the elephant in the room - the thing everyone knew existed but no one wanted to talk about - and the MHS wants to get people talking. Over the last few years the MHS has begun to move the elephant out, but there's still a lot more work to be done!

The Mental Health society is for everyone, whether you've struggled with mental health yourself, know a friend or family member who has or just think mental health is worth talking about! Mental health is something we all have, just like physical health, and its something we all should be looking after!

Mental Health Society website: https://mulife.ie/society/mental-health

Subject Choices and Success at Maynooth

With the deadlines for academic enrollment and subject choices approaching, we speak with Rose Donovan (Academic Advisory Office) and Alex Balfe (MSU VP of Education) about how to make the best choices regarding courses of study at Maynooth University.

With the successful re-introduction of an in-person Clubs & Societies Fairs Days, the annual drive by Clubs and Societies to recruit members, we talk to Lucas Jeanniot (MSU Vice-President for Student Life) and Mary MacCourt (MU Clubs & Societies Co-oridnator) about the impact clubs and societies has on campus life and why students should join.

The Gateway to Clubs & Societies Life:  www.mulife.ie

Maynooth Students' Union: www.msu.ie

Welcome to a preview of the Maynooth Life Podcast. 

Created by Bret Zawilski (Critical Skills), Ciarán Coughlan (Chaplain) and Ian Russell (Student Engagment Officer), the Maynooth Life Podcast aims to help and support our students during their time here in Maynooth. In particular, we are looking to help our new students as they make the transition to university life irrespective of what route they took to get here.

Join us for new episodes each week on topics covering the full range of topics about life at Maynooth University.