Things You Should Know As An Access Student Studying At Maynooth University!

If you’re an Access student, there are some key things you need to know. Through my own trial and error, I have found some of the best resources to help you get through your time at university.  

I’ve broken down my advice into two parts. The first part is all general tips for the academic side of university, while the second part focuses more on the Access Office and their supports, and the MAP ambassadors for Launchpad.   

General Advice 

Academic Side of University: 

Whether you’re a first year or in the final year of your degree, it’s vital to introduce yourself to your lecturer, in person or by email, at the start of each year and new semester. On introducing yourself, mention that you are registered with and receive support from the Access Office. I would highly recommend Access students do this in the first two weeks of both the first and second semesters.  Knowing who you connect with at the Access Office is key. This will be the person who can then assist you on any academic issues or point you to another appropriate support system in the Access Office or elsewhere on campus.  

Note Taking📝⌨️: 

Note taking is important, as it help you to understand each topic within your modules.  It will take some time for every person to find the method that suits them. For me personally, I find printing off PowerPoint slides in advance of every lecture helps me navigate the lecture, to understand the topic and to take extra information the lecturer has that are not included on their slides. Some people find it easier to type their notes on Microsoft notes, Word or Google Docs. When you discover your preferred method to make your lecture and study notes, make sure you keep all your notes in the one place. This will make your life so much easier when you’re studying for your exams.   

 
Assessments: 

Assessments make up part or all of the overall grade for your modules. Most lecturers will give you a brief of the assessment which will include the question, the presentation requirements etc. 

When reading the brief for each assessment, it’s important to note what the lecturer is looking for to mark the paper. Secondly, it is also important to mark your assessment deadline in your phone and computer calendars so you don’t forget it. Make this tip the first step in your method or routine for doing each assessment. It’s best to have a dedicated area to keep track of your references. I have a dedicated bookmark for saving my sources to easily look at throughout the course of completing my assessment. I write out my research notes in a specific note pad.  

It’s vital to have a routine or system in place to help break down your assessment and make sure you’re not neglecting lectures or study or your social life (regardless of how busy it is). The system I use to manage my assessment workload is to break down each stage of the assessment week by week as, for my Law course, each assessment is given a four-week deadline.  

Here is an example of breaking it down week by week📝; 

Week 1: Before starting to research for the assessment. I would print out the assessment brief, read through it multiple times and then highlight the important parts which are: 

• The percentage of my overall grade that is made up by my assessment grade (30% or 40% etc).  

• The presentation requirement, the spacing, font, reference method and word count.  

• The question itself, but in terms of what I’m asked to discuss and analyse. 

• I also write the assessment deadline in my calendar of my phone and laptop   
  
  

Week 2:  The research of the assignment would still be happening but towards the end of the week I would open a new word document with the relevant cover page and information written into it. I do this so I can get straight into the typing.  

Week 3 and 4: The writing up and editing of the assessment. I would submit it a day before the actual deadline.  

Access Office and Supports 

The Access Office is a support offered to students throughout the year and has a broad range of supports available. Firstly, I would like to draw your attention to the ‘Technology Transitioning Programme’. Every 1st year student registered under the Access Office is invited to book an appointment to avail of this support. This programme takes place in the Student Centre (click here to view a map). It allows students to try out a wide range of technology supports that can be used for notetaking and studying throughout their degree. Example of the technology supports students can avail of are: Grammarly, Read & Write, and Inspiration Mind Mapping.  

 The Student Central Webinar Series is a second support offered by the Access Office. The 

Student Central Webinar Series starts at the beginning of assessment season right up to winter and summer exams. The purpose of these webinar series is to allow students to develop skills and strategies to achieve their potential in their academic careers. This webinar discusses some topics including stress management, time management, studying skills and everything in between.  

NOTE ⚠️The image above is what 2021/2022 Student Central Webinar Series contains.  

MAP AMBASSADORS AND LAUNCHPAD: 

Every Year the Maynooth Access Programme team announces the release of application forms for MAP Ambassadors for the annual Launchpad. The form itself is simple and easy to fill out (so don’t worry or panic). MAP Ambassadors play a huge role in Launchpad success, as Launchpad is run by students for students. As ambassadors have been in the shoes of incoming 1st years, they are perfectly equipped to support and inspire new students to achieve their potential and enjoy their time at Maynooth University.  This year Launchpad was a one-day event. The day was filled with information and support talks for HEAR, DARE and mature students as well as their parents/guardians. There were pop activities like Chalk on the Walk, the We Are Here exhibition and so forth. A lot of planning and dedication goes on behind the scenes of the making of Launchpad. Ambassadors have the centre stage in the organisation and planning of Launchpad along with the MAP Team.  

I would highly recommend volunteering as a MAP Ambassador and taking advantage of all the support and opportunities the Access Office have throughout your degree. Don’t forget the Access Office has a Moodle page which should be available to all registered students with the Access Office. In this Moodle page you can view all the supports that I’ve mentioned and so much more. 

❗❕Moodle dashboard layout under the In-process filter❕❗ 

Best Wishes on your journey