Former SU vice-president Aishling O'Toole sums up Waterford IT, a sunny, happy campus where students live in harmony together...

What's Waterford like, then?
Waterford is actually a pretty cool place to go to college. It has the advantage of being a city but having more of a big town feel to it at the same time. The city itself is pretty chilled out with a good student atmosphere; the whole pace of the place is just fairly relaxed. Entertainment-wise the city has its good and bad points, just like anywhere I suppose. There is a very good selection of pubs and a few decent nightclubs, and also venues such as the Forum, which offer a welcome change.

There are all the staple entertainments such as the cinema, bowling (a new addition to the area), shopping (yes some people do classify it as a hobby!). For something a bit different there's Garter Lane which house gigs, films, exhibitions and much more.

Is it easy to get around the city?
The city itself is fairly compact so it's very easy to get around. There's not much out of walking distance but for the less energetic out there you'll be glad to know that there is also a regular/irregular bus service throughout the city, which despite sporadic pick up times is actually dead handy. For the more flathualach then there is the ever-reliable taxi, of which there are loads.

Is it a fairly safe place to live?
The city is pretty safe. It basically just depends upon your own common sense, all the usual rules apply, avoid dark alleys, avoid walking home alone at four in the morning (the standard how to take care of yourself rules). But all in all the city is safe.

What are the on-campus facilities like?
The campus facilities are pretty good over all. There are a lot of computers. I'm sure it's the same as at every campus - where at times such as Christmas and Easter when everyone is trying to get papers written at the same time, there will be some difficulties. The biggest problem is printing and the lack of facilities thereof. We are very lucky to have a state of the art library here in WIT, which is probably one of the best facilities on offer here. We have a bank on campus as well as several pass machines. We also have a very good medical centre with our own Institute nurse who provides quality heath care and also works to promote health education within the college, as well as counselling and support services in conjunction with the college Chaplin.

What's the college bar like?
The college bar is called the Dome, which was newly refurbished last year. The pints are on a par price wise with all the pubs in town. The atmosphere is what you make it yourself.

And the grub?
The canteen and campus eateries are not bad. There is a fairly wide variety, with a new restaurant coming on line this year. The quality is good.

What kind of sports facilities are there?
The college has a wide selection of sports facilities,... which include a gym, a fitness suite an all-weather suite, and the use of Waterford Crystal Sports Centre's grounds.

What kind of clubs & socs can I join?
There are a huge amount of clubs and societies within the college, many sports, academic and cultural societies. These form an integral part of college life and range from Boxing and Motor Sport society, to the Nurses and Art societies, and to the Softgarss Jumping Society or the Stonecutters Simpson's society. Clubs & socs offer a great way to meet like-minded people outside the classroom environment.

What are the best pubs and restaurants in town?
Some of the best pubs in town are Baker St. and Geoffs, while the best club in town is easily Axis Mundi. An alternative late night venue is also the Forum which offers many live gigs and something a bit different to what you would usually expect from a club.

There is an excellent selection of restaurants all over town, from cheap and cheerful to something a bit pricier. The Gingerman offers high quality pub grub during the day.

Is accomodation a hassle?
No, we are lucky in Waterford to have a wide selection of accommodation on offer. This year digs is ranging from €75-€85 for five day partial board, with seven day partial board coming in at about €100. A twin room averages about €60 per person, and a single is €70(ish). Section 50's are €80 for a single and €75 for sharing.

What's the worst thing a new WIT student can do?
Quit.

What's the best?
Stay on, because I guarantee, these will be the best years of your life