My story: 'I realised if I studied biomedical science I would have a better chance of finding work'

Dubliner Samuel Williams made the tough decision to leave his friends and family to move away and study in a city where he knew no one.

"I decided I wanted to go to NUI Galway but all my friends were choosing to stay in Dublin for college, so moving away on my own was obviously going to be hard," said Samuel, from Bayside on the capital's northside.

Like many other first years, Samuel lived in the Corrib Village student residences and "I soon realised that everyone was in the same boat in feeling a bit intimidated".

But Samuel reckons that "as long as you're friendly and approachable, there should be no hassle in making new friends".

Despite wanting to do physiotherapy, Samuel felt that his job prospects on graduation would be better if he did a different medical course.

"I was interested in physio, but I realised if I studied biomedical science I would have a better chance of finding work when I leave college.

"First years should remember that it's not the end of the world if they can't do their preferred course for one reason or another," the keen boxer advised.

Now entering his final year, Samuel has one eye on the future, and hopes he can specialise in physiotherapy some time down the line.


- Jade Nolan

Supplements