NRC Hosts Freshers Events at Ballymoney

Its purpose was to give students a chance to orient and integrate themselves into campus life and to provide them with useful information in preparation for the academic year.

The event now in its third year, saw over 400 students take advantage of the occasion and engage with the diverse range of exhibitors. Representatives from local companies, agencies and voluntary organisations were on hand to provide them with advice and information and to introduce them to their services.

Commenting at the event Stephen McCartney, NRC’s Student Support Manager stated that “This event is now embedded in the student calendar and increases in popularity with the students each year. It is extremely successful due to the support of local organisations who have taken the time from their busy schedules to join us and support the learner. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to them for their support.

This year, we also have presentations from HM Revenue & Customs who are providing key information to students on taxation issues and from ‘The Clinic’ NRC’s free health and wellbeing confidential service. The event also coincides with the launch of the new Student Intranet which provides students with an extensive range of information on NRC support services and external organisations.”

Supporting NRC’s Freshers’ Week of events at the Ballymoney Campus were, The Equality Commission, NUS-USI, NRC, The Jet Centre , Ballymoney Borough Council, Northern Bank, PSNI, the Army, RAF, Samaritans, DEL Careers Services, Neils Driving Academy, Citizens Advice Bureau, Joey Dunlop, Causeway Rural Urban Network, Health & Safety Works, The Jungle, Blood Transfusion Service, Santander, Alcoholics Anonymous, The Electoral Office, NI Transplant Association, , Health & Safety Executive, Contact Youth, Fitness First, Movie House, Need 4 Speed, Volunteer Now, National Trust, and First Trust Bank. Also in attendance is ‘Gis A Hug Foundation’ the nominated NRC student charity for this academic year, which was set up to raise the awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning.

NRC’s Student President, Sarah Cassidy who worked alongside the Student Support Team in creating the Freshers experience comments “We have tried to link with external companies to allow students to see what services are available to them locally. The student body of the College is very important to the local economy.

“Freshers is also a time for the students to meet the support services provided within the college – so as well as an opportunity to have a bit of fun, it is also a great time to pick up some useful information and lots of freebies!”