Cork University Business School (CUBS) recently held an orientation for new students, providing a range of welcome and onboarding activities designed to help them settle in at the start of the academic year.
The school is committed to supporting students throughout their time at CUBS, striving to create a positive and impactful student experience from day one.
During the orientation, which was put together by our student engagement Manager Sinead Hackett, new students were introduced to the programs, resources, and opportunities available to them. To gain insight into their initial impressions, we spoke to three students about their early experiences at CUBS and how they are adjusting to life at the business school.
Rishika Jaiswal- msc business analytics
"My journey with CUBS UCC has been nothing short of amazing, especially as an international student stepping into a whole new world. The support from the UCC International Student Office was truly outstanding, starting with a brilliantly structured online orientation that spanned eight weeks. Every detail you could think of was covered - from visa applications and immigration to accommodation, societies, virtual tours, and even settling into the academic life. It was like having a personal guide through every stage of this adventure.
When I arrived, I was immediately greeted by UCC's thoughtful touches. The SWAP shop is a lifesaver - for just 3 euros, I could pick up five essential items like quilts and pillows, which are hard to pack when moving abroad. It felt like UCC understood exactly what we needed and took care of it all! And this was just the start. Coffee meetups, campus tours, city explorations, picnics, and an unforgettable Freshers Week made me feel right at home from day one.
On my third day, the CUBS orientation was a warm and inspiring welcome, led by the Dean and faculty, who made us feel like part of the family. The campus buzzed with energy, with stalls showcasing everything from the Skills Centre to societies, mental health support, welfare, and library services. It felt like all the pieces were falling into place, making UCC feel like my second home.
The CUBS Creating Connections initiative has made a huge impact. Welcoming over 800 postgraduate students from 46 countries this year, it has offered a range of activities from icebreakers and team-building to Skills Centre workshops that have helped everyone feel at home and connect with one another. With 169 societies to explore, there's truly something for everyone to dive into and enrich their university experience. UCC has truly gone the extra mile to ensure international students like me feel supported, welcomed, and part of the community. Honestly, one year feels far too short to experience everything this incredible place has to offer! There's so much to do and so much to explore that I'm already considering staying on for a PhD, just to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue a world-class education in such a vibrant and inclusive environment."
Aamir Hami Msc Finance
"The orientation for my course - MSc. Finance (Investment and Asset Management) was honestly such a great experience! Sinead and Kathy gave us a warm and welcoming introduction, making everyone feel comfortable from the very start. Their approach made the entire process seamless, and the activities they organized, like "Wild Ideas" and "Speed Dating/Talking," were entertaining and fun and helped break the ice. I was a bit nervous initially, but those activities helped everyone relax and connect.
It was a nice way to get to know everyone, and thanks to that, I have made some really good friends who I now sit with in class and grab lunch with during the breaks.
Our course director, Dr. John O'Brien, also gave us valuable insights into what the course would entail, which really helped me prepare better for the first day of uni.
The campus tour was also very fun. The student guide gave us “lore” about superstitions surrounding the quad and the various buildings, and about the campus in general. He made it very interesting and enjoyable, showing us all the key places we’d need to know. Overall, it was a fantastic introduction to both the course and the college, and I am glad we got such a warm and friendly start."
Conor Mcginn MSc in Finance
"Hi my name is Conor McGinn, and I have recently began studying MS in Finance (investment and Asset Management), I recently graduated with a BComm degree from UCC so my transition was probably smoother than many of the international students.
However, the CUBS orientation was an incredibly welcoming experience that made the transition to the master’s programme effortless. From the very start, the events and workshops helped me feel at ease and more connected to the CUBS community. The variety of sessions allowed me to meet and bond with peers from different backgrounds, which made the environment feel both diverse and inclusive.
The workshops were very hands on, allowing me to engage with and get to know others undertaking the programme. They were also impactful in the sense that it prepared us well for the intensity of the programme as there is quite a step up from the bachelor’s programme.
Another highlight from the orientation was the opportunity to meet and open a conversation with some of the lectures and the head of the programme Dr John O’Brien. This allowed us to learn from their experiences and ask them questions and receive advise from a range of people with diverse background.
Overall, the orientation created a strong sense of belonging, and the support from both staff and fellow students made settling in a positive experience"