College can seem like a big place, with even bigger questions. How will I ever find anything? Will I make friends? And, for many, where am I going to live?

Fortunately, help is at hand: the students' union is there to deal with these and any other difficulties that you may encounter.

From advice on accommodation to even more serious problems, such as unplanned pregnancy, unfair landlords or depression, the students' union should be your first port of call, says Cian O'Callaghan, welfare officer with USI.

Many unions around the country will also plan a Freshers' Week, usually just before term begins. It is a chance for first-years to meet each other at organised events like gigs, quizzes and outings, or just get to know each other in the bar.

"It's a really good time to get to make friends," says Billy Jones, who started in UCD last September. "There are thousands of other people in the same boat as you, so everyone makes a real effort."

Often the most daunting obstacle for first-time students is finding a place to live. `It's important not to listen to scare stories," warns Chris Newell, welfare officer in NUI Galway. "You'll always get sorted out in the end."

It's worth checking with the union at your college before seeking accommodation, as they will often have advice on where to look (see pages 20-25 of this supplement). They may even have a noticeboard advertising vacancies in your local area. However, as the year progresses, many unions find that students come to them with a different set of problems.

The good news is that they are well equipped to offer help and advice to those who need it. Many boast education, disability, women's and equality officers as well as the traditional welfare staff.

Universities such as TCD also provide trained psychologists and psychotherapists; study skills and stress management groups are also available in addition to the unions' services, so there is a wide range of options for students in trouble.

Student volunteers from Trinity and UCD have come together in a joint venture, Niteline. This is an anonymous service that aims to provide a listening ear for the 30,000 or so students from the two universities. They handle calls on everything from loneliness and bereavement to sexuality. "We receive a higher number of callers than you might expect," a Niteline spokesperson says. NUI Galway plans to set up a similar service this autumn.

Both Niteline and other welfare officers are quick to point out that they are not a solution in themselves, but students often feel more comfortable talking to people of their own age who can refer them to college councillors or other organisations if the need arises. Today's students are facing more obstacles than their parents' generation. O'Callaghan puts it down to the fact that society is changing more rapidly than ever before. "While it is positive that roles are changing, this presents problems in itself, as young people are more unsure of their path in life."

Unions do receive a small portion of the student l capitation charge. However, this doesn't amount to a whole lot and the unions are often short of funds; the positive side is that they have independence; they are in a position to act in the students' best interests as opposed to those of university bureaucracy.

And because many of those running the union are on a year out from their studies, they are well aware of the issues facing those around them.

The union is a source of empowerment to the student population, providing an opportunity to have views aired on the many committees that exist in the college.

F Course most students will sail through college with little or no need to visit the welfare officers. For most, the union remains the hub of the social scene and somewhere to avail of cheap photocopying or a typing service.

It's important to remember that many unions provide lots more amenities than students tend to realise. Student shops, bars and restaurants offer a chance to earn some extra cash for those who need it, and they are often a lot more understanding about the time constraints and essay deadlines facing students than other employers.

Getting involved in the day-to-day running of the union will not only enhance your social life - it looks great on your CV later on.

No matter which institution you choose, including PLCs and private colleges, the chances are that they will have an organisation dealing with student needs. Students agree that there's no doubt it can make your life at college a lot easier.

"Remember," says Newell. "The students' union is always here and always contactable - for anything."