IT may seem to the student who has just made it through the maze of the Leaving Cert, CAO applications and the points race, that he or she is now riding on the crest of a wave. But the real education that one experiences at college or university is only just beginning.

The first challenge (and one that will remain with students and their families for most of their college career) is money. Third-level education is not an inexpensive experience. Even though tuition fees have been abolished, money must still be found for equipment, books, stationery, food, travel and also, if the student is living away from home, accommodation. This is before you even start to look at clothes, medical bills or entertainment.

Families who qualify go through the process of filling in a 13-page application form for a third-level grant and then wait, in some cases until two months into college term, for the first instalment to be paid. The maximum maintenance grant that anyone can obtain is £1,624 for the year, so other forms of financial support will still be needed.

Practically all students will work during the summer months to get money for the college year, while those who cannot find employment may qualify for the Student Summer Job Scheme (SSJS). Students are not entitled to unemployment assistance during the summers of their college years. When this entitlement was removed in 1993, the SSJS was created. This scheme allows mainly voluntary and community organisations to take on students for summer work. Details can be obtained from your local Social Welfare office.

MANY students will also work during the college year. A survey by the Union of Students in Ireland last year found that 50 per cent of third-level students hold down part-time jobs. Students can be found working in pubs, restaurants, garages, fast-food outlets and shops and these are the best places to find student employment. In college, it will always be worthwhile to look for a job in the canteen, the bar or the shop. Students should check employment noticeboards in their students' union and ask administrative staff about any part-time work that may be available in the college.

For those who live away from home, finding suitable accommodation, particularly in Dublin, can be a nightmarish experience. A number of colleges have student residences, which are usually located on the college campus or nearby. This form of accommodation, because of its proximity to the college and security, is a very popular option, especially among first years (and their mammies and daddies!). Digs, where the student will live in a family home and get bed, breakfast and evening meal, are another option and are particularly common in the RTC towns. Students will often want to share a flat or house, or go into a bedsit on their own (although this type of accommodation is becoming less common) in order to ensure their independence.

WHEN searching for self-catering accommodation, you should always look for a rentbook and examine everything in the house/flat to ensure that it comes up to scratch. If there are defects, these should be pointed out to the landlord immediately. You should also be aware that many landlords will expect a tenant to sign a 12-month lease.

On arrival in college, sometimes people find that the courses that they have chosen are not quite what they expected. If you are unhappy in your course, always talk to a lecturer or member of staff about it. It is practically impossible to change courses completely, but you may be able to change your options. Changing a course (from say, science to engineering) means re-applying through the CAO (or going through the college's procedures if you are a mature applicant).

You will also find that, as regards study, it will be pretty much up to yourself. At third level, there comes a freedom from the more regimental study patterns of second level. That means you can suit your study to your own time-plan, but you should always try to get the balance right.

When in college, always get involved. Third-level institutions have a range of societies and sports clubs to cater for a very diverse student population. These clubs and societies are always ready to welcome new members.

The students' union in the college represents the views, needs and interests of students on many of the key decision-making fora in the college, as well as providing a range of services. If students have problems or are unhappy about certain college facilities, the students' union is there to help. At national level, students' concerns are addressed by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), which represents 150,000 students north and south of the Border.

College life is not always easy, but can be very enjoyable. As a new student you should never be afraid to ask questions or to get involved. You'll always find someone willing to help.