As lockers are emptied and yearbooks are signed, many of you will be spending your final days in secondary school this week.

Congratulations on everything you have achieved to date and all your hard work will hopefully result in exam success in upcoming weeks. While it can seem that there is a world of difference between 2nd and 3rd level education, there are many good habits developed in secondary school that will be essential to surviving colllege and ensuring that you are celebrating graduating once more in 3 or 4 years time.

• Note taking: Good note taking is essential at 3rd level. There are no textbooks or copybooks and all references will have to be further researched to develop ideas and opinions for your assignments. Ensure you are noting the date, page and source for all quotations and notes and early development of good referencing habits will be essential in years to come.

• Attendance and punctuality: You are not in school anymore, so you are responsible for getting yourself to lectures or group work, collecting any missed notes or assignments and any additional requirements of your course. HEA reports directly links student attendance with achievements at graduation, so it is essential to attend class regularly to achieve at 3rd level.

• Team Spirit - don't abandon the sport: DBS believes that students need to balance work and play. Therefore we have an excellent range of sports clubs and societies to allow students to relax and enjoy themselves, take regular exercise and meet new people while they excel in the classroom.

• Know when to ask for help: you may no longer see your favourite teacher walking down the hall or may be living away from home, but our student services department are always available for any personal or academic issues you may have, while our Library staff offer classes to assist you in essay writing, researching and referencing. It's vital to know that support is there when it is needed.

•  But there are differences also - you can say goodbye to uniforms!

For more information on the facilities at DBS, please visit the DBS website. Alternatively, please contact the admissions office by email admissions@dbs.ie or by calling 01 4177 500.