I'm surprised that I actually have time to write this piece! Since Monday of last week, I have been officially "a student". I haven't had many formal lectures as of yet, but that's another story.

This first week consisted of a bewildering mix of tours, receptions, lectures, debates (and even a protest).

There are more than 90 societies and sports clubs in Trinity College, and I think that almost all of them were open for business in Front Square this week. It was a beautiful cacophony of pleas. "Join the Maths society / karate club / Young Fine Gael / Socialist Workers / trampoline club".

"Come on, we're having a party tonight!"

"Don't join them, we're better!" With all the finesse and flair of practised salespersons, the various groups set out their cases, in front of vivid and colourful stands (or sometimes just at wooden tables). It became hard to say no. They all make their own hobbies or obsessions sound like The Thing to Do for the next four years.

As of yesterday, formal lectures have begun. I'm one of those students who have fewer than 10 hours of lectures a week, but already I can see that I'm not going to have an easy ride. Law students may have a shorter timetable, but, like most other students doing arts courses, we are expected to spend quite a while in the libraries. At the moment, that's a daunting and vast place, but I'm sure that it won't be long before it feels like a second home (except for that part about not talking).

I've met so many people from far-flung places - Bavaria, Canada, even Offaly. I've even met some engineering students, who took me to task for my slightly derogatory allusion to their good selves in this newspaper last week. (Thankfully, they seemed not to mind much. Then again, I haven't strolled past the engineering block after dark yet.)

I've even been recognised by some other people. Actually, lots of people. In fact, everyone must be reading this paper. Have you nothing else to do? Go and join a society.