A mhic léinn, a chara,
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Dear Student,
October is here and the campus is really coming to life now that our first years have joined us. So to all our students, thank you for livening the place up.
To our new first years, university is fresh and exciting and there's a lot to take in. A few quick words of reassurance – it gets easier. The lecture halls you can’t find, the seemingly endless assignments, learning email etiquette. It will all become second nature before you know it.
Our Settling in Weeks are designed to ease the transition into University of Galway. Scroll down for details about Get on Track Week events (open to all students), useful tips for our new first years and some good to know info.
Mon to Thurs, 3–6 Oct
This Settling in Week is all about how you can 'Get on Track' with lots of opportunities & events to help you start off your semester on the right foot. You will get the chance to learn about budgeting, how to find a part-time job, set goals for the year, get connected to our university systems and learn about tools & apps that can help you in the year ahead.
Read on to learn more about the events taking place!
SEAS SUAS, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE - IS FÉIDIR LEAT DIFIRÍOCHT A DHÉANAMH
Where: Lecture Theatre, Áras Moyola
When: 6–8.30pm, starts Tues, 4 Oct (continues each Tues in Oct)
Join us to learn how to support others and develop skills so you can make a difference. Food will be provided each night.
BUDGETING & FINANCE - BUISÉADÚ & AIRGEADAIS
MONEY AND BUDGETING, HINTS & TIPS
Where: Student Enquiry Centre, Arts/Science Building
When: 10am–1pm, Tues, Wed, Thurs, 4–6 Oct
Drop into the Student Enquiry Centre if you have questions about managing finances, creating and sticking to a budget, or the Financial Aid Fund and how to apply. Limited 1 to 1 online sessions are also available, drop in or email sec@universityofgalway.ie to book!
EMPLOYABLE YOU - FIND A PART-TIME JOB
Where: THB-G010, The Hardiman Building (Library Foyer)
When: 2–3pm, Thurs 6 Oct
Join our Career team to get key tips on how to present your CV and land a part-time job. Book your place through Careers Connect here.
Budget 2022 - what does this mean for you? Click here for more information from our Fees office on the cost-of-living package for third level students.
The Laptop Loan Scheme offers eligible students a laptop on long-term loan to assist on your academic journey. Sign up for the Laptop Loan Scheme and find out the eligibility criteria by clicking here.
STUDENT SUPPORT INFORMATION AND RESOURCES - EOLAS & ACHMAINNÍ TACAÍOCHTA DO MHIC LÉINN
APPS, TOOLS & RESOURCES TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK
Where: Online
When: 12–1.30pm, Wed 5 Oct
This workshop introduces you to Digital Champions – who they are and how they can help you. Discover resources and tools at University of Galway to get you on track for the year ahead, from the Office 365 suite to LinkedIn Learning and CELT Mini Studio. Click here to book your place & you will receive a link to join.
SETTING GOALS FOR YOUR UNIVERSITY YEAR
Where: SC200A Seminar Room, Arts/Science Building (Located next to South entrance to Concourse near Smokey's)
When: 12–12.45pm, Tues 4 Oct
This workshop will help you set goals for yourself that are Positive, Personal, Possible and Prioritised.
Spaces are limited so if you are interested, sign up asap! If you have any queries contact denise.mcbride@universityofgalway.ie. Sign up here!
GET CONNECTED WORKSHOPS
The library is currently offering Get Connected Workshops to help students access University of Galway IT systems until 30 Oct.
This includes logging in to Office 365, University email and Blackboard and accessing on-campus WiFi through Eduroam,
Get set up for the year ahead and book your spot on a Get Connected Workshop & take time to browse through the many other workshops available.
For more information about the events taking place during 'Get on Track' Week click below.
TOP TIPS FOR FIRST YEARS - NA LEIDEANNA IS FEARR DON CHÉAD BHLIAIN
CARA, Your Virtual Assistant
You can WhatsApp Cara on 0868006644 or webchat with Cara here if you have any questions or need help. If Cara can't answer your query, you will have the option to transfer your question to a staff member.
Reach out
Getting to know your new classmates in big classes can be difficult. Small group tutorials will be starting soon and are a great opportunity to make friends and make academic life that bit easier. Making group chats can also help break the barriers down, especially for big course groups where meeting people can be more challenging.
Find Your Thing
There’s something for everyone here at University of Galway. For some that will be joining societies, for others that will be clubs. You could be up for doing both, or neither!
Your thing could be going live on air at Flirt FM, it could be volunteering on campus. Follow your passion while you’re here or discover a new one!
Ask for Help
If you’re struggling for any reason, academic or personal, your lecturers, tutors & Student Adviser are here to help. Don’t hesitate to get in contact with them with questions big or small and never deal with issues alone.
DID YOU KNOW? - AN RAIBH FIOS AGAT?
STUDENT PANTRY
The Student Pantry is back up and running! This student-run service provides free food for students while promoting sustainability and tackling food waste. Follow on twitter for updates and be sure to bring your own reusable shopping bag, one bag per person!
Where: The Hub, Áras na Mac Léinn
When: 4–6pm, Mon, Wed & Fri
CLASS REP NOMINATIONS - 1ST YEARS
Want to be the "Voice of your Class"? Class Reps are an invaluable link between the SU and the wider student body. They work closely with teaching staff to give feedback and express students’ concerns.
1st Years, you can nominate yourself and vote for Class Reps through YourSpace.
Nominations open 9am, Mon 26 Sept and close 6pm, Wed 12 Oct.
The Success Quiz is an interactive analysis of how prepared you feel for University life and offers personalised solutions to help kick-start your college life, support your success and map your journey.
Complete by Fri, 21 Oct to be in with a chance of winning great prizes including a Kingfisher Gym Membership for one year & a €150 One4All Voucher.
The Hub Kitchen (in Áras na Mac Léinn) is open Mon to Fri, 8.30am–7pm.
Bring your ingredients and to get creative in the
Kitchen.
The Hub is also open at weekends:
- TGI Friday 4–7pm
- Saturdays Global Cafe 12–4pm
- Settle in Sundays 4–7pm
Cubbie Sensory Hub: Need a quiet space? Check out this wheelchair accessible, multi-sensory, safe space which can be used by both students and staff to pre-empt overloads and balance sensory needs.
Located on the first floor of Áras Uí Chathail, upstairs from the Access Centre. No need to book.
SUPPORTS - TACAÍOCHTAÍ
- Student Enquiry Centre
Opening hours: Weekdays, 10am–4pm
Location: Arts/Science Building, Concourse
Contact the Student Enquiry Centre via sec@universityofgalway.ie or call in on the Concourse.
- Student Advisers
Get to know your Student Adviser - we have one for each college and they can help you figure out your next move on personal, academic, financial or any other issues.
- Registration Helpdesk
Opening hours: Weekdays, 9.00am–5pm
Location: 1st Floor, Áras Uí Chathail
Drop in with course, module or registration questions and to pick up your ID if you're a new student.
- Mental Health & Counselling
You can reach out to the Counselling Service by email at counselling@universityofgalway.ie.
For mental health support contact the Crisis Text Line at 50808.
- Fees Office
Opening hours: Weekdays, 10am–12pm, 2pm–4pm
Location: Ground Floor, Áras Uí Chathail
To contact us please email fees@universityofgalway.ie.
- Student Health Unit
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 9.30am–4.30pm
Location: Arás na Mac Léinn (above Bailey Allen Hall)
Contact the Student Health Unit by email healthunit@universtyofgalway.ie, calling 091 492 604 or to book an appointment fill out the request form.
- Chaplaincy
Location: Ground Floor St. Declan's Building, 6 Distillery Road, Newcastle, Galway
The chaplaincy offers facilities and supports for all students, located beside the Arts Millennium Building. Contact chaplains@universityofgalway.ie.
- Career Guidance & Information
Location: Arts/Science Building
Click here for information on career events and booking appointments.