LIFE AT UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY

Galway really is ‘a University city’.  The campus is in the heart of the city centre, with all amenities on your doorstep and within walking distance. It is a vibrant place, with a year-long programme of cultural and sporting festivals. Did you know students make up 20% of the population in Galway? Our student community are an essential part of Galway life, and they add energy and colour to the city.

Galway - A University City

Galway is an exciting place to be a student. It is big enough to have everything – shopping facilities, theatres, restaurants, music venues, and sports facilities – while small enough to feel intimate and welcoming. Set between Connemara and the Burren, on the broad sweep of Galway Bay, our location is as distinctive as it is beautiful. Galway casually combines the energy of a young and diverse population, with the authenticity of a place steeped in history and tradition.

We are renowned as a place where arts and theatre are celebrated. The city is a cultural hub, attracting thousands to its many festivals throughout the year including: Cúirt International Festival of Literature; Galway Comedy Festival; Galway Film Fleadh; Galway Arts Festival; Galway Races; and the Oyster Festival. Once you get to know our city, we’re sure you’ll grow to love it.

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Accommodation

Moving away from home is a very big step. Finding the right place to live is crucial to a happy and successful university experience.

To help make this move easier for you, we are here to offer support and advice on making the right choice. You may wish to stay in one of the Student Residence or share a house, digs/lodgings, flat or apartment. You can call to our office, telephone us or check our website. There are a variety of accommodation options to choose from, and we advise you to consider all the options available before making your choice.  Click here for more.

Getting Involved

NUI Galway has a rich and varied student life offering a wealth of experience outside the classroom.

With over 110 societies and over 50 clubs you can share your passion for your favourite sports, hobbies and interests with other students. Joining a Society will help you make friends, learn new skills, pursue your interests, broaden your horizons and go on great trips. Societies provide the best free/affordable entertainment in Galway. Our societies are officially the best in the country and are the top of the leader board for society wins at the BICS National Society Awards. If you don’t find what you are looking for we encourage students to set up their own new societies.

Students who get actively involved and participate in student life are happier and as a result more productive and successful in their studies. At NUI Galway, our student completion rate is higher than any other university in Ireland, at 86%.

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Volunteering while at University

University of Galway is Ireland’s leading university for student volunteering, with more than 4,000 registered volunteers. Each year thousands of students sign up to the ALIVE programme, volunteering with over 450 organisations and availing of hundreds of community experience opportunities. Volunteering is about contributing time, skills and energy towards something bigger than you. You will gain new skills, make new friends, make a difference and also increase your job prospects.

An Accessible University

Alternative routes to gain entry to third-level education:

HEAR - Higher Education Access Route - The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a college and university admission scheme which also offers places on reduced points to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged background who are under 23 years of age.

DARE - Disability Access Route to Education- The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a college and university admission scheme which offers places on reduced points to school leavers with disabilities under 23 years old.

Access for School Leavers - The Access Course for School Leavers is a course specifically designed for students who have a real desire to study at third level, but are unable due to financial or social reasons.

Mature Students - Whether you are returning to full-time or a part-time education as a mature student, NUI Galway has a wide range of courses and student supports for you.

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Why Choose University of Galway?

At University of Galway you will be provided with the best educational opportunities and job prospects for today’s competitive workplace. See why more than 3,000 Leaving Certificate students make University of Galway their university of choice.

Supporting You

We understand that there may be times when you need advice, support or a listening ear, and we have a network of services available to cater for your needs. We want you to have an excellent learning experience and make the most of your time at university.

You can call in to see us in relation to personal, social or practical issues you may have throughout the year. Learning at university is of course a very different experience to that of being at school.  If you are experiencing difficulties or take ill please make sure that you contact your lecturer or the appropriate person in your College or School. Please don’t hesitate in letting us know of any issues so that we can provide help where possible.

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