welcome to college
DESCRIPTION
A brief welcome guide for NUI Galway first year students 2011-2012TRANSCRIPT
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WELCOMETOCOLLEGE
20!!Inside is a guide to all you need to know to get you started on what will be one of the best experiences of your life. There are tips, things to do and messages from everyone you need to know at NUI Galway Students’ Union
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President’ Introduction - Réamhrá an tUachtarán
Fáilte go Gaillimh!
Hi there, and welcome to the best few years of your life.
College is a really amazing experience where you will meet friends
for life, broaden your academic horizons, get involved in activities like
clubs and societies, and overall, where you will grow from being an
adolescent to a fully-f ledged adult!
The Students’ Union, or SU, is made up of students who have been
elected by the student body to their positions either as full-time
or part-time officers. Our constitution states that our role is “to
represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate the
rights of its members at all levels of society”. Overall, we are
here to make sure your interests are well represented with the
University, the local authorities and the government, and to
generally look out for you along your few years in college.
We organise regular awareness weeks on themes such as
sexual and mental health, voter registration drives, campaigns on issues that
affect students such as student grants and tuition fees, host charity events, run the Student
Enterprise Awards, and operate four commercial services which are run for your benefit: the College Bar,
Smokey’s Café on the Concourse, the Wall Café in the Sports Centre, and the SU Shop underneath the
Library.
People often look back and say that their college years were the best years of their lives, and they’re
absolutely right. The only advice I would like you to remember is that you should get involved while
you’re here: whether it be joining a club or society, writing for the campus newspaper or radio station, or
becoming class rep and getting involved in the SU. Having spoken to friends who have left college, the
most common thing I hear from them is that they wish they got involved more in college life, so get stuck in!
I wish you the very best in the next few years, and who knows, maybe you’ll end up writing this
introduction for the Freshers in a few years time.
Beir bua,
Emmet Connolly,Students’ Union President
Emmet ConnollyStudents’ Union President
WELCOME TO COLLEGE 2011
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Vice President / Education OfficerLeas-Uachtarán / Oifigeach OideachaisHi I am Conor and I am your Education Officer for 2011/2012. Welcome to the NUIG community, and welcome to the best few years of your life. I got involved in the Students’ Union this year to make your academic aspect of NUIG as enjoyable as the social aspect. I am mainly here to help out with any problems that you have in regards any academic matters, big or small, funding and grants. I am also in charge of co-ordinating the Class Rep system, and I would strongly recommend becoming a Class Rep. It’s a great way to meet new people and to plan some great parties, as well as having a direct input on matters that affect your class. I am always available for any questions that you have and the more feedback I can get from the students the better able I am to help out and make changes. So don’t be afraid to pop up to me with any problems or ideas you have, whether they be academic or social. I like having the craic a lot, too much at times, so I’m keen to hear anything that will make NUI Galway more enjoyable! I look forward to the banter in 2011/2012!
Vice President / Welfare OfficerLeas-Uachtarán / Oifigeach LeasaDia Daoibh a chairde,
Is mise Brian Grant, and the most important thing you all need to know about me is I am here to help you for the next year. I have been involved in many college clubs and societies over the past four years.
Welfare is an umbrella term used to describe the personal issues that students face that are not academic. This covers various issues like mental health, accommodation problems, financial problems, health issues, depression, unplanned pregnancy, bullying or harassment, sexual health or bereavement. If you ever encounter a problem during your time as a student that isn’t to do with your course then, chances are, I can help you out.
As your welfare officer I co-ordinate Welfare campaign weeks and information on relevant welfare issues such as: alcohol awareness, mental health, healthy living, road safety and sexual health.
Furthermore, I sit on several University committees on behalf of students ranging from drug policy, health, safety, loans and fees and parking. However, the most important part of my job is casework, which is dealing with any major problems that you might encounter throughout the year. Whatever you need from condoms, help dealing with landlords or someone to talk to when you’re feeling down, please don’t hesitate to call, text or e-mail me. Bain taitneamh as an mbliain!
Conor Healy
Brian Grant
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What the SU does. . . “The mission of the Union shall be to represent its members and promote, defend and vindicate the rights of its members at all levels of society.” Constitution of the Students’ Union
So what is the Students’ Union?The SU is a representative organisation that is independent from the
University and consists of all registered students at NUI Galway. Together, we are a body of some 17,000 full-time and part-time students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. As the SU is an independent body, the SU officers do not have to answer to the University authorities – we only answer to you, our members. In March each year the student body elects three full-time officers to work on their behalf for the year ahead, and thirteen part-time officers to represent their views.
How does it work?This year we will have fifteen officers (three full-time and twelve part-time) with a Mature Students’ Officer to be added in semester one. These officers make up the SU Executive, which meets weekly and is the committee that runs the SU and decides on the plans for the year ahead. The Exec is assisted by three full-time staff who organise the administrative affairs and organise events during the year, such as the Freshers’ Fair.
What do we work on day-to-day?On a daily basis, the officers work on the issues relevant to their individual portfolios while also helping out with the bigger, all-encompassing work. For example, the Postgraduate Officer might be dealing with various Postgrad issues such as IT facilities, while also helping out in general SU campaigns on student grants, sexual or mental health and so on.
The bread and butter work of the full-time officers is advising individual students who email, phone or call by to talk to them about their welfare or education issues. The President is tasked with the overall running of the SU, and has a particular role in dealing with the media, overseeing the SU commercial services (the SU Shop and so on), and representing students in meeting with senior management.
Some of our issues and campaigns for the year ahead. . .Student Grants ~ Sexual Health and Guidance (SHAG) Week ~ Seachtain na Gaeilge ~ Healthy Living Week ~ Freshers’ Fortnight ~ Charity Fundraising ~ Tuition Fees ~ Mental Health ~ Road Safety Week ~ Voter Registration Drives ~ Equality Week ~ Societies Day ~ Clubs Day ~ Class Rep elections ~ Quality Assurance ~ Entertainments
Sin NewspaperThe Students’ Union publishes twelve issues of Sin newspaper during the academic year. Sin is the official campus newspaper and is very popular with students. It is free and offers news, sport, reviews and in-depth analysis of issues that affect students, as well as features on whatever is in the news. You can get involved in Sin as a reporter, photographer, designer and more. Contact the Editor on [email protected] if you’d like to volunteer!
Áras na Mac Léinn - Home of the SU
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The Part-Time SU OfficersWhile Emmet, Brian, and Conor serve as full-time paid officers for the year, we also have 12 part-time officers who work for you and represent your interests while still in full-time study for the year. Let’s meet them. . .
Oifigeach na Gaeilge – Senan MacAoidhSenan is from Monaghan and serves as our Oifigeach na Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer). Senan’s job is to promote the Irish language on campus. He is also responsible for the implementation of the SU’s Irish language requirements of our bi-lingual policy. Give Senan a shout if you have a passion for an teanga or would like to learn more about the language!
Equality Officer – William O’BrienWill is our Equality Officer and looks out for all of you to ensure there is no discrimination on campus. He has a passion for all issues related to the promotion of equality and welfare in our society, so if that’s your thing, contact Will. He’s easy to spot on campus so feel free to call over and say hi!
Societies Chairperson – Paul O’ConnorPaul represents the 100+ societies on campus on the SU executive and looks out for their interests. He helps run the Societies Day (Thursday 15th September!) and generally tries to
secure the societies more facilities and support on campus. If you’d like to get involved in a society, give Paul a shout and he’ll let you know what’s going on.
Student Development Officer – Cian MoranCian’s role is all about getting students off the couch and involved in volunteering. Whether it’s a charity, a club or society, or an organisation based off-campus, Cian is the man to talk to if you’re interested in volunteering in some way during your time at NUI Galway. He’s also an artilleryman with the Reserve Defence [email protected]
Postgrad Officer – Richéal BurnsRichéal’s job is to look after all of the 2,000 or so postgrads. So whatever issues they may have, she’s the go-to person in the SU. She works closely with the Education Officer to ensure the postgrads have quality facilities to get their work done, and also
organises events to let them get to know each other while they’re [email protected]
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Clubs’ Captain – Eamon FlynnEamon is from Clare and is a science student. He’s been involved in the Badminton Club since first year. His role as Clubs’ Captain involves him representing the 40+ clubs on the SU executive and liaising with the Sports Unit and with the Kingfisher Club who operate the Sports Centre. He aims to secure facilities that clubs can be proud of so that everyone has an opportunity to get involved in a club.
Students’ Union Council Chairperson – Claire McCallionClaire is from Donegal and is in 2nd Arts. Her job is to represent all class representatives at NUI Galway. Her role includes chairing the meetings of the Students’ Union Council (where all students are invited to attend and speak) and arranging the election of class reps across the University with the help of the five College Convenors.
WANTED: Mature Students’ Officer – To Be ElectedIn late September we hope to hold an election for the position of Mature Students’ Officer. The number of people coming back to education from the workforce is increasing year on year. The SU has recognised the need to hear their thoughts and have a specific officer dedicated to their needs, and so we hope to add this officer to the SU executive this year.
Meet the College Convenors. . .For administration, NUI Galway is divided in five Colleges. The SU has a part-time officer to represent students in each of those Colleges and to ensure that class reps are elected in each class, in each course, in each College. It’s a tough job but our team are up to it! If you are interested in being a class rep, give your relevant College Convenor an email and they will tell you how it works – don’t be shy!
Convenor of the College of Arts Social Sciences & Celtic StudieKevin Donoghue (studying final year Legal Science and Philosophy) [email protected]
Convenor of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health SciencesMatthew Sheridan (studying 1st year Medicine)[email protected]
Convenor of the College of Engineering & InformaticsAlan Callery (studying 2nd year Energy Systems Engineering) [email protected]
Convenor of the College of Business, Public Policy & LawAoife Reaney (studying the LL.B law course)
Convenor of the College of ScienceTadhg Tynan (studying 3rd year Environmental Science)
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‘What should I do before heading to Galway?’A few simple things that will help you settle in are:
» Join the NUI Galway Students’ Union fanpage on Facebook for information on upcoming events, entertainments and promotions. This is the best single thing you can do to prepare for college.
» Try and sort out accommodation (see below)
» Apply for a student grant if you think you’re in with a chance (but before 31st August)
» Get the phone numbers for a few taxi companies, the University switchboard, University College Hospital Galway, and Mill Street Garda Station.
‘I don’t know how to register for my course or subjects’Check the information pack the University sent you in the post. If you don’t have that, phone the helpline on 091 493999 or email [email protected]
‘I haven’t sorted accommodation yet! Help!’Check out www.daft.ie, www.rent.ie or www.propertycheck.ie (which has a handy ‘Student Accomodation’ section, the Galway Advertister’s classified section on www.advertiser.ie and if you still can’t find accommodation visit www.nuigalway.ie/new-students for more information on student village accommodation and private accommodation.
‘The books for my course cost a lot. Can I get them cheaper?’You can find many cheap, second-hand college books on our online bookshop. Just look up our website www.su.nuigalway.ie and go to the Online Services tab. Alternatively, simply photocopy expensive course books in the library to get a €300 law book for a tenth of the price in photocopy credit! (Reduce the zoom on the photocopier to get two textbook pages into one A4 sheet).
‘How do I make sure I don’t get screwed over by my landlord?’Get yourself a Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Rent Book from the Students’ Union offices in Áras na Mac Léinn. Try and secure a lease in writing and keep a copy, and try and stay with landlords who are registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (www.prtb.ie) Email Brian Grant, Welfare Officer, for more information at [email protected]
‘My friends aren’t coming to study in Galway with me. How do I meet new people?!’Throughout the first month of college every sports club and society will be trying to sign you up. You’ll meet loads of new, interesting people in these groups. As well as that, the SU will be organising lots of Fresher social events during the Freshers’ Fortnight. Chances are, most of your new classmates are a bit anxious too, so why don’t you become the class rep and organise a class party! Call up to Conor in the SU for help in organising one. If you’re having trouble settling in, call up to Brian for a chat and a mug of tae. He’s a great listener and he knows the craic.
‘Where is the Students’ Union and Student Services?’The SU offices are located upstairs in Áras na Mac Léinn, which is the big glass-and-stone building right beside the College Bar. A lot of student services (registration, grants, accommodation, exams) are located next door in Áras Uí Chathail. The Student Connect Centre, which is a sort of one-stop-shop for general student enquiries, is located on the ground f loor. Áras Uí Chathail is the building with the green roof, just down from the Bank of Ireland ATM, outside the concourse.
Coming to College
FAQs for Freshers
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How do I keep myself active and healthy throughout the academic year?As previously mentioned, joining clubs and societies is a great way of staying active and healthy in college. Furthermore, it is a great social outlet rather than idling in your apartment or pub all day long. We cannot emphasise how important it is to get involved in these groups. By taking an active part in them it provides invaluable character building opportunities. Plus, you get to go on trips to some pretty cool places.
Is there a sports centre on campus?Yes there is. The Student Sports Centre is located beside the Quincentennial Bridge on the way to the new state of the art engineering building. This sports centre contains a 25 metre swimming pool, aerobics studios, a cardiovascular theatre, racquetball courts, a weights area, sauna, steam room and a full size basketball court. This is a great place to come to re-energise yourself if you have an hour or two off in between lectures. Most indoor sports take place here.
What about outdoor sporting facilities? Firstly, there are two five-a-side all-weather soccer cages in Corrib Village where time allocated slots can be booked through the Student Sports Centre. Accompanying these cages are two tennis courts. The NUI Galway sports grounds are located in Dangan, just north of Corrib Village. All field-based sports clubs train here as the facilities include two GAA pitches, two soccer pitches, a Rugby pitch, an athletics track and field, an all-weather f loodlit ground for both soccer and hockey along with an indoor halls and excellent dressing rooms.
‘I think I might be entitled to a grant, but I’m not sure. What should I do?’Call up to Conor Healy, the Education Officer, in the Students’ Union in Áras na Mac Léinn or email him at [email protected] Our key bit of advice is – if there’s even a small chance you’ll get the grant, apply for it by 31st August. The various City and County Councils administer the higher education grants for most NUI Galway courses.
‘How much money will I spend in college?’A rough breakdown of typical costs is this:
» Taxi from Corrib Village/ Newcastle/ Terryland to the city centre: €8 or €3 each for 3 people sharing.
»College Bar carvery dinner (€5-€6) or big sandwich (€4-€5.50).
»A pint in the College Bar: €3-€4.
» Rent in private accommodation: you’re looking at €200-€350 in the suburbs and around the campus, and €300-€400 in the city centre (that’s per month, and sharing with two/three others).
» Weekly shop for dinners, toiletries, household stuff: €25-40. You should search for the big supermarkets on Google Maps to get an idea of where they are before you arrive.
»Tea/Coffee in Smokey’s/College Bar: €1/€1.20.
»Second-hand course books in the SU Online Bookshop: with an average of 30-60% off the new price
»Membership of the Kingfisher Gym on campus: €250 for 12 months.
»Visit to a doctor or nurse at the Student Health Unit: free!
Coming to College FAQs for Freshers
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‘What about car parking on campus?’Check out www.nuigalway.ie/parking about getting a parking permit.
‘Where does my student levy money go?’A lot of it goes towards the building of the Sports Centre and Áras na Mac Léinn. The rest mostly goes to the Students’ Union, the Student Health Unit, the Students’ Project Fund, as well as funds for societies, sports clubs and the campus radio station.
‘I’m skint! Help!’We have a Student Assistance Fund to help students who are in genuine financial trouble (and by this we mean ‘I can’t afford this month’s rent’ not ‘I can’t afford a night’s drinking’). If you need help with costs with accommodation, travel, books, food etc. call up to Brian Grant for more information. Applications are usually required by October.
‘What about disability supports?’Contact the Disability Support Service in Room 224 in Áras Uí Chathail or email [email protected] for information.
‘Are there lockers on campus for all my stuff?’Yep. Visit www.su.nuigalway.ie/lockers for information on availability. Lockers costs €25 for the academic year. You don’t get the money back though, so bear that in mind! We also operate a free-to-use Cloakroom underneath the main staircase in the Library.
‘Is Galway safe at night?’Yes! According to Garda statistics, Galway is very safe considering its population and the amount of people on the streets at night. Ask most students and they’ll agree that unless you’re acting the maggot while drunk, you should be alright. You’re advised to walk home with a friend or take a taxi though, just to be on the safe side.
Coming to College
FAQs for Freshers
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Coming to college is a really exciting time. So many courses and new experiences are right in front of you, it can be a little overwhelming. But not to fear, your union is here to offer any help we can. So these are a couple of tips to help you find your way. For more in-depth information, check out the Welfare Section online at www.su.nuigalway.ie and don’t be afraid to drop me a line at [email protected] or call or text me at 086-3853659.
AccommodationMoving away from home is exciting and it can be a bit scary. Here are a couple of things you need to know when moving out of home:
» Do some research on whether you want to live in a house, digs or an apartment. There are pros and cons to each one so shop around.
» Make sure the living area is big enough for the amount of people living in the house.
» Check appliances, cookers, vacuums, showers etc to see that they work.
» Check for damp, mould – a cold/damp house in August will be an expensive freezer in December!
» Rent books are available free from the Students’ Union, so pick one up.
» Ask for the energy rating of the house (BER cert) – the higher the number the cheaper the house will be to heat.
» Check locks on windows and doors.
» Ensure there’s an inventory of all utensils and equipment in the house kept by both you and the landlord.
» Take photos of any damage/stains when you move in and email them to the landlord.
» Don’t sign a lease unless you’ve read it and understood all of it.
Some of you will be moving into houses with people you don’t know. This in itself can be daunting so why not have a get to know each other session when you move in. Have a chat, organise activities together or just chill out and watch a movie. It’s better to get to know your housemates to avoid any arguments in the future.
For all your Welfare Needs!By Brian Grant – VP/ Welfare Officer
Nervous about being away from home…Don’t worry, you aren’t alone. There are loads of supports available to you when you get to NUI Galway. If you ever feel bad and just need someone to chat to, then call up to me in the Students’ Union, or the Chaplains or the Counselling Service on Distillery Road.
FinancesMoney makes the world go around or so the song goes. So when you get to college it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your finances. We have a more detailed finance section on the website but here are three things to remember about finances
» Make a budget and stick to it
» Shop around. Buy own brand items and keep an eye out for special offers. Plus make a shopping list and stick to it
» Turn off the lights when you leave the room, and try to save energy around the house, wasting electricity or heating will cost you now! You don’t need the radiators on all day!
Heading Out!We know you want to have as much fun as possible as soon as you start college but we want you to be as safe as possible. If you’re drinking then take it easy. Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water. You’ll save money; it will stop you getting too drunk, not to mention help you avoid a hangover. Trust us; the ‘too wasted to stand’ look isn’t an attractive one! Don’t leave your drinks unattended! Drink spiking happens, no matter your gender and a lot of these drugs are odourless and tasteless. So always keep an eye on your drink.
Always carry a condom! You can’t tell if someone has an STI just by the look of them. You can get some for free from the Students’ Union.
Getting Home SafeThis should be pretty self explanatory. Don’t walk home alone and don’t ditch your friends. There are plenty of taxis in Galway so finding one shouldn’t be that difficult. If you are walking home, then do so in groups and never on your own. It doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a girl; it is never a good idea to walk home alone.
Anti-Social BehaviourTreat your college homes like you would your own home! You wouldn’t trash your own living room or smash all your Mum’s dishes at home so don’t do it here! If you trash your place the cost to repair damages will be taken out of your deposit.
Keep the noise down, don’t f ling rubbish around and don’t hang around on the street at four in the morning. Respect each other, respect your neighbours and don’t act like a twat.
You can get in trouble with the College and if you get any form of anti-social behaviour order it will affect your chances of getting a J1. So respect your homes, keep the noise down and respect your neighbours!
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Why become a class rep? » A Class Rep is the voice of their class andrepresents their classmates within the Students’
Union and the university.
» Class Reps get to know their whole class easily and can organise parties, bowling, hoodies and trips away for their class so everyone gets to know each other.
» It looks good to prospective employers that a Class Rep has shown leadership and organisational abilities.
» You can have a direct say in SU policies, campaigns, and objectives for the year.
» It is a great way to get to know students from other courses and years in Class Rep meetings.
» You get to bring about real changes to your course and College itself if you put in the effort.
» You can represent students on the Academic Council, which is the committee that manages
the entire University.
Become a 1st year Class RepYou’ve just wandered into your first ever college lecture and are having a look around. The familiar faces of years of secondary school are gone, and in their place are dozens of new people – your new classmates for the next three years – who you haven’t got to know yet. You’re a bit anxious and wish there was some easy way of getting to know them. There is.
If you put yourself forward as a 1st year class rep, you’re main role for the first few weeks is to make sure everyone in your class gets to know each other and settles into Galway okay. The easiest way of doing this is to arrange some kind of social events for the class – whether it’s class parties in the College Bar or a night out on the town (but remember some of your classmates might not be 18), or to arrange some other activities like bowling in Leisure World, girls vs. boys tag rugby or five-a-side football, a house party and so on. You’re also guaranteed to score that girl or boy you fancy in your class if you’re the natural born leader who organised a savage party! Think about it!
But what does a Class Rep do?There are around 300 class reps in NUI Galway. Each of them represent an individual class, although some big classes (like say, 1st year History or English) might have 2 reps because there’s loads of students. Your job as a class rep is primarily to communicate any issues or problems your classmates are having to the Students’ Union officers. There are five one-hour Class Rep Meetings each semester which you’re asked to attend. Three of these meetings are arranged by the course you’re studying, e.g. Law, Arts, Science and the other two are called the Studensts’ Union Council meetings, which is the discussion forum for all students on campus on SU matters. Class reps and students in general. As well as representing your classmates, you also have an important social role in organising class parties, and if you want, class hoodies, trips abroad, team building activities and so on. You can ask Conor Healy, the Education Officer in the SU, for advice on how to organise these events.
Okay, I’m interested. What do I do now?Your lecturer should ask for people to put themselves forward as class reps within the first week or so of lectures. If not, just ask him/her after a lecture if they will arrange an election sometime soon. Don’t worry. We’re not talking ‘vote for me’ posters and ballot papers here – usually it’ll be a couple of students will put up their hand, they’ll introduce themselves to the class and say what they want to do for them, and then there’ll be a quick show of hands vote.
If you’re lecturers haven’t held class rep elections after a week or so, give Conor Healy, who organises the class reps system across campus, a shout in the Students’ Union and he’ll arrange an election for ye.
Class Reps
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NUI Galway Students’ Union operates a number of businesses on the University campus, including the College Bar, SU Shop, Smokey’s Café, the Wall Café and hospitality services throughout the campus. These commercial services exist to finance the operations of the Students’ Union and provide you with better social, representational and support services. A large portion of the profits are allocated to the Student Project Fund which is used to fund various student initiatives to help get them off the ground, including Sin, Flirt FM, sports equipment and various other capital programmes.
As the Students’ Union continues to expand and adapt to the growing needs of NUI Galway students, so do the commercial services. We are extremely excited about the coming year for the Students’ Union Commercial Services. Together, we are introducing new and innovative catering and retail options - all with the students’ needs in mind. Decisions we make, are always in the best interests of the Students’ Union and its members, and not solely driven by profit.
The College Bar is the main social and entertainments venue on campus and offers students the best in DJ’s, live bands and big screen sport in a safe and friendly environment. For Class or Club parties, Society or Charity events, the College Bar is the place to come. We’ll even look after entertainment, a bit of grub and a complimentary drink. We are Galway’s most popular venue for class parties. The College Bar has long been famed for its top quality food and many past and present students will quote the bar as having the best food on campus - tasty, wholesome and with generous portions. Carvery dinners are on offer from only €5.
We also operate two Cafés on campus - the Wall Café (located in the Sports Centre) and Smokey’s Café (located on the Concourse of the Arts/Science building) - serving a full range of hot and cold drinks, hot option of the day, confectionery, minerals, pastries, snacks, fresh juices and smoothies.
The Students’ Union Shop, which is located in the basement of the Library building, is where students can buy a wide range of stationery, confectionary and NUI Galway clothing at the best prices.
Together with Yvonne, Cormac, Kieran, Liam and Breda, we look forward to welcoming you to NUI Galway.
Aidan Grimes (CEO) Students’ Union Commercial Services
Welcome to Students’ Union Commercial Services
To provide with better social,
representational & support servicesYou
,
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Welcome to Áras na Mac Léinn. . .The Freshers’ Fair will take place on Wednesday 14th September in Áras na Mac Léinn, which is the campus student centre. Throughout the day you can have a look at the SU offices upstairs and familiarise yourself with the building and what’s in it. Remember; this is your student centre, paid for out of your student levy each year, so take a
sense of ownership with the building and try and engage with the services available in it.
What’s in Áras na Mac Léinn?The Student Health Unit and the SU offices are upstairs, while the services available downstairs include the Hub (Student Common Room), the Societies Office, the Flirt FM studios, the Health Promotion and ALIVE Volunteering offices, the Bailey Allen Hall (where you should receive your degree in three or four years time – fingers crossed) and several other multi-purpose room for students to use, which can be booked through the Societies Office.
What goodies can I get at the Freshers’ Fair?Well, if you call up to the SU you can collect your Students’ Union Diary which is always a big hit and runs out fast, go get it while you can!
While you’re in our offices you can also get a Student Travelcard if you use the bus or train to commute home on the weekends (it’s only €15 and we take the picture for the card here in the office).
You can also sign up for an SU Card which entitles you to lots of discounts with the College Bar, the SU Shop, Smokey’s Café and the Wall Café – all of which are run on campus by the Students’ Union for your benefit.
We will also be handing out the ever-popular SU Holdall Bags which are ideal for holding your laptop, notebooks, and bits and bobs you need to bring to campus each day. Best of all, it’s free and will have a few goodies inside for you!
Downstairs, the main foyer of Áras na Mac Léinn will have many stands from various businesses in Galway that will be handing out all sorts of lovely free stuff, so make sure to have a look at them and see what they’re handing out!
Freshers’ Fair
So keep the date – Wednesday 14th September – and get to know your student centre and pick up lots of free stuff!
So keep the date – Wednesday 14th September – and get to know your student centre and pick up lots of free stuff!
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The NUI Galway Students’ Union was originally established in 1911 as the Students’ Representative Council and was an offshoot of the Literary & Debating Society. The council was firmly established by the mid-1920’s, and in the 1960’s was formally developed into the university’s Students’ Union, then known as Comhairle Teachta na Mac Léinn.
The modern Students’ Union was established in 1964 with Michael D. Higgins as President. Below are some highlights from the Union’s past.
1964/65Led by Michael D. Higgins, 600 students marched to protest about hotels refused to take visiting students, landladies discriminated against students in summer etc.
1969/70College Week (RAG Week) run for the first time after being banned by the Bishop in 1950s.
1977/78The Union ran and subsidised the Creche/Nursery service for staff and students on Munster Avenue. However, this service had to close in June 1978 due to debts. In 1979 the Union began campaigning for a new crèche/nursery to be funded by College.
1978/79The Union supports the Anti-Nuclear Campaign.
1979/80Planning Permission is granted for the provision of a bar in the Student Common Room in the Quad which will become the Students’ Union Club (College Bar).
1981/82The Ballot Box Campaign (BBC) is held to increase the number of students registered to vote in Galway West. A test case is taken to court by the Students’ Union to allow students’ to register to vote in the constituency where they attend College and this test case is a success.
1982/198312th – 21st of May a group of 13 representing the Students’ Union occupy the Presidents office. The occupation was initially meant to last 24 hours and was about the proposed increase in fees and the cut backs in essential Student Services.
A catering boycott of the restaurant was held. Terms of settlement included a freeze on prices and an 8% increase in chip quantity.
1984/1985In March a referendum passes to allow for the introduction of a capitation fee in 1984/85 academic year.
1985/1986The Union proposes the establishment of a Student Health Service.
1988/1989The Union commences operation of cloakroom and exam papers services.
1988/1989RAG week “important that the emphasis be taken away from drink and that the charity aspect be stressed more”.
Gaysoc is set up and the SU brings people from other colleges with Gaysocs to visit the college.
1992/1993The Union adopts a neutral position on pro-life issue.
1995/1996 In February the Minister for Education announces the abolition of Undergraduate fees in Third Level Institutions.
1997/1998Smoking is banned in Exec office
Opening library on Sundays campaign.
SU suing Minister for Education over non-payment of nurses fees.
1998/1999Library will begin opening on a Sunday for ten Sundays in the college year.
1999/2000Reform of 1929 Act to state all lecturers at NUI Galway must be able to conduct a lecture through Irish
Reeling in the years“An injury to one is an injury to all”
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2001/2002 “Sex on Campus” campaign held with sex workshops and sex packs to freshers
Voter registration campaign
2002/2003 Fees protests held.
USI Fresher packs not handed out as had alcohol vouchers and went against alcohol policy.
Online secondhand bookshop set up.
2003/2004Levy Referendum – membership fee on top of proposed levy
Campaigns included Cancer Awareness, Healthy Mind, Healthy Eating, Depression, Alcohol, Campus Watch, Fairtrade Campaign, Environment Day, Equality Day and SHAG week.
2004/2005Online locker system introduced
Campus parking issue leads to protests.
2005/2006 Objection to introduction of €100 levy increase deferred until Sept 2007
Steps at Quincenntenial bridge opened
2006/2007New Logo introduced
Access students can join SU, clubs and socs.
Celebrating Diversity week, Mental Health week, Craic Campaign, Voter Registration Drive, Fora, World AIDS Day
2007/2008University begins collecting University centre levy - €100 each year for 18 years
Bebo and facebook sites for the SU set up
Union supports protesting nurses and hospital staff
2008/2009Freshers’ Week changed to Freshers’ Fortnight
Fees campaign begins with thousands marching to Eyre Square
Part Time students become members of Union
Elections take place in two locations – turnout up on previous years
Controversy over visit by Ministers Éamón Ó Cúiv and Batt O’Keefe
Controversy over Bertie Ahern visit
National March Against Fees in Dublin
RAG week raises €32,000, University withdraws support
Math and English support centres established
Work begins on Áras na MacLéinn refurbishment
2009/2010Third level fees ruled out in the Green Party program for government.
Rebranding of RAG Week as College Week featuring gigs by Calvin Harris, The Coronas and Jason Byrne.
SU Loyalty Card launched with over 8,000 sign ups.
SU Sessions run for a 2nd year in the Canteen with 21 acts playing over the year.
Reading room opening hours increased to 1:30am
2010/2011Tellyourtd.com launched – 50,000 letters sent to TDs.
New SU Constitution approved.
NUI Galway Student Enterprise Awards launched.
Student Support Act signed into law.
Overcrowding in lecture halls tackled.
1,000 NUI Galway students at national demonstration against Registration Fee increase.2,000 students attend Galway march.
Largest ever voter turnout in SU Elections.
Corrib Village rent reduction secured.
Mature Students Officer introduced and Class Reps system overhauled.
Famous faces. . .The SU was established in its modern form in the 1960s and along the way we’ve had some notable people elected as SU officers such as: Michael D. Higgins (SU President 1964-1965, and maybe President of Ireland 2011-2018), Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte (SU President 1970-71), Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore (SU President 1974-75), Senator Ronan Mullen (SU President 1991-92).
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By the time you graduate you’ll have gotten used to the game of ‘Spot the American’ on campus. It’s true that Galway City and the surrounding region is one of Ireland’s tourism gems, and it’s no mystery why
tourists and exchange students f lock to the City of the Tribes.
I took a stroll down the old Long Walk. . .In the city itself you find a medieval city centre brimming with music and cafés and buskers and an energy that captures you once you arrive. You’ll find plenty of nice places to have a quiet walk, a picnic or kickaround, from the Spanish Arch to Eyre Square, to South Park on the bay, to the Salthill Promenade (by the way, the tradition is to kick the stone wall at the far end of the Prom when you’re out walking off the previous night’s excesses). You can have the hours pass by as you sip on a coffee while watching
the world on Shop Street.
And I lost my heart to a Galway Girl. . .Galway is a young and vibrant city, with 20,000 students living amongst an overall population of some 75,000. Needless to say, the nightlife is second to none, and we in the SU are sure that you’ll find your way around the various pubs, clubs, cinemas and theatres in your own time! As well as the usual nightlife, Galway is Ireland’s number one spot for festivals. From the Galway Races, the Arts Festival, the Film Fleadh, and the recent addition of the Volvo Ocean Race, you’ve picked a busy and fun-
filled place to come to college.
Wild Wild WestConnemara and the Aran Islands are only a short journey from the city by road and boat respectively. With rugged mountains to climb, sandy beaches to stroll, and clear-blue seas to swim, the West of Ireland is at your doorstep and begging to be explored by you students. So get involved! Get a few mates together and go discover what’s on offer in and around the city.
The SU officers’ top picks for new arrivals to Galway. . . » Head to the Aran Islands on a class trip (get the class rep to organise it!)
» Jump off the diving tower at Blackrock in Salthill
» Go surfing in Lahinch (like in that ad for Denny’s)
» Climb Croagh Patrick, just up the road in Mayo
» Visit the city museum at the Spanish Arch
» Bond with your fellow Galwegians in the soft lights of a takeaway at 3am
» Let yourself go at the Galway Races (held in July and October)
» Listen to a trad music sessions in the Crane Bar on Sea Road, or Taaffe’s, Tigh Céoilí or Neachtáin’s around Shop Street.
» Get a Claddagh ring for that special someone
» Get sick of hearing the song Galway Girl
Things to do in Galway. . .
www.su.nuigalway.ie