University Life

University Facilities

Erasmus students, once registered, will obtain a student identification card that grants them access to all the services of the University normally available to students.

Office Opening Hours

University offices are usually open between 9.00 - 13.00 and 14.00 - 17.00, Monday to Friday, although individual units may have slightly different hours, and some may have specific student consultation hours. Offices are closed on public holidays and for short periods during the Christmas and Easter holidays.

Library

The James Hardiman Library is at the heart of academic life in the University. With fully computerised catalogues, it is the primary library in the west of Ireland. The Library houses many rare books and prints, as well as a remarkable archive of old Galway’s documents that includes a set of City Corporation records going back 500 years; some of James Joyce’s papers are among its more recent acquisitions. As a UNESCO-designated folklore archive, it contains countless rare manuscripts and records. But the Library is pre-eminently a teaching library, and each year the bulk of the budget goes to buying copies of the books and scholarly journals that students are most likely to want for their academic work. The Library contains the principal collections in subjects taught in the University's various Faculties/Colleges. Erasmus students with a current identification card are entitled to use the library. Opening hours are generally 9.00 to 22.00 during term time. Staff are always willing to explain the services offered by the library and to introduce new users to the numerous facilities on offer.

Computing and e-mail Facilities

A Campus Account provides student access to all computing services (other than e-mail). The International Office will send Campus Account login details by e-mail to all incoming Erasmus students prior to registration. Your Campus Account provides access using a single User ID and Password to computing services such as PC Suites (student computer facilities across the campus providing free Internet), WiFi ( Eduroam), Blackboard, Library Systems and Self-Service Registration. To activate your Campus Account, use the following credentials: User ID (University of Galway Registration ID number) and temporary activation password.

Each registered student receives a University of Galway e-mail address. To activate your email account, log in with the following credentials: Windows Live ID (University of Galway e-mail address) and temporary activation password. You are advised to check your University of Galway email account regularly as this address is the official means of communicating with the University.

Details of the student WiFi service (Eduroam) available across the campus can be found here. Internet access is available in most student residences (please check locally with the residence management) as well as in Internet cafés throughout Galway city.

If you have any queries about student computing services, please contact the ISS Service Desk. 

Restaurants

There are a number of restaurants and snack bars available on campus. These cater for all tastes and offer good value and choice. The opening hours vary. When you arrive on the campus you can enquire directly with particular facilities as to the opening hours they operate.

Sports

Sporting activities help students to relax and keep fit, and also provide the opportunity to make new friends. Many overseas students excel at their chosen sport, and some have represented the University at intervarsity sporting events over the years. The University’s prime location on the banks of the River Corrib provides students with excellent opportunities to take part in all water sports, including rowing, kayaking and canoeing. Wind-surfing, sailing, diving and a swimming pool are available nearby in Salthill, while the mountains and hills of Connemara and the Burren are easily accessible for those interested in mountaineering, hill-walking and orienteering.  University of Galway's Sports Centre caters for various indoor sports and also has a swimming pool. Playing fields are available for other sports e.g. hockey, rugby and football, while provision is also made for horse-riding and golf.

Clubs and Societies

’Pleasant is the life of the scholar’, says one of Ireland’s old bardic poems, and indeed the student’s life can be greatly enhanced by taking part in some of the many social and recreational activities on offer at University of Galway. There are more than fifty societies and thirty athletic clubs on campus, which cater for a wide variety of interests. Erasmus students are encouraged to become members of these clubs and societies, as they provide an ideal opportunity to meet Irish students. The University also houses one of the main musical venues in the west of Ireland: the Aula Maxima recital room hosts a varied programme of internationally renowned classical, traditional and contemporary Irish musicians throughout the year.  University of Galway also has a very active theatre scene.

Students' Union

Every student of the University is a member of the Students' Union, which promotes and protects the interests of its members and can offer advice on welfare, legal, health and other matters. The Students' Union runs the Campus Shop and Smokey Joe's snack bar, as well as the College Bar, where it regularly organises entertainment open to all students. The Students' Union also offers other services such as lockers, cloakroom facilities, photocopying, a secondhand bookstore, and past exam paper orders.

Student Support

Student Development Services

Student Counselling

A free counselling service is available to students of University of Galway. It provides a caring and safe environment where students have the opportunity to examine difficulties in a confidential, non-judgmental setting.  If there are any issues that are troubling you, consult the Counsellors as early as you can; they are skilled in the art of listening and have wide experience in dealing with the variety of situations and issues which students can encounter.

The Counsellors' offices are located at 5 Distillery Road, next door to the International Affairs Office. Appointments can be made through the Administrator at (091)492484, or on the University line, at (091) 524411, ext. 2484. An answerphone operates outside office hours. 

Chaplains/Deans of Residence 

Fr Ben Hughes, Fr Declan Lohan 

As well as cooperating with ministers of the various religious denominations in the provision of pastoral care to students and staff, the Chaplains provide a personal counselling and advisory service. They are available to all who wish to seek advice or support, in total confidence, on any matter. They can be contacted via the link above.

Ministers from all the major religions and denominations can also be contacted through this link.

International Students Officer

The International Students Officer provides an advice, information and support service for all international students, arranges social and cultural events, and acts as a point of contact with the various student services in the University to ensure that any problems of adjustment are minimised.  International students are assisted in settling as quickly as possible into their new environment, so that they can derive maximum benefit and enjoyment from their life in University of Galway.

Contact Details: 
Ms Louise Kelly
Tel: 353 91 493581; e-mail: louise.kelly@universityofgalway.ie

International Affairs Officer

Kim O'Flynn-Kelly is the Erasmus Executive for the University.  Students with general queries about the Erasmus programme are encouraged to contact the Erasmus staff in the International Affairs Office.  Queries on academic matters should, in the first instance, be addressed to the Erasmus Academic Coordinator in the relevant subject area.  The International Affairs Office manages all other aspects of the University’s involvement in the Erasmus programme.

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities, such as learning difficulties, visual impairment, hearing impairment or mobility problems, are encouraged to contact the university's Disability Support Service for any information or assistance they may need.

Contact Details:
Tel: 353 91 492813; e-mail: disability.service@universityofgalway.ie.