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Orientation

Orientation – September 2025

Céad Míle Fáilte to University of Galway!

A hundred thousand welcomes from the West of Ireland!

We’re delighted that you have chosen to begin your studies with us at the University of Galway. Our university is located on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, close to the Atlantic Ocean and right in the centre of Galway city — one of the friendliest and most lively places in Ireland.

Whether you’ve travelled just a few hours or halfway around the world, we’re excited to welcome you to our university community. Here, you’ll find world-class learning, lasting friendships, and plenty of opportunities to explore Irish culture, language, and the warm Galway atmosphere.

To help you settle in, we’ve lined up a week of orientation and welcome events specifically for you — a mix of helpful information, campus tours, cultural activities, and opportunities to meet fellow students from Ireland and around the globe.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate orientation will occur on Thursday, 11 September and Friday, 12 September. For full details, click here.

Postgraduate

The Support Services orientation will take place on Wednesday, September 3, at 9:15 am in the Bailey Allen Hall.

9:30 am to 12:00 pm - Support services orientation

14:00 onwards - Afternoon welcome events will be held by the following confirmed colleges:

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies
Venue: MY243-Lecture Theatre in Aras Moyola

14:05-14:10 - College welcome and introduction: Aaron Potito, Vice Dean Internationalisation

14:10-14:20 - College level supports, including extenuating circumstances, etc: Dermot Flaherty, Curriculum Development & Planning Officer

14:20-14:30 - Introduction to Rosemary Crosse, Arts Student Support Officer

14:30-14:45 - Introduction to Academic Integrity Principles: Dr Justin Tonra, Academic Integrity Officer

14:45-15:00 - Introduction to Learning Technologies and how best to use these: Aidan O'Callaghan, Learning Technologist

15:00- 15:10 - EDI principles in the classroom: Anne Marie Stokes, EDI Race Equality Advisor

15:10-15:30 - Questions and call for ambassadors: Elaine Rea, Head of International Strategy and Operations, and Katie Flannery, Marketing and Student Recruitment Officer

College of Science and Engineering

Postgraduate students will be contacted regarding future social and information sessions.

Visiting Students/Erasmus

Erasmus

Erasmus orientation information can be found here.

Visiting Students

Visiting students' orientation information can be found here.

Events

Take part in the big Scavenger Hunting challenge on Friday, 5 September from 2 pm-5 pm!

The Scavenger Hunting challenge will involve finding a list of quirky and unique locations around campus and Galway City, while taking photo evidence to prove it. Registration is open until 8 pm on Thursday, 4 September.

This will be a super fun way to meet other international students, explore the local area and get active!

Student Union Events

Mountaineering Club - Now Sold Out

Join the mountaineering club for an unforgettable hike on Saturday, 6 September, as they explore the stunning Diamond Hill in Connemara. The bus will depart from the Quad at 9:30 am sharp and return around 7:00 pm, with a well-deserved stop at Keane's Pub on the way back.

Tickets are just €2 for all incoming international students and can be purchased via the University of Galway Mountaineering Club webstore

Information Fairs

An Information Fair will take place in the foyer of Áras na Mac Léinn on Tuesday and Wednesday. This is a great opportunity for students to connect directly with campus services, explore available support services, and discover the many student societies that enrich student life.

Campus Tours

Campus Tours - September 4-5 - Explore the University of Galway campus with guided tours departing from outside Áras na Mac Léinn at 12 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm daily. Secure your spot now by signing up through Eventbrite.

Stay tuned here and on our social accounts for details and booking information.

Special Bus Tour Discounts

Take advantage of two limited-time offers to make the most of your Galway experience—enjoy a 20% discount on the Galway City Tour Hop On Hop Off tickets from Thursday, 5 to Monday, 9 September. Book here. Apply code WELCOME2GALWAY at checkout.

There is also 15% off on select day tours with Lally Tours, valid from Thursday, 5 September, through to Tuesday, 23 December. Book here. Apply code WELCOME2GALWAY at checkout.

Whether catching the sights in Galway or heading out for a scenic day trip, these exclusive savings are the perfect way to explore more while spending less. Don’t miss out—book your adventure while these special rates last.