Galway Terms Made Easy

Term Meaning

ALIVE Volunteering

University of Galway's student volunteering programme.

Academic Calendar

Schedule outlining semesters, exams, and breaks.

Accommodation Advisory Service

University service supporting students in finding housing.

An Cumann Gaelach

Society promoting the Irish language.

An Garda Síochána

Irish national police and security service.

Canvas

The university's online learning platform provides access to lecture notes, assignments, and announcements.

Career Development Centre

Offers career support, jobs, and internship opportunities.

Ceilí

Traditional Irish social dance event.

Citylink

A bus service provider connecting Galway to Dublin and other cities.

Clubs

University sports teams and activities.

Continuous Assessment (CA)

Coursework and assignments contributing to your grade.

Craic

Irish term for fun or good times.

Credits (ECTS)

European Credit system, where each module carries credits contributing to your degree.

CÉIM

Peer learning programme to support first-year students.

Digs

Living with a local host family often includes meals.

EAP

English for Academic Purposes support courses.

Eircode

Ireland’s postcode system used to identify specific addresses.

Examinations Office

Office managing exams and result releases.

Flirt FM

Student-run radio station for music and campus news.

Free Now

Taxi-booking app commonly used in Ireland.

Gaeltacht

Irish-speaking region.

Garda Vetting

Background check needed for some placements.

Global Galway

University of Galway's international student office and support initiative.

Halls of Residence

University-affiliated student accommodation.

Health Unit

On-campus health services for students.

IRP (Irish Residence Permit)

Document required for non-EU/EEA students staying more than 90 days.

In-Sessional Support

English language support during the semester.

Just Eat

Popular food delivery service app in Galway.

Leap Card

Prepaid travel card offering student discounts on Irish public transport.

Lecturer

An academic who teaches modules, similar to a professor elsewhere.

Met Éireann

Ireland’s national meteorological service for weather forecasts.

Modules

Individual subjects or units you study as part of your degree.

Orientation Week

Introductory week with info sessions and events.

PEP Project

Programme to enhance English and academic skills.

PPS Number

A Personal Public Service Number is required for working and accessing services in Ireland.

Pre-Sessional Courses

Intensive English classes before the term starts.

RAG Week

'Raise and Give' week with student-led charity events.

SU (Students' Union)

Represents students and offers support.

SULT

The on-campus college bar.

SafeZone App

University safety app allowing students to request help or check in while on campus.

Seachtain na Gaeilge

Week promoting the Irish language and culture.

Self-Catering

Accommodation with a shared kitchen for cooking.

Seminars

Sessions for in-depth discussion, especially at postgraduate level.

Sin Newspaper

The campus newspaper run by and for students.

Societies (Socs)

Clubs covering academic, cultural, and leisure interests.

Student ID Card

Used for ID, library access, printing, and more.

Student Leap Card

A discount travel card is available to full-time students.

Student Registry

Handles student registration, records, and graduation.

TFI Live

Transport app showing real-time bus and train information.

Top-Up

Adding credit to a phone or student card.

Tutorials

Small group classes that complement lectures and focus on discussion.

UniDays

An app for accessing student discounts on retail and tech brands.

YourSpace

University portal for registration, academic records, and extra-curricular activities.

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