Fáilte Fest 2021

Saturday, 25 September 2021

College of Science & Engineering  

Join us on campus for your own special welcome this Saturday and Sunday, 25–26 September. Enjoy a unique programme of activities designed to let you explore our beautiful campusget acquainted with key resources and make new friends along the wayWe are thrilled for your arrival at NUI Galway and want to reassure you that your safety is our priority. All activities comply with COVID-19 regulations, and specific procedures have been put in place to protect all students, staff and supporting student ambassadors 

Your programme starts on Saturday in Arts Science Building. 

Your On-Campus Orientation begins with an introduction to NUI Galway campus and the Student Support Services available to you. Look up the first three letters of your surname in the table below to find your time slot.
Accents such as the fada do not change your place in the table below. For example, ‘Ní’ is in the same grouping as ‘Ni’ and ‘Ó’ is in the same grouping as ‘O’.

Venue    Time  Surname (Last Name) from.. to... Two-hour Programme 
O'Flaherty Theatre, Concourse 9.30am  A – Fe Welcome to NUI Galway Talks and Campus Tours  
O'Flaherty Theatre, Concourse
11am  Fi – Li
O'Flaherty Theatre, Concourse
12.30pm  Lo - O
O'Flaherty Theatre, Concourse
2pm P – Z

In order to ensure your safety and comply with COVID-19 regulations, it is not possible to change your allocated time. If you are unsure of your allocated time slot, email sec@nuigalway.ie. This email is for queries related to allocation and acessibility only. In the event that you cannot attend your on-campus orientation, the presentation at 9.30am will be live streamed here.

Many of the on-campus events will take place outdoors. Remember to dress for changeable weather and wear comfortable shoes – it's a big campus! You can bring a packed lunch and enjoy the atmosphere in some of our covered outdoor areas or eat in one of our catering outlets. In accordance with COVID-19 regulations, you will need your COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate to eat indoors.

Our NUI Galway App features a handy campus map to help you find your way around. 

Click here for information on parking. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. If you are driving, note that parking is open to all on Saturday and Sunday. On weekdays, you will need a permit and must park in designated student carparks. Don’t get clamped on your first day!  

Note the distance between parking and venue, and plan to be in your venue 15 minutes ahead of your assigned time slot. If you have accessibility requirements, please email sec@nuigalway.ie by 5pm on Wednesday, 22 September. 

Fáilte Fest: 25–26 September 

You can arrive at any time on campus and enjoy a range of events on both Saturday (either before or after your formal programme) and on Sunday. Have a browse below of the unique programme of activities designed to let you explore our beautiful campus, get acquainted with key resources and make new friends along the way.  

Saturday, 25 September: 

Health & Wellbeing Pop Up

When: 10am–3pm
Where: Tent beside Arts Millennium Building 

Wellbeing Services are here for all your queries and self-care needs. Take part in yoga and mindfulness workshops, and learn about active consent. You can also sign up for campus biodiversity walks to discover the neighbouring wildlife.  

Societies Freshers Party

When: 11am–3pm
Where: Outside Áras na Mac Léinn & Human Biology Building  

Take a walk down ‘Socs Street’ and enjoy the Freshers Party, where you can talk to members of NUI Galway’s numerous societies and meet some like-minded peopleOur societies have big plans for the year ahead. Make sure you get in on the action!  

Societies Welcome Back 2021

YourSpace Popup

Where: Outside Áras na Mac Léinn 

Find out how to access yourspace.nuigalway.ieand open up a world of extracurricular opportunities. 

Dramsoc NUIG Future Memories: A walking theatre experience

Where: Áras na Mac Léinn

Starting at Áras na Mac Léinnfollow the signs to join this self-guided theatre experience. All you need is a phone and a sense of adventure. 

Sports Club Pop Up  

When: 10am–3pm
Where: 
Outside Kingfisher Gym and Fitness Centre
 

Find out about our 46 different sports clubs, win some prizes, or try out the 100m rowing challengeThis is a brilliant opportunity to get introduced to new and exciting sports in a friendly, low-pressure environment. Surprise yourself by discovering untapped talents, or simply move around and have a laugh – whatever makes you feel good!  

Live Music 

When: 13pm
Where: 
Outside Áras na Mac Léinn 

Soak up the atmosphere with quality tunes from talented musicians.

Students Union Pop Up: Pick up your reusable Rudaí Álainn bag full of FREE STUFF

When: 10am–3pm
Where: 
Aula Maxima, Quadrangle 

Your bag includes: 

Your SU Welcome/Fáilte Magazine 
Reusable facemasks for every student provided by NUI Galway 
Flirt FM Wall Planners 
Free drinks
Your SU Card 
+ Lots more surprises! 

Students Union Walk and Talk  

When: 1–2pm
Where: 
Kingfisher Gym and Fitness Centre
 

An hour-long walk by the calming River Corrib to clear your thoughts. Limited spaces available. Book your ticket Book your ticket here.
Information on all SU events here.

Campus Tours: Discover Your NUI Galway Campus 

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

When: 12–3pm
Where: Various campus bus stops

Which parts of campus have you yet to explore? All first-year, full-time undergraduate students will be offered a campus tour on Saturday, 25 September immediately after their Orientation talk (weather permitting). Suitable for anyone with mobility issues, bus tours take you right to the end of the north campus and stop at Health & Wellbeing and Sports Pop ups. Walking tours are also available. Still not sure which building does what? Find-It lets you find out more about a building by scanning the QR code on the Find-It sign outside. 

Campus Tours

When: After your welcome talk on Saturday

All first years will be offered a scheduled tour after their welcome talks on Saturday. If you miss your scheduled tour, you will be able to book a campus tour via YourSpace after 6pm on Saturday, 25 September. These additional tours will take place between Sunday and Friday, 26 September and 1 October 2021.

Blackboard/Email Drop-in 

When: 12–3pm
Where: 
Arts Millenium Building, PC Suite AM201 (First Floor)
 

Set up your campus and blackboard accounts with the help of our CÉIM leaders.

Quiet Space

When: 12–3pm
Where: Chaplaincy Common Room, Chapel of St. Columbanus 

Need a break from the noise? Take a moment to retreat and rest in our newly refurbished Chaplaincy common room.

Got Questions?  

Student Enquiry Centre Our one-stop shop for all your student needs and queries.  
When: 12–3pm
Where: 
Arts/Science Building, Concourse