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Start Strong

Two students sitting on the main stairs inside the Hardiman Library Foyer

Start Strong is your semester one programme with events and activities designed to support you with the transition to higher education and help you settle in to university life – one week at a time. Check in regularly for updates to see what resources, drop-in sessions or events are on offer each week.

You can also visit Tús Maith | Good Start online hub, your one-stop shop for the information you need starting out as a first year student. 

Get Involved: 15 –  19 Sept 2025

Clubs Day - Tuesday 16 September

When: Tue 16 Sept
Where: University of Galway, Sports Centre Hall

There are now over 40 active and vibrant sports clubs at University of Galway. Joining and participating in a sports club will provide you with lasting memories of university life, and a fun way to keep fit. Drop by the Sports Centre, our first-class fitness facility, to learn more and sign up for your perfect sports club.

Socs Day - Wednesday 17 September

When: 11am-5pm, Wed 17 Sept
Where: Bailey Allen Hall 

Get involved in university life and take your pick from over 130 Societies, learn about volunteering opportunities & get your questions answered at the support stands. Freebies & free food - don't miss out!

University Skills Passport

Student Life at University of Galway is about more than what happens in the classroom—it’s about growth, skills, and experiences that shape your journey. The  University Skills Passport (USP) is a platform where you can explore co- and extra-curricular opportunities, track your achievements, and earn digital badges that recognise the skills you develop along the way.

From boosting your CV to preparing for interviews, the USP helps you showcase your skills and experiences, and when you graduate, you’ll have your degree and transcript, but also your University Skills Passport. Engage in student life and discover your passions - find out more about USP. 

Get on Track: 22 - 26 Sept 2025

Scholarship Writing Workshop - Monday 22 September

Make your scholarship applications stand out. This workshop gives first-year students practical tips to showcase their achievements and highlight strengths. Learn how to tailor applications and avoid common mistakes, and find a clear, confident voice that resonates with reviewers. No need to register, just drop in. 

When: 3 -3.45pm, Monday 22 September
Where: Career Seminar Room

Prepare Group for Autistic Students - Wednesdays from 24 September

Prepare is a four-week group for first-year autistic students. This will be an opportunity to make friends and help you to settle in to university life. To find out more, fill out this form.

When: 2.30 - 4pm, Wednesdays 24 September, 1, 8 and 15 October       
Where: The Stage, Áras na Mac Léinn   

Freshers' Point - Wednesday 24 September

Fancy a FREE cuppa and pastries? Drop in and meet other first years, enjoy a hot drink, play some games, or just chill out.This is a relaxed and fun environment, led by fellow students who know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes.

When: 12-2pm, Wednesday 24 September
Where: Meeting Room 1, Upstairs, Áras na Mac Léinn

First-Year Drop-in: Unsure About Your Course? Thursday 25 September

Considering an internal transfer or unsure about your course? Speak with a Careers Adviser or Student Support Officer about your options. No appointment needed – just drop in, grab a cuppa and a snack, and get expert advice to help with your decision.

When: 10 am – 12 pm, Thursday 25 September
Where: Student Enquiry Centre, Concourse, Arts/Science Building

First Year In: FYI Accessible Guide

Learn how to use the university library effectively with this accessible guide from the Academic Skills Team. It covers how to find, evaluate, and manage reliable sources for assignments, explains academic integrity, and gives tips for making the most of library resources.

First Year In: FYI - Library Workshops

Geared especially for first year students or any new students to the university: get to know YOUR University of Galway Library. What are the Library's collections and services, and how can they help you succeed during your studies at Galway?

Learn how to borrow a book and scholarly sources - in print and electronic format!

A great way to start the academic year and get yourself off to a flying start!


When: 11-11.40am, Monday 22 September
Where: Library Training Room PC Suite (Map ). Registration link


When: 12-12.40pm, Wednesday 24 September
Where: Online. Registration link


When: 2-2.40pm, Thursday 25 September
Where: Online. Registration link

Academic Integrity - online resource

What is academic integrity and how does it affect you? How do you show integrity in your preparation and work? At University of Galway, we provide free access to this online course to help you understand just that.

Discover the values, skills and behaviours that are vital to studying with academic integrity with up-to-the-minute content from Epigeum, providers of award-winning training courses. Remember, academic integrity underpins all aspects of your studies but is also vital to success in your future career.

Worried about plagiarism? Confused about generative AI? Revisit this short online course at any time to help you master key principles of academic integrity, adopt best practices across all disciplines, and navigate challenges in the digital age, including the responsible use of AI.

Want more information or advice? Visit the Academic Integrity Office website.

 

Space for Everyone: 29 Sept - 3 Oct

Bystander Intervention Programme

Ever wondered what to do when you see something not quite right? 
The University of Galway Bystander Intervention Programme gives you the confidence and practical skills to step in safely. Through interactive workshops, real-life scenarios, and open discussions, you’ll learn about consent, how to support others, and when to call for help.

This e-Learning module is open to all students and you can earn a USP Digital Badge to enhance your CV and LinkedIn.

Freshers' Point - Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 October

These drop-ins are led by other students and offer great opportunities to meet first years or have a chat with our friendly facilitators about their experiences/ask advice. Drop-in anytime between 12 and 2pm to take a breather in between lectures and connect with other students. Free tea and coffee provided. 
When: 12-2pm, Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 October
Where: The View, Áras Na Mac Léinn

Say No to Racism

The University of Galway stands firmly against all forms of racism. Your voice matters – we are here to support you. If you experience or witness racism, report it and access the supports available. You will find more details on reporting and the supports available on this webpage. 

Meet Your Race Equality Advisors

Anne Marie Stokes, Mary Cairns and Prisca Chipao are the Equality Diversity Inclusion (EDI) Race Equality Advisors who work collaboratively with staff and students to advance race equality across University of Galway.

The EDI Race Equality Advisors:

  • Offer 1 to 1 appointments to ethnic minority students and staff including Irish Travellers and Roma and signpost to supports.
  • Raise awareness of race equality including staff and student training in the college.
  • Act as the main point of contact for ethnic minority staff and students, including Irish Travellers and Roma, who experience incidents of racism and signpost to the appropriate report and support mechanisms.
  • Support the advancement of race equality at University of Galway.

Find out more about the team and how to book an appointment, on this webpage. 

Active Consent Programme

University of Galway’s Active* Consent programme helps students and those that are important to them (teachers, parents, policy makers and college staff) learn about consent to support positive sexual health and wellbeing.
For more resources, have a look at the Consent Hub, the first-ever publicly available online national resource on consent awareness and learning in Ireland. The hub was developed by Active* Consent in partnership with the Department of Justice and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science.

Sensory Spaces on Campus

Visit the Sensory and Wellbeing website to learn about the sensory spaces on campus, both outdoors and indoors. You’ll also find a link to the Sensory and Wellbeing Map, which guides you on a campus route designed to engage all the senses.

SafeZone and Campus Map

SafeZone is a mobile app that helps keep you safe on campus. You can "check in" if you’re studying or working late or alone, call for help quickly and discreetly and get medical assistance when needed.
Visit our Interactive campus map. If you’re finding it hard to navigate your way through campus, don’t worry! Our interactive map allows you to follow the paths to wherever you need to go and allows you to explore the campus and all it has to offer at your leisure!

Wellbeing Week: 6 - 10 October

How Can You Design More Energy Into Your Life?

This session with the Student Success Coaches offers you the chance to explore your weekly energy patterns, identify what drains and energises you and learn practical ways to make choices that optimize your time and energy. This session is based on Stanford’s Design Your Life model.

When: 12-12.45pm, Wednesday 8 October
Where: AC203 River Room, Arts/Science Concourse Building

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register now to secure your place!

Freshers' Point - Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 October

Run by fellow students, these weekly drop-ins are a great way to meet other first years or chat with our friendly facilitators for advice and shared experiences. Drop in anytime between 12 and 2pm to take a breather between lectures, connect with others and enjoy free tea and coffee.
When: 12-2pm, Wednesday 8 and Thursday 9 October
Where: The Space, Áras Na Mac Léinn

SU Feel Good Fair - Thursday 9 October

As part of the SU Mental Health Week, drop in to the Feel Good Fair on Thursday 9 October in Áras na Mac Léinn. 

  • 10am-2pm Marie Keating Mobile Information Unit outside Áras na Mac Léinn. Staffed by a specialist nurse, the mobile information unit is stocked with take-home information leaflets and packs on the various cancers. The nurse can talk to you in a private area on board the unit about any concerns that you may have about cancer, either for yourself or for someone else such as a family member or friend. 
  • 11am-3pm Feel Good Fair stands in Áras na Mac Léinn. Call down to meet the Road Safety Authority, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Galway Samaritans, GOAL, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, the University Counselling Team, the University Sexual Violence and Harassment support staff and, of course, your Students’ Union will be there too! We’ll also have a bake sale in aid of the SU Charities – Galway Rape Crisis Centre and GOAL.
  • 11am-3pm Pop Up Charity Shop with Galway Simon Community in the Cube. Call down and get some retail therapy in for a good cause!

WellZone - Podcasts

This series of podcasts, brought to you by Student Counselling and Wellbeing will explore proven strategies to support your mental, spiritual and emotional health during your university journey. Check out the full series on this link. 

Supports for You: 13 -17 Oct

Decider Skills Programme

The Decider Life Skills Programme helps you manage stress, regulate emotions, build mindfulness, improve communication and live with less impulsivity. It draws on principles from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Spaces are limited, sign up on this form. For more info email deciderskills@universityofgalway.ie.

When: 10-11.45am, Tuesdays 14 October - 4 November
Where: The View, Áras na Mac Léinn

Freshers' Point - 12-2pm, Thursday 16 October

The next Freshers’ Point Drop-In is kicking off this week! Drop-in details are as follows:
When: 12-2pm, Thursday 16 October
Where: The Space, Áras na Mac Léinn
These drop-ins are peer-facilitated and offer great opportunities to meet other first year students or have a chat with our friendly facilitators about their experiences/ask advice. Drop-in anytime to take a breather in between lectures and connect with other students. Free refreshments provided.

Ask for Help - Video

Take a look at this video, where our students share their experiences with the range of services available at University of Galway. Whether you need academic guidance, career advice, counselling or simply a friendly ear, there’s always someone to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for support – we’re here for you!

Making Your Strengths Work for You - Workshop

Join the Student Success Coaches for an interactive workshop designed to help you identify and explore your personal strengths and attributes, and learn how to build on them during your time at the University of Galway.

When:12-1pm, Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Where: AMB-G067, Arts Millenium Building

Spaces are limited, register now to secure your place!

If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to email successcoach@universityofgalway.ie

Start Right - Podcast

In this podcast Law graduate, Emily Donnellan, speaks to Student Support Officer Annmarie Gilchrist and Financial Aid Advisor Shane Callinan about the student support services available to students. Emily is also joined by law students Abbie Duffy and Aileen Reidy, current Terrence O'Malley DLA Piper Scholarship recipients, who highlight the different opportunities available within the School of Law.

 

Half-way Milestone: 20 - 24 Oct

Freshers' Point - Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 October

Fancy a FREE cuppa and pastries? Drop in and meet other first years, enjoy a hot drink, play some games, or just chill out. This is a relaxed and fun environment, led by fellow students who know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes.

When: 12-2pm, Wednesday 22 October
Where:
Where: The View, Áras na Mac Léinn

When: 12-2pm, Thursday 23 October
Where: Meeting Room 1, Áras Na Mac Léinn

Gen AI and Assignments: What You Need to Know- Wednesday 22 October

When: 10-11am, Wednesday 22 October
Where: In-person. Library Training Room PC Suite, ground floor. Register now. 

The use of generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) by students in higher education is a hot topic. This workshop aims to demystify the technology, prompt dialogue between students and instructors, and promote and support academic integrity.
At the end of the workshop you'll be able to:
1. Understand what Gen AI is and how it works.
2. Understand that unauthorised and/or unacknowledged use of Gen AI in academic work will constitute academic misconduct.
3. Explore how Gen AI can kickstart your library research and critically evaluate the output.
4. Understand the limitations and risks of relying on AI tools.
5. Weigh up the pros and cons of using Gen AI and make an informed decisions bout when and how to use it. 

Student Success Coaching 

Student Success Coaching offers a supportive space for students, encouraging them to learn more about themselves, gain clarity on their goals and decide on actions to move forward towards achieving them. Students can work with a coach, 1:1 or in or small group session. Contact successcoach@universityofgalway.ie to book a coaching session
Student Success Coaches encourage and support students to take an active, intentional role in ‘designing their lives’ to achieve their unique academic, personal and life goals during their time at University of Galway.

Managing Deadlines and Assignments - Video

Do you want to stay organised this semester? Take a look at this video from our student, Fiona O'Brien, as she shares her tips for staying on top of assignments and deadlines as the semester progresses.

Halfway Milestone - Video

Well done on reaching the halfway point of your first semester at University of Galway, you have accomplished so much in the last six weeks. In this video our student Rachel Dermody shares tips and insights at this halfway point of the semester.

Thinking of Switching Course? Online Resource

If you are unsure about your course or considering withdrawing, you can meet your Student Support Officer for guidance. Take a look at the course withdrawal process or email Registry Helpdesk. International students should contact Global Galway in case of any visa implications if withdrawing from their course of study. 

Check out this online resource from the Career Development Centre with more information. 

Need Help?

Check out our Support Wheel - a way for you to easily see what support is available to you, based on your needs and how you're feeling. Click on the wheel below to learn more.

Student Services Support Wheel‌