Settling Into University

Week 1 Get Involved: 18–22 Sept

Enterprise challenge Information Session 

When: 1-1.30pm, Mon 18 Sept
Where: IdeasLab, Arts/Science Building

You're invited to our information session on the Enterprise Challenge! Experience how diverse student teams collaborate to solve real challenges from enterprise partners Aerogen, SAP, and Medtronic in an immersive 8-week design sprint. Witness creativity, problem-solving, and impactful solutions.

No previous experience necessary, we will support you along the way. Registration required, register here. 

Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's) 

Socs Day

When: 12–5pm, Tues 19 Sept
Where: Áras na Mac Léinn 

Get involved in university life and take your pick from 120 Societies, learn about volunteering opportunities & get your questions answered at the support stands. Freebies & Free Food - don't miss out! More info here.

ALIVE Volunteering Fair

When: 12–5pm, Tues 19 Sept
Where: Áras na Mac Léinn foyer 

Design your University Journey

When: 1-2pm, Tues 19 Sept
Where: THB-G010 (Moore Insistute Seminar Room), facing library entrance

In this workshop, you will explore what university means to you and design your path through university to get the most out of opportunities available at University of Galway. The workshop is based on Stanford's Design Your Life framework.

Spaces are limited - register here.

Clubs Day

When: 12-4pm, Wed 20 Sept
Where: Kingfisher Sports Centre

There are now over 45 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 Kingfisher Sports Centre, our first-class fitness facility, to learn more and sign up for your perfect sports club. 

Learn more about the clubs on offer here.

Intro to Canvas - Stay Connected 

When: 11am-12pm, Wed 20 Sept
Where: Online (Zoom)

Canvas is the new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in use at University of Galway. It allows students to download lecture notes, reading lists, assessment information and other course-related material from their Canvas sites.

In this 1 hour online session we’ll get to grips with the basics of Canvas from logging in, finding your courses, accessing content and how to get help if you need it. As part of Get Involved Week, this session will also focus on using Canvas tools to stay connected.

Join the workshop via Zoom here. 

Employability Award - Introduction

When: 12-12.30pm, Wed 20 Sept
Where: Careers Seminar Room, Arts/Science Building

Discover how the Employability Award will help you to develop the skills employers look for and increase your chances of getting a job. Sign up for the award at this event!

Register to attend here.

CÉIM Peer Learning - Introduction

When: 1-2pm, Wed 20 Sept
Where: THB-G011, the Hardiman Building

CÉIM supports 1st year students to transition successfully to University of Galway, make friends and create connections within their subject area. CÉIM is offered to students studying Engineering, PCM, Geography, Hotel Management, Law, Political Science and Sociology, Psychology, Science and Spanish. Hear how CÉIM peer learning works, get to know fellow students in small groups, and ask any questions you have about studying at University of Galway. 

No registration required, just drop-in! More info about CÉIM here: ceim.su.universityofgalway.ie

LIFT Leadership Facilitator Training

When: 5pm, Wed 20 Sept
Where: Áras na Mac Léinn

Grow your leadership skills in a small group and join the LIFT programme. You do not need to be in a particular role or have experience, LIFT is here to support you and give you a new opportunity – all welcome to join in!

To learn more and register, visit the LIFT webpage: Leadership - University of Galway 

SU Freshers' Fair

When: 11am - 3pm, Thurs 21 Sept
Where: Áras na Mac Léinn

Come along on Thursday for freebies, prizes and surprises! Get your FREE Students' Union Rudaí Áille bag filled with lots of treats and the SU Fresher's Magazine. Visit the exhibitors in the foyer of Áras na Mac Léinn and Bailey Allen or sample some food from the food trucks outside. Why not join in some of the games in the Bailey Allen Hall or visit the vintage pop up shop in the Cube? Its all happening so make sure to stop by!

Seas Suas

Get involved & join Seas Suas - a programme that promotes personal safety and encourages empathy both on campus and in the wider community. In partnership with community organisations, Seas Suas covers a wide range of important topics such as Suicide Prevention, Drug & Alcohol Addiction and Mental Health in general. Each participant receives a certificate when they complete the programme and these hours can be used towards ALIVE volunteering certificate.

Week 2 Get on Track: 25 - 29 Sept

FYI: First Year In

When: 3–3.30pm, Mon 25 & Wed 27 Sept
Where: Library Training Room PC Suite

Money and Budgeting, Hints and Tips

Setting Goals for your University Year

Intro to Canvas (online workshop)

When: 11am–12pm, Wed 27 Sept
Where: Online

Canvas is the new Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) in use at University of Galway. It allows students to download lecture notes, reading lists, assessment information and other course-related material from their Canvas sites.

Employability Award Workshop

When: 11-12pm, Wed 27 Sept
Where:Careers Seminar Room, Arts/Science Building

Unsure about your course?

When: 10am-12pm, Thurs 28 Sept
Where: Career Development Centre, Arts/Science Building

Speak 1:1 with an experienced Career Advisor for course or career guidance. No Appointment needed just drop in!

Employable YOU – Finding a Part-Time Job 

Week 3 Diversity Week: 2–5 Oct

Ignite and Unite: Embrace the Adventure of University Life

When: 1-3pm, Mon 2 Oct
Where: The Cube, Áras na Mac Léinn

Calling all First Years! Join this interactive workshop where you will get to connect with your peers, meet the Careers & Student Success Coaches team and learn how your uniqueness is valued and adds to your student journey. No registration required, just drop in!

Uncovering Empathy - For Learning and Life

When: 10-11am, Tues, 3 Oct
When: The View, Áras na Mac Léinn

Do you want  to build better social connections, develop your relationships with others, reduce anxiety and enhance your wellbeing? Come along to this workshop and learn about core empathy skills, how you can practice empathy, overcome barriers to empathy and put empathy into action.

This workshop will be delivered by Professor Pat Dolan, who holds the prestigious UNESCO Chair in Children, Youth & Civic Engagement. Cillian Murphy, Actor (Oppenheimer) and Patron of the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre with Pat and colleagues Gillian Browne and Mark Brennan recently coedited and launched the book “Ionbhá  - the empathy book for Ireland (Mercier Press).

No Registration required, just drop in!

Making Your Strengths Work for You

Diversity Table Quiz

Storytelling for Interviews 

When: 5-6pm, Wed 4 Oct
Where: Careers Seminar Room, Arts/Science Building

Learn how you can use storytelling in interviews to bring a relevant experience to life, share what you learned from it, and convey something about you that you want the interviewer to appreciate and remember.

Registration required, register through Careers Connect here.

Cultural Potluck with BródSoc

When: 6pm, Thurs 5 Oct
Where: The Hub, Áras na Mac Léinn

Join the SU in collaboration with BródSoc and sample food from around the world from our very own students! Why not bring a dish from your own native culture? This is a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and meet new people.

Week 4 Wellbeing Week: 9–12 Oct

Mindfulness Meditation

When: 8.10-8.45am, Tues 10 Oct 
Where: AMB-G065, The Psychology Building

Take the chance to practice some simple mindfulness with this in-person meditation session, suitable for both beginners and for those already familiar with meditation. This practice of mindfulness takes place every Tuesday.

No Registration required, just drop in!

Finding Balance in my Student Life 

When: 1-2pm, Tues 10 Oct
Where: SC2001 Seminar Room, Arts/Science Building 

In this workshop you will explore how to create balance in your busy student life, making time for the things that are important to you. Learn techniques and a tool to help you find and keep your balance.

Spaces are limited, register here!

Ecosystems Nature & Health Walk

When: 12-12.50pm, Tues 10 Oct
Where: Starting at the Orbsen Building (Meet at the herb beds outside Moffatts)

Discover the buzzing sights and sounds of Ireland’s most biodiverse campus in this 50 minute long Nature & Health Walk. Getting outside is key to maintaining balance as a student. Why not pick up some tips on health & wellbeing while you enjoy your surroundings? 

No booking required, just turn up and dress weather appropriate!

In the meantime, why not 'Experience the Most Biodiverse Campus in Ireland by Sound'.  

Troubled by Procrastination: Goal Setting & Motivation Workshop

When: 5-6pm, Tues 10 Oct
Where: Bridge Room (Library lobby) & Online

Join Counselling & Wellbeing for the first workshop in the troubled by procrastination series, a series of workshops to help you find the motivation to get started on those difficult but important tasks.

In this workshop, 'Goal Setting & Motivation' you will identify, write up and begin taking action towards achieving your lifetime goals. Taking charge - your life, your time, your choice.

No registration required if attending in person, just drop-in! If you would like to attend virtually, please register here and you will be sent a zoom link closer to the workshop.

CEAPAIM Workshop: Get Study, Assignment & Exam Ready

When: 5-7pm, Tues 10 Oct
Where: G066, Psychology Building

This interactive, practical workshop led by Dr. Emma Frawley, Senior Occupational Therapist and Postdoctoral Researcher at the School of Psychology will focus on metacognition (thinking about our thinking), how it applies to third level study and student life. The workshop will be a mixture of psychoeducation, interactive tasks with space for individual reflection and group discussions. Movement breaks and snacks will be provided!

You can register for this workshop here.

Jigsaw 5 a Day for Mental Health

When: 6.30-7.30pm, Tues 10th October 
Where: Online

This FREE one hour workshop aims to provide you (young adults, aged 17-25) with the strategies necessary to build and take care of your own mental health. After this workshop, you should:

• Gain an understanding of mental health
• Become aware of mental health as a resource for living
• Learn a range of practical strategies that you can implement to improve and manage your own mental health on a day to day basis
• Learn how and where to get help
• Become aware of the supports available in your local area

Online registration HERE.

FYI: First Year In

When: 3-3.30pm, Wed 11 Oct
Where: Library Training Room PC Suite

Campus Biodiversity Trail

When: 12.15-12.50pm, Thurs 12 Oct
Where: Meet at Dangan Park & Ride

WRAP Programme

When: Sat & Sun, Oct 21 & 22
Where: TBC

Wellness Recovery Action Planning is a self-management and recovery system running on the 21 and 22 of Oct for anyone who wants to create positive change in the way they feel and increase their enjoyment in life.

Spaces are limited - Sign up here!