Support Wheel

I'm doing great

Life and studies are going well but maybe you want to know what you can do to stay well. From making connections to volunteering; there are lots of tips available on how to look after your wellbeing and stay well! Check out some of the links below to get some inspiration. 

• Student Calendar - Keep up to date on all the latest student events on YourSpace.  
• Societies - Find information on over 120 societiesand how you can join in. Joining a society is a fantastic way to meet likeminded people and have some fun.
• IdeasLab - University of Galway's student innovation hub. A great way to meet new people, develop lifelong skills, work to solve global challenges or set up a new business. 
• FlirtFM - Located in Áras na Mac Léinn the station is home to up to 150 volunteers and many more contributors annually. Get involved or listen in on FM101.3
• Sports and Clubs - Find information on over 45 active sports clubs, joining and participating in sports clubs is a fantastic way to keep fit and healthy and alsoprovides a great social outlet.
• Volunteering (ALIVE) - Connects students with volunteering projects in our community. It’sa great way to be part of the community, meet new people and develop personally, professionally and civically. 
• Kingfisher Sports Centre - State of the art gym facilities, 25 metre pool and lots of group fitness classes. 
• Cara - Our virtual Chat Bot, available 24/7/365 to support you with questions about day-to-day university life.
• Employability Award - Recognises what students have learned and the skills they have developed through work and extra-curricular activities. The Award is designed to prepare students directly for the job market. 
• Galway 100 -  A unique student partnership initiative, that helps the University to centre student voice when rolling out new initiatives and resources. Made up of a group of 100 students, they help to ensure our services are student focused, inclusive and responsive to student needs. 
• Student Health Unit - Providing on-campus medical care to full-time registered students. Appointments must be booked in advance.
• Sleep Hygiene - Learn about the importance of a good night’s sleep and how some simple changes can contribute to a more restful sleep.

I have a bit of a problem

When something small goes wrong it can really ruin your day! Losing your ID card, university systems letting you down, difficulty finding something on the website or finding a book in the library. These things can escalate anxiety levels very quickly if you can't find a quick fix! Access some of the university help desks and online supports to get the information you need to sort it out.

• Cara - Our virtual Chat Bot, available 24/7/365 to support you with questions about day-to-day university life.
• Student Enquiry Centre - Or SEC for short, is the first stop for many students. Pop in to meet the team if you have questions on any aspect of student life. 
• Library Help Desk - Staff at the desk can give advice on all Library services and collections and a wide range of IT services.
• ISS Ticketing System - If you have issues with WIFI, accessing IT services printing or any other IT issues you can log a ticket through the ISS ticketing system. 
• Registry Help Desk - Providing support for Registry services, Admissions, Exams, Registration, Conferring and student ID card replacement. 
• Accommodation Advisory Service - Offering support and guidance to students looking for accommodation in and around Galway. 
• International Office - Get in contact with the international office who are on hand to support you through the application and visa process, to welcome you on campus and help you find your home away from home. 
• Fees Office - Get up to date information on student fees, fee payment deadlines exam repeat fees and lots more.  
• College/School Contacts - On this page you will find relevant contact details for all four colleges.  
• Societies Office - Find out about SocsBox your go to place to get involved with societies. Helpful staff available to answer questions, get information on The Well Crew and The Hub - a social space for you to relax and hang out.

I need advice

University life might feel daunting right now but it is perfectly normal to experience challenges at any time during your time at university. That’s just life unfortunately! You may be questioning whether the university or your course is right for you, worrying about your finances, navigating university with a disability or away from home for the first time. You can get support and guidance here from any of the supports below.

• Student Enquiry Centre Coordinator - You can contact the SEC coordinator directly and they will be happy to help you and any queries you have over email or drop in to the SEC on the concourse for a quick chat.
• Student Support Officers - Available for students who wish to discuss personal, academic, financial or any other issues that may arise while in University. Where necessary your Student Advisor will link with the full range of other specific support services available to students.
• Student Success Coaches - Working with students in a one to one, or group setting. They can support and encourage you to learn more about yourself and how you can succeed in achieving your goals. Find out more about coaching and the series of Student Success workshops that are open to all students. 
• Financial Support - For advice on financial supports and help with submitting forms you can contact the financial support team directly. 
• Accommodation Advisory - Offering support and guidance to students looking for accommodation in and around Galway. 
• Chaplaincy - For students of all faiths and no faith, offering a wide range of services including on-to-one support, training on mental health support and lots more.  
• Career Development Centre - Career guidance and information service focused on facilitating and empowering you to manage your own career development, make effective career transitions with lots of opportunities to meet employers.  
• Disability Support Service - Find out about the supports or reasonable accommodations available to those who need it due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.
• International Office- Get in contact with the international office who are on hand to support you through the application and visa process, to welcome you on campus and help you find your home away from home
• Graduate Studies Office - Postgraduate research students can find contact details for their postgraduate academic co-ordinators. 
• Researcher Development Centre - Providing support for the continuing professional development of all researchers from Postgraduate to Senior Fellows at University of Galway. 
• College/School Contacts - On this page you will find relevant email address for all four colleges, this is the best way to get in contact with your college administrator or course director.  
• Access Centre - Working with students who have experienced socio-economic disadvantage, students with disabilities and mature students to create a supportive learning environment and succeed in third level education. 

I need some more help

Asking for help can often be difficult but the most important thing is to reach out when you need to. You can get support and guidance from a wide range of support services here in the university, whether you need help to keep up academically, need money to continue your studies or need a very specific support. Take a look through the links below to see what might be of help.

• Academic Writing Centre - Provides one-on-one tutorials and email consultations on essay writing. These are free and available to all students.  
• Library - Learn about all services on offer in the library, opening times for the Library and IT service desk, MakerSpace and much more.
• Computer DISC - A drop-in support centre for those taking any programming or software development courses. Find out about the opening times and services on offer. 
• SUMS - Providing informal mathematics support for first and second year students across all courses, as well as students in Access and Foundation courses. Find out about the opening times and services on offer. 
• Academic Skills Hub - A wealth of resources to support all students develop the key skills required for academic success. Find out about IT and digital skills, workshops, assignments and exam techniques. 
• Galway Exams 101 - A programme of exam supports to help you prepare for exam success. Listen to the Exam Jam series of podcasts or find out about supports and events taking place ahead of exams. 
• Students Union - The representative voice of the student body which looks out for student welfare. The SU Officers can help with a range of issues from problems with grants, examination fees, lectures to issues with accommodation, childcare, study & finances. The SU also run the Campus Shop, Smokey's snack bar, as well as the College Bar-Sult. 
• Counselling - Find details on the online resources available to you such as Togetherall. Or you can contact the team to make an appointment.    
• Disability Support Service - Find out about the supports or reasonable accommodations available to those who need it due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.  
• Student Support Officers - Are available for students who wish to discuss personal, academic, financial or any other issues that may arise while in University. Where necessary your Student Advisor will link with the full range of other specific support services available to University of Galway students.  
• Financial Aid Fund - Available to assist students who are unable to meet costs associated with day-to-day participation in higher education throughout the duration of the academic year.
• Active Consent - Find information on the Active Consent programme amd learn about the workshops and resources available. 
• Student Health Unit - Providing on-campus medical care to full-time registered students. Appointments must be booked in advance.   
• Student Pantry - Providing free food from local supermarkets that may be surplus, have damaged packaging, be an end of line item or near it's best before date. This helps to reduce the amount of food waste each week from local supermarkets. Open every Friday in the Large Acoustics Room, Áras na Mac Léinn from 4-5pm.
• RTE Helplines - A comprehensive list of external supports & resources across the country. 

I need to talk to someone

There is always someone you can talk to. Inside or outside of the University community, you have more connections and people who are there for you than you realize. Feeling supported by another person will have a positive impact on your wellbeing. Family and friends are great if you feel comfortable confiding in them. Even if they are far away, a simple text, email or call with a family member or friend may be all you need. However, we have a range of professionals who have heard it all and will listen to your story in a non-judgmental way. There are also some options to talk to someone anonymously if that’s what you prefer. Either way, don't ever hesitate to reach out. Why not try some of the options below.

• Togetherall - A free, safe, anonymous, online community for mental health support. Available to all students, sign up to learn about the great supports and resources on offer. 
• RTE Helplines - A comprehensive list of external supports & resources across the country. 
• Alcohol and Drugs Helpline - Freephone 1800 459 459, Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm. Email any time on helpline@hse.ie.
• Chaplaincy - For students of all faiths and no faith, offering a wide range of services including one-to-one support.
• Counselling - Provide a free hybrid service of in-person, one-to-one counselling, and online counselling. They also provide group counselling and workshops.
• Student Enquiry Centre Coordinator - Based in the Student Enquiry Centre in the Arts/Science Building, Caróg is trained in effective and empathetic communication, and is here to help with any query you may have about student life.
• Student Support Officers - Available to discuss personal, academic, financial or any other issues that may arise for you, while in University. Advisors can help you link in with the full range of other specific support services available to you.
• Mature Students Officer - Kathleen Hartigan is available to meet with mature students to provide support and guidance on a range of issues 
• International Students Officer - Louise Kelly represents the interests of international students and provides non-academic support to students who are undergoing difficulties. 
• Traveller Education Officer - Ann-Marie Stokes offers support and guidance to Irish Traveller students as they progress into higher education and throughout their time at university. 
• Educational Support Worker for Care Experienced Students - Betty Attwood can provide support, advocacy, and advice to University of Galway students who has lived in the care of the state for any period before the age of 18 years old.
• Social Worker - Kelly Monaghan provides practical, confidential, one-to-one support and guidance for students. A Social worker can provide a safe and confidential space to discuss your feelings, concerns and challenges at time when you are faced with personal difficulties or complex family issues and where this focused support can help to navigate next steps.
• Careers Advisor - Available to meet in person or online if you would like specific careers support and advice.
• SpeakOut - An online anonymous reporting tool available to all students and staff to disclose incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour / control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape.
• Student Health Unit - Make an appointment to meet with a GP and other health care professionals to help you with any healthcare queries. 
• Sexual Violence & Harassment Prevention and Response Coordinator: students and staff can contact rebecca.connolly@universityofgalway.ie in confidence.

I'm in a crisis 

Being in a crisis can be an incredibly scary and potentially dangerous time. Regardless of why you are feeling this way if you feel that you are at risk or don't feel that you can keep yourself safe, please contact someone. No matter how bad you are feeling, there is always help and support available. The most important thing is to reach out now. Click on any of the links below to get support and advice

• Your own GP - often your own GP is a good person to contact in a crisis, they might also offer an out of hours service if required. 
• Emergency Services - Telephone 999 or 112 for Garda (Police) or Ambulance Service 
• University of Galway Security - The control centre is open 24/7 with security on patrol on campus round the clock. In an emergency you can contact the office by telephone.  
• The Samaritans: Freephone 116123 any time day or night. 
• Pieta House: Freephone 1800 247247 any time day or night.
• Domestic Violence Refuge and Support, Galway: Telephone 091-565 985
• Women’s Aid Domestic Violence Helpline: Freephone 1800 341 900, anytime day or night.
• Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, Galway: Telephone 091-765 751, Monday - Friday from 8am - 4.30pm.
• Student Health Unit: Open Monday to Friday by appointment. For urgent queries telephone 091-492604. 
• SafeZone App - Mobile app designed to help keep you safe and give you extra peace of mind across our campuses. Free to download and connects with University of Galway security team. 
• Text ‘Galway’ to 50808 to access free and confidential 24/7 crisis support  
• University Hospital Galway Emergency Department – Telephone 091-544 544 
• Counselling - Provide a free hybrid service of in-person, one-to-one counselling, and online counselling. They also provide group counselling and workshops.