University of Galway Students' Union Welcome Magazine 2025 by SIN Newspaper University of Galway

E L C O M E

Your SU President

Haigh a chairde! My name’s Maisie and I am your 25/26 SU President. I’ve just finished my bachelor’s degree in law and human rights and my diploma in French, but I wasn’t quite ready to leave UG!

My time as a student has been pretty jam-packed - I’ve been on the committee of 6 different clubs and societies, organised two Coldvembers, and 7 international trips, was class rep in 1st year, and have been both CAO and campus ambassador for the college. I’m looking forward to working on behalf of the student body to improve the university experience for all, and my door will always be open if you have any problems, complaints, or ideas to share!

Maisie Hall Paddy Marnane

Your SU Vice President/ Welfare and Equality Officer

Hello everyone, My name is Paddy Marnane, and I’m delighted to be your Vice President/Welfare and Equality officer for the coming year. I’m a commerce student from Carlow.

I’m passionate about improving the student experience here in University of Galway. I’m looking forward to spending the next year improving the well-being of everyone on campus and hopefully adding a bit of bit of craic to the campus.

Your SU Vice President/ Education Officer

Haigh, a chairde! My name is Seán de Búrca and I’m your Vice-President for Education for 2025/26.

I’m from Loughrea originally and am a BA Government graduate. You may already know me from my involvement in the Lit & Deb, SIN, or from my political activism. As Education Officer it’s my responsibility to advocate for your academic welfare, in all its shapes and forms. If you have any ideas or issues please do not hesitate to contact me, and remember that the Union is here for you!

Seán de Búrca Rachel Áine Ní Mharascáil

Your SU Vice President for the Irish

Language

Hi everyone! My name is Rachel Áine Ní Mharascáil and I’m from County Laoise. I’ve been heavily involved with the Irish language societies on campus and I hope to continue promoting the Irish language and protecting your rights as students to speak our native language.

I study Maths and Computer Science and hope to promote the language throughout the various colleges on campus. Feel free to pop into the office or contact me!

Your SU Part Time Officer Team

su.president@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.education@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.disability@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie su.ethnicminorities@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.business@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie su.medicine@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.welfare@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.lgbt@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.gaeilge@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.arts@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.international@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.scieneceengineering @ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.socs@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.pgresearch@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.environment@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

su.clubs@ollscoilnagaillimhe.ie

Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn is made up of class representatives from every class in the University. This body reviews and directs the work of the Students’ Union and it’s also an opportunity for class representatives to raise issues affecting their class.

How do I get involved?

will be held from the start of the year via the YourSpace platform until every class is represented. Once you are elected you will receive training and attend Class Rep and Comhairle Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn meetings during the year to act as the voice of your class.

What’s in it for me?

Your Students’ Union CouncilComhairle Chomhaltas Na Mac Léinn

• Skills and engagement training

• Experience to enhance your CV

• Expand your network

The Student LevyIt’s Your Money

All University of Galway students pay the Student Levy in addition to annual fees. The Student Levy is used to fund a number of student activities such as the Students’ Union; Clubs; Societies; Student Health Unit; Campus Radio; and the CÉIM Peer Learning Programme.

The Levy is required because the University does not provide adequate funding for these services. Other colleges have much better facilities that their students do not have to subsidise, and their students’ union, clubs and societies also receive better funding.

This is something your Students’ Union is always working on. The Student Levy was reduced from €224 per student to €140 per student which means University of Galway students are no longer paying the highest levy in the country.

The Student Levy is distributed as follows:

Students’ Union

€40.00 Societies

€25.00 Clubs

Student Health Unit

Áras na Mac Léinn

Flirt FM

Student Project Fund

€25.00

€22.00

€3.00

€6.00

€5.00

The Student Levy is your money so if you have any questions about how it is spent,be sure to ask! Simply contact the SU President, Maisie, on su.president@universityofgalway.ie

The Students’ Union presents its accounts to Comhairle Comhaltas na Mac Léinn (SU Council) each year and they are also available to download from our website.

Peer learning for 1st year students

Want to meet people in your course, get to grips with coursework and have some fun?

Come to CÉIM! You’ll meet weekly in small groups with students from your course and trained student leaders from higher years of your course. You’ll be able to ask questions, take part in fun mini activities, discuss coursework and learn together. The content of CÉIM sessions is entirely student led.

Based on the well-evidenced Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) model used in over 30 countries, CÉIM was initiated by University of Galway Students’ Union in 2013 and is run as a partnership between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union.

CÉIM is currently offered to 1st year students in the following courses: Agricultural Science • Biomedical Science • Biotechnology • Engineering • Geography • Genetics & Genomics • Law • Political Science and Sociology • Science • Spanish • Physics • Psychology

Why attend CÉIM?

• Settle in quickly to University of Galway

• Make friends in your discipline

• Succeed academically

• Develop study skills

• Practice transferable skills

Impact of CÉIM

• Regular CÉIM attendees on average achieve higher grades (11-31% higher) than irregular and nonattendees

• 88% of 1st year students surveyed in 2024/25 say CÉIM helped them meet others on their course

What 1st year students say about CÉIM

‘The community aspect of it is fantastic and greatly helps people to settle into university and learn.’

‘Good to meet other people in your course and helps to make friends.’

‘My CÉIM leaders were so welcoming and kind and made me feel comfortable asking questions welcoming and non-judgemental’

www.ceim.su.universityofgalway.ie su.ceim@universityofgalway.ie

CÉIM was initiated by University of Galway Students’ Union in 2013 and is run as a partnership between students, academic staff and the Students’ Union.

BIG O TAXIS

Your SU Services

Student Leap Card – We are a Student Leap Card agent so you can apply for the card online (if you’re aged 16-18 or are over 26 years old) and then call in to us with your code so we can print the card off for you. If you’re aged 19-26 you can apply for the Young Adult Card which will be posted to you.

Students’ Union Shop – The Students’ Union operates the campus shop in the basement of the Library building. Here you can buy University of Galway hoodies and t-shirts, phone credit, laptop bags, stationery, newspapers refreshments, lab coats, dissection kits, confectionery, minerals, hot beverages and all the grocery essentials you need. Order branded merchandise online from shopcampus.ie.

Lockers and Cloakroom – Our free cloakroom service is open 9am-6pm Monday-Friday during term time (extended opening hours during exams) in the Library basement near the SU Shop. We rent out lockers across campus and you can book yours on www.yourspace.universityofgalway.ie.

Flirt FM – Flirt FM 101.3fm is our award-winning student radio station on campus. The station is by, of and for the third-level students of Galway. We’ve lots of fantastic volunteering and training opportunities so why not tune in and get involved!

Spéir – Spéir is the Students’ Union Pantry located in the library basement opposite the SU Síbín. In partnership with FoodCloud, we distribute free food items, that would otherwise have been disposed of, to help reduce food waste. Items are collected from local supermarkets which might be surplus, have damaged packaging, be end of line items and or be near their best before date. Don’t forget to bring your reusable bag and student ID card!

Sult – Sult is everyone’s favourite on-campus bar/food/music/live sport and event space. It’s located beside Áras na Mac Léinn and is run by your Students’ Union. Sult offers the best coffee on campus along with top quality food and beverages at great prices. It’s the place to be for class parties, fundraisers, club and society events, DJs, bands, comedy, karaoke and lots more! Outdoor seating is available on our Riverside Terrace.

SU Card – Before you do anything else make sure you get your SU Card! It’s free and can be used in our SU Outlets – Sult, Smokey’s and the SU Shop – to collect points, get deals and save you money.

Smokey’s – Smokey’s Café on the Concourse is a great meeting spot with amazing coffee, snacks, juices, smoothies, wraps, toasties and lots of sweet treats!

SU Síbín – The SU Síbín is your new social space on campus located in the basement area of the James Hardiman Library. There’s seating for 40 students and ample charging points. It’s open 9am5pm Monday-Friday during term time with extended opening hours during exams.

Entertainment and Campaigns – Throughout the year we will be running lots of campaigns and events to get you engaged and help you meet new people. From SHAG Week to the outdoor cinema we’ve got lots planned! Join the Welfare Crew or the Events Crew if you want to get involved.

Life Skills – Our Life Skills Programme offers a chance to further your development outside of the academic world through classes such as: First Aid, Sign Language, Suicide Prevention, Disclosure Training and Self Defence. Classes are at a reduced rate and fill up fast!

Grinds – We run a register on yourspace.universityofgalway.ie for grinds. Here you can find people to help you with your subjects or advertise to give grinds and make some extra cash.

Your Welfare

Here’s a list of just some of the many supports available for you and if you’ve any questions please contact Paddy your SU Vice President/ Welfare and Equality Officer.

• Student Assistance Fund – Provides Financial Aid for students experiencing Financial Hardship.

• Accommodation and Welfare Office – The Accommodation and Welfare Office can advise you on accommodation and other wellbeing issues. Threshold also offer free advice on accommodation issues.

• Access Centre – The University’s Access Centre aims to create a supportive learning environment where students who have experienced socio-economic disadvantage, students with disabilities and mature students are enabled to access and succeed in third level education.

• FLAC – FLAC provide free legal advice for students.

• Student Health Unit – The Student Health Unit provides on-campus medical care to University of Galway students. You can book your appointment via their website.

• Disability Support Service - The Disability Support Service is available to University of Galway students who need supports or reasonable accommodations due to the impact of a disability, ongoing physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difficulty.

• Sexual Health – You can get free condoms and pregnancy tests from the SU Office if you need them. Sexual Health West offer great advice and services too. Watch our for our SHAG Week campaigns during the year to learn more about your sexual health and wellbeing. We will have free rapid HIV and Syphilis testing with Sexual Health West during the year.

• Active* Consent – The programme supports young people to have positive and confident sexual health and well-being through Active* Consent.

• Your Mental Health – The Student Counselling service is an important free resource for University of Galway students. You can also get support from the Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care Centre.

• Being LGBTQA+ on Campus – Bród Soc is University of Galway’s LGBTQA+ society, which provides a safe place for LGBTQA+ students to come and meet and to socialise in a fun atmosphere. University of Galway is a welcoming and diverse campus but should you encounter any issues of discrimination or harassment in any form please contact the Students’ Union.

• Speak Out – is an online tool where you can anonymously report experiences of violence, bullying, and sexual harassment https://unigalway.speakout.ie/

• Free Period Products – Free period products are available from our dispensers across campus in a joint initiative from your Students’ Union and the University. Please take only what you need!

C onse nt is .. OMFG OMFG

Become an active champion!

Meet like-minded students

Social events with purpose

Collaborative campaigns

Peer support networks

Advocate for consent communication

Your Education

Here’s a list of some of the many supports available for you and if you’ve any questions please contact Seán your Students’ Union Vice President/Education Officer

• Library – During your time at University of Galway you will use the Library for a range of services. You can study there, work collaboratively with colleagues, borrow course books, use the library’s online resources to search for information and be creative in the Maker Space. They run great skills training sessions throughout the year too.

• SUMS – SUMS is a free drop-in Mathematics and Statistics support center for all University of Galway undergraduate students.

• Academic Writing Centre – The Academic Writing Centre offers free one-on-one tutorials on essay writing for students. They can help you if you are having trouble starting your essay or choosing an essay topic.

• ComputerDISC – ComputerDISC (Computer Programming Drop-In Support Centre) is a free resource for all University of Galway students that are enrolled in computer programming or software development courses.

• Academic Skills Hub – University of Galway’s online Academic Skills Hub aims to support students to develop key skills required for academic success.

• Career Development Centre – The Career Development Centre supports students in developing and implementing successful career plans, liaises with employers on graduate recruitment and facilitates a work placement module for a number of academic programmes.

• Employability Award – The Employability Award recognizes what you have learned and the skills you have developed through work and extra-curricular activities.

• ISS – Information Solutions and Services (ISS) are here to help you with any IT problems you might be having. They have a helpdesk in the Library or you can contact them online.

• DigiChamps – DigiChamps are a staff/student partnership at University of Galway that’s all about developing your digital confidence and skills.

• University Skills Passport – The University Skills Passport (USP) is your portal to explore activities, experiences and groups open to you at University of Galway. You can also earn digital badges and level up your skills.

Your Spare Time

• Sports Clubs – There are over 50 sports clubs on campus for you to try for free! They range from Archery to Athletics, Basketball to Rowing, Mountaineering to Frisbee – their aim is to involve as many students as possible in activity. Each club offers activities, training and social events for all levels and abilities.

• Student Societies – There are over 120 student societies on campus providing the ideal way to make new friends who share your interests, learn new skills and broaden your university learning experience. They organize trips, events, guest speakers, workshops, classes, parties and glamorous gala balls.

• ALIVE Student Volunteering Programme – ALIVE has a bank of projects that you can volunteer with and gain the University of Galway Presidential Award for Volunteering “The ALIVE Certificate”. Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends, make a difference, give back to the community, build your skills and have fun!

Sign Up TODAY

It’s FREE

Get your FREE SU Card and earn points or free products every time you shop with us. Your SU Card can be used in any Students’ Union outlet!

SU outlets open longer than others; have the best prices and a huge range of products. So you start earning beneﬁts immediately! Also, when you spend money in SU outlets, that money stays on campus, supporting student jobs and campus services. No other campus operator can say that!

Here’s what your SU Card gets you everyday

• Special SU Card prices and deals on food and drinks in all units.

• Collect 2 points for every €1 spent - points you can spend later! *

• Buy 10 teas / coffees and get 1 free!

Look out for the SU Card Sticker for more beneﬁts

iriscint le CártaCM

Léarscáil den Champas Campus Map

An Campas Spóirt, an Daingean - an tIonad Spóirt Réigiúnach san áireamh

Sports Campus, Dangan - including Regional Sports Centre

An tÁras Spóirt

Sports Pavilion

Teach Maryville Maryville House

An Campas Thuaidh North Campus

An Daingean A Dangan A

Cúrsa Saoil

Lifecourse

Baile na Coiribe

Corrib Village

Baile an Chíorbhuí Goldcrest Village

Eolaíochtaí Bithleighis

Biomedical Sciences

Institiúid na hEolaíochta Sonraí Data Science Institute

Naíolann na hOllscoile

University Crèche

Páirceáil agus Taisteal Park and Ride

An tIonad Taighde don Chothú Sláinte

Health Promotion Research Centre

Áras Cairnes

Cairnes Building

Áras Innealtóireachta Alice Perry

Alice Perry Engineering Building

Áras Mhaighe Seola

Moyola Building

An Clinic Teiripe Urlabhra agus Teanga

Speech and Language Therapy Clinic

An Campas Theas South Campus

10 Bóthar an Chaisleáin Nua 10 Newcastle Road

14 Bóthar na hOllscoile 14 University Road

14 Bóthar na Drioglainne (An Oifig Slándála)

14 Distillery Road (Security)

An Chearnóg Quadrangle

An Foirgneamh Anatamaíochta Anatomy Building

An Foirgneamh IT IT Building

An tIonad Spóirt

Sports Centre

Áras Dán na Mílaoise

Áras na Bitheolaíochta Daonna

Human Biology Building

Áras na Gaeilge

Áras na Mac Léinn

Áras Oirbsean

Orbsen Building

Áras Uí Argadáin

Hardiman Building

Áras Uí Chathail

Aula Maxima

Beár na Mac Léinn - Sult

College Bar - Sult

Bloc E

Block E

Bloc F

Block F

Bloc S

Block S

Bloc T

Block T

Bóthar na Drioglainne

Distillery Road

Ceoláras Emily Anderson

The Emily Anderson Concert Hall

Comhaltas na Mac Léinn

Students’ Union

Deasc Eolais na Mac Léinn (SID)

Student Information Desk (SID)

Institiúid na hEolaíochta Cliniciúla

Clinical Science Institute

Ionad na hÉireann do Chearta an Duine

Irish Centre for Human Rights

Ionad na Seirbhísí Poist

Mail Services Centre

Ionad Uí Dhonnchadha - An Drámaíocht, an Amharclannaíocht

agus an Taibhléiriú

O’Donoghue

and

Institiúid Lambe Lambe Institute

- Drama,

Cois Abhan

Riverside Terrapin

Réamhdhéantán Scoil Huston

The Huston School Bubble

Scoil Scannán agus Meán

Digiteach Huston

Huston School of Film and Digital Media

Séipéal Naomh Columbán

The Chapel of St Columbanus

Síceolaíocht

An Campas Láir Central Campus

An tIonad Nuálaíochta agus Gnó

Business and Innovation Centre

An tIonad Taighde agus Nuálaíochta

Research and Innovation Centre

Arts Millennium Building

Áras de Brún

Áras Mhairéad (Ma) Ní Éimhigh

Áras Mháirtín Uí Riain

Martin Ryan Building

Foirgneamh na nDán / na hEolaíochta

Arts / Science Building

Fortheach Institiúid Uí Riain

Ryan Institute Annexe

Halla Bailey Allen

Bailey Allen Hall

Oileán Altanach Nuns’

Tionscnamh Foghlama agus Taithí ar an Obair Dheonach

Bí páirteach in Obair Dheonach sa Phobal le

I measc théamaí na dtionscadal tá:

• Na hEalaíona & Cultúr

• Sláinte & Folláine

• Oideachas

• Ceartas Sóisialta

• Gníomhaíochas Pobail

• An Timpeallacht

• Taithí Idirnáisiúnta

Here’s some of our Top Tips for life in Galway:

1. Buy a decent rain coat. Galway is known as the “Graveyard of Umbrellas”

2. Always walk in single file over the Salmon Weir Bridge or prepare to face death by a thousand dirty looks.

3. Don’t ask the DJ to play Galway Girl. Any version. Ever.

4. If you’re feeling sad/angry/hungover go and walk the Prom. You’ll feel better with the added bonus of beautifully sculpted cheekbones from the wind.

5. Everywhere in Galway is a 10 minute walk (if you walk fast enough).

6. There’s always free stuff in the SU Office –condoms, pens, tampons, sweets, wall planners, advice, hugs etc. – just call in and ask nicely.

7. Join as many clubs and societies as possible. Get all the free pizza and pad out your CV with achievements like Largest Home & Away Appreciation Society West of the Shannon”

8. Carry a campus map with you at all times. You won’t get lost and you can also mark in where the treasure is buried.

9. Soggy socks are the depths of human misery. Always have a spare pair of socks within arm’s reach #WetAtlanticWay

10. Remember to always be a bag of cans and not a bag of cant’s.

Ending Sexual Violence & Harassment

At the University of Galway, we recognise that sexual violence and harassment, including, but not limited to, rape, sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking, and relationship abuse, are serious issues that affect university communities

The Sexual Violence and Harassment, Prevention & Response team, Niamh & Rebecca are committed to creating a safer environment in which to live, work, and study. We believe that every student has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported.

Our free services include:

As we welcome you to our university community, we want you to know, ending sexual violence is everyone’s responsibility, and support is always available.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or harassment, recently or in the past, or you are worried about your own behaviour, we are here to support you.

to get

or learn

SEOMRA CÓTAÍ AN CHOMHALTAIS

TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS

SEOMRA CÓTAÍ AN CHOMHALTAIS

CÓTAÍ CHOMHALTAIS

TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS

SEOMRA CÓTAÍ AN CHOMHALTAIS

TAISCEADÁIN AN CHOMHALTAIS

DIANCHEACHTANNA

Chomhaltas na Mac Léinn AN CHOMHALTAIS

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