Undergraduate Student Support

FAQs

Orientation

Orientation is your essential introduction and welcome to University of Galway! Orientation may be over for 2025, but all the information is just a quick click away, so you don’t have to feel like you missed out on anything.

More information is available here.

Registration

All University of Galway students must register for each year of their course whether they are new or continuing students. More information on course and module registration is available here. 

For more information on how to contact the Registration Office with your query, see here.

Financial Supports and Information

You’ll find information on the various types of financial support available at the links listed below. These include details on grants, scholarships, and the Financial Aid Fund, as well as guidance on other supports offered through the university. Each link explains what’s available, how to apply, and who to contact if you have questions, making it easier to find the right support for you. 

Funds, SUSI, Scholarships

Choral Scholarships

Financial aid or contact the Financial Aid team on <financialaid@universityofgalway.ie>

Financial Supports and contact details

Fees

Information regarding course fees, and deadlines for payment is available here. 

How to view your details and how to pay: 

The University has a convenient online payment system, which is accessible here.

When you log in to your account the “Pay Fees” link appears at the top right of the "COURSES" tab.
You will be able to view the details of your fees billed and paid to date on this portal. If you feel there are any errors on your record, please reply to this email with all necessary details so that it can be reviewed. 

Please note that exam results will be withheld if there is an outstanding balance on your account and failure to pay your fees will prevent you progressing to the next year of your course. 

Exams

In advance of sitting your exams, students are recommended to visit Galway Exams 101 - University of Galway. Topics include exam preparation, tips on coping with exam stress, links to past exam papers

Exam timetables (once released), which will include information on time, location and duration, can be found here.

Further information regarding exams, timetables, past papers and venues can be found here.

Deferrals

Applying to defer an Exam/Continuous Assessment Module 

If you need to defer an Examination(s) or/a Continuous Assessment module (s) to the second sitting in August due to circumstances arise which are outside your own control (Bereavement/Illness/Serious Personal Circumstances), you must complete the deferral Form, this can be found here. 

Any student who defers a module to the Second Sitting in August but then, for whatever reason, is unable to sit it in August and, as a result, fails the year will have to register to repeat the year again. 

Microsoft Forms - Deferral Application 

Semester 1 Deferral Form: Please note that retrospective deferral requests (asking for a deferral once the Semester 1 examination period has finished) will not be considered and the deferral form will be closed to applicants on the last day of the examination period. 

You should also read the Exam Deferral Policy on the Exams website, so that you understand the process and the impact of your application.  When submitting the form, you will need to include your personal examination timetable, supporting documentation e.g. medical certificate, a letter from counselling or in the case of bereavement, a copy of the death notice that appears on www.rip.ie.  Once you have submitted the form, you will receive a receipt email. 

If you have been granted a deferral in a continuous assessment module, after the Semester 1 Examination period is over, you should email the relevant module leader  and they will provide you with details of the coursework to be submitted and the submission date  

Students progressing into Second, Third/Final Arts should note that any student who sits modules in August will not be able to register for the following academic year when online registration for modules opens in mid-August and will have to wait until the start of September to register, following release of their results from the August sitting. This may have implications for the range of optional modules that students will be able to select from when they go online to register, as disciplines cap the number of students who can register for a particular optional module.  

If you have any  queries on the deferral process, please contact <artsundergrad@universityofgalway.ie> including your student number in the email subject heading. If you would like to speak with us, please include your mobile number in your email, and we will call you back.

Extenuating Circumstances

Extenuating circumstances are serious unavoidable, unpredictable, and exceptional circumstances outside the control of the student, which may negatively impact the student’s performance in assessment.    

The Extenuating Circumstances Policy provides guidance on how to make a submission for consideration under this policy. 

We would like to remind you that if you are seeking an extension for an assignment, you should only apply via the Extenuating Circumstances application form if: 

• An assignment is worth more than 20% of the overall module mark and an extension of more than 7 days is required. 

• You are in receipt of a LENS report and require an extension of more than 7 days for an assignment worth more than 20% of the module mark where the circumstances are unrelated to the details outlined within the LENS report. 

• If you are seeking a short extension of no more than one week, please contact your Extenuating Circumstances Officer (usually a Head of Year or Programme Coordinator) with your request. It is also helpful to include your module leader in this correspondence, so they are aware of the request for a short extension. If you are uncertain of who best to contact, please review your subject or Programme Handbooks, which should provide the staff member name and contact details of the Year Coordinator/Head of Subject for your programme year, who can advise you on such requests. 

If you have a LENS report that states that leniency is required with deadlines (and your LENS report explicitly advises this is required), you can liaise directly with your module leaders. In such cases, the module leader would explore requirements with you and no application would be required to the Extenuating Circumstances Committee. Applications only come to our committee if circumstances arise that are unrelated to the LENS report and meet the additional requirements as outlined above (assignment worth more than 20% of the module mark; and an accommodation is required or an extension of more than 7 days).  

We understand, at times, that students may benefit from support from our health centre or counselling service or other student support services and you may not yet have made this call or reached out for help. However, we encourage you to get in touch with our team if you need to discuss your circumstances. Our College Student Support Officer Dr Rosemary Crosse is available for advice and guidance on a variety of personal, financial and academic matters: <rosemary.crosse@universityofgalway.ie>. Catherine McCurry or Toni Pehar in the College Office are also available to support our students with student academic matters: <artsundergrad@universityofgalway.ie>

The 2025-26 Semester 1 Extenuatuing Circumstance form can be accessed here. 

Leave of absence

Leave of Absence - online application form and information on the Leave of Absence policy.

Note: The deadline for withdrawal or applying for a Leave of Absence for Semester 1 is 31st October 2025.

Conferring

All eligible graduands will be contacted by the Conferring Office a few weeks before their ceremony, to outline arrangements for the day. Conferring schedules and top tips for the day (including how to hire a robe) can be found here.

Additional Support and Guidance Services

Getting Started, Getting Settled

First-year students have access to a wide range of supports designed to make the transition to university smoother. From advice for parents and guardians, to disability and exam supports, to guidance on accommodation, these services are here to help students settle in and find their feet. The full range of supports can be explored via the links below.

Campus Map 

Security 

Chaplaincy 

Home page for all Schools 

Academic Skills Hub 

CASSCS Study Space Code of Conduct 

Parents/Guardians 1st year hotline - Includes parents’ hotline, to help with the transition of a child going to college for the first time. 

Disability support office - Information on exam accommodations, assistive technology, mainstream supports, etc. 

Accommodation advisory service - provides advice and resources to help you find accommodation either on or off-campus.

Library and online set-up - activate your campus account for access to pc suites, wifi, Canvas, Library and much more.

Get Involved, Stay Connected

There's a variety of ways to get involved and make the most of your university experience outside of the classroom. From sports teams and student union services, to media and creative opportunities at Flirt FM, these resources are designed to help you connect, develop new skills, and enjoy campus life to the fullest. 

Student Union - Includes services such as Flirt FM, Grinds Register and SIN Newspaper.

Arts in Action

Community Knowledge Initiaitve 

ALIVE – Student Volunteering

Sports Clubs - Try a new sport or take the opportunity to further develop a sport you already play by competing at University level.

Support Wheel

The Support Wheel is an easy way to see what support is available to you, based on your needs and how you're feeling. It gives us a chance to meet you where or how you are - and help you get to where you want to be. 

The student support wheel provide access on a wide spectrum of potential areas where a student may seek support; ranging from counselling to financial/accommodation to career development. Click here for Support Wheel information and links.

University Support Team

Our main areas of work involve offering advice about Accommodation, Financial Support and Budgeting, University based difficulties and exceptional life circumstances. Our services are for all students and are available throughout the year, not just during term. The sooner we hear from you the sooner we can help. 

More information is available here.

Counselling Services

Our Counselling Service is here for every student. We offer a free, safe, and confidential space where you can talk openly about any challenges you’re facing. Our supportive team is ready to listen and lend a helping hand. 

More information is available here. 

Got a question you don't know who to ask? Click here for Cara

Meet Cara, your virtual assistant for everyday questions about University life. 

Get an answer on hundreds of topics; let Cara navigate the University of Galway website for you. Cara also has answers to questions not on the website. 

Available 24/7 - Here to help all day, every day. 

More information is available here.

Career Development

Career Development Centre

The Career Development Centre provides a range of services for students, graduates, employers and alumni. 

For more information and how to contact the Career Development Centre, see here.

Student Success Coaching

The Student Success Coaching programme offers a tailored, supportive environment in which students are guided to explore their goals, clarify purpose, and take proactive steps toward academic, personal, and life success. Through one-to-one or small group coaching sessions—augmented by workshops and structured programmes—students are empowered to design their journey intentionally, making the most of their university experience. 

For more information about Student Success Coaching, or to book time with a coach, see here. 

Student Societies

With over 115 student societies, there’s a wide range of opportunities to suit every interest! Getting involved in a student society is a great way to meet like-minded people, try something new, and make the most of your University experience. Top tip: don't miss Societies Day at the beginning of the academic year.

For more information on student societies at University of Galway, see here.

School and Discipline Staff

Find an email address for your Programme Coordinator, or School / Discipline staff at this link.

Careers and Events

Keep an eye out for the events to support your career development journey which include Jobs Fairs; Seminars (job search talks, how to find an internship, etc.) and Workshops (CV building, employer presentations and skills, etc.).

More information can be found here.