Session Descriptions

This page gives you a closer look at what to expect during your one-day Campus Welcome: In-Person Orientation. Discover exciting Fáilte events, the Campus Challenge, and other activities designed to help you connect with fellow first years and find your way around campus. Start your journey with confidence and make the most of your first day at University of Galway!

Fáilte go Ollscoil na Gaillimhe | Welcome to University of Galway 

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Overview of student supports and Active Consent 

Your introduction to University of Galway, with essential information about how we'll support your success as you start your university journey. 

What will I know at the end of this session? 

You will leave this session knowing you are welcomed and supported by University of Galway, with a deepened understanding of Active Consent and confidence in reaching out for help should you need it during your time here. 

Fáilte | Welcome Pick & Mix 

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This is your time to get to know your campus, meet other new students, and grab a bite to eat!  

- Check out the Midday Mix at Áras na Mac Léinn - enjoy music, games and dive into some fun activities! Meet the student societies, University sports clubs and University services, visit the volunteer hub and pick up some awesome freebies while getting to know us and each other.  

- Book your place on the Campus Challenge or join a guided tour to find your way around alongside other first years! Find out more on this webpage.

- Make time to eat - visit our campus restaurants and food trucks, or bring your own packed lunch. 

- If you need some time out, the Calm Zone is a pop-in sensory-friendly space that's open to everyone. It will run from 9am-5pm on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 September, in the Bank of Ireland Theatre.

Prizes, snacks, and more up for grabs so Pick & Mix your way through! 

What will I gain by engaging with the Fáilte | Welcome Pick & Mix? 

Explore campus in a way that you choose, meet new people, maybe find a new exciting extracurricular to take up, and feel better settled and ready to take on your first year at University of Galway. 

The Practical Bits: Student-led Q&A and Digital Setup essentials 

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From logging in to settling in, this student-led session will help you navigate the University's IT systems, creating your own Digital Toolkit along the way. The session also includes the Silly Questions Q&A, where no burning question is too silly for our student panel. 

How will The Practical Bits prepare me for starting my first year at University of Galway? 

You’ll leave this session feeling more confident in navigating the university’s digital systems and knowing how to access key tools like the campus map, eduroam and Canvas. You will also feel better prepared to take on university life as you hear advice from students who have been in your shoes.  

YourSpace 101: Hosted by the Societies, Sports Clubs and Student Volunteering 

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Learn about student life beyond the classroom in this interactive session! Find out all about YourSpace - your extracurricular portal. Make connections and get the inside scoop on how to make the most of your time in university. 

What can I expect at YourSpace101? 

You’ll discover the wide range of societies, sport clubs and volunteering opportunities open to you. You may feel inspired to get involved or start something new and connect with others who share similar interests.  

Freshers' Bingo 'n' Burger 

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A fun chance to meet, mingle and party with fellow first years, completing challenges and spinning the wheel for prizes! There will be tea and cookies - plus a free tasty burger for the first 500 to arrive! 

What can I expect at Freshers’ Bingo ‘n’ Burger? 

An opportunity to meet and connect with fellow first years in a fun and friendly setting, eat good food and be in with a chance to win some prizes!  

Fáilte After Dark 

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Join the Big Fáilte Party for a packed lineup of fun - with The Big Quiz, Music, Dance-off, Societies Talent Show, Games Room, Craft Corner and Movie Screening, it’s a night not to be missed! 

Why should I attend the Big Fáilte Party? 

You’ll have fun, meet new people, party with new friends, feel the buzz of live music, engage with the many activities on offer, create the memories you want to make and leave feeling happy to have chosen University of Galway!