Two students sitting on the main stairs inside the Hardiman Library Foyer

Start Strong is your semester one programme with events and activities designed to support you with the transition to higher education and help you settle in to university life – one week at a time. Check in regularly for updates to see what resources, drop-in sessions or events are on offer each week.

You can also visit Tús Maith | Good Start online hub, your one-stop shop for the information you need starting out as a first year student. 

Get Involved: 15 –  19 Sept 2025

Clubs Day - Tuesday 16 September

When: Tue 16 Sept
Where: University of Galway, Sports Centre Hall

There are now over 40 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 Sports Centre, our first-class fitness facility, to learn more and sign up for your perfect sports club.

Socs Day - Wednesday 17 September

When: 11am-5pm, Wed 17 Sept
Where: Bailey Allen Hall 

Get involved in university life and take your pick from over 130 Societies, learn about volunteering opportunities & get your questions answered at the support stands. Freebies & free food - don't miss out!

University Skills Passport

Student Life at University of Galway is about more than what happens in the classroom—it’s about growth, skills, and experiences that shape your journey. The  University Skills Passport (USP) is a platform where you can explore co- and extra-curricular opportunities, track your achievements, and earn digital badges that recognise the skills you develop along the way.

From boosting your CV to preparing for interviews, the USP helps you showcase your skills and experiences, and when you graduate, you’ll have your degree and transcript, but also your University Skills Passport. Engage in student life and discover your passions - find out more about USP

Get on Track: 22 - 26 Sept 2025

First Year In: FYI Accessible Guide

Learn how to use the university library effectively with this accessible guide from the Academic Skills Team. It covers how to find, evaluate, and manage reliable sources for assignments, explains academic integrity, and gives tips for making the most of library resources.

First Year In: FYI Workshops

Geared especially for first year students or any new students to the university: get to know YOUR University of Galway Library. What are the Library's collections and services, and how can they help you succeed during your studies at Galway?

Learn how to borrow a book and scholarly sources - in print and electronic format!

A great way to start the academic year and get yourself off to a flying start!


When:
11-11.40am, Monday 22 September
Where: Library Training Room PC Suite (Map ). Registration link


When
: 12-12.40pm, Wednesday 24 September
Where: Online. Registration link


When: 2-2.40pm, Thursday 25 September
Where: Online. Registration link

Academic Integrity

What is academic integrity and how does it affect you? How do you show integrity in your preparation and work? At University of Galway, we provide free access to this online course to help you understand just that.

Discover the values, skills and behaviours that are vital to studying with academic integrity with up-to-the-minute content from Epigeum, providers of award-winning training courses. Remember, academic integrity underpins all aspects of your studies but is also vital to success in your future career.

Worried about plagiarism? Confused about generative AI? Revisit this short online course at any time to help you master key principles of academic integrity, adopt best practices across all disciplines, and navigate challenges in the digital age, including the responsible use of AI.

Want more information or advice? Visit the Academic Integrity Office website.

 

Need Help?

Check out our Support Wheel - a way for you to easily see what support is available to you, based on your needs and how you're feeling. Click on the wheel below to learn more.

Student Services Support Wheel