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Orientation

Orientation – September 2026

Céad Míle Fáilte to University of Galway!

A hundred thousand welcomes from the West of Ireland!

We’re delighted that you have chosen to begin your studies with us at the University of Galway. Our university is located on the beautiful west coast of Ireland, close to the Atlantic Ocean and right in the centre of Galway city — one of the friendliest and most lively places in Ireland.

Whether you’ve travelled just a few hours or halfway around the world, we’re excited to welcome you to our university community. Here, you’ll find world-class learning, lasting friendships, and plenty of opportunities to explore Irish culture, language, and the warm Galway atmosphere.

To help you settle in, we’ve lined up a week of orientation and welcome events specifically for you — a mix of helpful information, campus tours, cultural activities, and opportunities to meet fellow students from Ireland and around the globe.

Undergraduate

Undergraduate orientation will occur on Thursday, 3 to Friday, 4 September. For full details, click here.

For any students that are required to register with immigration we wish to invite you to this online immigration session which takes place on Tuesday 8th September 2026 at 2pm (Irish Time).

Join Louise Kelly from the Global Galway Office, who will provide an overview of key immigration information and guidance. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and get answers to any queries you may have.

https://community.theambassadorplatform.com/1192/streams/565362/information-session-on-immigration-…

Postgraduate

Orientation will take place on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, in the Bailey Allen Hall at 9:30 am sharp.

Late arrivals: a catch-up session will take place in MY243 Lecture Theatre on Tuesday 29 September 2026 from 15:00 to 17:00.

Visiting Students/Erasmus

Erasmus

Erasmus orientation information can be found here.

Visiting Students

Visiting students' orientation information can be found here.

Events

Campus Craic Challenge

Kick-start your University of Galway experience with Campus Craic - a fun, interactive challenge that combines teamwork, exploration and some friendly competition. Join other new international students to discover the campus, meet new people and find out where everything is before classes begin on the 7th.

There are great prizes to be won, including Fastest Team, Best Team Name, Best Team Photo and more. Places are limited, so don't forget to register in advance!

Register here

Take part in the big Scavenger Hunt challenge on Saturday, 5 September

The Scavenger Hunt challenge will involve finding a list of quirky and unique locations around campus and Galway City, while taking photo evidence to prove it. This will be a super fun way to meet other international students, explore the local area and get active!

Register here

International Student Hike

Kick off the year with new friends, fresh air and stunning Galway views! The University of Galway Mountaineering Club’s annual International Student Hike is back, and Global Galway is proud to support this welcoming event for all our international students.

Registration information to follow in the coming weeks.

Sult Events (see below):

SU Events

ESN events (see below):

Library Tours

The library will be offering tours for new students on the following days/times:

Tuesday, 1 September - Friday, 4 September (one tour only on 2 September at 2pm)

Monday, 7 September - Friday, 11 September

Monday, 14 September - Wednesday, 16 September

They'll be held each day at 10:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00. Tours depart from the Library lobby, inside the Hardiman Building entrance. No booking required.