Semester Two

Well done on completing your first semester! You have made it this far – you can make it through Semester Two too! 

Your second semester is an opportunity for a fresh start. Here are five top tips for you as you start your second semester:

1. Reflect on your first semester

Identify what worked well for you and what didn't. Use this insight to set realistic goals for the upcoming semester. Celebrate your successes along the way and adjust your goals as needed The Student Success Coaching team provide one-to-one or group sessions to help you decide on achievable actions to move forward and succeed in achieving your goals. Check out our first podcast in the Student Success Series – Getting Semester Two off to a Good Start! Listen in now. 

2. Manage your time and stay organised

Get familiar with your new timetable for Semester Two. Take time to create your personal schedule that includes dedicated study time, extracurricular activities, and relaxation time. Take a look at this vlog from Fiona O'Brien, second year BA Human Rights student who shares her experience about time management, especially when it comes to completing assignments. Keep your materials, notes, and assignments organised and consider planners or apps to track your deadlines.

3. Get involved with clubs and societies 

If you didn’t get around to joining a sports club or society last semester, don't worry. You will have a chance to attend Socs Day and the Volunteer Fair on Wednesday 15 January, and Clubs Day on 22 January, to find out more about the many ways you can get involved – there will be something for everyone! Joining a club or society or taking part in volunteering opportunities not only gives the you the chance to meet new people and make friends, it will also provide you with a way of taking a break from your studies and helps you to develop new skills. In this video, hear from our students as they share their experiences and favourite moments, challenges, and how these experiences have enriched their lives.

4. Mind yourself

Prioritise your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. Establishing healthy habits contributes to your overall success and ability to manage stress. While staying on top of your studies is crucial, it's essential to maintain a balance with your social life. Make time for friends, family, and relaxation. Building a strong support network contributes to your overall wellbeing.

5. Ask for help

If you're facing challenges academically or personally, make sure you reach out for help. It might be a relief to know that there are many supports on offer that you can access when you need them. Click on the Support Wheel to find supports relevant to your needs, or reach out directly to your Student Support Officer for support and advice to help you get back on track. Take a look at this video, where our students share their experiences of asking for help at University of Galway. We are here for you! 

Week One: Restart Your Routine

Video: Tom Forder, SU Vice President for Education

In this video Tom Forde, SU VP for Education shares practical tips on how to Restart Your Routine for semester two. Setting small, achievable goals in the initial weeks can help you build momentum and create a solid foundation for the rest of the semester. 

Podcast: Student Success Series - Getting Semester Two off to a Good Start!

Majella Perry, Student Coaching Manager, and Raimey O'Boyle, former Students' Union VP for Education, discuss the importance of finding balance and planning for a successful semester two. Listen now. Transcript available here. 

Socs Day - Wednesday 15 January

When: 11–3pm, Wednesday 15 January
Where: Áras na Mac Léinn 

Get involved in university life and take your pick from 130 Societies, learn about volunteering opportunities and get your questions answered at the support stands. Lots of freebies and food on the day - don't miss out! 

First Year In: FYI. Library Workshops

Geared especially for 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: 12 - 12.40, Tuesday 14 January
Where: Online. Register here. 

When: 12 - 12.40, Wednesday15 January
Where: Online. Register here.

When: 2 - 2.40pm, Thursday 16 January
Where: In-Person: Library Training Room PC Suite (Map ). Register here. 

Find out about all Library workshops on this link. 

Getting Organised

Thriving at university relies on strong organisational skills. This includes setting clear and achievable goals, effectively planning and prioritising tasks, managing time and workload to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and maintaining an organised study space and efficient system for managing study materials.

The online Academic Skills Hub has lots of great resources and templates such as weekly planners, tips for note-taking and much more to help you get organised. Learn more about getting organised on this link. 

Explore the Academic Skills Hub for lots more resources. 

Week Two: Rebuild Your Connections

Assistive Technology Support - Mondays, starting 20 January 

First-year students who have completed their Needs Assessment with a Disability Advisor may attend the Assistive Technology drop-in sessions with the Assistive Technology Officers.

Drop-in sessions will run weekly on Mondays, starting Monday, 20 January, until the end of term, (excluding bank holidays). 

Texthelp for First Years with a focus on using Read & Write for Exams 

• When: 10am, Mondays
• Where: Assistive Technology office, ground floor, James Hardiman Library

CPens for First Years with a focus on use during Exams

• When: 10.15am, Mondays
• Where: Assistive Technology office, ground floor, James Hardiman Library

Disability Support Drop-in Sessions - Tuesday 21 January to Tuesday 4 February

First-year students can drop in to get help and advice about disability support, whether they're registering for the first time or need more support.

When: 2-3pm, Tuesday 21 Jan, 28 Jan and 4 February
Where: Access Centre, ground floor, Áras Uí Chathail

Freshers' Point - Wednesday 22 January

Come along to Freshers' Point, where you can meet other first years, enjoy a cuppa, play some games, or just chill out. A relaxed and fun environment, led by fellow students who know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes. 

When: 12-2pm, Wednesday 22 January
Where: The Space, Áras na Mac Léinn (upstairs)

Clubs Day - Wednesday 22 January

When: 12 - 4.30pm, Wednesday 22 January
Where: Sports Centre Hall, Kingfisher

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 it's a fun way to keep fit. 

Learn more about all our clubs.

Design Your Galway - Wednesday 22 January to Wednesday 5 February

Are you up for taking part in a 3 week programme to help you succeed in life and university? Collaborate with other first year students in this series of workshops facilitated by the Student Success Coaches, and learn skills and tools for success. Take a look at the themes each week below, Week 3 includes a 1-1 coaching session. Refreshments provided at each workshop.

When: 12-1pm, Wednesdays 22 and 29 January and Wednesday 5 February
Where: AMB 1004, Arts Millennium Building

• Week 1 - Jan 22: Using Life Design to Build a Great Semester 2 
• Week 2 - Jan 29: Design More Energy into Your Life 
• Week 3 - Feb 5: Generating Ideas and Prototyping using Life Design 1-1 coaching appointment (at a time that suits you).

Sign up on this link. If you have any questions about the programme please contact successcoach@universityofgalway.ie

Podcast: Student Success Series - Coaching for Success

Niamh Tobin, Success Coach chats with Raimey O'Boyle, former SU Vice President for Education 23/24, about the services of a success coach and how they can help support you during your time at university. Success Coaching events are open to all students.  Listen now. Transcript available here. 

Student Vlog - Friendships

Larissa Di Lucia second year medicine student, talks about the importance of friendships. She shares her insights on how joining clubs and societies has been instrumental in building connections and friendships during her academic journey. Watch Larissa's vlog for great tips and ideas. 

Week Three: Restore Your Balance

Freshers' Point - 12-2pm, Wednesday 29 January

Come along to Freshers' Point, where you can meet other first years, enjoy a cuppa, play some games, or just chill out. A relaxed and fun environment, led by fellow students who know exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes. 

When: 12-2pm, Wednesday 29 January
Where: The View, Áras na Mac Léinn (upstairs)

Video: Health and Wellbeing

Your health and wellbeing is key to thriving at university. It's important to prioritise your physical and mental health to thrive in our community. Watch this video to see how some of our students are taking care of their wellbeing. 

Nourish 2 Flourish - Healthy Eating Programme

The Societies Office with the help of the Hub Well Crew and Health Promotion Interns have launched Nourish 2 Flourish, a six week healthy eating programme. Each week, participants will receive:

• Information on supermarket healthy food promotions to make healthy eating more affordable
• Tailored nutrition tips and recipes
• Weekly cookery demonstrations

Find out more on this link. 

Week Four: Reframe Your Mindset

Freshers' Point - 12-2pm, Wednesday 5 February