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 Forde, former Students' Union Vice-President for Education

In this video Tom Forde, former SU VP for Education (2024/25) 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 (2023/24), discuss the importance of finding balance and planning for a successful semester two. Listen now. Transcript available here. 

Socs Day and Volunteer Fair - Wednesday 14 January 2026

When: 12–5pm, Wednesday 14 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! 

Finding Articles and Books. Library Workshop - Thursday 15 January 2026

When: 11-11.40am, Thursday 15 January
Where: Online. Register now. 

By the end of this session you will:

1. Know about the main features of the library catalogue
2. Be able to search for scholarly articles, books and eBooks
3. Be able to search for topics on the library catalogue and refine results
4. Know about different databases relevant to your subject area

This video shows how to log in to the Library catalogue to find book, eBooks, journal articles and more.

There are lots more workshops and resources available on the Library webpage. 

Freshers' Point - Thursday 15 January 2026

Freshers' Point is back! Drop in to meet other first years, enjoy a cuppa, or just chill out. A relaxed and fun environment, led by fellow students who understand exactly what it’s like to be in your shoes.

When: 12-2pm, Thursday 15 January
Where: The Space, Áras na Mac Léinn

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

Clubs Day - Tuesday 20 January 2026

When: 12.30-4.30pm, Tuesday 20 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.

Freshers' Point - Wednesday 21 January 2026

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 21 January 
Where: The View, Áras na Mac Léinn

NEW! Blogs 2026

This week Refresh and Refocus is all about building connections, check our the two new blogs our students have created.

MaryRose Brennan, a Masters in Marketing Practice student, has created this blog on rebuilding connections in semester two.

Gráinne Hayes, 2nd Year Arts, shares her top tips for creating a positive university experience. 

Video: Getting Involved and Making Connections

In this video Julieanne Ní Mhullaoidh, former Students' Union Vice-President for the Irish Language (2024/25), shares tips on getting involved and connecting with others. English transcript available here. Irish transcript available here.

Podcast: Student Success Series - Coaching for Success

Niamh Tobin, Success Coach chats with Raimey O'Boyle, former SU Vice-President for Education (2023/24), 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 - Wednesday 28 January 2026 

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: 12-2p, Wednesday 28 January 
Where: The View, Áras na Mac Léinn

New! Recipe Collection 2026

University life can be busy, and finding time to cook isn't always easy. We have gathered some simple, affordable and tasty recipes shared by students and staff, perfect for days when you want something quick.

Check out the recipe collection on the Tús Maith|Good Start Online Hub. 

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. 

Week Four: Reframe Your Mindset

Blog: Reframe Your Mindset 

This week it's all about resetting your mind and adopting new habits. Everyone's journey is unique, so focus on your own progress and celebrate your own victories. In this blog Laura Herke, Commerce student, offers tips on setting small objectives, practicing digital detox and more.  

New! Design Your Galway Workshops - Wednesdays 4, 11 and 18 February

Join three interactive workshops to meet new people, build confidence, and develop skills to help you thrive at university and beyond. Come along to connect, collaborate, and discover tools for success in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Spaces are limited so if you are interested, sign up now. For any questions on the workshops or Student Success Coaching email  successcoach@universityofgalway.ie

• Earn a digital badge when you complete the programme
• 1-1 coaching session (at a time that suits you)

When: 2-3pm, Wednesdays 4, 11 and 18 February 
Where: Room 2070 Arts Millennium building

New! Freshers' Point - Wednesday 4 February 2026