Semester Two

Week One: Reset 

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 both Socs Day and Clubs Day on 17 January to find out more about the many different ways you can get involved – there will be something for everyone! Joining a club or society 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.

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 Advisor for support and advice to help you get back on track. We are here for you!

Brew Breaks - 11am, Thursday 11 January

Drop in to the Student Enquiry centre (SEC) on the Concourse on Thursday at 11am and grab a cuppa. This is a great opportunity to chill out and meet new people. Our team will be around if you have any questions or just sit and take a break! Bring along some friends, there will be plenty of hot drinks and FREE snacks.  

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

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

Week Two: Reconnect

Podcast: Student Success Series - Coaching for Success

Niamh Tobin, Success Coach chats with Raimey O'Boyle 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 in now. Transcript available here. 

Embrace Your University Life - Calling All First Years! Tuesday 16 January

Drop in or pre-register on Careers Connect, to meet YOUR Student Success Coaches and Career Advisers. It's the perfect chance to connect with fellow students while enjoying FREE pizza, great music, and a chance to win some prizes!  

Brew Breaks - 1pm, Tuesday 16 January

Drop in to the Student Enquiry Centre (SEC) on the Concourse and grab a cuppa. This is a great opportunity to chill out and meet new people. Our team will be around if you have any questions or just sit and take a break! Bring along some friends, there will be plenty of hot drinks and FREE snacks.  

Library Workshops - First Year In (FYI)

First Year In workshops are aimed at first year students and helps you to get familiar with your Library. Find out about the Library's collections and services, and how they can help you during your studies. Learn how to borrow books - in print and electronic format and find scholarly sources for your assignments. 

When: Tuesday, 16 January 12-12.40 pm. Registration required.
When: Wednesday 17 January 12-12.40 pm. Registration required. 
When: Thursday, 18 January 2-2.40 pm. Registration required. 

Where: Library Training Room - see map. Or join in Online. Registration required. 

Socs Day - Wednesday 17 January

When: 12–5pm, Wednesday 17 January
Where: Áras na Mac Léinn 

Get involved in university life and take your pick from 120 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! 

Clubs Day - Wednesday 17 January

When: 12-4pm, Wednesday 17 January
Where: Áras na Mac Léinn and Kingfisher Sports Centre

There are now over 45 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 Áras na Mac Léinn to meet some of our fantastic clubs or head to the Kingfisher Sports Centre for taster sessions and learn more before you sign up!  

Learn more about all our clubs.

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: Reskill

Podcast: Student Success Series - Beyond the Books

In this podcast Raimey Boyle chats with Regina Lyons from the Academic Skills Service in the Library and shares tips on how to navigate the Library and advises on the fantastic resources available. Listen in now.

Library Workshops - First Year In (FYI)

First Year In workshops are aimed at first year students and helps you to get familiar with your Library. Find out about the Library's collections and services, and how they can help you during your studies. Learn how to borrow books - in print and electronic format and find scholarly sources for your assignments. 

When: Monday, 22 January 2-2.40 pm. Registration required.
When: Wednesday 24 January 2-2.40 pm. Registration required.
When: Thursday, 25 January 10 - 10.40. Registration required. 
Where: Library Training Room - see map. Or join Online.

Design your Semester Two Workshop - 1pm, Tuesday 23 January

Look back on your semester 1 and identify what to continue and what to let go of to make the most out of this semester.  Perhaps you want to nail your study routine, find balance and set realistic goals - this workshop will provide you with the tools! Spaces are limited, register now. We look forward to meeting with you! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Niamh Tobin on email. 

When: 1-1.45pm, Tuesday 23 January
Where: AMB1004 (beside Arts Study Space on 1st floor of Arts Millennium Building)

Academic Skills Fair - 12pm, Wednesday 24 January

Drop by on Wednesday to find out about the skills services available to you at our university. Meet with staff from the Academic Writing Centre, SUMS, CÉIM, Student Success Coaches and many more who can give you information on how their services will help you get through semester two. 

When: 12-2pm, Wednesday 24 January

Where:  The Library Foyer (behind the turnstile)

Brew Breaks - 1pm, Thursday 25 January

Drop in to the Student Enquiry Centre (SEC) and meet with a Careers Adviser or Student Advisor if you are feeling unsure about your course. Or just sit and take a break! No appointment needed just drop in. 

This is a great opportunity to chill out and meet new people. Bring along some friends, there will be plenty of hot drinks and FREE snacks. 

Student Vlog - Study Skills

Larissa Di Lucia, second year medicine student talks about what has helped her succeed in studying and exams. Larissa reminds us that first-year in particular is about trial and error and how adapting to university life can be tough. However there are plenty of people and supports available to you at University of Galway. Check out the Support Wheel to find available supports. Watch Larissa's vlog now. 

Week Four: Power Through Semester Two!

Podcast: Student Success Series - SEC and Me

In this lively podcast Raimey O'Boyle chats with Caróg Greene, Student Enquiry Centre Coordinator and Izzy Tiernan, SU Welfare and Equality Officer about the services the Student Enquiry Centre (SEC) offers to University of Galway students. Listen in now. 

Podcast: Student Success Series - The Power of Peer Learning

Podchraoladh: Student Success Series - Beir bua: Téigh i dtaithí ar shaol na hOllscoile

San eagrán seo labhraíonn Faye Ní Dhomhnaill, Leas-Uachtarán don Ghaeilge le Comhaltas na Mac Léinn, le beirt mhac léinn - Liam agus Aisling. Labhraíonn siad faoi na tacaíochtaí atá ar fáil do mhic léinn na hOllscoile. Éist anois. 

Brew Breaks - 10am, Tuesday 30 January 

Drop in to the Student Enquiry Centre (SEC) and meet with a Careers Adviser or Student Advisor if you are feeling unsure about your course. Or just sit and take a break! No appointment needed just drop in. 

This is a great opportunity to chill out and meet new people. Bring along some friends, there will be plenty of hot drinks and FREE snacks.  

Making Your Strengths Work For You: Workshop - 1pm, Tuesday 30 January

Discover the power of your unique abilities and learn how to harness them to achieve success in various aspects of your life. This workshop will help you figure out your strengths and show you how to make the most of them. Please register to join this engaging workshop with the Student Success Coaches. 

When: 1-2pm, Tuesday 30 Jan
Where: AMB1004 (beside Arts Study Space on 1st floor of Arts Millennium Building) 

Student Vlog - Course Uncertainty

Ruairí O'Boyle, a final year BA student and SU Arts Convenor, shares his story.  Watch Ruairí's vlog and learn how he dealt with being unsure about his course choice.