Getting Ready

Looking for practical info, a parking space or just a place to relax during Campus Welcome-In-Person Orientation? Check out the helpful resources available below.

Parking

Thursday and Friday Parking

When: Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September
Where: University of Galway, Park and Ride (see address below)

Parking on campus is for permit-holders only – visitors can park in designated pay and display areas. On Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September, free parking will be available for visitors and students in the University of Galway Park and Ride car park in North Campus. This car park is accessible via the entrance to Corrib Village, off Upper Newcastle Road (address below). 

University of Galway Park & Ride, 
113-121 Upper Newcastle, Galway  
(Google Maps Plus Code: 7WRH+4J Galway)   

Please note: vehicles parked anywhere else on campus without a permit or valid pay and display ticket in a pay and display area, will likely be clamped. Students with a campus parking permit may park in designated student car parks. External paid parking is also available nearby at the Cathedral car park and other city locations.  

Take a look at the campus parking webpage for information and maps on the University of Galway entrance locations. 

Campus Shuttle Bus

When: Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September
Where: From University of Galway Park & Ride facility in North Campus to the Orbsen Building in Central Campus

A free shuttle bus service will run from Monday 7 September from the University of Galway Park & Ride facility in North Campus to the Orbsen Building in Central Campus, with several stops along the route. Park & Ride buses usually run every 15 minutes during peak times in the morning and evening, and at less frequent intervals during the day. Download the SafeZone App from Google Play or the App Store, to track the bus in real-time. 

Finding Your Way

We know that the campus can seem big and confusing at first. Not to worry – during Campus Welcome, our Student Ambassadors will be on hand to help you get from A to B. Remember to allow yourself plenty of time to arrive and find the first venue on your personal orientation schedule. Our interactive campus map can come in handy when finding buildings and lecture halls.

Dress for the Weather and Where to Eat

Some of events/activities are outdoors, so make sure to dress for the Galway weather!  You can bring a packed lunch and find a comfortable spot on campus with some new friends, or eat in one of our restaurants.  

Get Connected Help Desk

When: 10am–5pm, Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September
Where: Foyer, Hardiman Research Building

Drop by the Get Connected Help Desk in the Hardiman Research Building Foyer (by the Library turnstiles) for help connecting to the University Library and IT Systems. There will also be student ambassadors on hand to help you with any queries. Make sure to drop in if you’re having issues setting up email, Canvas, Office 365 or Wi-Fi. 

See a list of upcoming Library workshops and events here. You will need your student ID card to enter and exit the Library, please ensure you have your ID card with you at all times.

Student Enquiry Centre

When: 9am–5pm, Thursday 3 and Friday 4 September
Where: Arts/Science Building, Concourse 

Drop by our Student Enquiry Centre – your first-stop shop for all your student needs and queries. 

Calm Zone

The Calm Zone is a space to chill out, escape from sensory stress and overload, while you settle into your first few days on campus.

Located in Rehearsal Room 1, in the O'Donoghue Centre, you'll receive a lot of information, meet new people and experience a new environment during the Orientation Programme. It's completely understandable if you feel a little overwhelmed at times, and need to take a break from the information sessions and social events. Feel free to leave the session and come to the Calm Zone and relax on bean bags in a softly lit sanctuary, do some arts and crafts, play cards and board games, and chat - or not if you don't feel like it, that's fine too.

The Calm Zone was developed by University of Galway's Access Centre, in partnership with the Neurodivergent Student Society, the Neurodivergent Staff Network and our community partners, the Galway Autism Partnership.

Parents and Supporters Information

Starting university is an exciting new chapter for students and their wider support network. We have created this webpage to help parents and supporters understand the services and structures in place at University of Galway, enabling them to guide students in the right direction when support is needed.