Student Lifestyle

Life on Ireland’s third level campuses is full and varied. Most students have a very enjoyable time at university in Ireland, and get just as much satisfaction from their social and cultural activities as from their studies. Here’s some of the highs and lows of the third level campus experience…

Induction and Freshers’ week.
 
Beginning college or university can be a bit of a shock to the system for many people. Irish third level campuses can be big places, with thousands of students thronging around and it is easy enough to get lost, both geographically and metaphorically. Luckily then, college authorities hold induction and welcome weeks where international students are shown where everything is, while being told all about the facilities and services there for them to use. Freshers’ week then usually follows soon after; when more experienced students induct the newbies into the various social activities and practices that are all part of the third level experience.

Classes and Lecturers

Classes at Irish third level institutions are generally broken down into lectures where theoretical elements are outlined and small seminars or laboratory sessions where the ideas are discussed or put into practice through presentations or practical work. Depending on the subject chosen, students can spend more time in the science or computer lab. Irish lecturers use a range of IT, audio-visual, and presentation technology to deliver their classes. There is a practical emphasis to many third level disciplines, and students may be asked to discover information and extra material outside of class time. Lecturers’ expect students to have a mature attitude, and take responsibility for their own learning.

Classmates and Colleagues

Irish campuses are now very multi-cultural, with students of many backgrounds and nationalities rubbing shoulders between classes. Depending on the subject and institution there can be anything from a handful to a thousand fellow students in your first class on a Monday morning. This is a great thing, and a tremendous opportunity to make new friends for life. While even the most confident of students find it a little daunting at first, most people soon settle in and enjoy themselves.

Clubs and Societies

Most third level colleges have a huge number of different college societies to choose from. All interests, tastes, and obsessions are catered for. Joining a society works on a number of levels. You get to meet like-minded people and make life long friends, while also gaining useful skills and experience. Those interested in sports will be spoilt for choice as Ireland’s third level institutions have many sports clubs and often compete against each other in inter-varsity events in sports such as Gaelic football, soccer, rugby, basketball, athletics, and hockey. Many college campuses now boast new shiny gym and sports facilities including swimming pools, synthetic outdoor pitches, saunas, and other top-notch amenities.

Canteen and college bar

All Irish third level campuses now have comfortable restaurant and socialising facilities. The college canteen is often a hive of activity, where relatively cheap food can be bought and eaten, and where gossip and study tips are swapped between classes. Campus bars often take on a mythic quality, and many stories are told and friends made over a quiet game of pool of an evening.

Library and IT Facilities

Most students spend a good deal of time in the library, whether finding books, taking notes or photocopying endlessly. This means that most Irish third level libraries are modern and comfortable. Internet access and considerable video, language, and multi-media collections are also now generally standard in third level libraries. Third level students need access to excellent IT facilities and networks. Projects and essays have to be typed up and printed out, so there are dedicated computer labs on all campuses.  Some institutions recommend students have their own laptops if possible. Broadband Internet access for students is being rolled out and should soon be standard on all Ireland’s third level campuses.

Student Services and Student’s Union

Many colleges have dedicated student centres, which are home to a host of useful facilities and services. These include international student offices, medical centres, accommodation and disability services, bookshops, Internet access, and also sometimes a crèche and/or chaplaincy. The Students’ Union is there to help students when things go wrong, to represent the students in any disputes with the college authorities, and to organise social outings and activities.