Student Life

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 are some of the highs and lows of the third-level campus experience.
  Induction and Freshers’ week Beginning college or university can be a shock to the system for many people. Irish third-level campuses can be big places with thousands of students swarming around, so it is easy to become lost, both geographically and metaphorically. Luckily, college authorities hold induction and welcome weeks where international students are shown around, while being told all about the facilities and services there for them to use. Freshers’ week usually follows soon after, when more experienced students induct their new counterparts 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 may 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 to take responsibility for their own learning.


Classmates and Colleagues Irish campuses are now very multicultural, with students from many backgrounds and of various 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 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 from which to choose. These societies cater for virtually all interests, tastes and obsessions. Joining a society works on a number of levels – you get to meet like-minded people and make lifelong 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 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, where many stories are told and friends made over a quiet game of pool.

Library and IT Facilities Most students spend a good deal of time in the library, whether finding books, taking notes or endlessly photocopying, so most Irish third-level libraries are modern and comfortable. Internet access and considerable video, language and multimedia collections are also now fairly standard in third-level libraries. Third-level students need access to excellent IT facilities and networks – projects and essays have to be typed and printed – 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 Students’ 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 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.