Before You Arrive

A few tips on things you can do before you arrive to ATU in September

Thank you for choosing ATU! 

We're pleased that you have decided to spend the next few years of your life with us.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you as a first-year student, so take a little time to read the following information. Or you can start by just clicking on our Frequently Asked Questions.

Three students outside GMIT Galway campus

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Registration 

Find out all you need to know about registration right here. Please note that you will not be able to register until you receive your ATU Student ID number, which will be sent to you by post a couple of days after the CAO acceptance deadline has passed.

Fees and grants

You can find details of fees and grants right here.  If you have any queries in relation to fees email the Fees Office or visit the Student Finance website.  Information on grants is available on the SUSI website.

Accommodation

A range of accommodation options are available for students attending each of our campuses. Full details are available here.

Budgeting

Money, or sometimes the lack of it, can be a big issue when you start college.  It is important to budget from the start to ensure that you have enough money for the entire college year. 

A part-time job can help you finance college and gain valuable work experience.  However, if not managed properly, it can also interfere with your study time and ability to succeed. Wait until you have your timetable before committing to work hours, and keep your weekly work hours at a reasonable level. (Normally no more than 10 - 15 hrs per week)

Food

Do you know how to cook? It is never too late to learn! Knowing your way around a kitchen can help save you time and money when in college. We will be sharing lots of nutritious recipes during our #First5weeks Welcome Programme, but in the meantime you can find some cheap and cheerful recipes here.

Feeling anxious?

It's perfectly normal to feel anxious. Even the most confident looking students feel anxious sometimes!  Starting college is a big change in so many ways. 

When you walk into ATU on the first day, there will be student ambassadors waiting to help you.  Our ambassadors will bring you on a guided tour of the college and will do icebreaker sessions to help you get to know the students in your class.

During induction, or at your first lecture, introduce yourself to whomever you end up sitting beside.  At the end of the lecture, if you have struck up a conversation, it might organically fall into a cup of coffee in the canteen or you sharing your lunch out on the green. A lot of students find it hard to make the first move - so we guarantee your classmates will probably be delighted if you do!  

If at any stage during your time in college you are feeling uncertain or anxious, ask a staff member for help.  They will either give you the information or support you need, or point you in the direction of someone who can help.

Our counsellors understand the stresses of leaving home and starting a new life. They are here to help you settle in and feel at home. Feeling anxious is totally normal, and being aware of how you are feeling and how you are dealing with anxiousness is of the utmost importance to us. We encourage all new and current students to not be shy when it comes to monitoring and minding your mental health!

Please see Counselling Services at ATU Galway-Mayo for more details. 

Why not visit this site to get tips on looking after your mental health.