National University of Ireland, Galway

National University of Ireland, Galway:
Founded in 1845 (as Queen's College Galway) National University of Ireland, Galway is a vibrant dynamic institution with over 11,000 students (including students from over 40 countries) and is committed to expanding and deepening its international links. Almost 1,000 international students attend the University each year, for a semester, a year or taking a full degree programme, mainly from Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. We offer a wide range of diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses.

At NUI Galway, we offer an extensive range of academically-challenging undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and diplomas of international quality. Our programmes provide students with opportunities for personal and academic development, as well as equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to embark on successful careers. The University's long-standing policy of innovative programme development ensures that the teaching programmes respond to the ever-changing needs of employers and of the economy. Research activity at the University has undergone a period of rapid development in recent years and important initiatives have attracted substantial funding.

The commitment to excellence at NUI Galway embraces the holistic and individual development of each student, covering the intellectual, physical, social and cultural domains. In addition to the provision of top-class facilities for teaching and research, the University provides an excellent infrastructure for extracurricular activities. Áras na Mac Léinn, the Student Centre, incorporates sports and recreational facilities as well as student welfare services, facilities that will soon be enhanced by a new €40m sports centre.

Courses offered in 7 faculties: Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Celtic Studies.

The close proximity of the University to Galway City, one of the fastest developing cities in Europe and a thriving, bustling centre of culture and commerce, provides students with ready access to all facilities a modern city offers. It provides a student-friendly social and cultural environment. Almost 20% of the population of Galway City are third level students. The campus itself is situated on the banks of the River Corrib, close to the centre of Galway, on a most attractive site.

Galway was founded in the 13th century by the Anglo-Norman de Burgos as a medieval settlement on the eastern bank of the River Corrib. It became a walled and fortified city state ruled by fourteen powerful merchant families, later known as the "Tribes of Galway". Today the city is a vibrant, bustling centre of the arts and commerce, though it still retains a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Galway is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city, with its medieval streets, waterways, extensive range of shopping facilities, wealth of music sessions and other cultural events, is a place to be treasured. The seaside town of Salthill, a Galway suburb, is a renowned summer resort. Its fine beaches open directly onto spectacular Galway Bay. Galway's numerous annual festivals and celebrations - among them the 'Cúirt' International Festival of Literature, the Galway Arts Festival, the Galway Races and the Oyster Festival - are famous throughout Ireland and beyond. Galwegians can justly claim a quality of life that is surpassed nowhere in the world.

Being a university city, Galway is a lively energetic place throughout the year. The University, situated close to the heart of Galway, enjoys an intimate relationship with the city and during the academic year, 20% of the population of the city are students. A compact, thriving city, Galway caters to youth like few other places can. The University's graduates have played a pivotal role in all areas of the development of Galway, including the arts, industry and commerce.

Students have a choice of private rented accommodation or student residences. Students booking accommodation with a student residence should ensure they specify their undergraduate or postgraduate status and request that their accommodation allocations are made accordingly.

The Accommodation Office will also be able to provide students with a list of available private rented accommodation. Another useful source of accommodation listings in Galway City is the local Galway Advertiser newspaper.

Temporary accommodation can be arranged in one of Galway’s youth hostels or bed and breakfast establishments for a few days to allow time to find more permanent accommodation. Students who have not booked accommodation in a student residence are advised to arrive in Galway at least a week prior to the start of term to look for accommodation in the private rented sector.