Whether you’re a returning student or a first time fresher, we want you to have a phenomenal experience while attending university in Galway City.
In order to help you put your best foot forward for the academic year 24/25, discover some of This is Galway's tips and tricks when it comes to saving some cash and having the craic as a student in the City of Tribes...
above: photo courtesy of Outset Gallery
Prep for your Lectures: Get the essentials
It's time to ‘Get Your Shit Together’ and check out the hilarious and useful stationary at Outset Gallery by artist David Shrigley. This is exactly what you need to stay organised while also having a good laugh. Instore, they have lots of notebooks, pencil sets, stickers, postcards, and more so be sure to pop in and stock up ahead of your lectures. Next on the agenda is your books and in order to get those we recommend checking out The Kennys Bookshop. This is one of Ireland's largest bookshops and they offer a full range of new and secondhand books. If you can't find what you are looking for, be sure to ask the staff as they will know exactly how to help, or alternatively visit their website which offers free shipping to anywhere in Ireland.
Financing your time in college can be incredibly tough, so the folks at Claddagh Credit Union are doing their best to ease this burden with the Educate360° loan. Covering costs such as college fees, accommodation costs, course materials, laptops and other college related costs, the loan offers very competitive interest rates, flexible repayments, no hidden fees or charges and a straightforward application process. Additionally, their student current accounts include free day-to-day banking, so you really won’t want to miss out on it! Once you sign up with the credit union you will be eligible to receive their loyalty card - The Connect Card - which gets you great discounts and special offers on your purchases in over 145 businesses. Apply for your card here.
This next recommendation is one you need to save for a rainy tech day as we know that IT problems are one of the most terrifying things that can happen to a student, especially when those dreaded deadlines are looming. Specialists in technical problem-solving IT Fix in Galway's Westend are able to solve all phone related issues, - water damage, broken screens or new hardware. They do it all! With a focus on no data loss and uptime, they solve all your problems with the least possible downtime.
Enjoy the Nightlife in Galway
Want to head out and spend the night throwing shapes on the dance floor like the students before you, well luckily there’s plenty of craic to be had all around the city. The good times returned with the revival of the beloved dance and night clubs; Electric. Open every weekend until late, they are giving the people of Galway the chance to dance the night away and be introduced to incredible artists. Weekly, this nightclub books a diverse lineup of live performers and DJs drawing big names in the music scene.
above: photo from Electric, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
The fun doesn't end with them however! The spacious beer garden at An Púcán, has plenty of room for all your late night shenanigans with pals. Live music, DJs, drink specials, dance floor and more, these guys have all the ingredients for an unforgettable night out. Down in Galway's Westend, the silent disco at Róisín Dubh will soon become your weekly pilgrimage, and their amazing lineup of gigs and club nights are the backdrop of many memorable moments. Alternatively gather the gang and lose your head at The Kings Head. Food, drinks, live music and a large upstairs area which will fit your whole group, this Latin Quarter spot is hard to beat for nights out. For some top-notch live music performances, The Loft at Seven and The Quays Bar both maintain phenomenal reputations for their entertainment line ups and with their killer drink menus, your night out is sorted. Seven’s student drink specials are also pretty impressive, and they regular switch them up as well so even if your night out is on a budget it can still be one to remember. Another spot that’s been a home away from home for many students over the years is the Hole in the Wall and with their incredible food options, a killer cocktail menu and some seriously sound staff; you'll soon become a regular. Right in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Busker Brownes is always a great choice for a night out with friends, with a late bar and live music 7 days a week, here is where the party never stops. If you are looking for somewhere to go in Galway for a few drinks with pals, Cadell Bar in Woodquay will never let you down. Open seven days a week, Cadell Bar serves craft beer, handmade cocktails and delicious food. They also have got plenty of board games, an incredible team working the bar, and outdoor seating. Be sure to check them out! Coyotes also has a number of fabulous student friendly nights throughout the week, it's buy one get one for free on all drinks every Tuesday at Coyotes. Tenner Thursdays at Coyotes means that on the night you get 3 shots for €10. It’s always free entry, and as well as enjoying this spectacular drinks special you can enjoy music from the DJ on the night until late.
above: photo from Cadell Bar, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Remember to take breaks and have fun!
If you’ve found a spare minute between all those intensive study sessions, time spent in front of the big screen is always enjoyable. Sign up to Pálás’ Loyalty Student / U25 to avail of €5 student tickets every Monday and Wednesday. Additionally, on Monday bring along a friend on the day to get two tickets for the low low price of one. This Loyalty is free to join and will also get you €4 popcorn. Every €1 spent earns you 1 point and once you reach 100 points you will get a free ticket to the movie of your choice. Additionally, on the first Monday of every month, at 7.30pm Pálás hosts Drag Bingo in their bar with Blondie. This is always a night of fun, games and cocktails with phenomenal prizes up for grabs. Tuesdays entitles all students with valid college ID to get their ticket for only €6. In addition to the low price ticket, students can enjoy the large popcorn combo or the large nacho combo for only €7.50. If you can’t make it on 'Ruby Tuesdays', no worries as you can still avail of the super student saver ticket (€7) on all other days, weekends and bank holidays included.
above: photo courtesy of Pálás Cinema
For more options for things to do that won't break the bank, check out our free events guide here. This guide is regularly updated so just remember to bookmark it so it can be you go-to article for what to do in Galway all year round. Additionally, be sure to check out our Weekend in Galway on a Budget guide here so you can make the most of each and every weekend you spend in Galway without spending too much money. Topping it all off because we're sound and we want you to ultimately have a phenomenal student experience in Galway, check out our new What's on in Galway: A Student Friendly Guide which is a collection of top things all students in Galway can experience during the week. Most of which are free or cost the lost price of €5! Read it here.
above: photo: WOMP Events, by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Stay Active!
With all the studying and learning that you will be doing, you’re going to need to stay healthy and physically fit. And to help you with that, we have two fantastic recommendations to share with you. Goals Gym in Terryland Retail Park has an amazing rate for all students, at only €34.99 per month or €349 annually. This offer includes a free personal training session, access to all their classes as well as full access to the gym. Goals Gym have also recently launched a new smoothie bar, and all new students to join their gym will receive a free smoothie. While there collect your smoothie loyalty card and with every nine smoothies purchased you’ll receive the tenth for free. Alternatively, if you would prefer a gym that’s closer to the city centre Snap Fitness Galway is a perfect option. It's open 24 hours so it's an ideal choice of gym for all night owls and early risers. Additionally these guys will be running special student deals throughout the college year to give you a chance to save money while also smashing your fitness goals - sounds like a win-win to us! For the month of September they have a special student offer of only €33.99 for the month with no joining fee (normally this is €39.99 with a €15 joining fee) so, a pretty amazing deal! To sign up head over to their website here.
above: photo courtesy of Goals Gym
Spruce up your Appearance
University can be life-changing as it opens the door to a variety of new experiences and interests. If you decide that embracing this new you involves changing up your appearance, we have some suggestions we want to share. To get a piece of body art whether that is a new tattoo or piercing, you’ll be in good hands with AWOL and Obsidian Arts. These two studios offer both tattoos and piercings and their teams are highly skilled and professional when working with new and existing clients. If you are nervous about booking an appointment we recommend calling in to chat with them as their experts can solve all your concerns. When it comes to your style, Public Romance and Planet Retro have everything you need to freshen up your wardrobe. These unisex vintage stores stock an unreal selection of unique and reworked pieces. These pieces include vintage jeans, a serious selection of jackets and coats, old school blazers, and plenty of other nostalgic clothing items that’ll add a little oomph to your personal style.
above: photo from Planet Retro
Don't go hungry
Taking the stress out of meal prepping, the butchers Hickey Meats in Galway's Westend run unmissable special offers throughout the week such as tenner Tuesdays, Saturday specials, any 5 for €30, and more. They also have a Student Special and a Protein Pack offer aimed at helping you stay in tip top shape so you can take on whatever your courses throws at you. Be sure to visit them on your next weekly shop and get your meals sorted for a bargain. Additionally, Gourmet Tart Co have delicious ready made meals for all around the low price of €5. These meals are handmade in small batches, made fresh and all made from scratch. These meals can be frozen also ideal for getting your weekly meal prep sorted. These meals are available in all Gourmet Tart Co businesses around Galway including Newcastle (near UoG), Raven's Terrace (near GTI, Bish, The Jes), and their other shops in town.
When expenses get to be a bit costly, The Student Pantry provides free food and supplies to ALL students in Galway. Its open every Monday and Friday from 4pm so simply show up with a reusable shopping bag to get your weekly shop stress-free. Last year, we spoke with Adam Mullins, the founder of the Student Pantry at University of Galway, so if you are curious to learn more about the pantry tap here and after that check out our interview with Adam, which you can read here. Additionally, every Thursday throughout the university year, The Sliding Rock offer a class Student Discount of 10% off their delicious food to all university students. Make a note of it because you truly never know when you might need to avail of this superb offer. Over in Galway's Westend, Smashbird are running a great student deal of their legendary Hatch burger and fries for the unbeatable price of only €10. This offer is available Monday to Thursday, so round up your friends and dig in!
above: photo from The Sliding Rock
Feature photo by Siora Photography via Unsplash.
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