Whether you’re a returning student or a first time fresher, we want you to have a phenomenal experience while attending university in the City of Tribes. In order to help you put your best foot forward for the academic year 23/24, 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 Galway.
photo from The Student Pantry granola recipe available at link below, photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Meals on a Budget
While a student’s diet often consists of beans, bread and beer exclusively, this year we are taking things to another level thanks to the help of some well known Galway foodies. You will probably recognise Chloe from all of her This is Galway lunch club videos and now she has taken things one step further. In order to give fellow students a hand getting prepared for college she has teamed up with Jess Murphy from Kai Restaurant to bring you easy to follow recipes at a student-friendly cost. Keep an eye out for these reels and recipes (sponsored by SuperValu) across our socials here. We also spoke with Adam Mullins, the founder of the Student Pantry at University of Galway. The Student Pantry provide free food and supplies to ALL students in Galway. Simply show up with a shopping bag and get your weekly shop stress-free. For more information in the pantry please tap here and check our interview with Adam right here.
photo courtesy of Seven Bar
Enjoy the Galway Nightlife
When you want to head out and spend the night throwing shapes on the dance floor like the students before you, there’s plenty of craic to be had all around the city. 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. The silent discos 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 King's 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. Just off Eyre Square, weekend shenanigans at DNA are not to be missed. With four bars, three levels, two dance floors, two outdoor terraces and a beautifully decorated, comfortable VIP Lounge named ‘The Attic’: DNA Nightclub defines the ultimate experience of student nightlife in Galway. They also frequently host student specific club nights so keep your eyes peeled for their next announcement. 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 complete with their killer drink menus, your night out is sorted. Seven’s student specials are also pretty impressive, they regular switch them up as well so even if your night out is on a budget it can still be a night 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 outdoor area that is also home to the incredible food spot Hush Burger, a killer cocktail menu and some seriously sound staff; you'll quickly become a regular. Right in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Busker Brownes is always a good choice for a night out with friends, with a late bar and live music 7 days a week the party never stops at Busker Brownes.
photo courtesy of Pálás Cinema
Fill your Free Time
If you’ve found a spare minute between all those intensive study sessions, time spent in front of the big screen is always enjoyable. Allow yourself to switch off and unwind in one of the plush seats at Pálás Cinema, where they're always screening the very best in new releases, timeless classics and their special event cinema listings always pique interest. They are running an incredible loyalty membership for students, so you can get tickets for just €5 on Monday to Wednesday, €4 on popcorn (any size, any time) and additionally you can bring a friend for free on Mondays. Alternatively, Eye Cinema is running their student special 'Ruby Tuesday' which entitles all students with valid college ID to purchase a cinema ticket for only €6. Additionally, offers on the day for all students with valid ID include: Regular Drink and Regular Popcorn for €5, Regular Drink and Nachos for €5 and Ben & Jerrys Milkshake or Sundae for €5. Every other day, students with a valid student ID can enjoy their Student Saver ticket rate of €7 a ticket.
When you decide to switch up your look, there’s always the option of swinging by AWOL Tattoos and Piercings to get that little something you’ve been after for a while now. They’ve been the go-to for many Galway students before you so rest assured that you are in good hands. If you fancy sprucing up your style, then Public Romance should be your first port of call. This vintage store has an unreal selection of unique and reworked pieces waiting to be picked up, with vintage jeans, a serious selection of jackets, old school blazers, and plenty of other nostalgic items that’ll add a little oomph to your wardrobe.
If you are looking to keep active and healthy, Goals Gym have an amazing offer for you. Their student rate is only €32.99 per month or €329 annually, is really too good to miss out on. This offer includes a free personal training session, access to all their classes and full access to the gym. Alternatively, if you would prefer a gym closer to the city centre Snap Fitness Galway is a perfect choice. Its open 24 hours so an ideal option for all night owls and early risers. Additionally these guys will be running special student deals throughout the semesters to give you a chance to save money while also smashing your fitness goals - sounds like a win-win to us!
For more options for things to do that won't break the bank, check out our free events guide here. This guide regularly updates so 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 Student Bucket List here which is a collection of top things all students in Galway should experience during their semesters.
A Little Extra Help
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 their 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. 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 eligibly 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. Running up until the 10th of September, Claddagh Credit Union are going to be giving 5 lucky leaving cert pupils a once off bursary of €1,500 towards their Diploma/Degree in a 3rd level institution, apprenticeship or full-time PLC. All you have to do is open or hold an account with Claddagh Credit Union before the closing date of September 10th and apply for the bursary online or pop in and fill out the application form.
We know that tech problems are one of the most terrifying things that can happen to a student especially when the assignment deadlines are looming. Specialists in technical problem-solving IT Fix 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.
Feature photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash
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