International student concerns

booglysnot

I will be an international student studying at NUIG starting in the Fall, and I have registered for the Dunaras housing accomodations. With this in mind, I have a few questions regarding Dunaras/NUIG, etc... So I was wondering... How is the overall atmosphere at the university overall? From what I have heard from other people, it is very nice, collegiate atmosphere, but any input from you guys would be nice as well. Also, I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to have a bike to get around between NUIG and Dunaras during the day and such? Would having a bike really help that much? Also, if anyone has also had any experience living in Dunaras and has some tips/anecdotes/advice, that would be great! Thanks.

JIZZLORD

I don't know about what dunaras is like but the university is great, it manages to retain the character of a traditional university, ie not everything is focused towards industry, as some universities and colleges here have.
I'd say a bike would be a good option as public transport isn't a pleasent experience. But on the whole, Galway is a great place.

kevmy

Theres a really cool atmosphere in the college and Galway in general which is based around the students especially during term time. You can get loads of student deals around the place and nightlife is pretty good.
As for a bike i'd defo recommend i've had one myself for four yrs and will be using one next yr again. I'd say you might need one for Dunaras but i'm not sure as i don't live that side of city.
Where are ya from anyway? America?

Ninja_scrotum

Howya booglysnot!!!

Dun Aras is pretty cool. I lived there in first year and made all my friends there as I was the only person from my town that went to Galway Uni.

I can't really think of many tips for dunaras..... Definitely get a bike as it is quite a trek to college, especially when it's raining (24/7).

If you are in a downstairs apartment -DO NOT LEAVE YOUR WINDOWS OPEN unless you are in the room and awake. My neighbours almost got broken into twice. They just woke up in the middle of the night with some dodgy scumbags crawling in the window!!!! Anyways, that's just commom sense right?

Also, if the weather is nice it's a short walk from the beach - just head in the opposite direction of the college.

One more thing - when my American neighbours moved in next door to me, they wanted to go straight to the nearst pub to get some guiness, and they went to the crappy one just by Dunaras. Make an effort and have your first drink in town - you wont regret it! If you want a diddle diddle dee doo irish paddy pub, go to Taffes or Tig Coili or Monroe's. If you want chillaxed atmosphere with good music, check out Roisin Dubh or Blue Note. There's plenty more Pubs also, so go exploring!

Not much else to say.... have fun!!

JIZZLORD

Ninja_scrotum wrote:

Howya booglysnot!!!

check out Roisin Dubh or Blue Note. There's plenty more Pubs also, so go exploring!

Not much else to say.... have fun!!

The Blue note = Best Pub in Galway
though for the uninitiated, it's impossible to find it, let alone the entrance!

paddyreilly

JIZZLORD wrote:

The Blue note = Best Pub in Galway

Certainly a matter of personal opinion. Wouldn't make my top ten!

paddyreilly

paddyreilly wrote:

Certainly a matter of personal opinion. Wouldn't make my top ten!

Obviously the hole in the wall would be at number 1!;)

paddyreilly

Um, yeah. Something like that.