A Few Qs From a UK Student...

Fionn MacCool

Hi,
I'm a UK student but I'm hoping to go to Uni in Ireland. I've submitted my CAO application but for some reason I never looked at NUIG so now when the change of mind window opens I'll be applying for Business Information Systems here.

I was looking for advice concerning accommodation, jobs etc

How far are the campuses from the city (Eyre Square) and also GMIT because my cousin is studying there (stays at Glasán). How much on average would I be paying per year (or week/month) for living?

Might be the wrong place to ask, but would you recommend doing a BIS course here over Cork IT? I was told that degrees from an NUI are preferred by employers.

Thanks

poker_face

NUIG's main campus is around a 5-10 minute walk from Eyre SQ although GMIT is the other side of town so you'd need to get a bus. I'm not too sure about the cost of living as I'm from galway and I've always lived at home at college (or uni for ye brits). Galway would be cheaper then dublin but it's as expensive if not more expensive than any other part of ireland. Employers generally prefer university graduates over IT ones but it usually depends on the reputation of the course rather than the institute. Besides that, galway is a gr8 place if you dont mind the wind and rain. Galway has the highest student population per capita and students normally have a great time here.

Fionn MacCool

I had a quick wee look at the accommodation (Corrib Vilalge and Gort na Coiribe) and the cost is a good £800+ Sterling cheaper than some of the places I have offers from in the UK. However I'd at least get a grant for some of the fees here; if I go to Ireland I might have to take out a small loan to cover me until I get a job and save a bit etc

I still cannae decide whether to go for CIT or NUIG >_<
I've been told that employers favour Uni degrees... but then someone else pointed out that nowadays a degree is just a requirement, and employers care far more about your experience.
Maybe my decision will come down to the course content... both offer a work placement AFAIK so I'll have to study the content more closely. Cork vs Galway is another factor... I really liked Cork but I liked Galway also, and the high student % should be a good thing. Also I'm more familiar with Galway and I know a few people there so...

Gah!

Endasaurus

I agree, course content and the value of the degree itself should be your priority in deciding.


However, I can say that as someone who didn't know a single soul coming here for the first time in September it was easy to make friends and to get settled fairly easily - the nights out can be amazing and the college has a lovely atmosphere to it.

So a good report from me anyway!

Fionn MacCool

Endasaurus wrote:

I agree, course content and the value of the degree itself should be your priority in deciding.


However, I can say that as someone who didn't know a single soul coming here for the first time in September it was easy to make friends and to get settled fairly easily - the nights out can be amazing and the college has a lovely atmosphere to it.

So a good report from me anyway!

Do you mean you came from another county/province, or that you came from abroad?
I'd really like to find someone who came from overseas (especially England) so I can ask them what they did during their first few months and of all the differences and equivilents between the two countries.

Stuff like tax, health care etc, where would be a good place to find out about it all?

risaphoenix

I'm an American student starting next fall at NUI Galway, im staying in Gort na Coribe. But I have a lot of similar questions regarding jobs and the city and campus and all.