Week 2 – Get Involved

What’s On?

Welcome to Week 2 of your university journey, where this week’s theme is all about Getting Involved. By now, you’re likely becoming more comfortable navigating the campus and connecting with fellow students in your courses. This is the perfect time to expand your experience by exploring the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available to you. Getting involved outside of the classroom is a fantastic way to enhance your university experience, meet new people, and discover new passions. 

✅ Join a club or society – it’s the easiest way to make friends and have a bit of craic. Find out more on ATUSU Life or at your local Clubs & Socs Day!  
✅ Get organised – tidy up your notes and make sure you’re checking your student emails (lots of important info comes through!).  
✅ Think about becoming a Class Rep with the SU (or help pick one) – it’s a great way to build leadership skills and have a real say in things.  
✅ Get involved with Green Campus – do your bit for the planet by helping to make your campus greener, cleaner, and more sustainable.  
✅ Become a Student Ambassador – help out at open days, events, and gain valuable experience!  

Clubs and Societies 

Getting involved in clubs and societies is one of the best ways to make the most of your time at ATU. We highly encourage every student to join at least one – there’s something for everyone, no matter your interests. From sports and music to culture and gaming, the options are endless. 

Clubs and societies days normally take place on campus this week so you can easily check out what’s on offer and join as many as you like. The best part? ATU SU subsidizes these clubs, making them free to join, and most of their activities are free too! 

Can’t find a club that suits you? No problem – you can even start your own! 

Joining a club isn’t just about fun and making friends. It’s also a great way to develop your leadership skills. Why not consider taking on a role like chairperson, secretary, or treasurer? These positions offer fantastic experience in organising and managing events. 

And if you miss clubs and socs day, don’t worry  –  all the details about how to join and when different clubs and societies meet are available on the ATUSULife platform. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your Students’ Union (SU) – they’re always happy to help. 

Class reps 

Becoming a class rep is a fantastic way to get involved and make a real impact at university. As a class rep, you’ll serve as the voice of your classmates, bringing their concerns and suggestions to lecturers and university staff.  

It’s a role that allows you to engage directly with your course and play an active part in shaping your academic experience. Not only will you develop valuable skills in leadership, communication, and problem-solving, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of how the university operates. 

Plus, it’s a great way to build connections with faculty and other students while ensuring that your class’s needs are heard. Whether you’re looking to enhance your CV or simply want to make a difference, being a class rep is a rewarding experience that can help you grow both personally and professionally. 

Check out our podcast series on what class reps do and one of the main meetings they attend, the programme board.  

Contact your SU to find out more about how to get involved. 

Volunteering 

We’re excited to announce that ATU has partnered with StudentVolunteer.ie, a platform that connects students with a wide range of volunteer opportunities across Ireland. Whether you’re looking to gain experience, give back to your community, or simply try something new, this is the perfect place to start. You can browse opportunities based on your interests and location and sign up for projects that align with your passions.  

Volunteering not only allows you to make a positive impact, but it also helps build your skills and boost your CV. So, don’t miss out – check out StudentVolunteer.ie today and start making a difference! 

This initiative is led by our Chaplaincy and Pastoral Care service, so be sure to look out for them this week as they highlight the available volunteering opportunities.