Courses
Week 3 – Health and Wellbeing
Welcome to Week 3 – Focus on Your Health and Wellbeing!
By now, you’re hopefully starting to feel more settled into your course. University life can be exciting, but it can also come with its challenges. Whether you’re living away from home for the first time or balancing your studies with work and other responsibilities, it’s important to prioritize your wellbeing.
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on the resources available to support you. From our Student Health Service, which offers free medical care and counselling, to the Mental Health and Wellbeing team and Pastoral Care workers, there are plenty of people here to help if you’re having a tough time.
And don’t forget – taking care of your body is just as important. ATU offers fantastic sports facilities, and even a walk around our campus green spaces can do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Take time this week to focus on you – whether it’s connecting with support services, getting some fresh air, or simply taking a moment to breathe.
✅ Join a wellbeing event – there’s something social happening every week to help you settle in and meet new faces.
✅ Register with the Health Service – especially handy if you’re living away from home. It’s free and confidential for all students.
✅ Check out the sports facilities – hit the gym, join a team, or just go for a lunchtime walk around campus.
✅ Review your budget – need a hand? Check out the Financial Readiness for Life digital badge for tips and tricks on managing your money.
✅ Not feeling your course? – don’t panic! Chat with your programme coordinator or a careers officer. If you’re thinking of switching, transfers close on 10 October, so don’t leave it too late.
Student Health Service – Here When You Need It
Let’s be real – there’s nothing worse than getting sick, especially when you’re away from home. And while Freshers’ Flu might be a classic rite of passage, sometimes you might need a bit more support. That’s where the Student Health Service comes in.
The service is here to look after your medical needs while you’re studying at ATU. Whether it’s something minor or a bit more serious, the team is ready to help. They also run health promotion events throughout the year, raising awareness about common issues like mental health, sexual health, and more – and if you need free contraception you know who to ask!
There are three main on-campus medical centres – on the Letterkenny, Galway City, and Sligo campuses. These clinics also support students based in Mountbellew, Wellpark, and St Angela’s. Staffed by experienced doctors and nurses, they provide specialist clinics tailored to student health – completely free of charge.
If you’re based in Connemara, Killybegs, or Mayo, you can still access free healthcare through local GP services as needed.
You can find out more about what’s available on your campus – and information specifically for international students here. To register with your campus health service visit the Student Hub.
Counselling and Wellbeing Support – Someone to Talk To
College is a big step – it can be exciting and rewarding, but also a little overwhelming at times. Whether you’re feeling stressed, homesick, under pressure, or just not yourself, talking to someone can really help.
At ATU, we offer a range of supports to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing:
- Our Counselling Service is free, professional, and confidential, providing a safe and non-judgemental space where you can talk about whatever’s on your mind. Counselling can help you see things more clearly, understand your options, and develop healthy ways to cope. It’s open to all registered students living in the Republic of Ireland, and you can access support on campus or online.
- If you’re not sure you need full counselling but still want to talk, our Pastoral Care Team and Mental Health & Wellbeing Team are also here to support you. They’re friendly, approachable, and always happy to chat if you need a listening ear, guidance, or just someone to check in with.
You don’t have to face anything alone – no issue is too big or too small to talk about.
To make an appointment or find out what support is available on your campus, visit the Student Hub.
Healthy Campus – A Uni That Supports Your Wellbeing
ATU is proud to be part of the Healthy Campus initiative, which means we’re actively working to make your university experience as positive and supportive as possible – not just academically, but in every aspect of your life.
By signing the Healthy Campus charter, ATU has made a real commitment to supporting the mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing of everyone on campus. That includes promoting healthier lifestyles, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment, and making sure students have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Keep an eye out this week for Healthy Campus events happening across ATU – they’re a great way to learn more about staying well, meet new people, and get involved in creating a healthier, happier campus community.
It’s all about making ATU a place where you can succeed – and feel good while doing it.
ATU Sport – Something for Everyone
At ATU, we believe sport and physical activity should be for everyone – whether you’re a serious athlete or just looking to move more and feel good. There’s something here for all interests and ability levels.
If you’re passionate about your sport, you’ll find top-class coaching, great facilities, and the support you need to develop your talent. You might even have the chance to represent ATU at national or international competitions.
Not super competitive? No problem! Sport at ATU is also about fun, friendships, and feeling good. From yoga and spinning classes to fully equipped gyms and beautiful local walking routes, there are loads of ways to stay active and look after your physical and mental health.
So whether you’re trying something new, picking up where you left off, or just looking for a friendly space to stay fit – there’s a place for you in ATU sport.
