Courses
Week 5 – Check-in
Welcome to the final week of Your First 5 Weeks Welcome Programme.
We hope you’re starting to feel more at home and confident in your studies. This week’s theme is Check-in – a chance to pause, reflect, and recognise how far you’ve come since your first day.
Take a moment to think about how things are going. If you’re facing challenges or unsure about your next steps, please know that you’re not alone – we’re here to support you. Whether you’re finding aspects of your course difficult or considering a change, we can help you explore your options and guide you towards the best path forward.
A quick reminder: the fee payment deadline is 31 October. If you’re thinking about deferring or withdrawing, it’s important to make your decision before this date.
And remember – our support doesn’t end when the programme does. We’re here for you throughout your time at university, every step of the way.
✅ Still unsure about your course? — have a chat with your programme coordinator or Student Services. We’re always here for you. Remember: The fees deadline is 31 October — so if you’re thinking about withdrawing or making a change, sort it before then!
✅ It’s never too late to get involved — missed the first few weeks? No stress! You can still join a club, society or sports team. There’s always something happening and new people to meet. Check out ATUSU Life for details of clubs and socs on your campus.
✅ Start planning for assignments and exams — check when your first assignments, projects or midterms are coming up. A bit of planning now means no nasty deadline surprises later!
✅ Check in with yourself — take a minute to see how you’re doing, not just with study but your overall wellbeing. If you need a bit of support, there are free counselling services and our pastoral care team is always available for a chat if you are finding things tough.
✅ Find your balance — college life is busy, but make sure to give yourself time to chill too. Staying on top of study is important, but so is rest, fun, and looking after yourself.
Finding Your Way Forward
By now, you might be starting to find your rhythm – or you might be hitting a few bumps in the road. Either way, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you troubleshoot any issues you might be facing.
If you’re questioning whether your course is the right fit, our Careers Officers are a fantastic support. They can help you explore your options and figure out what might suit you better. You can book an appointment and learn more about what they offer here.
Money Matters
After a few weeks of managing your own budget – from nights out to rent or commuting costs – you might be finding it tricky to stay on top of things. That’s completely normal.
To help, we’re offering a Financial Readiness for Life course, created in collaboration with MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service). It’s an easy-to-use, interactive resource designed to help you build essential financial skills and feel more confident about managing your money.
Students at Galway-Mayo, Sligo and St Angelas campuses can sign up through Moodle. Students in Donegal can access the course via freecourses.atu.ie and search “Financial Readiness for Life”.
You might also be able to get help through the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) – it’s there for students who are struggling with the day-to-day costs of college like rent, bills, food, or medical expenses. Applications are means-tested. Find out more here and apply via the Student Hub.
Talk to us
Not sure where to turn? That’s what we’re here for. Your Student Services team and SU are always ready to help. Whether you’re facing challenges or just need some guidance, we can point you in the right direction and connect you with the right supports.
Need help?
Just drop us an email – we’re here to listen, support, and help you figure things out.