David Collins

Bachelor of Business (Hons)

Galway City – Dublin Road

Where are you from?

I’m from Tuam, Co. Galway, and I attended St. Jarlath’s Secondary School.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course

I’m a 26-year-old Irish traveller and one of the first in my family to attend third-level education. I always had an interest in business from a young age, especially small local enterprises in my community. This passion motivated me to pursue a degree in Business, as I wanted to gain the skills needed to one day run my own business or to contribute meaningfully to one.

Tell us why you chose ATU

I chose ATU because of its strong reputation for practical, hands-on learning, which is not found in other universities within Ireland. Being in Galway city was also a major advantage as it allowed me to stay close to my family and friends while studying in a vibrant, culturally rich environment.

What do you like about life in your campus location?

The ATU Galway campus is just a 5-minute bus ride from the city centre, which is one of the most culturally vibrant places in Ireland. I love the lively atmosphere, the vast variety of food options, and the friendliness of the people of Galway. The proximity to the city makes it easy to balance studies with social life, whether it’s enjoying Galway’s music scene, walking along the Salthill Promenade, or even just grabbing a coffee with classmates between lectures. Galway has it all.

What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to ATU?

My advice is to choose a course you’re genuinely passionate about. When you enjoy what you’re studying, the work doesn’t feel like a chore. ATU offers a supportive environment, so take advantage of the resources, connect with lecturers, and get involved in campus life. It’s a fantastic opportunity to grow academically and personally.

What do/did you enjoy most about your course?

I really appreciated the small, interactive lectures because they allowed for direct engagement with lecturers and quick clarification of questions. The course also offers flexibility as you can specialise in areas like Accounting or Economics, or stay in General Business. One highlight was the opportunity to study for a semester abroad, where I got to go to the Spanish city of Valencia, which broadened my own perspectives and added great value to my education and my own personal fluency in the Spanish language.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them?

Get involved from day one! Join clubs or societies that interest you; they’re a great way to meet people and relax. Build relationships with your classmates, as they’ll be your support system throughout the course. Don’t hesitate to ask lecturers for help; they’re very approachable. And finally, stay organised – balancing assignments, projects, and social life is easier when you plan.

If you are/were involved in sport, volunteering, working, or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about?

As part of my Civic Engagement class, I volunteered with Croí, where I helped raise funds and awareness about cardiovascular health. Additionally, I was honoured to be named a finalist in the 2023 Undergraduate of the Year Awards for “Opportunity Through Adversity,” which recognised my resilience as a first-generation student. This year, I was also shortlisted as a finalist for the 2025 “Management Undergraduate of the Year” Award, which recognised my academic excellence and leadership potential within Business Management.

What are your plans after graduating?

This Summer, I’m moving to Spain to be an English Language Assistant, teaching English to Spanish students. After this, I plan to pursue a career in Business Management, ideally in a role that combines both Business and the Spanish language.