Frequently Asked Questions

Athletics Club FAQs
Who can join the club?
Our club welcomes students of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to experienced competitive athletes :)
Do I need to have athletics experience to join?
Not necessarily! Whether you have experience in athletics or not, we’d love to welcome you, and our coaches can help you develop your skills and fitness at your own pace.
What events does the club offer?
We offer training across a range of athletics disciplines, including track & field, middle- and long-distance running, cross-country, and road running.
Does the club take part in competitions?
Yes, we take part in national intervarsities every year, with 4 events planned this year: Cross-Country, Road Relays, Indoors Track & Field, Outdoors Track & Field. We’re always delighted to welcome new people to the team! You can find more info on the Fixtures page closer to the dates.
Do I have to compete if I join?
No, competition is encouraged, but not compulsory. You can always join simply to improve your fitness, running and athletics skills, or just for fun and socialising ;)
When and where do you train?
Training takes place in Mervue, O' Sullivan park, Athletic facility (1.5 km from ATU Dublin Road campus) on Tuesdays & Thursdays for all groups & events. Additional sessions may be available throughout the week depending on the group & event.
Can I try a session before joining?
Of course! You are welcome to attend any session before deciding whether our club is right for you, but for insurance reasons etc. you still have to register for a membership first. But don't worry - if it happens that you don’t like it, you can always cancel it.
Which training group should I join?
It's up to you! You can try out different events & groups to see what suits you best. And we’re always there to help you find what works best for you :)
Do I need to be fit before I start?
Not at all. Training can be adapted to your current fitness level, and you can gradually build up fitness over time.
What should I bring to training?
Wear comfortable sports clothing and suitable running shoes. Bring water, spare clothes, and check the weather forecast in advance to make sure you've got everything you need!
Judo Club FAQs
What is the difference between Judo and other matial arts
Judo differs from other martial arts, such as karate and taekwondo, by focusing primarily on grappling, throws, and ground fighting, rather than strikes and kicks.
Is judo good for self-defence?
One of the greatest benefits of judo as a sport and for self-defence is that it has very little physical limitations in terms of technique; judo incorporates techniques that can be performed by an average person. Due to the lack of kicks, punches and other kinds of strikes, almost anyone can learn and apply judo techniques, be it a man, woman, old, young, non-athletic or superior athlete. Even physically impaired people can learn judo and take part in the Paralympics. The lack of punches and kicks can be overcome by cross-training in some other martial arts such as karate. What makes judo effective for self-defence is its ability to redirect energy; this allows you to take down much larger opponents. Also, the minimal output of energy leads to longer periods of fighting before fatigue sets in, which is a crucial factor in determining the outcome of a street fight.
Can you punch in Judo?
You cannot punch, slap or kick in Judo
What grades/ belts are there in Judo?
6th Kyu - White Belt 5th Kyu - Yellow Belt 4th Kyu - Orange Belt 3rd Kyu - Green Belt 2nd Kyu - Blue Belt 1st Kyu - Brown Belt 1st Dan - Black Belt There are 10 levels of black belt.
What must every beginner learn about Judo?
How to fall (ukemi) and the rules of safety and courtesy.
What is Judo?
Judo is an Olympic combat sport and educational method founded in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. The art of Judo focuses on safely and effectively throwing, immobilizing, or submitting an opponent through grappling techniques, and emphasizes the principles of maximum efficiency and minimum effort. Practiced globally, it is a physical activity that promotes discipline, respect, and self-development in addition to its competitive aspect
Choir Society FAQs
What days will rehearsals be on?
We will have them on Tuesday's and Thursday's from 1 - 2pm
Where do I go for rehearsals?
For semester 1 it will be in the Meditation Room. It is located past the Student Union and down the corridor. It is Room 193 on MazeMap. https://link.mazemap.com/2Aix7R43
When do rehearsals start for Semester 1?
They will start on Tuesday October 6th with 2 sessions per week.
International Students Society FAQs
Where do events take place?
Check the individual event listing for the venue, meeting point, date and time. If you are unsure where to go, contact us before the event.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! You do not need to know anyone before coming along. Our events are an opportunity to meet new people. Introduce yourself to the committee when you arrive, and we will help you get involved.
Is there a membership fee?
No. Society membership is completely free. Individual events may have a separate cost, which will be shown in the event listing.
Who can join?
All students are welcome, including Irish, international and Erasmus students. If you would like to meet people from different backgrounds, share your culture and try new activities, join us!
How can I contact the society?
Use the “Message International Students” button on our ATU SU Life page, or by emailing iss@atuiss.com. You can contact us with questions about joining, events or getting involved.
Can I suggest an activity or help organise an event?
Yes! We welcome ideas from members, including activities that celebrate your culture or bring people together. Contact the committee to share your suggestion or ask how you can help.
Are all events free?
Check each event listing for its price and what is included. Free events may also require a booking, so reserve your place when the listing asks you to.
How do I book an event?
Download the ISS Hub app, create your account and find the event you would like to attend. Read the event details and follow the booking instructions. You can get the app at isshub.ie/get-the-app.
What is ISS Hub?
Our society is part of ISS Hub, a wider community connecting people across Ireland. We use the ISS Hub app to share our events and manage bookings.
What if I do not have my ATU account yet?
You can browse our public SU Life page and contact the committee with questions. Once you have your student number and access to your ATU email, you can register on SU Life.
How do I join the society?
Log in to ATU SU Life using your ATU account, find the International Students Society and follow the membership instructions. You will need your ATU student number and access to your ATU email account to register.
What activities do you organise?
We organise social events, games nights, karaoke and cultural activities. Check our upcoming events to see what is happening next.
What is the International Students Society?
We are a student community at ATU Galway that brings people together to make friends, share cultures and enjoy student life. Our aim is to help you feel at home while away from home.
Software Development Society FAQs
What did you do last year?
Multiple events with 30+ people at each, including quiz nights, movie nights and introductory / ice breaker sessions, plus an industry trip to Workday in Dublin.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. Plenty of our events are social quiz nights, movie nights, trivia. At technical events you work in teams, so beginners pair with people who've done it before.
Do I need to be a software development student?
No. Any ATU student can join from any course and any year.
What is the Software Development Society?
We're a student run society at ATU Galway for anyone interested in code, software and tech. We mix social nights with hands on technical events and career focused sessions.
Archery Club FAQs
Do participants need to bring anything
The only thing you need to bring is yourself.
Kayaking & Canoeing Club FAQs
Do I need to have kayaked before?
Nope! Not at all. beginners are more than welcome!
How much does it cost?
All the of the lake sessions and most of the river sessions are free. Pool sessions are €3
What equipment do I need?
All you need is swimming togs and shoes you don't mind getting wet. The club provides everything else
Drama & Musical Society FAQs
Are you doing a show?
This year, we have a variety showcase on the 25th of March in the Connacht Hotel, and we have big plans coming for next year ;)
What is this society?
The Drama and Musical Soc is a society for those who love any aspect of theatre, whether that be acting, dance, singing or production!
Olympic Weightlifting Club FAQs
Are there competitions?
Yes there are. Competitions are organised by Weightlifting Ireland and take place throughout the year all over the country. Additionally there are age specific competitions for younger members and university specific competitions (great for your first experience). Many Irish athletes also compete in the UK and Europe at regional and national levels.
I love going to the gym/I'm a powerlifter, can I train with you?
Everyone is welcome to train with us but you should know that we train the sport of Weightlifting and that is what's expected during training sessions. So if you'd like to try our sport then you should join us.
Is the club open to beginners?
Yes of course! There is no expectation that you already know how to snatch and clean & jerk. We will teach from the ground up.
An Cumann Bia Society FAQs
Do you have to be a member of the society to use the free food?
No, everyone is welcome to the free food available in Area 15 and at our events. They can be staff, students, from mayo college etc. No one is obligated to contribute towards the initiative. Feel free to join our society if you're interested in what we do but it is not a requirement
Where is the free food?
We provide free food in Area 15 for everyone to use as they wish.
TTRPG Society FAQs
What do I need to play TTRPGs?
Nothing! but its helpful to bring a pen and some paper. We can provide everything else
What RPGs do you play?
Mostly D&D, but we are open to any games if you want to run them.
What is a TTRPG?
A Tabletop Role-playing Game (TTRPG) is a collaborative storytelling game where participants play fictional characters in a shared imaginary world, guided by a Game Master (GM) who narrates the story and acts as a referee.

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