The semester started off with a bang with the all new “Freshers Fest” on Wednesday 7th September. Áras na Mac Léinn was transformed with a fun filled day which included Societies Day, Clubs Day, a Volunteer Fair, and a pop up second hand clothes and household goods shop. They were joined outside by stands from the Students’ Union, Supports Services, Extracurriculars, an Eco Gazebo, music and freebies.
According to Societies Officer Ríona Hughes “Since Sept 5th this year Societies have had a total of 6111 new memberships representing 2152 students. New Societies this year are abundant, with the following attaining their 100 signatories: Granny Soc, Witches Call Society and Orthopedic Society. With a second Societies day fast approaching on the 29th September the following newbies are well on track to get their mandatory 100 signups, so do watch out for them or join them in YourSpace: XCX, Folding, Republic of Ireland Supporters, Gulf Cooperation Council Society, Sports Medicine, Star Wars, Bangladeshi & Iranian, Women in Law and Women in Medicine”.
The fun didn’t finish there as the party continued from 7pm till well after dark. Verve DJs in Sult, An Gaeltacht Beag with Trad Soc & a Céilí hosted by Barry Ó Siochrú, Vice President for the Irish Language, was in the Cube. A Silent Disco kept the Foyer hopping while ‘Hot Whiskey’ and ‘Money For Cans’ got the crowd going in the Bailey Allen Hall. There was a chill vibe in the Hub with games hosted by FanSci. Outside got a glow up with the student plaza being transformed by the presence of colorful gazebos, lights and music.
The Festival Season will continue soon with Socs Fest on Sept 29th, Halloween Fest on Oct 27th and Christmas Fest on Nov 17th. Keep up to date on the news about the festivals on students.universityofgalway.ie. You can find out all about the societies on socs.universityofgalway.ie and clubs on sports.universityofgalway.ie.
