This is a general outline of the services available to students in Irish universities. In other third-level institutions (DIT, IT’s, PLC’s) the range of service provided can be more limited. In all cases you should find out exactly what is available so that you know where to go when you need advice and practical help.
The Higher Education Careers Services in Universities and Colleges and The Guidance Service in Post-leaving Cert. Colleges provide support particularly to First Years to ease the transition from school or work to College. They will deliver brief introductory talks to First Years during Orientation on the range of services available at the particular institution.
Academic Tutors/Personal Tutors
Some universities, including NUI Maynooth and DCU have introduced a personal tutoring system. TCD has a long history of assigning each student to an academic available for consultation for on academic matters. PLC Colleges have a system of Class/Course Tutors.
These are the first individuals you should go to with any problems or difficulties with your studies.
Student Counselling Service
A Student Counsellor is someone to talk to about any kind of problem you might have. Counsellors are trained professional who work with students to help them solve their problems, such as social/personal, financial and academic difficulties. The sessions are absolutely confidential. Student Counsellors are available in Further and Higher-level institutions.
Chaplains
There are chaplains of the main Christian denominations on most college campuses. Religious services are held by them, especially around Christmas and Easter. They are also available to help and counsel students.
Medical Services
Most Universities and Colleges have a campus medical centre, which includes a Doctor and Nurse. Please check the availability of such a service in your particular college/institution.
Career and Appointments Officer
The Careers and Appointments Officer can give you information on jobs, course and further training. He/She will sometimes offer special aptitude tests to find out your aptitude for and interest in different kinds of jobs. Courses such as study skills, time management and third level life skills are also provided at many colleges. Please check the available services in your college. In PLC Colleges the counselling and careers function is under the Guidance Counsellor.
Access Programmes
The University sector run a number of Access Programmes which provide an entry route for socio-economically disadvantaged students to these Higher Level institutions. These students link closely with Access office and have a range of post-entry supports available to them, including:
- Orientation Course on campus, before registration
- Financial support annually to support student cost
- Academic Mentoring/ tuition in new and challenging subjects
- Seminars/Workshops on study techniques in a 3rd level environment
- Links to and Information on other Student Services
- Social Events
