Student Services

Student Services can be accessed by all students in the third level institution. Student Services information is usually available from the student handbook which the third level institution, or the student union, provides at the beginning of the year. It is important to bear in mind that not all the following services are available in every third level institution so you should check what services your institution provides and if they are accessible to a student with a disability.

Student Union

Every college has a Student Union which is the representative body for the students of the college. A student automatically becomes a member when registered with the college. Depending on the college, the Student Union can have two full-time officers, the President and the Vice-President (who can act as the Welfare and/or Education Officer), and a range of part-time officers from Disability Officers to Equality Officers. As the students' representative body, the Student Union is involved in many student issues concerning both its own college and students' rights in general. The Union is also a valuable source of information on many issues ranging from accommodation to financial or welfare advice. As a student of the college, you have the right to run for election and to vote for Student Union officers, thereby having a say in how the union represents your interests.

Chaplaincy Service

Most colleges provide a chaplaincy service. In the larger colleges there can be more than one chaplain of either gender and/or from different religious denominations. The chaplaincy is usually the centre for social/action groups such as the St. Vincent de Paul or Amnesty International. Some chaplaincy services have quiet rooms where students can come to meditate or relax. Remember that you do not have to be practising your religion nor of the same religious denomination, to use the different services provided by the chaplaincy office. Some chaplains also fulfil the role of counsellor in the college/university.

Counselling Service

Many colleges provide a counselling service; some colleges provide a full-time service while others only a part-time one. You will need to make an appointment with the counsellor so check this before knocking on her/his door. For some students the first year experience can be very stressful and lonely. Counsellors are trained to help students cope, and students with disabilities should not be afraid to avail themselves of this expertise.

Health Services

Some colleges have full on-campus health centres with an attending doctor and nurse and visiting dentist. Other colleges are not so advanced. Your college doctor may charge you a nominal fee, but in some colleges there is no fee. Students are not entitled to free medical care: however, there can be financial assistance towards the cost of routine dental work, ophthalmic treatment and physiotherapy. Check with your health centre or the Student's Union for details.

Childcare Support / Crèche Fund

While in some institutions this fund exists, in others, money for childcare is given under the student assistance/hardship fund. This scheme provides a small subsidy to students who are also parents to assist them with the cost of childcare during the academic term. The scheme can sometimes be means-tested.

Student Assistance / Hardship Fund

This fund is established through money from the Department of Education with additional money from the Student Services Fee. The fund is administered in different ways in each college; check your college's student handbook or the Students' Union for details. The fund tends to provide limited support for students who are experiencing temporary or unforeseen difficulties. Students will normally be referred to those in charge of the fund by student counsellors, chaplains, course tutors or welfare officers.