Clubs & Societies
A student's social life is as important as her/his academic pursuits. The social life of many students improves when they join a college club or society as these provide an invaluable opportunity to meet all kinds of people and to pursue various interests. They are run by students for students and there is normally a huge variety of clubs and societies to choose from, as many as there are people with interests to start them up.
- There are all kinds of sporting clubs; hockey, canoeing, fencing, archery, soccer, Gaelic games etc. There are even sci-fi or darts clubs.
- There are also societies that cater for drama, debating, music (which organises the orchestra, band and choir), etc. Along with these are societies for each subject area; German, Agriculture, Engineering, Medical, Philosophy, etc.
- There are also action groups which have their own college sections like Amnesty International, Greenpeace, etc., and college action/ social support groups like those for students with disabilities and mature students.
- Each political party in Ireland may also be represented.
- Registering for college Clubs and Societies takes place during the early weeks of the first term, and there is a nominal fee for joining a society or club. Depending on the college, the week of registration is called Freshers Week or Orientation Week. It's a week-long welcoming session for new students offering all kinds of social events.
- Students with disabilities are encouraged to join a Club or Society and to participate in as many of its aspects as they wish. It is a good way for students to meet others with similar interests.
- When you have joined a club and/or a society go along to the first couple of meetings for a taste of what it is like and to ease yourself slowly into it. Societies meet on a regular basis, holding weekly coffee afternoons and organising evening socials, debates etc.. Sport clubs meet regularly to train for later competitions, but they also have their own abundance of social occasions.
- Each club and society has its own noticeboard where times and places of weekly meetings/socials and up-coming events are posted for members and those interested.
- When students with disabilities join a club or a society they should inform the committee of any supports that they may require to participate in the events organised.
- Where a student with a disability joins a sports club i.e. canoeing, they may also encounter difficulties due to a lack of specific equipment or insurance risks. In the event that this happens, it is important to talk to the Captain of the club as a compromise may be reached and alternative arrangements put in place.
Finally, whether you require a specific support for examinations, lectures, or social activities you are responsible for requesting them. College personnel can intervene on your behalf only when you have authorised them to do so.
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