Ireland

1.1Ireland

Ireland is an island of five million people located in the Northwest of Europe and is a member of the European Union.Long renowned for its culture, it has a strong tradition of developmental and educational links with other nations.

Almost half of the Irish population is under the age of twenty-five.Ireland has an excellent educational infrastructure and a high rate of participation in third-level education.Its highly skilled workforce makes Ireland an attractive location for international corporations and industrialists.Irish graduates have distinguished themselves as leaders of economic, social and cultural development in Ireland and throughout the world.NUI, Galway is a leading institution in the Irish tertiary education sector.

Ireland is one of six Celtic nations with its distinctive Irish (Gaelic) culture and language.Although Irish is its first official language, English is now the most common language in daily use.However, Irish is still the first language of Gaeltacht (Gaelic speaking) communities which are located mainly on the west coast of Ireland.

1.2Galway and the West of Ireland

Galway, with a population of 62.000, is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland and one of Europe's fastest growing urban centers.It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, with a thriving cultural and commercial community.Settled by the kings of Connacht and Norman traders in the Twelfth Century, Galway grew steadily in the middle ages.In 1484, the English monarch, King Richard III granted the city its charter.

Traces of Galway's rich medieval past can still be seen today in the city.The most impressive is Lynch's Castle in Shop Street, now in daily use as a bank.At St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, according to tradition, Christopher Columbus prayed before setting out on his voyage of discovery to the New World.The Spanish Arch - so named because of Galway's maritime trade with Spain - is located close to the Claddagh - a traditional nineteenth century fishing village on the banks of the River Corrib.

Because of its dynamic and pioneering role in theatre, arts and culture, Galway has earned the title Cultural Capital of Ireland.The world renowned Druid Theatre Company, the Macnas Street Theatre Company and An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language theatre, are all located in the city center.The close proximity of the Connemara 'Gaeltacht', the country’s largest Irish speaking community and location of the new Irish-language television service, Teilifi's na Gaeilge, gives a distinctive 'Gaelic' dimension to the cultural life of Galway.

1.3The University

The University was founded in 1845 as Queen's College, Galway.It was one of three Queen's Colleges founded under the Queen's College (Ireland) Act, 1845, the others being located in Belfast and Cork.The College opened for students in October 1849.

By the Irish Universities Act (1908), Queen's College, Galway became a constituent College of the new National University of Ireland, and under a new charter, the name of the College was changed to University College, Galway.

In 1929, the College was given a special statutory responsibility under the University College Galway Act in respect of the use of the Irish language as a working language in the College.

Under the Universities Act, 1997, University College, Galway was reconstituted as a University, under the name of Ollscoil na hP-Ireann, Gaillimh / National University of Ireland, Galway, and became a Constituent University of the National University of Ireland (together with NUI Cork.NUI Dublin and NUI Maynooth).

Since the 1960s, the University has experienced significant and continuous growth, both in its stock of buildings, facilities and physical resources and also in the number of its students and staff Its student body now numbers 11,000 (over 8,000 fulltime), with academically strong programs of teaching and research throughout its seven faculties of

Arts

Celtic Studies

Commerce

Engineering

Law

Medicine

Science

The campus itself is situated on the banks of the River Corrib, close to the center of Galway, on a most attractive site.The original mid-nineteenth-century University buildings are in a Tudor architectural style.The old stone quadrangle, at the heart of the University, is flanked by new buildings, reflecting the steady growth, in quality and in numbers, of the University.

2.Travel Arrival and Immigration Procedures

2.1Travel

The major airports in Ireland are at Dublin (on the east coast, approximately 135 miles from Galway) and Shannon (on the west coast, approximately 55 miles from Galway).Galway has a smaller airport approximately 5 miles from the city.There are no trans-Atlantic flights to Galway.

Dublin to Galway - Dublin airport is on the outskirts of the city.Buses leave Dublin Airport approximately every 20 minutes for the Central Bus Station (Busdras).Many of these buses continue to Heuston Railway Station, from which trains for Galway depart.You can also get a taxi from the airport to the center of the city but the bus is much cheaper and just as quick.

To Galway by Train - There is a frequent train service from Dublin (Heuston Station) to Galway.The journey takes approximately two and one half hours.

To Galway by Bus - There is a regular bus service from the Dublin Central bus station (Busiras) to Galway.The journey takes about four hours.Some private bus operators also run scheduled buses from Dublin Airport to Galway.Contact the information desk at the airport for further details.

Shannon to Galway - There is a regular bus service from Shannon Airport to Galway.The journey takes approximately one and one half hours.

All train timetables can be accessed on the following address: http://wwwirishrail.ie/ All bus timetables can be accessed on the following address: http://wwwbuseireann.ie/

You can avail of a reduced rate for travel on bus and train journeys once you have an International Student Identity Card with a travelsave stamp.

Arrival in Galway - Upon your arrival at Galway Station there are taxis which can take you to your final destination.Before your arrival in Galway, it is advisable to arrange temporary accommodation if long-term accommodation has not already been secured.See the section on accommodation (4.5 below) for further details.

2.2Immigration Procedures

United States of America and Canadian passport-holders do not need visas.Visiting Students are required, however, to register with Immigration.The Immigration Service provides a registration service at the University and you will be informed of the dates and venues on which the service is available as part of the Orientation Program.For registration you will need:

·Completed immigration form - available at Orientation Program

·Passport

·4 passport size photographs

·Student Identity Card

·Evidence of financial support e.g. Bank statement, letter from sponsoring body/university confirming financial status.

2.3Returning to North America

Visiting Students are strongly advised to book return flights in accordance with the end of Examinations. Students returning before that risk missing examinations.No special provision can be made.

3.Academic Procedure.

3.1The Academic Year The academic year is divided into two semesters.Dates are as follows:

First Semester

Orientation DayFriday, 1 September, 2000

Teaching beginsMonday, 4 September, 2000

Teaching endsFriday, 24 November, 2000

Examinations beginMonday, 4 December, 2000

Examinations endFriday, 15 December, 2000

Christmas Vacation Sat 16 December, 2000 - Sunday, 14.Jan 2001

Second Semester

Orientation DayFriday, 12 January 2001

Teaching beginsMonday, 15 January, 2001

Teaching endsFriday, 6 April, 2001

Easter vacation and Study weekSaturday, 7 April - Sunday, 29 April, 2001

Examinations begin Monday, 30 April, 2001

3.2Courses on Offer and Course Descriptions

The final list of courses on offer in an academic year is not normally determined until the preceding July.In practice, there is little change in the courses on offer from one year to the next.The disciplines in which courses are offered are listed above at 2.6 and details of the courses, including course descriptions, are available on the University Web site at http://wwwmis.nuigalwayie/ under the relevant Faculty entries.

3.3Course Load

The course system at NUI-Galway is different from that at North American Universities.A full course load is designated as follows:

Full Year: 60 ECTS

Semester: 30 ECTS

4.Services for Students

4.1Office Opening Hours The office hours of the University are as follows: 9.15 - 13.00 hrs and 14.15 - 17-15 hrs. The offices are open Monday - Friday, apart from public holidays and short periods at Christmas and Easter.

4.2Academic Advisory Services Comprehensive academic advisory services are provided by Faculty offices and by academic departments.

4.3Overseas Student Officer

The Overseas Student Officer, Mrs. Ann Monahan, provides an advice, information and support service for all overseas students, and arranges social and cultural events.She acts as an identifiable point of contact with the various Student Services in the University to ensure that any problems of adjustment are minimized.She helps overseas students to settle down as quickly as possible in their new environment, so that they can derive maximum benefit and enjoyment from their life at NUI, Galway.

Mrs. Monahan may be contacted at:

Overseas Student Office, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Tel +353 91 52441 1, ext. 2781/358 1,

e-mail: annmonahan@nuigalwayie

4.4Orientation

In September and January each year, orientation programs are organized by the Overseas Student Officer to provide practical information and advice for new students on living in Galway, and to introduce the students to academic and administrative staff of the University and to Student Services personnel.The sessions include information on procedures which must be completed by incoming Visiting Students, services and facilities of the University as well as other general information.Registration procedures will also be explained and representatives from the various faculties will be present to offer advice.

The dates of the orientation program for the academic year 2000/2001 are as follows:

1 September 2000 For Year Long and Semester I students

12 January 2001 For Semester II students

The program is designed to help the student settle into university life and the new environment as quickly and easily as possible.Included in the program is a guided tour of the campus, and of Galway city.A reception at the conclusion of the program, hosted by the President of the University, gives the new students the opportunity to meet University staff and fellow students in an informal atmosphere.

All students are strongly advised to attend the Orientation session.

In addition, the faculties and departments in which Visiting Students take the majority of their courses provide introductory talks which cover academic matters of relevance to Visiting students.Full details will be available at the main orientation session.

4.5Accommodation

Director of Accommodation:Margaret Faherty, M.A.

Executive Assistant, Accommodation Office: Teresa Kelly

Telephone:353-91-750378

Fax:353-91-750505 -

E-mail: m.faherty@mis.nuigalwayie

Please note that NUI, Galway is not a regulatory body insofar as accommodation registered with the University is concerned.Addresses and assistance in finding accommodation are provided only on the basis that no liability attaches to the University for any subsequent actions, disagreements or shortcomings on the part of tenant, householder, or any other person.Students are advised to contact the Student Accommodation Office as early as possible (right from the moment of acceptance of a place in NUI, Galway).

Temporary Accommodation

City Center Budget Accommodation

Kinlay House [Reservation necessary]

Merchants Road,

Eyre Square, Galway.

Tel:+353 91 565244Fax: +353 91 565245

Approximate CostsLow SeasonHigh Season

Single room£16-50£17-50

2-Bedded room£14.00£I5.00

Twin room£12.00£13-00

Unit/multi-bedded£18.00£18-50

*High Season July/August/September, Special Events & Bank Holidays

*Prices Per Person per night.

Bed & Breakfast

Estimated Cost: Bed and Breakfast accommodation costs approximately IR£16.00 to IR£20.00 per night.Students arriving in Galway may need temporary Bed and Breakfast accommodation.

recommended:

Long term Accommodation

Family Accommodation (staying with a host family)

The Student Accommodation Office provides a Register of Lodgings (for the academic year) which is available to all students each July.This type of accommodation cannot be reserved in advance, so students with a preference for lodgings should come to Galway a few weeks before the commencement of lectures.Never make a telephone booking for lodgings.Householders registered with NUI, Galway cannot ask for more than one or two week's deposit.In lodgings, all bed linen is supplied and it is the responsibility of the householder to change bed linen.

Self Catering Accommodation Off Campus

Where the student shares with the owner and has limited access to the kitchen.Note that in self-catering accomodation, a student may only have visitors at the discretion of the householder.Also note that you must come to an arrangement with the householder vis-a-vis cooking arrangements.Duvets are normally supplied but you must purchase your own sheets and duvet covers.These can be purchased at a reasonable rate in Galway at local department stores.

Rented Houses

Consult 'Guide to Flat and House Hunting' issued by the Accommodation Office, NUI, Galway.Houses/flats are rented for the full academic year (September to June approximately).In rented houses/flats, rent must always be paid during Christmas and Easter vacations.Occasionally, houses/flats are rented for one semester only if a back-up group for Semester 11 is guaranteed. It should be borne in mind that the demand for rented houses/flats exceeds the supply.The Register of houses/flats can be collected from the Accommodation Office from the second week in August onwards.However, the greater part of the available accommodation is rented to tourists during the Summer months and does not become free before September,

Shared Flats

Note that normally the rental period for shared houses and flats is the full academic year.Also note that the supply does not always meet the demand.It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain this type of accommodation for shorter rental periods.

As with rented houses, duvets are normally supplied but you must purchase your own sheets.

Bedsits (sometimes known as Studios)

One room in which a student sleeps, cooks, etc.We discourage students from living in bedsits, as they are never custom-built and sometimes represent poor value for money.Experience also shows that students opting for this type of accommodation may experience loneliness.

Always remember that the Law (even if your agreement is a verbal agreement) demands twenty eight days notice in writing before the termination of tenancy.Always ask for a Rent Book.

Costs

Following is a rough guide to costs in the 2000/2001 academic year (based on 1999/2000 costs):

Houses3 Bedrooms housing 5 Students£130 - £150 per week

Flats2 Bedrooms housing 4 Students£,130 - £150 per week

Twin Bedded Flat I bedroom housing 2 students£100 per week

FamilyAccommodation (Lodgings) 7 Day Week£70 - £75 per week

5 Day Week£60 - £65 per week

Self-Catering (living with the owner);£40 - £45 per week

Deposits for Houses and Flats£120 per student (approx.)

Each tenant should be prepared to pay one month’s advance rental and one month’s deposit against damages not due to wear and tear (to be returned at the end of occupancy period), £50 towards heating oil each semester. Each tenant is required to sign a lease. Tenants should NEVER sign leases on behalf of their co-tenants. Always remember that a signed lease is legally binding. If a tenant breaks her/his lease, the initial deposit against damages is automatically forfeited.

Insurance - We recommend that students take out adequate insurance cover against personal and rented property, televisions and videos, library books, etc. It is important that you arrive in Galway at least one week before lectures begin in order to make all necessary accommodation arrangements.

4.6Restaurant Facilities

There are a number of restaurants and snack bars available on the campus which are open throughout the day and evening.These cater for a variety of tastes and offer good value and choice.

Note that the University does not offer a 'meal plan' option.

4.7Library

The James Hardiman Library

The Library, named for the University’s first Librarian, contains the principal collections in subjects taught in the Faculties of Arts, Law, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Science, Engineering and Medicine.Medical and Nursing Libraries are separately located at University College Hospital.

Accommodation and Stock: The Library was built in 1973, and has undergone a number of extensions since then.. There are approximately 1750 reader places between the three libraries, the majority being located in the Main Library. Total library stock including bound periodicals is in the region of 500,000 volumes, with about 2,000 subscriptions to current journals.Increasingly, the Library is offering access to WEB based resources and visiting students will feel very much at home with the range of databases available.The Library is a beneficiary of the statutory deposit provisions of the Copyright Act (I 963).Theses presented to the University, Irish Government publications and a selection of H.M.S.O. documents are also available in the Library.The Library is a designated European Documentation Center.

Special Collections: These include the Douglas Hyde manuscripts, Galway's municipal records dating from 1484, the Delargy collection, the Franciscan Library and a varied collection of documents and papers of local interest.The Library is building a rich and interesting multi-media archive on theatre in Galway, including Druid, Taibhdhearc and the Galway Arts Festival, and is now extending this to include broader Irish theatre history.Another recent acquisition is the Ritchie-Pickow photographic archive - a superb collection of over 5,000 photographs depicting life in Ireland in the early 1950s - complemented by some unique recordings of traditional music of the time.

Library Services and Using the Library: All visiting students who are registered at National University of Ireland, Galway have access to all Library facilities.Your ID card is your Library card, which you will need to gain access and to borrow material.

Information on services and resources can be found in the range of Information Leaflets available in the Library foyer or from any of the information points.There is also a Librarian designated with ability for visiting students, who will be happy to arrange orientation tours and introduce you to the services available.She will also help with seminars on specific information resources.Opening hours are 09.00 to 22.00 in term-time, with extended hours offered in advance of examinations - these are publicized within the Library and on the Library's World Wide Web pages.Further information is available from the Sub-Librarian Readers' Services on extension 2738 or the Visiting Students Librarian on extension 3564.

Library's World Wide Web pages - address: http://Iibrarynuigalway.ie

4.8Computer and E-Mail Facilities

The University’s campus network with a Gigabit Ethernet backbone, supports a range of academic computing facilities under the management of Computer Services.These include a number of NetWare 4 servers, Unix servers and Open VMS server.PC suites, offering a Windows NT interface, are connected to the NetWare 4 servers providing Internet and e-mail facilities to registered students free of charge.Once students have received their NUI, Galway Student Identification Card they may present themselves to the Computer Services Reception Office (Room 130 Computer Services) where they will be registered for access to the computer facilities described above.It is advisable to have the email address of your own Study Abroad Coordinator as this is a very quick and inexpensive way of making contact with your own University once you are in Galway, particularly with regard to advice/clarification on course selection and approval.Two suites of Macintosh PCs are also available to students.Computer Services operates a technical advisory service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday in Room 118, Computer Services, e-mail: advisory@nuigalway.ie.All other queries regarding Computer Services registration, bookings for the advisory service etc. may be addressed to our Reception Office, e-mall: reception@nuigalway.ie.The Reception Office is open from 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.Further information on Computer Services is available at http://www.nulgalway.ie/cse.

4.9Student Counseling Service

The Counseling Service is based in Block C, Arus de Brtin (building adjacent to the Quadrangle).The direct line telephone number is (091) 750377, or you can reach it on the University line at (091) 524411, ext. 2484.There is an answer phone at that number outside office hours. The student counselors provide a professional and strictly confidential counseling service for all students experiencing problems, while pursuing their studies.

4.10Student Health Service

A Student Health Service is provided on campus, 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday, which is free and completely confidential.It is staffed by two doctors, two nurses, a physiotherapist and a sports injuries therapist, who are there to meet the needs of all students with any medical problem.Referral to other agencies and specialist services is available as required.Please note that the Student Health Service does not cover the cost of prescribed medicine, hospitalization, optical or dental treatment.Students are therefore advised to have a thorough medical check-up before leaving home.

Students from countries other than EU countries are required to pay full charges for in-patient and out-patient services in a public hospital and all charges for doctors' services, drugs and medicines.Students from non-EU countries are accordingly advised to hold a comprehensive Health Insurance Policy to meet any costs accruing from health care treatment.

4.11Disability Support Service

Students with disabilities - for example, learning difficulties, visual impairment, hearing impairment, or mobility problems - are encouraged to contact the University Disability Officer, Agnes O'Farrell, at the time of application for any information or assistance they may need.

353-91-524411 ext. 3541/2484; e-mall: a.ofarrell@mls.nuigalwayie

4.12Travel Office

Galway Student Travel Center (GSTC), the on-campus agent of the student travel company USIT, is located in the Basement of the Library Building.Here, you can book flights and receive information about travel in Ireland.You can also get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) from the GSTC and this along with a travelsave stamp, can entitle you to large reductions on travel in Ireland.

5.Life at University

5.1Estimated Cost of Living (excluding tuition fees)

The following is an indication of the approximate cost of living in Galway during term time.

Monthly

Accommodation£180

Food£180

Books and other academic requisites£25

Clothes, laundry£25

Recreation£80

Other£50

Total£540

When making your decision to study in Ireland you should ensure that you will have enough money to see you through to the end of your studies.The National University of Ireland, Galway will not be in a position to offer you any funding.

5.2Social Activities

There is no better way to integrate into the social, sporting and cultural life of the University than through membership of one of the University’s clubs or societies.It is a most effective way of meeting Irish students.

The University's prime location on the banks of the River Corrib provides students with excellent opportunities to take part in all water sports, from rowing to kayaking to canoeing.Wind-surfing, sailing and a swimming pool are available nearby in Salthill, while the mountains and hills of Connemara are easily accessible for those interested in mountaineering, hill-walking and orienteering.

The University's indoor and outdoor Sports and Recreation Centers offer tennis and squash courts, Olympic handball courts, gymnasium, badminton, volleyball and basketball courts, table tennis, boxing, karate and aerobics.Playing fields are available for other sports e.g. hockey, rugby and football, while provision is also made for horse-riding and golf

Clubs and Societies

"Pleasant is the life of the scholar", says one of Ireland's old bardic poems, and indeed the student's life can be greatly enhanced by taking part in some of the many social and recreational activities on offer at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

There are more than fifty societies and thirty athletic clubs on campus which cater for a wide variety of interests.

The University also houses one of the main musical venues in the west of Ireland - the Aula Maxima recital room hosts a varied program of internationally renowned classical, traditional and contemporary Irish musicians throughout the year.

Sports Clubs at the University

Archery; Badminton; Basketball; Billiards; Boxing; Camogle; Diving; Equestrian; Gaelic Football; Golf-, Handball; Hurling; Judo; Karate; Kayak; Ladies Athletics; Ladies Hockey; Ladies Soccer; Lawn Tennis; Men's Athletics; Men's Soccer; Mountaineering; Olympic Handball; Orienteering; Racquetball; Rowing; Rugby; Sailing; Squash; Swimming; Table Tennis; Volleyball; Windsurfing; Trampolining.

Recreation (Societies) at the University

Societies include A.I.E.S.C.; Amnesty International; Archaeology; Art Club; Arts; Astronomy and Astrophysics; Biochemistry; Bridge; Chemistry; Chess; Choir; Classics; Commerce and Economics; Computer; Drama; Dráma?ocht; Ecology; ?igse agus Seanchais; Engineering; English; European; French; G.A.P.S.S., Genetics; Geography; Geology; German; History; Industrial Engineering; International Students; Italian; Law; Literary and Debating; Mathematics; Mature Students; Medical; Modern Dance; Music; One World; Peace Moves; Philosophy; Photography; Physics; Pioneer; PLUTO; Political Discussion; Psychology; Radio; Saints and Scholars; Simon; Social Action Movement; Sociology and Politics; Spanish; St. Vincent de Paul; Voluntary Services Abroad; Zoology.

The Societies' contact person is Mr. Matt Doran, Student Services, ext. 2235.Mr. Doran's office is based in the Student Center (first floor).The Societies' notice boards are situated in the Hub (Student Common Room) - check these for venues and meeting times.

5.3Students' Union

Every student of the University is a member of the Students' Union, which promotes and protects the interests of its members.The Union runs a stationery shop, bar and snack bar service.Entertainment is organized on a regular basis by the Union and is open to all students.The Union is involved in the operation of the Galway Student Travel Center and also offers other services useful to all students.

5.4Bookshop The University Bookshop is located below the Library Building, telephone extension 2599.Opening hours are 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

6.General Information

6.1Banking and Currency

Students should open a bank account as soon as possible after arrival.Banks near campus are:

Bank of Ireland, National University of Ireland, Galway

Code No. 904018 Intl.Tel.No. +353 91 524555, Fax No. +353 91 527671

Allied Irish Bank, Distillery Road, Newcastle, Galway

Code No. 937436 Intl.Tel.No. +353 91 524466, Fax No. +353 91 524095

Ulster Bank, Newcastle Road, Galway

Code No. 985753 Intl.Tel.No. +353 91 529013, Fax No. +353 91 529015

To open a bank account you need to have two forms of identification.One should have your photograph on it and the other one should show your home address in your own country.

If you wish to open an account in one of these banks prior to arrival, your own bank will be able to facilitate this.It can take up to two weeks for the international transfer of money through the banking system.You should therefore allow for delays of this duration when deciding how much currency to bring with you in order to meet your initial expenses in the first few weeks after arrival.

Ireland places no limit on the amount of money that you may bring into the country in Irish pounds or foreign currency notes, traveler's checks, banker's drafts, or letter of credit, but you may need the approval of exchange control in your own country for any transfer of funds.You will certainly require, immediately on arrival, a certain amount of cash to cover such expenses as train, bus and taxi fares, overnight accommodation and meals.It is advisable to have about LIOO in cash in Irish pounds and about L 1 00 in traveler's checks which are readily cashable.As your own local bank may not have a ready supply of this currency you are advised to order in plenty of time.

Most banks in Galway provide Bureau de Change and Traveler's Check facilities.There are also Bureaux de Change at Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport.Banks are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and until 5 p.m. on Thursday.

6.2Postal Services

There are many post offices in Galway.Stamps, air letter forms, postal orders etc. can be purchased in them.There is a post office adjacent to the University campus on Newcastle Road.The General Post Office, on Eglinton Street, is normally open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.. Smaller post offices may close for lunch.

6.3Telephone Service

There are public telephones in many outdoor locations all over Ireland as well as in telecenters, public buildings, including rail and bus stations, shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels.Local trunk and international calls can be dialed direct from the phones.Telephone cards can be purchased in telecenters and in post offices and retail outlets displaying the CallCard sign.

To make an international call from Ireland

First dial---International Access Code

Then---Country Code

followed by---Area Code

and finally---Local Number

The International Access Code from Ireland is 00.

To call NUI-Galway from North America

First dial---International Access Code011

Then---Country Code ... 353

followed by---Area Code ... 91

and finally---524411 for the University.

6.4Climate and Clothing

Western Ireland's proximity to the Gulf Stream ensures that the climate is mild with temperatures generally in the range 320 - 700E The climate is damp, so waterproof clothing, a warm jacket or raincoat, an umbrella, non-porous footwear, and woollen sweaters are essential items for winter wear.These can all be purchased in the larger chain stores in Galway.

6.5Electricity The standard mains voltage is 220v.

6.6Personal Safety

Galway is generally regarded as a safe city.However, normal precautions regarding personal safety both on and off campus should be taken.If leaving campus after dark, avoid poorly lit areas or areas that are not frequented by the public.A Campus Watch Service operates in the University and its objective is to make NUI, Galway a safer place in which to study, live and work.If you notice anything suspicious contact Security staff at extension 2198.

6.7Emergency Services

Fire, Police, Ambulance and Coastal Rescue, Mountain and Cave Rescue: Dial 999 and ask the operator for the emergency service you require.There is no charge for this service

6.8Police

The police in Ireland are called Gardai - full details of national and local Garda stations are in the green pages at the front of the telephone directory.In Galway, the main Garda station is located at Mill Street, telephone 563161.

6.9Public Holidays in Ireland

.............................. 2000....................... 2001

New Year's Day...... Saturday, January 1... Monday, January 1

Public Holiday......... Monday, January 3

St. Patrick’s Day.... Friday, March 17..... Saturday, March 17

Public Holiday......... .............................. Monday, March 19

Good Friday............ Friday, April 21....... Friday, April 13

Easter MondayMonday, April 24Monday, April 16

M DayMonday, May 1Monday, May 7

Public HolidayMonday, June 5 Monday, June 4

Public HolidayMonday, August 7Monday, August 6

Public HolidayMonday, October 30Monday, October 29

Christmas DayMonday, December 25Tuesday, December 25

St Stephen's DayTuesday, December 26Wednesday, December 26

............

6.10Embassy Addresses Embassy of the United States of America.

Chancery: 42 Elgin Road,

Ballsbridge,

Dublin 2.

Tel:+353 1 668 7122

Fax:+353 1 668 9946

Embassy of Canada,

Chancery, 65-68 St. Stephe@s Green,

Dublin 2.

Tel: +353 1 478 1988

Fax:+353 1 478 1285