Study in Galway

Overview

The City of Galway is located on the west coast of Ireland where the River Corrib gathers with the Atlantic Ocean.  The area of the city is 54.2 km² on which a population of 71,983 people lives referring to 2021 census.

The ethnic groups of the city are of different nationalities: Irish, Polish, Europeans and some other minorities. They are set in order according to their density.

The town was built for the first time in the 13^th century when the English had settled eastern Ireland and a baron named Richard de Burgh established a town in 1232 after which walls were erected surrounding Galway.

The City of Galway was the sole medieval city situated in the province of Connacht in the west coast of Ireland. The city’s history dates back to many hundreds years ago.

 The city was genuinely established for fishing called “The City of Tribes”, and then the Normans invaded the area in 1169 and started to settle in Connacht during the 1^st decade of the 12^th century.

The “Gaillimh River” (River Corrib) was the name given to the region. The river represented the western boundary of the earliest settlement, which was named “the fort at the bottom of the Gaillimh” meaning “stony” like “stony river”.

Galway is not as big as other cities and, generally, considered safe, but it is good for you to be always on your guard to prevent from being a victim of criminal acts. Starting your college indicates your independence which is full of new experience, so safety is supposed to be your priority.  

Living Expenses in Galway

An international student needs about $960 (830P), without rent to spend for different commodities in Galway. The city is believed to be less expensive by 22 % than New York, without rent. Rent in Galway is, normally, less expensive than New York by 60 %.

List of Living Expenses in Galway in Pounds

The Culture of Galway

It is a viable city having diverse of cultures, and recognized as a landmark location for its creative arts in Ireland: It is a city of education, a city rich with cultural heritage, a city of conventional and modern food while enjoying stunning natural environment.

The landscapes are everywhere in Galway which results in being an impressive tourist destination. It is the city that forms the spirit of the “European Green Leaf Award”.

The city has exerted great efforts in widening roads in the west of the region which makes bus and cycle lanes be constructed in both directions, makes the footpaths wider besides increasing cyclist and pedestrian numbers at junctions along the corridor where they are separated from the vehicular traffic.

Galway has about 20 % of its population recorded as non-Irish, which makes the city one of the most multicultural city in the country during the census conducted in 2016.

Also, Galway is proud of being a cultural epicenter as the heritage of Galway is so great for having music, art, literature, theatres, and sport... festivals known all over the world. Furthermore, Galway is popular for being the festival capital of Ireland, holding about more than 122 festivals at least, and many other cultural activities each year.

Weather and Environment of Galway

Winters days are filled with great amounts of rain, with almost nice weather; but rains in summers are relatively not that much. The temperatures vary between 9⁰C (49⁰F) to 18⁰C (64⁰F) with Rain which is approximately in place for ten days each month.

The city is committed to its responsibilities for sustaining developed practices in keeping the environment clean. The city has won the “European Green Leaf 2017” in the second year of competition which celebrated cities responsibilities to better environmental results.

Galway was recognized for its activities relating to biodiversity, mobility and land use and waste and the green economy. The city’s two beaches have been assigned as “Blue Flag Beaches” for applying the 2006 “Bathing Water Directives” as the area has four beaches and a coastal area stretched to 12 km.

Working in Galway

Betting as a job is the easiest way to find a work while studying in Galway, and students will earn good amounts of money. You can involve in many vacancies in Galway as the city is viable and has lots of attractions such as:

In some pubs you can have a job in any restaurant to work as a waiter delivering food and drinks, or simply wash tables and dishes. Although washing is not an easy task, but it is your best choice until you can master your English language.

You need to be knowledgeable, and you might need a certificate to work as a bartender; or to work as a shop assistant in any outlet, but English fluency is required.

Some people are looking for students to take care of the old, kids by working as a babysitter. Jobs in Galway are available, just be often on the lookout. 

Tips for getting a job in Galway:

• Irish employers are always searching for students who have attitude, initiative and love to work.
• Write a good resume (CV) complying with Irish measures.
• Check through websites: “Monster”, “Gumtree”, “Jobs”...
• “Irish Public Employment Service” is a website you should visit.
• Social networks will help you find a good job.
• Post your resume at every corner on the streets, for this old stylish pays well.

International students are allowed to work for 20 hours so long as they are enrolled in a full-time study at a university in Galway, and for unlimited hours during holidays, so keep in your mind that the directives of student visa will determine the kind of job that you should involve in.

The Areas and Districts of Galway

Galway’s districts are divided into the following regions: Ballinasloe, Ballinrobe, Clifden, Galway, Glenamaddy, Gort, Loughrea, Mountbellew, Oughterard, Portunna, Roscommon, Scarriff, and Tuam. 

The Universities in Galway

• National University of Ireland, Galway
• Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology