Students’ Union FAQs
The Students' Union (SU) is a democratically elected organization operated by students, for students, and serves as the primary representative body for students at ATU Sligo. Representing over 8,000 students, the SU advocates for student interests in various capacities. This includes providing representation on the Institute’s Governing Body and Academic Council. Additionally, the SU represents students at the national level through collaboration with the Union of Students in Ireland (USI).
A Sabbatical Officer is one of the three elected representatives responsible for advocating on behalf of the student body. These positions include the President, the Vice President for Academic Life and the Vice President for Wellbeing and Engagement. Each officer plays a crucial role in representing student interests and enhancing the overall student experience. For more detailed information about each position, please read your Constitution.
The Student Senate serves as the primary policy-making forum of the ATU Students' Union (ATUSSU). It convenes at least four times a year, with meetings scheduled at times, dates, and locations determined by the Students’ Union Executive. The Student Senate holds the authority to establish policies applicable to the entire ATUSSU and to amend the schedules outlined in the Union's constitution.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) is comprised of all Class Representatives for students studying on campuses in the Sligo Region, as well as those enrolled in online distance learning programs. The SRC will convene at least twice each semester, with the times and dates of these meetings determined at the first meeting of each semester. During this initial meeting, the format of the meetings—whether held in person, online, or a combination of both—will also be decided.
You can visit us in our offices located in the Student Centre, behind the Students' Union shop. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via email support@atussu.ie.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is the national representative body for the 374,000 students pursuing third-level education across the Island of Ireland. ATU Sligo Students' Union (ATUSSU) is an affiliated member of USI, which means that all students of ATU Sligo are automatically members of this national Union.
Academic FAQs
For detailed information about the opening hours of the WB Yeats Library, please visit the library hours page.
If you are experiencing issues with your timetable, please contact the Vice President for Academic Life for assistance or email support@atussu.ie
Becoming a Student Senator is a fantastic way to expand your influence, meet new people, and serve as a voice for your peers. Elections for Student Senators take place at the end of Semester Two, with successful candidates beginning their roles in the following academic year. If you're interested in applying, please get in touch with the Vice President for Academic Life at support@atussu.ie to express your interest and learn more about the process.
Yes, training for Student Senators takes place each year in October. This training will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively fulfill your role.
Becoming a Class Representative is a great way to meet new people and serve as a voice for your class. If you are interested in taking on this role, start by informing your classmates that you would like to put your name forward. Then, get in touch with the Vice President for Academic Life at support@atussu.ie to express your interest and learn more about the process.
Yes, once all Class Representatives have been elected and confirmed, a training session is typically held over one day off-campus in October. This training includes engaging activities, informative sessions, and plenty of free goodies.
Class Representatives typically meet once a month, with a minimum of four meetings and up to six meetings held each year.
The best and most important advice is not to panic. Options vary depending on the college and department, but here are some general steps you can take if you fail an exam:
- Consult your course handbook, which should be available online or in your email, to understand the regulations surrounding exams and progression,
- Speak with the lecturer responsible for the module to understand the reasons behind your exam result,
- Inquire with your department about the options available for repeating the exam or appealing the result,
- Discuss your options and seek advice from your Students’ Union.
Moodle is an online platform that provides resources for students, where lecturers can upload notes, assignments, and other essential materials. It will be an invaluable tool for you throughout your time at ATU Sligo, helping you stay organized and engaged with your coursework.
SUSI FAQs
Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) is the central authority responsible for processing all student grant applications. If you are a new student or are changing your course, you should apply for a grant through SUSI. For more information and to submit your application, please visit their website at www.susi.ie
Yes, you can! SUSI uses an online application system for student grants, which can be accessed at www.grantsonline.ie
To check your eligibility for a student grant, please visit the SUSI website and fill out the eligibility form. You can access the form directly by following this link: https://susi.ie/eligibility-reckoner-app-irish/index.html.
The SUSI grants assessment process has three main stages:
- Initial assessment by SUSI
- Submission of requested documents by the student
- Final assessment by SUSI
Students applying to SUSI will be paid on a monthly basis (nine instalments) into their own bank account. Continued payment will be dependent on verification of your attendance on the course by your college at regular intervals throughout the academic year.
If you or a family member involved in your SUSI application have experienced a significant and ongoing change in circumstances related to income, you may request to have your application assessed or reassessed under a change in circumstances. If you report an income-related change, the income of all parties involved in the application, including the individual(s) experiencing the change, will be taken into consideration.
Yes, if you believe your student grant application has been incorrectly assessed, you have the right to appeal the decision. You must submit your appeal to the awarding authority's appeals officer within thirty days of receiving the decision.
Contact SUSI HelpDesk on 0761 087874.
SUSI's HelpDesk is available 9.00am - 8.00 Mon-Fri and 10.00am - 1.00pm Saturdays.
Facebook page www.facebook.com/susisupport and a Twitter page @susihelpdesk. You can also email our HelpDesk at support@susi.ie.
Wellbeing FAQs
The Wellbeing & Engagement Officer serves the following key functions:
- Acts as a representative on behalf of students.
- Provides a drop-in listening, information, and referral service for all ATU Sligo students.
- Offers information and assistance regarding accommodation options.
- Supports students by providing information and guidance on accessing the Student Assistance Fund.
Feel free to call down to student union office at any time, or contact support@atussu.ie.
Yes, free condoms and lube are available at the Students' Union. You can obtain them by visiting the Student Officers.
Yes, free tampons are available at the Students' Union. You can collect them by visiting the Student Officers.
An STI, or sexually transmitted infection, is an infection that is passed from one person to another through sexual activity. To protect against STIs, it is important to use a condom every time you engage in sexual intercourse.
The ATU Sligo provides a range of services including screening and counselling for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as HIV testing and counselling.
Yes, all information regarding your STI status and treatment will be kept strictly confidential. These services are also offered free of charge to students
You can pop into the Students Union for help with budgeting effectively, or contact support@atussu.ie
Feel free to call down to the student union and speak to the href="https://atussu.ie/staff/wellbeing/">Vice President for Wellbeing & Engagement, or get in touch via email at support@atussu.ie
Student Assistance Fund FAQs
The Student Assistance Fund provides financial support to full or part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college. Students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund to help with either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties. The Student Assistance Fund is designed to provide a source of financial support in addition to a SUSI grant.
The Student Assistance Fund is available to help with costs such as;
- Books and class materials,
- Rent, heating and lighting bills,
- Food,
- Essential travel,
- Childcare costs,
- Medical costs.
Tuition fees, registration fees, student loan repayments or any costs borne by your college are not covered by the Student Assistance Fund.
Students on full- or part-time courses leading to a higher education award (National Framework of Qualifications level 6-10) in Irish universities, institutes of technology and other approved colleges can apply. The Student Assistance Fund is not available to students in further education or post-leaving certificate colleges.
Students who are lone parents are encouraged to apply as additional funding has been made available to support this group. Support from the Student Assistance Fund may also be available to students studying for a Professional Master of Education, for example to cover the cost of spending time in the Gaeltacht.
If you are in financial difficulty, you should contact the access or student services office in your college for more information on how to apply for the Student Assistance Fund. It is important to apply as soon as you can when the fund is open generally around September/October. Some colleges have a closing date for applications and you should check when this is.
You can also speak to the Students' Union Vice President for Wellbeing and Engagement. for more information by emailing support@atussu.ie.
The access office will advise you on the documentation needed to support your application to the Student Assistance Fund. This may include proof of your own or your parents’ income, as appropriate, and receipts for costs such as rent, bills or childcare so make sure you keep this receipts from the start of the year.
The Student Assistance Fund is administered on a strictly confidential basis by your college. Any information you provide as part of your application is protected under the data protection regulations of the college.
Your individual circumstances and financial means will be taken into consideration by your college when assessing your application to the Student Assistance Fund. Final decisions on awards may be taken by a small committee, including the Access Officer and Students' Union Vice President for Wellbeing and Engagement.
Funding amounts vary and will be determined the college following an assessment process.
Accommodation FAQs
The ATU Sligo Students' Union offers reliable guidance to help students, especially first-year students, find suitable accommodation in Sligo. This complimentary service is managed by the Students' Union to make your accommodation search easier.
You can contact us for assistance via email at support@atussu.ie or through a phone call to (0719141887). We understand your busy schedule and offer a call-back option from Monday to Thursday between 10:00 to 16:00, managed on a rotating basis. Due to an often high influx of calls, we recommend reaching out through email for a quicker response.
#1 Rule: Never commit to accommodation without viewing it first.
- Schedule Viewings: Dedicate time to visit properties in person. Aim to schedule 3 or 4 viewings on the same day to efficiently compare your options.
- Meet the Landlord: It's important to meet the landlord before committing to a rental agreement. This helps you understand the type of relationship you might have moving forward.
- Agree on Rent and Inclusions: Clarify the rental amount upfront and understand what it includes. Determine whether the rent covers meals, utilities, or if you're responsible for rent during the holiday season.
- Discuss House Rules and Potential Issues: Address any existing house rules or possible nuisances before moving in. Understanding these details from the start can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes later.
While securing accommodation in Sligo has become more challenging, there are still available rooms. Starting from the first week of July, the Students' Union will be regularly updating a list of available self-catering and digs accommodations. Be sure to check our updates to find your next home away from home.
There are three main categories of Student Accommodation available in ATU Sligo SU;
- Purpose Built Student Accommodation,
- Self Catering Accommodation,
- Digs/Lodging.
High-quality Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) is available within a 5 to 10-minute walk from ATU Sligo SU. Detailed descriptions of these providers are accessible here. PBSA is exclusively for students, with providers typically grouping first-year students together. The cost for a room in a PBSA ranges roughly between €4500 - €6500 for an academic year.
The Students' Union recommends seven primary providers:
- Clarion Village Student Accommodation
- Gateway Apartments, managed by Lakewood Letting
- Gateway Apartments, supervised by Winters
- The Grove Student Accommodation
- Lila Lake Isle Luxury Apartments
- Yeats Student Village
- Unirooms
- Several online platforms can assist you in your quest for accommodation across all areas of Sligo. You'll find options in the Ballinode area, where the college is located, and the city centre, just a brisk 10-minute walk from the college. Room rates start from an affordable €90 per week. The optimal starting point for your search is right here on the Students' Union's website. However, the following links can also be of help: Happy hunting for your new home!
"Digs", or home-stay options, are typically a bit pricier than private rentals, some of these include both breakfast and dinner. The cost for digs typically falls between €90 - €150 per week, and the services included can vary, such as utilities, meals, laundry, and more. Ensure to confirm what is covered in the cost. In most situations, you'll be sharing the property with the landlord.
Please note that the length of stay permitted can differ among providers. Some digs only permit a 5-night stay, while others allow for a 7-night stay.
To explore this option, begin your search on the Students' Union Website. It's important to find a living situation that suits your needs and preferences.