Former Dundalk IT SU President, Luke McGahon, gives us a run through on where to booze, bank, bowl and ball!
What’s your city/town like?
Dundalk is a growing town with more and more opportunities for students graduating out of DKIT.
What’s the vibe like?
A good vibe on a Monday night which is now being called “The New Thursday”. Monday and Thursday are the two student nights with live entertainment in different pubs.
Is there a lot to do there?
This is a matter of opinion. The cinema and Bowling are available with student rates and also the new JJB centre with gym and 12 astro-turf 5 a-side soccer pitches for all the sports and health fanatics. We also have a brand new common room opening up this year, which should be available for use around October of this year.
Is it easy to get around?
Dundalk is easy to get around. With a bus service that runs from the town to the college and surrounding areas every 15 mins. The college is 20-30 mins walking(depending on your leg length) from the town centre.
Is it a fairly safe place to live?
Yes, it is a safe place to live. The students that live together in an estate all look out for each other.
What are campus facilities like?
The college facilities have improved over the past number of years and are continuing to do so with a new 700 seater canteen ready for next September and other plans to build a new recreational centre in the next two years along with other plans.
Is there easy access to computers, library and photocopying?
Computers in the library can be difficult access around the time of exams and deadlines for projects. The library has introduced a new system where you can pre-book a computer for use. Library book resources depend on the course that you are on. Opening hours are from 9am – 9pm during the year. There are a number of diiferent photocopying stations around the college with colour copying now available from the library.
Is there a bank on-campus?
There’s an AIB branch.
Is there a Student Health Centre? How good is it?
We have a full-time nurse on campus with a doctor visiting the campus two days a week. The nurse can make an appointment to see the doctor down in town if it is urgent or you can also be sent to the hospital.
What’s the college bar like?
A capacity of 250 students. Friendly staff. Great place to chill out between classes. Smoking balcony. Also sandwiches and coffee/Tea available during the day. Live music during the day of Student Union nights out. Not open at nights.
What are the canteen and campus eateries like?
Canteens and eateries can differ day to day – both price and qaulity. But with our new canteen now open we have a great deal of variety now on offer for students, so make sure to check it out!
What kind of sports facilities are there?
There is a Multi Purpose Centre which can cater for indoor activities – basketball and indoor soccer with amy clubs and socs using it in the evenings. There is also a small fully equiped gym. We have a full set of Gaelic,Hurling, Soccer and Rugby pitches only open in the last two years. One of the Gaelic can host a match under floodlights. 5 all weather pitches in total.
What is your local like?
The Den/The Malthouse – student friendly pub with excellent student meals at a very cheap rate. Live Band on Mondays and on Thursdays, it’s a Dj and karaoke. Also big screens for the football. It’s the best place to be before any Student Union nights out.
What kind of clubs and societies can students join?
Clubs and socs range from Adventure club to Christian Union to judo club to Scuba club and many more.There are over 50 clubs and societies. There is a club here for everyone.
What’s accommodation like? How expensive is it?
Accommodation is of a high standard as new student accommodation being built to cater for the increasing number of students attending the Institute. A single room can range from €70-80 and a double can range from €60-70.
Digs will range from €90-100.
Is it easy to find a part-time job? Are there any places with a good
reputation for hiring students?
All retail outlets are good for hiring students – Tesco, Dunnes Stores, clothes shops, River island. A new shopping centre open in the town and retail outlets are looking for student employees.
What’s the “worst thing” a new student at your college can do?
Sit in the bar all day and not go to class.
What’s “the best?”
Get involved in student life whether it be in a club or society or students union. Get to know your class mates.
What advice would you offer new students?
Get to know your class mates. Some one out of that class will be a friend for life. Ask questions. Get all the information you need to help you an your academic and social life while attending the Institute.
In what way do you think your college is superior to others’ in the
country/its rivals?
Our college is like a small community. Everybody looks out for each other and “its the place where everybody knows your name……”
Once you’re here you’ll never want to leave but when you do you’ll graduate with a national and internationally recognised degree.