There’s plenty to do at Letterkenny I.T. says Eunan McEntee, former President of the Students’ Union.
What’s Letterkenny like?
Letterkenny is a great place to study and a busy fun town to live in. The town is compact so all amenities are accessible to students. The campus itself has been recently renovated and a state-of-the-art Multi Purpose centre was opened in 2005. It has a games room, gym, canteen, students’ union, medical facilities, outdoor grass football pitch and an excellent sports hall. There are free on-campus medical services for all registered students and the Students’ Union are here to help at all times! AIB and a shop run by the Students’ Union are situated on-campus.
Are the facilities up to scratch?
Yes, all the labs have been upgraded and we have the highest student to computer ratio in the country. I studied Bachelor of Design in Digital Media and I have to say the facilities for that course were excellent, with state-of-the-art mac computers and software available to each student. Students from other courses that I have spoken with have similar reports with no major complaints.
What’s the grub like on campus?
Not too bad at all! There is lots of variety, the main canteen serves dinners, hot snacks and salads. The coffee dock serves sandwiches and snacks and the multi-purpose centre canteen serves hot food, ciabattas and wraps. You can get a good dinner for €5.
What’s the social scene like around the campus?
There is no bar on campus but there is still plenty to do through various clubs and societies. The Students’ Union run a student night on Thursday nights where you can go to see a DJ or band. Some acts that have played the famous Letterkenny student night are; Laurent Garnier, Complete Stone Roses, Felix da Housecat, (local lads) Timmy & Tommy, Calvin Harris, Starman, Superkings and loads more.
What kind of clubs and socs can you join? And sports clubs?
There is a varied mix of clubs and Socs on-campus and any registered student can set up a club or society and The Students’ Union will fund it. Our debating society was very successful this year, hosting the MACE debates. The Gaisce society go on social aid missions each year. Letterkenny IT GAA, basketball and soccer teams often punch above their weight on the national arena. We have students who participate in, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, athletics, badminton etc.
What about sports facilities? Gym?
There is a grass pitch on-campus and a state of the art gym open from 8am – 10pm. The sports hall host’s basketball, table tennis, badminton and indoor soccer.
What’s the story with accommodation?
There is plenty of accommodation to rent in Letterkenny such as houses, apartments, digs etc. The price of accommodation in Letterkenny is very reasonable and students can find quality accommodation for a great price if they shop around.
Any insider tips?
There is plenty to do in letterkenny and the Students’ Union organise nights out, pub quizzes, music etc. The local bars and clubs also provide their own entertainment. There is a new six screen cinema, tennis courts, astro-turf pitches, bowling/pool clubs and what could only be described as a massive community sports centre. There are plenty of places to eat for a reasonable price and if you fancy cooking yourself Letterkenny has all the big supermarkets.
What’s the cost of living? Is part-time work easy to come by?
The cost of living is a lot cheaper in comparison to most cities in Ireland. There are lots of major employers who employ students around the town.
What’s the worst thing a new student can do?
Not get involved. Find a club, society or team that suits you and get involved with it. Try out the famous Letterkenny IT Students’ Union night on Thursday! The most important thing to do is work hard and get a good diploma/degree, but don’t forget there are plenty of other skills you can learn and master outside of study.
What’s the best?
Letterkenny I.T. is a very friendly place. The lecturers are helpful and the facilities are top class.
And finally.
Enjoy yourself but get a good degree.