Galway is a vibrant city, easily accessible and beautifully located in the west coast of Ireland, on the edge of Wild Atlantic Way coastline. No wonder that it has been named one of the top student cities in the world by The Campus Advisor, 2022 https://www.thecampusadvisor.com/best-of/30-Best-Student-Cities-in-the-World-2022/Ranking/103 sourced 04/03/2025.
And quoted ‘The friendliest and most charming city’ by New York Times and Travel & Leisure Magazine https://www.universityofgalway.ie/mostcharming/ sourced 04/03/2025.
Galway is often considered as the cultural capital of Ireland, hosting on average 122 festivals and events per year.
It does not only attract tourists from all over the world, but it is also extremely appealing to international students coming to study each year.
Galway might not be the biggest city in Ireland, but it is big enough to have all of the services you need.
With brightly coloured cafes and pubs, boundless live music, day and night entertainment and jovial atmosphere of the city, it will not take long till you realize that Galway is starting to feel like a home.
Student life is the one of most memorable phases of a person’s life, but being a student is not only about focusing on academics or your future, but also about maintaining study – life balance.
Here are some things that you can do to fill in your free time after intensive study sessions:
EXERCISE –
There are many beautiful places in Galway city where you can go for a walk or enjoy jogging at slow or leisurely pace.
Take a stroll along the promenade in Salthill or River Corrib.
There are not many green places available close to Galway city, but do not be put off. Barna Woods and Lough Rusheen are located on a quiet trail and with over a few square kilometres walkers can enjoy woodland and streams, marshes and glacial cliffs.
https://www.visitgalway.ie/explore/outdoors-and-recreation/parks-gardens-woodlands/barna-woods/ sourced 04/03/2025.
FRIENDS –
It is always a great idea to find a spare minute from studying and spend some time in front of the big screen.
Allow yourself to switch off and make yourself cosy in one of the plush seats in The Omniplex Cinema, Salthill https://www.omniplex.ie/cinema/galway sourced 04/03/2025, or in the home of the movies – Eye Cinema https://www.eyecinema.ie/ with incredible offers for students. Watching movies with your friends can have a positive emotional impact, improve and strengthen your relationships by building memories and lift up your mood. It is worth mentioning that some people can master their English just by watching movies, so why don’t you try it?
If you are looking for something to do to boost your adrenaline – Go Karting is the right activity for you and your pals.
Galway’s only indoor karting track is located in the Liosban Industrial Estate and it is easy accessible by taking a bus #405 from Eyre Square. https://www.galwaycitykarting.ie/
Go Karting not only improves concentration skills, but also strengthens your reflexes.
Racing around a track at high speeds can be a great way to let off steam and forget about the stresses of students’ life.
It is a wonderful place to bond with your friends and have fun together.
Bowling is another recreational activity. The rules are easy to understand and learn and besides being fun and competitive game, bowling also offers numerous health benefits. It provides social interaction with other students and can be enjoyed at any age and helps improve mental well-being.
Planet Galway https://planetgalway.ie/bowling/ offers a great entertainment and has some amazing deals for Students.
CHILL TIME –
We all need some time just for ourselves. If you feel like having a time alone or just want to slow down and do nothing, there are some ways to make chill time successful:
Hit the hay – head to bed one hour early and instead of looking at the phone – meditate or listen to something that make you feel relaxed. It will help you to fall asleep easily.
Feel the heat – if you are lucky enough to experience a sunny day in Ireland, open the window and put your face out to the sun or sit outside for a moment. The sunlight is crucial for your mental health and strengthen your immune system.
Get lost in a book – it is free entertainment that exercises the brain, improves literacy and sleep and reduces stress
Sit in the silence – silence encourages mindfulness – recognition, contemplation and appreciation of the present moment, and greatly reduces cortisol (the primary stress hormone) level in our body. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
Or simply – just do whatever makes you feel good, free and happy.
