Loreto Community School, Milford, Donegal past pupil Martina Gallagher is studying Sport & Exercise Science at South East Technological University (SETU). She says her time at the University allowed her to work in America for a summer. Martina is now a Peer2Peer mentor after she availed of the service as a first year student.
"SETU's sports campus, the SETU Arena, was also relatively new when I was looking at courses, which was a bonus as its equipment was new and modern, and had training facilities other university sports campuses did not have." SETU student, Martina Gallagher
Opening opportunities
I took part in the Peer Mentoring Programme this year, helping new students who came in. It involved showing them around the university, giving them important information and being there for them if they had any questions. I loved it so much I'm planning to do senior mentoring in 3rd year. I helped out with SETU's Fittest First this year seeing as loved it so much last year after winning it with my group. I was able to get CPR training through SETU also. SETU's BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science gave me so many opportunities – I was able to go to America to work in a sports camp and also was able to volunteer at the local Waterford Operation Transformation through them.
SETU Arena facilities
My course was new at the time but it looked really interesting to me as it had great modules I liked and ones that were new to me. SETU's sports campus, the SETU Arena, was also relatively new when I was looking at courses, which was a bonus as its equipment was modern and had training facilities other university sports campuses did not have.
Advice for incoming students
My advice would be to be open to new opportunities that the college provides and get involved as it makes the college experience more fun. Don't be afraid to ask lectures or peer mentors any questions as they are extremely helpful and will do anything they can to help you.
University highlights
My number one highlight would have to be SETU's Fittest First Year as I was able to meet new people, it was super fun. It also was also good craic to train hard with friends as we were all pushing each other to work harder. The SETU Sports Ball is another highlight as we get to celebrate student achievements from both the health and sports courses. You also meet people from other years and sports courses and it’s a super fun night. Also, I loved all my practical classes. I learned a lot in them as I'm a hands-on learner and got to exercise and improve my fitness and skills.
A fantastic atmosphere
Waterford is a great place to live for college. There is so much to do such as go shopping, go to the beach in Tramore and hiking in the Comeragh Mountains. Also, transport is really handy and affordable - you can get into town in a short amount of time. Student accommodation is great - all within walking distance of college. SETU is a great place with a fantastic atmosphere for students. The lecturers are incredibly helpful, everyone is so friendly and it has loads of amazing courses. There are so many clubs and societies to join. The people in Student Life and Learning are always on hand to help too!
Peer2Peer mentoring
Peer2Peer mentoring helped me so much as a new student as I travelled the whole way across the country to go to college, it helped me meet new people and make new friends when I was nervous and knew no one. My mentor was so helpful. It was such a great experience that it made me want to help other new students coming in who felt the same as I did when I started. I loved helping the new students this year so much that I'm going to do it again next year. It's a fantastic programme that is a huge help to new students.
