An Focal (Vol. XXV Edition 1) by An Focal ULSU

Vol. XXV • Edition 1

Best Campus Coffee

September 2016

First Seven Weeks

President’s Welcome

Hundreds of Students Still Waiting for Accommodation By Evie Kearney

Hundreds of incoming first years had to seek accommodation off campus this year after failing to secure a place from the University accommodation’s waitlist before the beginning of term. An unusually short time frame between CAO day and college orientation meant that some students did not know if they had accommodation until just two days before checkin – and many are still waiting. 2,700 beds on campus were filled this year, with initial applications opening and closing in February. An additional 1,400 student bedrooms in purpose built student accommodation complexes off campus in the Castletroy area are also fully subscribed for the upcoming year. Incoming first year students that had not booked in February were given the option to join a waitlist free of

charge that opened on CAO offers day at 9am. Over 600 first years joined the waitlist on Monday alone. The accommodation office made and received close to 5,000 calls over the course of CAO week to answer queries and offer available rooms from the waiting list. Students will now have to search off campus for private accommodation, although some landlords have also been full since early 2016. The challenge is even greater for students coming from abroad who are strongly advised to view accommodation before paying deposits. However, this means they have to stay in hotels or B&Bs in hopes of finding a suitable house. Ellen Fitzmaurice, Manager Student Residences, believes the lack of suitable off campus accommodation in recent years is due to private landlords choosing

to rent their properties to families and professionals where they are guaranteed 12 month contracts. “We recommend at this stage that they consider the option of staying in digs or lodgings with families,” she said. “Our primary aim is to ensure that incoming students at UL have safe, clean affordable accommodation options while they study here.” During the summer, the University listed 250 extra student spaces from a cam-

paign targeting homeowners in the UL area to avail of the Rent a Room scheme that allows those with a vacant room to earn up to €12,000 in student rent tax-free. John O’Rourke, General Manager, Campus Life Services said: “We are calling on homeowners in the area and city environs to consider renting an available room. There may be some families in the local area where sons and daughters may have moved to

other cities for work or are living abroad and homeowners might consider renting a vacant room.” UL offers 1,200 of its 2,700 on campus beds to first year students across six different villages– one of the highest allocations in the country. The cheapest room available in UL costs €3,900 for the year, with prices rising to €5,265 for double en-suite rooms. The college experienced the smallest increase in price from

2015 compared to Ireland’s other universities. UL continues to offer rooms from its waitlist as cancellations arise, but strongly recommends that students seek alternative accommodation with PRTB (Private Residential Tenancies Board) registered landlords on sites such as daft.ie. Students are also advised to never pay large sums of cash to a prospective landlord during a property viewing and to request a receipt for any deposit given.

September 2016

Your Paper, Your Voice, Your New Editor

Paul Saunders Welcome to the first issue of An Focal 2016/2017. This is my first letter to readers of An Focal as Editor, although some of you may know me as the sub-editor in 2013 and contributor in the past few years. For new First Years: An Focal is a student’s newspaper published fortnightly on events and news involving UL students and UL and Limerick-based stories. I am honoured to be entrusted with the task of producing the newspaper and have big plans for An Focal

this year, with plans to expand the media platform to include an online website. As such, I am always open to and looking for contributors from all faculties – and I stress this - you do not have to be a journalist! Write about what is important to you, what you would like to raise awareness of, and what you would like to read. I am available and willing to chat and discuss articles - feel free to call in to my office (It’s actually Killian Stone’s office but I’m slowly taking over). With your contribution An Focal will become a media platform that reflects YOUR interests and appeals to every student on campus. I hope this issue inspires you to get involved and write for us and become part of the An Focal team, influencing and enhancing your experiences

at UL. I cannot stress how badly I want people to contribute to this paper, it is for you and should be written by you. Editors in the past have written a lot for the paper which is something I don’t want to do. I don’t want to write. I want to be your Editor, I want to guide and help young writers from all disciplines create news stories and articles that they can be proud of and all of the campus will enjoy. When you read An Focal, remember that it is your paper, and if you have read this far I thank you - unfortunately the majority of readers give up after the first three or four paragraphs. So if you’ve read this far why not come a little farther and contribute? People from all disciplines shouldn’t be afraid of dabbling in a bit of journalism. It

shows how versatile and organised you are and how well you can communicate with a large audience. Many people who don’t study journalism end up being journalists and vice-versa; keep your options open. Training to be a lawyer or businessman? Why not be a business or law writer for a paper, and why

not start with An Focal? It’s an honour to be your Editor; I hope I live up to the high standards this paper has set and I hope I live up to the high standards every student should demand of me. If you don’t like what I’m publishing or writing come talk to me and let’s hash it out. Together let’s make

An Focal isn’t just a newspaper. While the paper may come out every two weeks, you can still get your daily fix of UL news from our website and social media accounts. An Focal online was completely redesigned last year by Killian Stone and is looking better than ever. We will be posting exclusive content online everyday throughout the semester on everything from fashion to music to politics. You name it, we will be posting about it, and if we aren’t posting on stuff you want to see then tell us. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for

daily updates and pictures from around our beautiful campus. If you see an An Focal reporter around campus - the ones wearing a lanyard with An Focal written on it or carrying a massive camera awkwardly asking questions to passing strangers - make sure to say hello and tell them a story about anything. Tell them about your drunken nights out, funny overheard conversations, ideas for articles, and anything you want. We are here for you and to provide top-quality news and entertainment for you so make sure to keep us up-to-date on everything you’re doing.

Interview with Wolfie come and to know there show my support to the is a lot of cool activities whole campus. and support available Interviewer: for all students. I understand you are Wolfie: a big fan of social meI am your official mas- Interviewer: cot, I ran for many years How long have you dia…? as a one-man wolfpack been supporting UL? Wolfie: before I found the UniThat is true, you can versity of Limerick and Wolfie: decided that all stu- As I am a wolf blessed contact me on all the dents should join to- with eternal life and major social media platgether as one wolfpack. good looks, I have been forms but my favourRunning alone was not supporting UL ever ite has to be Snapchat. for me and I found a since I can remember, Students can add me home here at UL, and but it’s only the last on Snapchat at @wolfdecided to make sure few years I’ve decided ieulsu and can send me every student felt wel- to really step out and pics anytime they like. I Interviewer: What exactly, Mr Wolfie, do you do?

each new issue of An Focal greater, more exciting than the last, and written by UL students, for the students! I look forward to the upcoming year and I hope every single student has a fantastic time and to the First Years, get ready to enjoy the best four years of your life.

the best time of their lives. Unfortunately we aren’t all immortal like me so you can’t join everything but if you love GAA join the GAA society but don’t be afraid to try Interviewer: What do you want to something new - who tell the students of UL? doesn’t want to know karate or krav maga?! I am not just saying this Wolfie: Well, I want to tell them to the first years, I’m they are part of the best talking to everybody: university in the world it’s never too late, so and to get out there and join something and be an active student have a blast and if you and make the most of don’t I’ll eat you. run competitions regularly on Snapchat so look out around exam time when I want to see how creatively you are procrastinating.

September 2016

President’s Welcome

Welcome to UL or welcome back… I want to say a special “Fáilte” to our First Years and a heart-felt “Welcome back” to all other students. As we start this year together we have much to celebrate. For example, we recently conferred degrees on 2,568 new graduates who leave UL with much optimism, benefiting as they do from an unbeatable employability advantage over other Irish graduates. The employment rate of UL graduates one year after graduation is more than 18% higher than the average for the other six Irish universities. We call that “the UL Edge” – and it is something of which this University is justifiably proud. Our most recent survey revealed that more than 7 out of 10 of our grad-

uates are going into direct employment. And most of the rest go on to further study and research. Our doctoral graduates are also very much in demand, with 94% of last year’s PhD graduates currently in employment. So you can study and research at UL with a great deal of confidence for your future prospects. Our Research Impact initiative guarantees the relevance and impact of our translational research and we lead nationally in this space, making a positive impact on so many fields across economic, social and cultural domains. And

CREDITS EDITOR: Paul Saunders News Editor: Evie Kearney Sports Editor: Caoimhín Reilly Photo Editor: Stacey Walsh Design Editor: Hannah Carr-Murphy CONTRIBUTORS: Sarah Dunphy, Caolan O’Donnell, Donal Foley, Aisling O’Connor, Aimee McKenzie, Laura-Ashley Ní Shuilleabháin, Liam Lennon, Anthony O’Brien, Michelle Whyte, Robert King, Nicole Glennon, Brid Dunne, Seamus Toomey, Liz Gabbett

Plassey House

Mr. Don Barry, President of UL their studies. We are particularly proud to be one of only three universities in Ireland to win the coveted Athena SWAN Bronze award recognising best practice in recruiting, retaining and promoting women in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine). In UL we have worked hard to ensure equal opportunities for all, leading the way in gender equality with the highest percentage of women at professorial level in Ireland (31% at UL compared to 19% nationally). I look forward Credit: Stacey Walsh to meeting you

we recently launched the UL Research Impact PhD Scholarship Programme to support the next generation of our brightest researchers, to add to many other scholarship programmes designed to support UL students in

at student exhibitions, awards ceremonies and the wide range of sporting events and clubs and societies activities that make UL such a vibrant and dynamic learning environment. I would encourage you to consider participating in the President’s Volunteer Awards which I established to harness, acknowledge and support the contribution that students make through volunteering both on and off campus to help those less fortunate in our communities. And I do hope our First Years will avail of the First Seven Weeks programme and all the other guidance, support and information services that we have in place to help you achieve your absolute best during your time at UL. Our new Strategic

Plan commits UL to being even more ambitious as we pursue greater global reach and impact and secure an enhanced international profile that reflects our contribution to all our futures. I look forward to implementing our ‘Broadening Horizons’ initiatives in collaboration with every UL student. But, for now, I extend the hope that you will grasp every opportunity that life as a UL student offers you to prepare for a challenging and rewarding career and fulfilled life. I am confident that, individually and collectively, we can make your time at the University of Limerick genuinely special. Go n-éirí go geal libh i 2016 agus i 2017. Best wishes, Don.

September 2016

ULSU President’s Welcome During the summer we were planning and preparing for the semester ahead. We were organising Orientation Week and Freshers’ Week events and activities. Be sure to attend them. We were looking at different campaign ideas on issues that impact your life like Sexual Health and Mental Sarah Dunphy Wellbeing. Hello students of Uni- We supported the Deversity of Limerick. A velopment of an App big welcome back to called ‘UL Timetable’ the current bunch and which will be a great an even bigger welcome tool to all students. It includes a map of the to the newbies. My name is Sarah Dun- campus, your classphy and I am your Stu- es; bus timetables and dent Union President more so make sure to download it ASAP. for 2016–2017. I was delighted to be My main focus will be elected by the students the design of the new and my objective is en- Student Centre. Last suring that your college April UL students votexperience here is the ed by an overwhelming 78% in favour of develbest one possible. When you become a oping a much needed student of UL you are new Student Centre automatically a mem- and redevelopment of ber of the Students Un- sports facilities. Stuion - we are your voice, dents will have to pay a levy in the coming your Union. If you have a burning years, but not this year. issue or would like a The plan is for the new chat, have a question or sports facilities to be a query; come into us available to students in the Students’ Union next academic year Centre which is located 2017-2018 and the plan in the Courtyard, next is for the new Student to Spar. If not, you can Centre to be completed contact us on Facebook within 3 years. or email, phone or on I am really looking Snapchat @snapwolf- forward to the process of planning and discusieul. My primary role is to sions that will occur, represent you locally with regards to the bigger things like the layand nationally. I sit on tonnes of out, what we can put in, committees and I at- the supports and sertend lots of meetings to vices that will improve make sure students are and the smallest of details like the wood of the priority.

the doors and the paint on the walls! It’s those little things that will make a significant difference not only now but in years to come. We have exciting news too- the common room upstairs in the SU is being revamped and refurbished with new couches and pods to charge your phone or devices. These two objectives - the development of a New Student Centre and the refurbishment of the current SU Common Room - were objectives from the SU Strategic Plan, which was launched this June.

The Strategic Plan has 31 objectives across four Pillars and places you, the student, at the centre of its work. Three of the pillars Student Engagement, Student Centred Facilities, Services & Supports and Student Leadership & Government - will each have a dedicated Working Group consisting of Students, University staff, and Students’ Union Staff to ensure that you are represented and that your needs and issues are met and dealt with. Our Student Union is only strong when you,

the UL student, knows what is going on. When you can, get involved - be it as a class rep, welfare team, Student Council member, Executive member, Clubs and Societies committees. As Students’ Union President this is my first proper involvement with the Union. I always followed what was going on in the SU, e.g. referendums, elections, services and support available. I was involved a little in Clubs and Societies but it was really only last year that I immersed myself in all SU affairs when I successful campaigned to be elected

Student Union Staff

Adele O’Carroll, Services & Facilities Manager I am responsible for the delivery of all services within the student’s Union as well as overall management of the Student Centre Building.

Paul Lee Clubs & Societies Development Manager I am responsible for the C&S Dept. and the overall promotion and development of Clubs & Societies.

SU President. I know every student has different responsibilities but remember ULSU is for everyone. As a parting word, Wolfie is our Students’ Union mascot. He is devilishly handsome and like a wolf he is loyal, brave and represents the strength of the pack. Wolfie is present at all ULSU events and activities and serves as a reminder to students that they are part of this fun community known as the wolfpack. I’m really looking forward to the new year and representing all UL Students.

Liz Gabbett Development Democracy Manager I look after all the Student Reps & Sabbatical Officers. I also run student elections and referenda and maintain the Union meeting records.

Lydia Doody Student Associate I look after the everyday questions you may have from the reception desk in the SU.

September 2016

Keeping you Safe and (I’m) Sound

Caolan O’Donnell How are things, lads? I’m Caolan, your welfare officer for the upcoming year! First, I am here because of you so a big thank you is in order. While Donal takes care of your academic

issues and Sarah carries out her presidential duties, I’m here to ensure you’re safe and sound so you can focus on making the most of your time in UL. I’m here to offer an ear to the issues that are affecting you. I’ll offer any help I can with issues that affect your wellbeing, and if I can’t help I’ll point you in the direction of someone who can. There is no problem too big or small to come to me with. I was lucky enough while I was in UL to avail of the help of the welfare officers through the years for all kinds of issues from financial

issues and accommodation to sexual and mental health. Don’t worry - I was just getting the 3 condoms for €1 that we have here in the SU. Anyone who knows me knows I have had my struggles with mental health in the past. I bottled it up for a long time and when I finally let it out, I couldn’t get over how normal it was and how much I benefited from telling someone what was going on. What shocked me the most was that once I became open about my issues and started getting back to being me, I had a number

John McDermott, Organisational Development Manager My job is to put the Students’ Union Strategic Plan into action.

Killian Stone Marketing & Communications Administrator I coordinate the marketing, sponsorship, external advertisers and promotional activity that happen on campus.

of friends tell me they were still not facing up to their issues because they were ashamed of them. This year I’m hoping to change that up a bit! The key to dealing with mental health issues is prevention rather than reaction. If there are things that can ensure we have good mental health then great. DO THEM. Keep being you! This year I’ll be doing the Healthy Body Healthy Mind runs starting in Week 2. This is a short 2-3k run around our campus to highlight the physical and mental benefits of

even 20 minutes of exercise a day. Want to attend some of the daily workshops the counselling service offer but are just a bit nervous? They offer some fantastic sessions to help you with issues such as anxiety, assertiveness, resiliency self-care, problematic thinking, low mood, stress, time management, mindfulness and relaxation. I will be attending at least one workshop a week so call into me and I’ll let you know when I’m going. I also run the Welfare Team, which is your chance to get involved with campaigns that

are important to you. If you have an idea for a campaign, I’m all ears. Running events that the students want is what the Welfare Team is all about! And finally: accommodation. Feel your landlord is a bit of a snake? I’ve had my fair share of them in College Court. Come in to me and I’ll go through the different things you can do to prevent them from holding on to your deposit at the end of the year. My door is always open boys and girls. I’ll get the kettle on and the tissues out for a good cry.

Michelle Whyte Clubs and Societies Coordinator I “make things happen” in C&S; I administer the finances, insurance, foreign travel, vehicles etc.

Martin Ryan General Manager ULSU

Barry Costelloe Financial Controller

I manage the Staff Team and am responsible for leading the growth and development of the Union.

I look after the Finances and payroll for the Students Union.

Come and talk to the SU staff about anything you want. Remember, they’re here to help you!

September 2016

Help and Guidance Throughout the Academic Year

Donal Foley Hi everyone, and welcome to all the freshers to UL! You are about to start the most fun and exciting time of your life while doing a bit of study between it all. Secondly, I would like to welcome back all the returning 2nd, 3rd and 4th years. Everyone in UL has

one thing in common: you are all here to get a degree. During your time here you will learn a few things about your course of study, charge your phone in ridiculous places, roll rollies, go to the library, make a fool of yourself on a night out, indulge in a range of sexual activities with the opposite/same sex and no one will care, because everyone else is doing the same thing! My name is Donal Foley and I’m your VP Academic officer for the oncoming year. I have just graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering after a great four years here.

My role entails assisting and representing you the students with any issues that are affecting your academic experience. My door is always open, feel free to call in whenever you want! There is no such thing as a stupid question! Any problems with lectures, academic staff, course work, modules, repeats and exams, or you are thinking of changing course contact me to seek any information that will help you resolve you issue. I also work alongside Liz Gabbet our Democracy & Development manager on developing and facilitating the Class Rep structure and Student Council. Class

Reps and the members of the Student Council are a very important part of ULSU as they are first point of contact with the student body. They let us know how students are feeling, what we are doing right and most importantly what we need to improve on. So if you want to make a difference in UL don’t be afraid to get involved! College is about developing both as a student and a young adult. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and try new things. If you find yourself struggling with the academic side of your college experience, seek the help you need to get over the barrier that is pre-

venting you to excel! Talk to someone - be it a housemate, a classmate, a counsellor or a member of the sabbatical team. The transition from secondary school to college can be a shock to the system, but there are plenty of supports in place to make that transition as smooth as possible! Try and fail and try again! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, all the lecturers are very helpful, obliging and love getting to know their students. Try everything do everything and and experience everything UL has to offer such as Clubs and Societies, Class Reps, The President’s Volunteer

Awards; the list is endless! You will make memories that will last a lifetime. You should enjoy your time here but don’t forget why you are here, which is to get a 3rd level degree. Try to be as organised as possible, because when it comes to studying at the end of the semester you won’t be looking for notes or solutions. Remember you are only human, it’s OK to make mistakes now and then! Don’t forget you can contact me by email (suacademic@ul.ie), by phone (061-213491) and through all forms of social media or call in in person to the SU.

New Library for 2017 By Aisling O’Connor Construction of the Glucksman Library extension began in early April of this year and is due to be completed in November of 2017. The improved library will “provide technology-rich, creative and inspirational spaces to meet current and future needs,” Ciara McCaffrey, Deputy Librarian of the Glucksman Library said. “The aim is not just to add extra space but to create an outstanding facility which will pro-

vide for the needs of the University long into the future and distinguish UL as an innovative and pioneering institution,” she continued. The extension is needed due to rising student numbers each year and seeks to accommodate additional students, according to Siobhan Brassil who works at the Information Desk in the library. There is a long queue for the computer rooms at busy times, she added, and the library can be overcrowded as students struggle to even

find desks to sit at. The library will be extended by 6,000 square metres which will provide 1,000 more seats and will include both new and improved facilities. McCaffery said the extension will reflect how students and researchers use libraries today. Existing facilities are due to be upgraded. An updated Special Collections area will include exhibition, reading, presentation, and digitisation spaces. Digital, media and data spaces will be used for creating

Library construction media, practicing presentations and for highend computing. The best of students’ work and UL’s research will be showcased on presentation screens at

the library’s entrance. A graduate reading room, smart classrooms, group study rooms, a Health Science Library, and a Law Library will also be in-

Credit: Paul Saunders cluded in the extension. “Public access will be encouraged through an extensive programme of exhibitions and cultural events,” McCaffrey announced.

September 2016

Perfect Balance for a Student Diet By Aisling O’Connor The stereotypical student diet consists of Pot Noodle, takeaway, and Tesco vodka. It goes without saying that this wreaks havoc for one’s health and it’s not uncommon for Freshers, who have never lived away from home before, to pile on the weight. However, eating healthy isn’t difficult, expensive, or time consuming, and there’s plenty students can do to look after their health. Nutritionist Anne Marie O’Connor recommends doing a big shop at the start of the week to stock up on fresh fruit and veg. Look out for special offers and avoid package foods, junk food, and fizzy drinks. Try buying mixed bags of nuts and

seeds instead as these can be eaten as snacks with fruit or natural yogurt. Fruit and veg should be kept in the fridge to keep fresher for longer. It’s also a good idea to put bread in the freezer to avoid throwing it out

at the end of the week, Anne Marie says. Anne Marie also recommends bringing your own lunch to college. Buying a water bottle and refilling it with tap water will also save money. “A lot of foods contain

some protein which helps to maintain blood sugar balance, which improves concentration, mood and reduces hunger pangs before lunch.”, Anne Marie added. Aim to have protein, carbohydrates, healthy

fats, and salad with lunch. Wholemeal pitta bread or a wrap with salad, tuna/mackerel/ chicken and a small bit of mayonnaise, chicken breast with salad and baked/sweet potato, or soup and a sandwich are suggested. For dinner one should always have salad or lots of vegetables. Oily fish should be eaten at least 2-3 times a week. Anne Marie’s meal ideas include salmon with brown rice/baby potato and veg, mackerel or baked chicken breast with quinoa/spelt pasta and green beans, stir fry with veg and rocket salad, an omelette with salad and homemade wedges, or homemade chicken nuggets with salad and homemade wedges made from sweet potatoes. Not only is it vital to

eat well, but daily exercise is just as important. Anne Marie suggests getting a 30 minute walk everyday. “Walking is free, you don’t need any fancy gear and it’s so good for our physical, mental, and emotional health and wellbeing,” she said. Gym membership for students is much cheaper than for the public, costing €220 for the full academic year and €120 for one semester. When it comes to drinking, Anne Marie says to never go out on an empty stomach. Aim to stop drinking 2 hours before bed and to have a light snack such as peanut butter or banana on toast and a glass of water before bed as this will ease the hangover.

Wolves Chargers in the SU By Paul Saunders iPhone dying constantly due to the strain of playing Pokemon Go nonstop? Well the Students Union has you covered, as free-to-use chargers are now available in the SU Common and Pool Room. Free to use charging pods will be available for use by all students starting Week 1. You can find the charging pods at reception, in the pool room on the counters and in the common room. The pods will be able to charge newer and older generation iPhones, Samsung phones, and Windows phones and will have extra space at the back if you want to plug in your own usb. If you have an unusual phone or are an international student who hasn’t

switched over to an Irish phone yet, you have a place to charge your phone on the go around campus. The chargers are free to use and can be spotted by the big UL wolf logo on them throughout the students union.

WOLFIE WANTS YOU TO BE A CLASS REP

September 2016

Fighting for Postgrad Students

Aimee McKenzie Body Text I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the University of Limerick. I am Aimée McKenzie, the President of the Postgraduate Students’ Union. I am a native Canadian and have been living in Ireland for 13 years. Once upon a time I performed on stage, television and film and at the same time paid my rent by choreographing for figure skaters. I’ve choreographed programmes for recreational skaters, National competitors, International single skaters and teams as well as a Junior World Champion synchronised skating team. Then, I moved

to Ireland. Surprisingly, there is not much call for figure skating choreographers in Tipperary. Thankfully a friend of mine introduced me to the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance here at UL, where I have just finished an MA in Ethnochoreology. The Postgraduate Students’ Union (PSU) represents the postgraduate community in everything from academic issues to helping you adjust to your new surroundings. I see my role as an advocate for the Postgraduate students, bringing their issues and concerns to the relevant authorities. As the PSU president I hope to encourage postgraduate participation which will form a stronger sense of community, increase inclusion and benefit the overall postgraduate experience. As researchers, a lot of our work is done alone. Combined with the fact that many of our postgraduates are international students, we could suffer from isolation and loneliness. It is my goal to improve communication, increase social events and celebrate our international diversity. A year ago I returned to “school” and found certain parts of the experience bewildering, for example, the Main Building. This year not all postgraduates took the opportunity to join the Orientation tour, and

having been a student who was on the tour last year, I still found myself lost. We have put together videos that are on the ulpsu.ie website and on our Facebook page. These videos lead you around campus to the most common and useful “Places for Postgraduates”. On our website I have also added the Orientation Tour list along with the room numbers. We will be offering an Orientation re-visit tour for anyone who would like to see the campus and postgraduate friendly places after a settle in period of a few weeks. In the meantime be sure to download the two new Apps endorsed by the PSU, UL Today and UL Timetable. They are a benefit to all students at UL! Along with offering support individually to postgraduate students, I feel there are issues we, as a community need to approach collectively. Upon investigation I feel that the Postgraduate Student Charter needs updating therefore, I am working with the Graduate Office to bring it up to date. I also want to ensure each postgraduate knows that they are entitled to our assistance in all University matters. There are a few concerns shared by both Student Unions. The Critical Incident Plan of Action creation and implementation, 24/7 study areas and the well-being of all UL students, their

Mind Your Sexual Health By Evie Kearney Ah, college. A wonderful place where people from all walks of life can get together for fun, friendship and maybe more. This also means that there’s more sexually transmitted infections going around than there are Pokemon in the Courtyard. Fortunately for you, the Students’ Union is here to help with three condoms for €1 available at the reception desk. Don’t be shy when ask-

ing for them, there’s nothing wrong with a bargain! Although SHAG week (that’s Sexual Health and Guidance week, folks) is coming up, and the fourth week of our First Seven Weeks will focus on Health and Wellbeing, it’s definitely not a good idea to wait until then to find out the important stuff. Plenty of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are symptomless, so the only way to really find out for

sure if you have one or not is to get tested. Should you find yourself in need of help, a fully confidential and private STI clinic is available in the Student Health Centre in the main building (CM060) every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning at a cost of €30. The Student Health Centre also offers a contraception service for €10 and appointments for this can be made throughout the week.

access to support, and to encourage the participation in on-campus activities to enrich their UL experience. During my year of study at UL, I was fortunate to have benefited from the PSU. Having returned to academia later in life I was faced with peripheral challenges, the PSU offered me support. All postgraduates enrolled this year are automatically a member of the Postgraduate Students’ Union (PSU). We are located in the Stables Courtyard with regular opening hours of 8:00 – 18:00. For a deposit of €15 we have a key rental scheme which enables 24/7 access to the PSU Common Room. You can email me, aimee. mckenzie@ul.ie or stop by my office which is just inside the Common Room door and to the left The PSU Common Room and office are located in the Stables Courtyard. Drop by for a coffee/tea or a chat. The Common Room is a casual place for postgrads to hang out where you will find: Free Tea/ Coffee milk and sugar, a Microwave and Kettle and there is a Fridge for lunch storage. We offer comfortable couch and study tables, 24 hour access for late night study sessions and a TV streaming slideshow of PSU and University services (Counselling, Medical centre opening hours etc.)

September 2016

UL Students Get H-app-y By Paul Saunders

Two new apps are being launched that will make life a lot easier for University of Limerick students. UL Timetable and UL Today apps are being launched by the UL Postgraduate and Wolves Students Union. The UL Timetable app will allow easy access to timetables and room locations on the go, while the UL Today app will show all the news and daily activities going on around campus. App developer Andrew Ju, whose been working on the apps for the last seven years said: “Whether you’re a student, faculty,

staff member or visitor, these apps are sure to make finding your way around campus much easier from the convenience of your phones”. Andrew, originally from China, came to UL in 2009, to study computer sciences when he saw the need for an app that synced student’s timetables with their phone calendars. “Everyone needed to

print a copy of their timetable and bring it with them for daily classes; I saw the inconvenience but was limited to technologies available at that moment. “In 2011 I came back to UL, during that time the use of smartphones was becoming increasingly popular, I wrote the first Android app that puts class timetable into a phone’s built-in calendar, and over 300 students inside UL downloaded the app at that time”, Andrew said. The Timetable app no longer requires students to input their information every time they wish to see their schedule online and directions will

also be provided on how to get to your class. But if you’re are sick or having a day off from the classes, the app allows you to remove your schedule from the calendar with the touch of a button. The UL Today app was designed to bring together all the information and news from around the UL campus into one app. “The app will give you

the most useful and relevant information to be used on campus, including latest UL News, Glucksman Library and UL Sports Arena opening hours, semester class timetable, real time bus information, and campus map guidance. “You don’t have to walk to the library to just see that it’s closed or wait half an hour for a bus, the app will give you all that information and more,” app creator, Andrew stated. The app will also allow you to reserve books form the library, read journals online, give building contact information and book study spaces. The user will also receive live updates from

the various UL run twitter accounts and anyone using the hashtag #UL. Andrew saw how increasingly people are living through their phones and wanted to make life that little bit easier for UL students. “After graduating in 2015, seeing that there were no apps available, I decided to restart the apps. “A lot of information is scattered across various pages, these apps allow students and staff to have an easier college experience”, Andrew said. Both apps are now available for download on both Android and iOS.

Stables Club Continues to Give Locally By Aisling O’Connor The Stables Club have donated €33,000 to various local charities from fundraising over the past year. The bar has been doing this since 1987, the year it opened, said Declan Collins of the Stables Club. The charities are all local, Collins said. Stables has donated to charities for the homeless, the Suicide Watch in Limerick, and Milford Hospice. Collins praised students by saying, “You always see negative publicity about stu-

dents but no one says when they do good stuff. We always said behind the background students are brilliant for giving money to charity, so we try to make a big thing out of it so people see that they don’t just be socialising all the time. They have very big hearts and do like giving to charity.” “The only changes we make sometimes is if something goes on during the year that is connected to students or something like that. The Suicide Watch was the year that there were students in UL

who unfortunately are no longer with us and that year we gave a lot of money to the Suicide Watch in Limerick and groups like that.”, he continued. The money is raised from a number of events – entrance fees for International Nights on Fridays, Stables Christmas Daze, and during Charity Week. For the first few years Stables did “some small things”, but according to Collins, in 1989 or 1990, a member of staff met Father Jerry Daly in the regional hospital and they decided to

Stables use entrance fees to fundraise for local charities

collect money for the poor in Limerick. Staff are “delighted” to work in such a charitable place. Sinead

Keenan said, “I personally think it’s very generous that we give to charity and to all sorts of societies here

on campus - It’s very significant to come in here and offer what you can.”

September 2016

MnMs Here to Help and Give You Lollipops By Evie Kearney

Students should be vigilant of various If you see people walk- fines such as the one ing around your es- for drinking alcohol tate in high-visibility in public. The MnMs jackets this Freshers will have bin bags on Week, you’ll likely be hand to ensure that seeing the UL MnMs students don’t run in (Meitheal na Ma- to any trouble with the cLeinn). Gardai, who aim to The MnMs are a team have s trong presence of about 40 students this Freshers Week. working in housing es- He stresses that tates around Castletroy MnMs are not in any to help students out way an authority and during busier times. their purpose is to enLiam Guilfoyle, who has been working on the MnMs initiative since 2012, said: “If people can’t find their house, like first years, they can ask and we will direct them or bring them home if needs be. If we see people walking home alone we might walk with them so they stay safe. If people get injured we’ll arrange care for them as well.”

sure that students have a good time without getting fines or complaints. “We’re working so that we can keep having Freshers Week and Charity Week. We are not there to be the banter police or any of that. Our real purpose is to help them. We will be as sound as we possibly can to every student we come across, whether that’s giving them lolli-

pops or trying to make sure that their house party isn’t shut down.” Liam also believes that although students are behaving better and there has been a massive reduction in the number of major incidents surrounding Freshers and Charity Weeks, there are some serious concerns about the increase in drink driving in the Castletroy area.

Court, Milford Grange and Elm Park in teams of three or four, along with a land cruiser and the occasional sabbatical officer. This year, 90 students applied for the positions, and Liam believes they have selected the best possi“Most of the time it’s ble team who all bring not that they’re driving particular skills to very far or driving to their work such as first town, it’s getting in to aid, event coordination a car and going from and dealing with peoCollege Court to Mil- ple. ford Grange and even Liam encourages stuthat is enough to do dents to use the MnMs damage,” he said. as a positive resource “But generally things this Freshers Week - it’s are getting better. Stu- as simple as just going dents are starting to up and saying hi if you recognise that MnMs are in need of help. are there to help them “When people focus rather than anything on having a good night else.” and just having the craMnMs operate dur- ic rather than doing ing the daytime from any particular damage 3pm to 8pm and at to anyone or anything, nighttime from 9pm it just works out better until 2am in College for everyone.”

“We are not there to be the banter police”

Class Reps 2016-2017 What do Class Reps do? They are the point of contact for the class with your lecturers, tutors and the Students’ Union• They provide student feedback at course board meetings Email their class with info & updates on tutorials, exams timetables, etc. If needed, they organise extra support sessions for the class, e.g. after-hour-tutorials They organise fun stuff like class nights out, hoodies, etc.

Why would you? Time to step-up, become a leader, a communicator, take responsibility – it looks great on your CV! It is a valuable conversation topic for interviews. You will get to know everyone in your class and they will know you.

How to become a Class Rep Pick up the application form from Students’ Union reception Get 10 signatures from your classmates Return completed form to the Students’ Union ASAP

Email liz.gabbett@ul.ie for more info.

September 2016

Campus Bicycle Thefts on the Rise By Paul Saunders

Students who cycle are being advised to use strong chain and padlocked locks to secure their bikes after numerous reports of bicycle thefts throughout the campus. The thefts have occurred in broad daylight when the thieves cut or smash poorer

quality locks. UL Campus security is advising all students to take extra care and to not leave bikes unattended overnight or at weekends. Dave Turner of UL Campus security said: “Students are making the bicycles too easy to take, we look after the campus but ultimately the security of your

own bike is your own responsibility.” Reports of bicycle thefts have increased in recent years. An exact number on how many bikes have been stolen is not available. The campus security are urging students not to let their bike be easy to take and to use a high quality steel chain lock and padlock.

Mr Turner said that the thefts have been happening “quite a lot recently” and is becoming a problem for the campus. However he stressed that your bike is your own responsibility: “If you have a €600 bike and then buy a €5 euro lock, the thieves will now that they can break that lock and take that bike.” Anyone cycling to campus is recommended that you take pictures of your bike and to note the make and model of the bike along with the serial number. Liam Lennon who works in the university Students Union had his bike stolen in broad daylight from outside his work place. “You’d think your bike

would be secure in the campus and in a bike shed but some people are bold like that and rob things whenever they want.” “I wasn’t using a very expensive lock but one that I thought would keep my bike safe but apparently not,” Mr Lennon said. The majority of stolen bicycles are kept in storage and sold at a later date to college students or sold in the city immediately. Mr Turner said that the campus security and police: “Really try to get the bike back and we do occasionally get them back but it is difficult.” Limerick Smarter Travel has been encouraging bike usage among students and have been

advising students on how to ensure their bike doesn’t get stolen. Gerard from Smarter Travel advised bicycle users to spend as much time choosing a lock as they do a bike. “You need to spend a bit of money on the lock and the bigger the lock the safer the bike,” Gerard said. Joe Hartnett is urging students to store their bikes in the hub behind the Foundation Building. “In the bicycle hub, you can lock your bike away securely and use your student ID card as your lock. You simply lock your bike in and it won’t open until you scan your card again when you want to take it out.” Mr Hartnett said.

Boost Your Skills with the Regional Writing Centre By Laura-Ashley Ní Shuilleabháin The transition from secondary school to university can be particularly hard, and the change from writing Leaving Cert essays to writing academically is something we have all faced. Here at the Writing Centre, our goal is to make your life easier. Our peer tutors are able to guide you on how you can improve your writing, by learning how to better assess your writing situation, developing writing strategies that work and making your academic arguments more convincing. All disciplines are welcome. With 14 tutors available from various academic backgrounds,

there’s someone for all types of students. Academic writing is important throughout your academic career. Everyone at university writes to achieve academic goals, so students of Science and Engineering, the Kemmy Business School, Education and Health Sciences and AHSS all utilise this resource to help boost their marks. This resource is free. Sessions can run for up to an hour, and it could be the platform you need to improve your grade, so why not take advantage of this opportunity? Booking a tutoring session can be done online at www.ul.ie/ rwc, and it takes a matter of seconds. You can follow our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

pages for any day-today activities or changes to our schedule. All of these links can be found on our website. Peer tutoring sessions are held in the Regional Writing Centre (C1056) in the Main Building. It is located down the corridor from Red Raisin/Starbucks. We see it time and time again: people giving up on classes because they presume they’re too far behind. Others spending fruitless hours in the library not knowing where to start. Students not really understanding what it is their lecturer wants from the question. At the Regional Writing Centre our tutors have seen it all. They know about all the problems students face because they’re stu-

dents themselves. Our peer tutors are good writers with good habits, good strategies and a strong sense of what works and what doesn’t work. Struggling to break

down the assignment title? Maybe you have a problem organising and structuring the paper or developing ideas? You don’t know how to proofread efficiently? Whatever is causing

you difficulty, our peer tutors are there to help. For further details or to book a peer tutoring session, email writingcentre@ul.ie or visit our website www.ul.ie/ rwc.

September 2016

Pokemon Go Crazy Around the Campus By Liam Lennon & Anthony O’Brien If by now you haven’t heard of the recent app Pokemon Go please crawl out from the rock you’re under and come back to us. Pokemon Go has already overtaken Tinder in downloads and has become the most downloaded app of 2016. The app allows players to fulfill their childhood

UL Pokestops The Flagpoles at the main entrance to the University. The Wall of Light (the checkerboard stone monument next to the ﬂagpoles at the main entrance)

fantasy of becoming the best Pokemon trainer and like Ash Ketchum set of to “catch em all.” Yes it’s cheesy but who doesn’t love a bit of nostalgia? 90’s kids will get it. There are 4 gyms on campus usually consisting of a building or some sort of monument. At these gyms you can battle it out and beat the leader to take over the gym for your team.

Brown Thomas (the statue in front of the entrance to the reception at the main UL building.) The White House (The home of the President of the University, and to many artworks owned by the University, as well as a hosting location for many important events.) The Living Bridge Monument (the oblique black slab in the green facing the White House)

Get Your Socs On with SoUL Fest By Michelle Whyte

with Tea Appreciation, Games, Out in Week 8 Semester 1 UL and Internationbrings you Societies al Society currently of UL (SoUL) Arts adding their events Festival; a celebra- to the timetable tion of and collabo- there is sure to be ration between your something there for UL Societies and the everyone! University of Lim- Preparations for erick Arts Office. SoUL Arts Festival During SoUL Fest 2016 (October 24ththe Societies show- 28th) started during case their events and the summer months activities to the cam- and this year we are pus community on going BIGGER and a collective, wider BETTER! The SoUL platform. Last year experience spans we squeezed over 40 from day to night events into the week- over the five days long programme; with novel events

such as Japanese Tea Ceremonies, 24 hour radio broadcasts and International food fairs. We have had the opportunity to share the stage with the likes of Hudson Taylor, The Academic and the Original Rude Boys. We are still reeling from the success of last year’s Soul Fest with Out in UL’s “Light for Life” event bringing them all the way to the National Society Awards and Debating Un-

ion’s Rubberbandits event making national headlines! and scooping them the Best SoUL Fest Event Award at the C&S Awards. If being a spectator isn’t enough for you; Sign up for the Societies of your choice at Week 1 Clubs and Societies Recruitment Drive or contact michelle. whyte@ul.ie to get involved in the planning & preparation for SoUL Arts Fest 2016. #Wolfpack

September 2016

7 Things You Need to Know About 7 Weeks 1. What is “The First Seven Weeks initiative”? It’s all about supporting students. While we might deal with 1st year students the most, we are here to support ALL students. Whether you are a 17-year-old undergrad or a 105-year-old studying for your Ph.D, if we can help we will.

perience in UL. Week 1: Welcome, Settling in & Finding your way around. Week 2: Study Skills and Time Management Week 3: Meet your advisor Week 4: Health and Wellbeing Week 5: Learner Support Centres Week 6: Civic Engagement and Volunteering Awareness 2. Orange you glad we Week 7: Critical thinkdidn’t pick a different ing and longer term colour? planning First Weeks is all about the Orange. Our staff ’s 4. We have a Drop-in T-shirts are orange, Centre our tablecloths are or- From 8.30am-5.30pm ange, and our pens are on Monday-Friday of orange. . . . I think you Weeks 1–7 of Semesget it. We want to stand ter 1 we have a drop-in out, we want to be seen centre where at least 2 and we want you to of our 7 staff members know where and who will be there and hapwe are. py to help, or even just have a chat with you! 3. Seven Weeks, Seven Themes 5. We have an AMAZEach week has a dif- ING blog ferent theme, picked In our blog, we have to focus on particular articles written by stuparts of the student ex- dents, for students! Be-

cause who’s better to advise you than your fellow peers who’ve been through exactly what you’re going through less than 5 years ago? Check it out for yourself at, and if you’d like to write for us, we’d love to hear from you! https://firstsevenweeks. wordpress.com/ 6. We’ve got PRIZES to be won First Seven Weeks have an Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook account and you’ll find us by typing in “first7weeks”. We’re also on Twitter and our handle is @ULF7W. We are always running competitions with some fantastic prizes. Who doesn’t love free stuff ? 7. You can ask us ANYTHING! ANYTHING? Yes, you can ask us anything. Between our 7 staff members in the

swers to everything, but if we don’t have the answer then we will point you in the hub, we have a grand direction of someone total of 49 years’ expe- who does know the rience in UL, that’s a answer. You can drop in to lot. But even still, we us in the hub, you don’t have the an- can give us a call on

061234256, you can email us First.Seven. Weeks@ul.ie and you can contact us on any of our social media accounts. There is no such thing as a stupid question and we are here for you.

7 Top Tips to Make the Most of Your UL Experience: 1. Make the most of the 7 Weeks Hub Initiative – we’ll be here ready and waiting to answer any questions you may have over the next 7 weeks. If you can’t call into us in person, we are constantly online and on all social media so don’t be afraid to drop us a message or tweet. 2. Join some clubs and societies! UL has loads of different clubs and socs to join, whether it’s tea soc or rowing club, whatever you’re into, you can be guaranteed you’ll find something for you and it’s a great way to meet people! 3. Volunteer – there are so many volunteering opportunities in UL, and even if it’s only an hour here and there, you’ll gain some great experience and meet a lot of new people along the way! 4. Make friends with some international students! You’ll get to learn about a new culture and you’ll always have a place to stay when you travel. 5. Make sure you try out the food in all of the cafes and restaurants on campus. We have everything from subway to a traditional home-cooked Irish dinner! 6. Don’t be afraid to mix with people from other courses! While it’s great to get to know those in your course, you might be in some classes with other courses too so don’t be shy! 7. Look after yourself – while it’s important to study and keep on top of your work, make sure to take some time for you and enjoy yourself! We’ll be focusing on this in the upcoming weeks so keep an eye on our Facebook page!

September 2016

Meet the 7 Staff

Aoife O’Brien Aoife is from West Cork and graduated last year with a degree in Applied Languages. She’s now back to do a MA in Modern Language Studies (Spanish). Aoife spent 5 and a half months in Argentina as part of CoOp where she taught English at a language school and also spent her Erasmus semester in the south of France.

Tony Sheridan

Craig McKeown

Declan Mills

Nicola O’Sullivan

Lorna Horgan

Tony is the manager of the First Seven Weeks initiative (that’s why he doesn’t have to wear orange he wears suits, we personally think he should buy an orange suit). He’s from Monaghan. His undergraduate degree is in Woodwork Teaching and he’s currently a PhD candidate, when he’s not working on F7W’s stuff. He’s done lots of volunteering work for Pieta House, Pay It Forward Limerick and Limerick 2020.

Craig was born and bred in Limerick. He has just graduated from his undergraduate degree in Business Studies and is currently studying for his Masters in International Entrepreneurship Management. As well as working in the hub, Craig also works in the International Office and dedicates a lot of his time to volunteering with Limerick’s Gateway to Education homework club.

Declan is originally from Sussex in England. Declan has completed his undergraduate degree in English and History, has completed a Masters in History and is currently a PhD candidate in (yep, you guessed it) History. Declan teaches in UL and has sat on the committees of six different student societies in UL. He is currently ULPSU’s Vice-President and Treasurer. Basically, he is a very busy man who loves to help.

Nicola hails from West Cork and this will be her 5th year studying at the University of Limerick. She completed her degree in Language, Literature and Film and is currently studying her Masters in Technical Communications and E-Learning. Nicola is a hardcore novelist and carried out her FYP on modern day Youtube takes on Jane Austen, focusing on the angle of feminism.

Lorna is originally from Cork (bai). She is going into her final year of her undergraduate degree of New Media and English. She carried out her Co-Op as administrative assistant at the Regional Writing Centre and is a writing tutor there. She completed her Erasmus in the Virje Universiteit in Amsterdam and also works in the department of the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

7 Twitter Accounts to Follow: 1. @UL - This the official twitter account for the

University (it even has the verified blue tick – very fancy!) There’s a funny bunch of guys handling all of their tweets so be sure to follow them!

any new opening hours, especially coming up to exam time!

5. @ulstudentsunion – The SU are the

2. @ULF7W - We’re the ones who have the best

competitions and are generally the best Craic! We’re here to answer any of your questions over the next 7 weeks so don’t be shy!

guys who will keep you up to date on all events during freshers’s week and the weeks to come. They’ll also be tweeting about any events such as student race day and also about anything from getting second hand books to lab coats so make sure to give them a follow!

3. @InternationalUL – These guys are the

6. @ULSUEnts – As their bio says ‘Making

4. @ULLibrary – The Glucksman is the uni-

7. @ULimsport – UL is Ireland’s sport campus

main point of contact for all international students. They provide support services for international students and will keep you updated on any upcoming events that may be of interest.

versity’s library. They’ll keep you updated on any workshops that might be starting up and let you know about

Parties and Good Times Happen for the Students of the University of Limerick’. These guys will keep ye updated on all social events going on around campus and make sure ye don’t miss out on a single thing!

so make sure to follow them and keep up with any sporting events going on around campus or in the sports arena!

September 2016

Co-operative Placement Diary By Robert King

You’d think that getting an international Computer Systems co-operative placement on a QCA of 3.92 would be easy enough, right? Think again. After months of frantically emailing and calling software companies, as well as (and I put this loosely) ‘liaising’ with the co-op office, I eventually landed my placement with Action Point, a software solutions company that’s actually right on the UL campus, in the International Science Centre. It was a far cry from heading off to the US, but it was definitely going to be more benefi-

cial to my course than being a receptionist in Belgium. It was a tough decision to make – taking the irrelevant job abroad or the perfect one in Limerick. From the very first day I started back in June I realised that I had made a great decision in placing my need for real-life programming experience over moving to a new country. I was already comfortable in Limerick, and I was able to immediately focus on getting the most out of being a DevOps Intern – a cool job title, the definition of which I am still unsure of. David Jeffreys and John Savage, co-founders of Action Point, ac-

tually both graduated from the UL Computer Systems Class of 2001, I am the first co-op student that Action Point have ever taken on, so it’s a learning experience for us both. However, everyone in the office has been very friendly and welcoming

to their ‘minion intern’. I’ve been given the freedom to do work as I see fit – something that’s a nice change from the usually strict guidelines of my college projects. Other than that, I’ve been doing typical office things – signing birthday cards for

people I’ve never met, spinning around in my swivel chair and only realising a couple of weeks in that the water cooler was, in fact, in the same room as the tap I had been filling my bottle from. I got to spend the summer on the col-

lege campus. With no queues in the shops, less awkward pedestrian crossing experiences and the decreased likelihood of being run over by a cyclist, UL is the place to be during the quieter months. Also, Black Dog and his lady friend live in my new estate. What’s not to love? I feel like I’m supposed to give positives and negatives here, but honestly I can only really think of the good stuff. I get valuable work experience while still getting to live the life of a UL student on campus. The only differences are I’m getting paid to do it and the 9am starts are a little bit more mandatory.

SU Common Room Revitalised By Paul Saunders

signed for the school year. The Students Union The old common common room and room is now the new pool room have been pool room with extra renovated and rede- space and more pool

tables, and the pool room is now the common room equipped with twenty brand new sofas and free chargers. The rooms have been

repainted, remodelled and outfitted with new furniture and artwork. Adele O’Carroll, Services & Facilities Manager at the SU said “We want to make it an all-inclusive social space for every student.” The two rooms were swapped to help maximise the available space as Ms O’Carroll added: “space wasn’t being utilised to its full potential, there tended to be overcrowding and the place became stuffy.” “The goal was to make it bright, airy and wel-

coming for all students.” Twenty-six new sofas were added to the rooms and both rooms have been painted bright white to help with previous light issues. Ms O’Carroll explained: “We certainly had ventilation and light issues and we needed to work around the pre-existing space as there are only three windows in it.” “Also our seating capacity was extremely limited but now all of these issues have been rectified.

The rooms will also have brand new artwork hung on the walls. The artwork is a selection of photos chosen by UL students over Flickr and old charity week posters to add some nostalgia for the older students. “Want students to enjoy the space but also be respectful of the room and other students using it after them,” Ms O’Carroll said. The rooms will be open from 8am in the morning to 11:30pm at night, Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm on Fridays.

September 2016

Diary of a Fresher By Nicole Glennon When I opened my Leaving Cert results on the 17th of August and realized I would be going to the University of Limerick I was simultaneously both relieved and terrified. Journalism and New Media in UL had claimed the first spot on my CAO form since I visited the campus on Open Day back in January 2016. There had been an infectious buzz about the day (which on reflection may have been in part due to the rare bit of sun and warm weather) but I’d left that day itching to join the UL Wolves. However, as the summer days sped by and the final CAO deadline closed, anxiety started creeping in. What on earth was I doing in Limerick? Besides one classmate, I knew absolutely no one going to UL. It seemed as though my whole

By Anthony O’Brien To all students at UL: Now is the time for you to take part in the University of Limerick’s President’s Volunteer Award scheme. The PVA is recogni-

year were heading off to either Galway or Dublin, two cities I knew and loved. Meanwhile, this Roscommon girl had never set foot in Limerick City. It was a bus, two trains and a car ride from home. Suddenly I started thinking I wouldn’t have minded hitching a lift with that dodgy lad from school who was heading off to NUIG… Most of all, I was daunted by the idea of University as a whole. To tell you the truth, I still am. In the days leading up to Orientation, the blissful summer days of thinking of little else but music festivals, nights out and binge-watching Suits were infiltrated by a plethora of Fresher questions. How am I going to navigate around the UL Campus when I can barely direct the delivery guy to my own home? How am I going to deal with being in a class with upwards of a hundred people scram-

bling to write down what I think is important instead of notating down what my teacher dictates? How am I going to make friends? It’s been a long time since I was a first year in secondary school and the idea of becoming a first year again was vomit inducing. Luckily, when my alarm went off at 7.15am on Thursday last, my brain was too tired to even begin to try concocting some horror story of how Orientation might go. Darting around the room like an agitated fly I managed to catch my bus, meet my fellow Rossie, grab a roll in the Stables and make it to the welcome address with a few minutes to spare. Once the various speeches had concluded and the hall began to split into individual groups I felt the familiar twinge of anxiety sinking in. As the only two people I had be-

friended left their seats to join their new classmates I started wondering if anyone would notice if I just joined the New Media & English course instead… Luckily, I wasn’t left alone for that long and soon I was put into a group with my fellow journalism students and our lovely guide Evie. The Vice President had made a real point of reminding us that within the confines of the Concert Hall sat our future best friends, our life partners, even. You know it was a bit weird looking around at all these new faces after hearing that, but I am hopeful there

was truth to his statement because they all did seem like a pretty sound bunch. In fact, I would go as far to say that’s true for everyone I’ve encountered in UL so far. From the Welfare officer and his safe sex jokes to my guide and her offer for catch ups over coffee to the First Seven Weeksand their ridiculously dedicated online presence... everyone seems genuinely enthusiastic about helping us wee Freshers out. And you know what; just that enthusiasm alone is helping. So if you’re reading this now and you were one of those students who

gave up your time to help us – thank you. With only a day spent in UL so far, I am still feeling a bit anxious about what next week, next month, and this year holds, but already I have found myself becoming more at ease with each passing day. To be completely honest, one of my biggest fears coming into year one of the Journalism & New Media course was the Journalism aspect of the course itself (thanks for that one self-doubt and crappy job prospects) but I guess with a piece in An Focal on the first week I am on my way to overcoming that too.

tion of volunteer work undergone during your spare time as a UL student, and is recognised as a great boon to place on anyone’s CV. There are many volunteer opportunities offered by the scheme, but you

can also apply for any volunteer scheme you are interested in to be recognised as qualifying. All you need is to commit three hours a week to volunteering, and you can accumu-

late hours during your terms at UL to reach a Gold award for 60 hours served. Volunteer awards are also supported for overseas work, and international students studying at UL for only one semester

can also volunteer and receive a distinct award in recognition of their limited time to participate. The PVA has been awarded to students every year to promote civic engagement from

the student body. If you would like to learn more, please contact pva@ul.ie, or visit Gabriella Hanrahan, Community Liaison Officer, at SU-105 in the Student Union building.

September 2016

Parkway Valley Student Housing? Should the Parkway Valley site be turned into student housing? Here’s what the students of UL think: “No, it would cost too much and it’s too far away from the University, they should bulldoze the whole site and move on.” — Stiofáin Ó Lionnáin

“Without a doubt it should be made into housing for students, its unpleasant to look at and students need a place to live for four years.” — Paula Hirvonen

“Yeah most definitely, students have it tough searching for places and the more houses the better.“ — Lax Siva

“There are better places where student accommodation could be put but its better been used for something and students need places to go.” — Craig Niven

“Yeah it definitely should be turned into accommodation for students, it’s sitting there wasted and I know tons of people who are struggling to get a place.” — Thomas Mernagh

“If it doesn’t cost too much then it should be turned into student housing but I don’t see it happening anytime soon.” — Michael O’ Donnell “God yes! Every house near the university needs to be student accommodation and they should build more on campus, there is tons of green spaces near the library where housing could go.” — Timmy McCarthy

“It’s better off being housing than nothing but it will take a lot of effort and a lot of time.“ —Marian O’Donnell

September 2016

UL Orchestra Wants You

By Brid Dunne

Calling all musicians! Do you play a classical orchestral instrument? Are you looking for an outlet for your musical talents during your time in UL? Can you HANDEL it? Don’t STRAUSS – we know you’re out there HAYDYN. University of Limerick Orchestra is BACH – we are making a LIZST of our new members and we want YOU to be on it (if you’re not too BIZET) – we are VERDI excited to meet you! University of Limerick Orchestra (ULO) is an amateur, community orchestra founded in 1992, and funded by the University of Limerick. The orchestra players are made up of students and staff from UL, Mary Immaculate

College, the Limerick Municipal School of Music, the Redemptorist Centre of Music, other music schools across the region and members of the greater Limerick community. During the semester, we rehearse once a week on Tuesday evenings from 7.30-10 in the Irish Chamber Orchestra Building (who kindly let us rehearse in their beautiful studio). ULO has collaborated with many nationally and internationally renowned soloists, most recently including violinist Diane Daly, bassoonist Michael Dooley, trombonist Karl Ronan, and pianist David Szabo. In our last season, we were delighted to feature pipers and percussionists from the Mid Ulster Pipes and Drums.

We perform three concerts every year. Two are held in the University Concert Hall. The first is a Christmas concert in early December, and the second is a Prom concert in early May. We then perform a third concert in May in a community venue in the greater Munster region. This concert aims to raise money for local, national and international charities; ULO has raised thousands of Euros for charity over the past 24 years. ULO always welcomes new members from within the university as well as members of the community. We strongly recommend that players are of minimum grade 7 ABRISM standard. For the 2016/2017 season, rehearsal commences

on Tuesday September 13th at 7.30pm in the Irish Chamber Orchestra building; please contact us in advance if you are interested in joining. Enquires about membership can be made to the Orchestra Manager, Peter Hanley, at universityoflimerickorchestra@gmail.com. Give us a follow on Facebook (www.face-

book.com/ULOrc) or on Twitter www.twitter.com/UL_Orchestra to keep up to date with orchestra news and events. Our Christmas concert this year will be held on December 3rd in UCH at 8pm. We will perform Borodin’s 1st symphony and Beethoven’s Egemont Overture, along with a selection of Christmas

favourites. So, WEBER you are a musician or an audience member, come check out UL Orchestra this year – it’s the WEISS thing to do. VIVALDI jokes you can see that puns are not our FORTE and they mainly fall FLAT: we didn’t mean to TREBLE you. Best of GLUCK now!

UL Trampoline at World Record Heights By Seamus Toomey

Barr and his Gold in the South Korea World You may not know University Games last this but UL is home to year, I’m talking about World Record holders. UL Trampoline and No not just Thomas Gymnastics club who

hold the Guinness World Record for most somersaults in 24hours. They’re the only club in UL that are in the Guinness book of re-

cords and I for one was surprised and a little proud of our world record holders. So what did they do well they hold the record for most somersaults in 24 hours. The number stands at 73,218, a staggering achievement that they plan to keep. “It’s great that they got a copy of the cert so people in the club now can appreciate what was done in the past” said Rachel Cahalane. If the chance to defend

it comes around be assured ULTGC will meet the challenge. Fancy beating the record, well it’ll take some serious backyard practice and will be a massive effort on your own. Thankfully there’s a second option which is to join ULTGC let us train you and you may get a chance to help us defend it. The other good news is we have 4 Olympic trampolines so you’ll get lots of practice and won’t have to buy your

own. For €5 that’s an awful lot of trampolines. To join sign up on the UL Wolves site, request your membership to the Trampoline club and come to our training sessions with your €5. If instead you just want to see the cert for yourself, or for some reason don’t trust me (not fair you don’t even know me) then you can find it in the C&S common room in the Student’s Union.

September 2016

A Quest for Coffee on Campus By Aisling O’Connor

serve students (Millstream) but there are a UL is absolutely littered few places in particular with cafés and almost I would recommend every building here has going to. I judged these one. We all need a good based on their Americaffeine kick for those canos . 9ams or to keep yourself conscious during Scholars: This is my a particularly boring favourite on campus. lecture. I’ve tried the A regular Americano is coffee in every café on only €2, the coffee has a campus - some were rich flavour but isn’t too great, some left a funny bitter. To make it even taste in my mouth, and better, Scholars is quite some places don’t even cosy so it’s a nice place to chill out between classes too.

up if that’s what you’re looking for. After 10am it goes up to €1.35, but that still makes it the cheapest on campus for a regular Americano. However, bear in mind that the cup is a bit smaller than most places. It’s good coffee, it has a unique flavour that nowhere else here seems to have. There’s a little bit of an aftertaste but I wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing.

Farmer’s Market: The coffee at the Farmer’s Stables: Stables sell Market is a nice change regular black coffee for from the usual because only €1 before 10am it’s only available on so it’s perfect for those Tuesdays. early starts. I find myself shaking a little af- Eden: I liked Eden’s ter, so it will wake you regular Americano al-

most as much as Scholars, but what’s even better is the Connoisseurs Roast. It’s still black coffee but the beans are different, so it’s a little bit more pricey but worth it if you’re the kind of person who appreciates good coffee. There’s a mildly nutty taste, rich flavour, and it wasn’t too bitter either.

a good quality cup of coffee. What was nice about Paddocks was that it was only €1.50 and came with a cute little biscuit.

Paddocks: Paddocks use Bewleys coffee, Spar: This is the handlike a lot of the cafés iest place to get coffee. on campus (the library, It’s €2 for a decent sized Café Allegro in the cup of coffee and it Foundation Building, comes from a machine Chicken Shack, Right so it’s suited for when Track in PESS, and the you’re on the go. It may Analog Devices buildnot be a fancy artisan ing also use it). Bewleys brew, but Seattle’s Best can be a little bit bitter is pretty damn good refor my taste but I still gardless. enjoy it because it’s still

Starbucks: I’m not fond of Starbucks coffee because I personally find it to be a bit flavourless, and it’s more expensive than most places. Having said that, sometimes you find yourself craving coffee with a little bit more. Sometimes your Instagram just needs a Starbucks cup, and you just have to give into the urge. If you’re into frappes and seasonally flavoured lattes then it’s the place to go.

GRAND-uation Day By Paul Saunders

into employment while a lot of students opt to Over 2,500 thousand continue their studies students graduated and obtain Masters Defrom the University of gree’s or PhD’s. Limerick this year. One recent UL gradOver 70 per cent of UL uate, Thomas Barr will graduates go directly be doing neither of

these things; instead he is hard at work training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 400m hurdler who came in fourth at this year’s Rio Olympics is already back training

on the UL campus. Barr’s grandmother Breda French said: “He’ll be busy for the next while with his running, mightn’t be getting a job just yet.”

Thomas Barr on his Graduation Day

September 2016

One to Watch: Garbhan Coughlan By Caoimhín Reilly Limerick FC and UL forward Gárbhan Coughlan has said that 2016 has been his best year playing football to date. The 23-year-old final year New Media and English student has been an important member of Martin Russell’s highly accredited Limerick FC side during their First Division title-winning campaign. Coughlan easily won his third First Division crown in a League of Ireland career which is just six years in existence following Limerick’s stroll to the second-tier title. The Markets Field inhabitants have won 65 points from a possible 69 so far and secured their immediate return to the top-flight with a 3-2 victory over UCD eight days ago. The attacker spoke to An Focal about how “incredible” the 2016 season has been for Limerick FC on the back of their relegation from the top-flight a year ago. Coughlan lauded his team mates with praise, insisting that they’re “a pleasure to play with.” Coughlan said: “It’s easy to play in such a good team. It’s probably been my best season, playing games for Limerick. I started the season well myself, but I suppose when you’re playing with good players it helps to play well yourself.” Coughlan is seeming-

ly a promotion specialist, having previously won the second tier crown with Limerick in 2012 and Athlone Town in 2013. The former Ballincollig youth team player re-signed for his hometown club earlier this year having spent a second spell in the midlands with Athlone, before enjoying a successful period with local side Regional United. The UL student believes that this promotion has the most affection having only played two games in the last Limerick season. Coughlan also believes that the 2016 success is even more incredible seeing as he played a major part in doing it with his home town club – this despite being an integral part of Athlone Town’s unlikely triumph in 2013. “To be honest, no one expected us to do it (win the title) at Athlone. We were probably not even expected to make the top three, having trailed Longford for a long time - We just went on a run, 1-0 wins and eventually we came from nowhere to win the league. “This season has been

the best of my career though. Winning it with Limerick is that bit extra special, especially having played regularly.” Coughlan began this season firmly as a firstteam regular, scoring three goals in their opening seven league encounters before a medial knee ligament injury, an injury which has caused him some trouble in the past, sustained in a 7-2 victory over Waterford United in May, saw him miss six games and two months of the season, while also struggling to regain his place on his return to The Super Blues’ squad. “I injured my medial knee ligament. It’s sort of a recurring injury for me unfortunately. It came as a bit of a setback. I felt that I was doing well at the time, having played in the first 7-8 wins in the league and playing in my preferred number 10 position. I just needed to keep telling myself that it would come good. “Martin (Russell) kept telling me to get myself back fit and ready as soon as I could, so he definitively helped me recover.” Since retaking his position in Russell’s squad, UL’s 2016 Collingwood Cup hero has been reduced to making only one league start, despite scoring within three minutes of coming on as a substitute on his comeback against Waterford in the RSC in July. His sole start came in

Garbhan in action for Limerick FC

the recent 2-0 victory over Cabinteely FC on Shannonside. Coughlan opened the scoring to help his side on their way to another three points, points which in theory, secured the title crown. Despite his limited game time recently, 2016 still represents his best goal scoring return in all competitions having registered seven notches with a further seven league and cup encounters still to come, the most significant of which is the upcoming EA Sports Cup Final against Limerick’s FAI Cup conquerors and defending League Cup champions, St. Patrick’s Athletic. “It’s difficult to get into a winning team because you can’t pull somebody out who is doing well. I just have to keep going and if I get 10 or

15 minutes at the end, I have to concentrate on making those minutes count and show what I can do. “Everyone wants a place for the cup final and we’re all training and competing for places. We feel also with six games left that we can go unbeaten in the league. I don’t think anyone has done that before, only having two draws, along with 21 wins, is a great achievement and if we go unbeaten it may never be matched. It would be pretty unbelievable.” The Raheen native can also reflect upon his 2016 footballing exploits in UL fondly. Having spearheaded Ian Sullivan’s Collingwood Cup side to a first ever final appearance, Coughlan opened the scoring in the final against UCD. He fired in a superb

volley after 19 minutes to give UL the lead against a star-studded UCD outfit, who were able to boast a myriad of League of Ireland experience, some of whom were part of their Europa League campaign twelve months ago. Coughlan almost extended UL’s advantage moments later, however, in the end UL lost the highly influential pairing of Brian Nolan and Coughlan’s Limerick team mate, Paudie O’Connor, before losing the match 2-1. Coughlan believes that the hurt and anguish that both he and his comrades suffered last year can spur them onto even greater success in the upcoming year, especially with the core of the group, with whom he shares great memories, staying together.

September 2016

#ULFRESHERS

SUNDAY County Colours The Stables 21:00 €5 TUESDAY Foam Party 20:00 €7 THURSDAY Tea - Totallers Party Millstream Common room 19:00

R.O.A.R Government I.D required over 18’s only

MONDAY Phil n the Blanks The Stables 21:00 €5 WEDNESDAY FRESHERS FEST Format B Robbie G 20:00 €10 FRIDAY International Party T.G.I.F The Stables 21:00 €5