Heading to Athlone IT? Our mole in the Students Union gives you the heads up on the Heart of Ireland…
What’s the local area like?
Athlone, located in the heart of the midlands, is a fast growing town which benefits greatly from the students and the college. We the students bring extra business to the town, which benefit’s the local economy and in turn benefits us. The town offers a wide range of things to do on a daily basis: these include leisure & sport centres, theatres, pubs, clubs, restaurants and two shopping centres which off a great selection of stores which cater for all tastes.
What’s the story with accommodation?
The accommodation in Athlone is pretty good and not that expensive. According to a rental report published by Daft.ie, Athlone offers some of the best value student accommodation in Ireland. Prices range from €55 – €65 for a single room in a house and €80- €90 for a single room in an apartment. These rates don’t include bills. The quality of accommodation is good, and with the over supply students are in a strong position when demanding quality and there is no problem in getting somewhere to stay in Athlone.
Cost of living?
The cost of living in Athlone is not too bad. An average week including food and a night out could cost anything from €100- €120. The college is located not to far from the town centre (15 min walk) and has a shuttle bus service every 10 minutes from the college to the town, so the cost of travel isn’t an issue and all services are within walking distance.
Is Part- time work easy to come by?
Part-time work is very easy to come by but only for the month of September as positions are scooped up quickly. Local shops and pubs require extra staff during the college year as students provide extra business.
Campus facilities?
Facilities on campus are generally very good. The college offers students a wide range of services from the use of its many computer rooms and library facilities and access to career guidance counsellor and advisers. The USIT office and a nurse are available 9–5 Monday to Friday. We also have a reliable health service. Doctors attend at various times throughout the day. We have an on-campus bank that provides a full banking service.
Sport Facilities?
Sport in the college is very big and Athlone I.T competes at a high level in most competitions. There is an excellent gym facility as well as a sports hall. AIT also has a cross-country track surrounding the campus and now a new all weather pitch facility as well as an athletics track and field area.There are great deals done for students to access any of these facilities throughout the year.
College Bar?
Athlone IT has one of the best student bars in the country. During the year there are always good bands and plenty of entertainment, as well as all the football matches, to keep everyone happy. Scribes bar has been the venue for many top bands including the Saw Doctors, Wolfe Tones, Aslan, Hot House Flowers, Mundy, The Blizzards and many more.
Good food?
The food on campus is excellent and caters for all tastes. You can get a hot dinner for less than €5 and a freshly made roll for less than €4. A recession buster or what! The college bar also offers a variety of meals.
Clubs and societies?
The institute has a range of successful clubs and societies, and is always open to the prospect of new groups. Here is a example of a few which are running on campus at the minute: Drama society, rugby, football, soccer, International society, Camogie, Basketball, Hurling, Table Tennis, Poker Society, Chinese Society, Christian Union, Golf Society, Traditional Irish Music society, Engineering society, to name but a few…. Maybe your new club or society could be listed here!!
Best thing a new student can do?
The best thing for a new student to do is get involved in a club or society, or even the Students Union. These are great ways for making new friends which you will have for life.
Worst thing a new student can do?
The worst thing a student could do is go through college not experiencing all college has to offer.
Advice you could offer a new student?
Enjoy your time in college because before you know it is over and your college years are going to be the best days of your life.