The St Mary’s campus was buzzing this week as it opened its doors wide to welcome prospective students from across Ireland and beyond to the annual College Open Days. Over one thousand Year 14 students representing seventy different post-primary schools came to find out more about undergraduate courses and, indeed, about all aspects of life at St Mary’s.

“Very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”

Choosing the right university and course of study is a major decision, and this was reflected by the growing number of parents who came along with their son or daughter to experience Open Days as a family. There really is no substitute for visiting St Mary’s and getting a feel for the place. It’s important during Open Days to get clear information on the different undergraduate options and to have the opportunity to meet current staff and students. A PowerPoint presentation was therefore was offered on the BEd (Hons) Degree Programmes for both primary and post-primary teachers, as well as on the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts Degree Programme.

“A very enjoyable, informative and motivational experience for both child and parent! Keep up the excellent work.”

Open Days also offer a great opportunity to talk to lecturers and current students about the course(s) prospective students would be interested in studying and perhaps to learn about subjects and courses that they hadn’t previously considered. Members of the College staff met with the prospective students in the College canteen to answer queries, including those related to subject or course choice and the financing of the degrees.

“Great opportunity to gain an insight into specific entry conditions.” “Loved it!”

Open Days are also important because they offer a chance to chat to current students about student life—both the studies and the craic! During the campus tours organised by the Students’ Union and led by our student ambassadors, visitors saw, first-hand, the College’s many facilities. The tour included a visit to the Library, the Writing Centre, the Careers Guidance Centre, the Open Access Suite and other ICT facilities, the Chapel, the Performance Enhancement Centre/Sports Hall and, of course, the Students’ Union and Student Centre. Visiting students could chat to current St Mary’s students afterwards over refreshments in the Student Centre.


“Learned a lot that I did not previously know. Helpers (Student Ambassadors) were very easy to talk to and answered every question I had.”

The Open Days can help prospective students to get a real flavour of life at St Mary’s and allow them the to visualise studying, living and socialising as St Mary’s students. Hopefully, the Open Days also inspire and motivate students to raise their sights and strive to achieve entry into a Higher Education Institution.

“Very impressed with the facilities.” “Looks like a good university with great and friendly students and staff.”