<p>Just wondering if one is more highly valued in terms of the quality of education over the other. Thanks.</p>
<p>I've done a little bit of research into the Irish university system and made a few visits. My perception is that Trinity College Dublin shines above all others, with University College Dublin in 2nd place. After that, I think most of the universities are on par with each other but have different courses that they specialize in. We visited Maynooth, but did not have an official tour which are somewhat unusual in Ireland because the method for Irish kids to choose schools is different than in the U.S. Maynooth was a beautiful campus and town. I tried to arrange an official tour at Galway, but their answer was immediately "no" so we did not visit it. We have visited Galway in the past, and it is a larger city, very vibrant, and would be a great place to study and live, I would think. It is larger than Maynooth, but Dublin is fairly accessible from Maynooth on the train. </p>
<p>If you need more help, post a reply, and I will try to post some links over the weekend to information on the Irish University system.</p>
<p>I go to college in galway and am in second year at nuig studying nursing. The standard of lectures and facilities are definetly top class with the campus being noted as one of the best in Ireland. Also the city Galway itself is an amazing place to live with there being alot of extracurricular activities arranged by the students union and there is never any shortage of things to do. Feel free to ask any questions you have.</p>
<p>Irishgal- My daughter is in the process of applying for study abroad, fall semester, at NUIG. So glad to hear from a student there. I'm sure the online pictures we see don't do Galway justice, it truly looks beautiful there. She is a Sociolgy major and minors in Community Service. Do you know of any campus-sponsored community service opportunities at NUIG? Even if you can't answer the question, feel free to discuss your school/weather/activities/public transportation..etc... Thank you!</p>
<p>Hey Monty Mum.. I know that there is some community work she can get involved in but it would depend on the area she is interested in like is it to do with children or health work?? The college website doesn't show the true side of galway. It is probably the nicest city in Ireland. It is quite a big campus and takes a good few weeks to get the feel for but once you get settled you really start to feel at home. The weather here to be honest is terrible!! She should expect alot of rain! Night life is good and offers a good chance for students to unwind. There is also plenty to do in galway city with a cinema, aquarium, bowling and plenty of shopping!! Both the city and the country are served by a national bus service called bus eireann and you can pretty much get to anywhere in Ireland for a reduced student rate. This is brilliant aswel because they service Shannon airport which is only an hours drive who have transatlantic flights. Accomodation wise I'd probably advise her to either book a place in one of the student villages or if she would be homesick she does have the option of living with a family getting her meals etc cooked.! Hope this is of help and don't be afraid to ask more questions if you want.</p>
<p>Irishgal- What do you think of Corrib Village for living quarters; it's where the Americans are located when they go to NUIG via Butler University's Abroad program. During the summer, the place is a budget hotel and the reviews range from "really nice" to "smelly & dirty with paper-thin walls and backed-up showers". Have you ever been in this place? If my D went as an independent student (not through Butler) could she find a reasonable place to stay for fall semester within walking/bking distance of campus? She's very used to dealing with rain....currently goes to school in Chicago (aka..the Windy City; drenching rain comes in sideways from the winds off Lake Michigan). She does not want to live with a host family; just wants a few flatmates of any nationality who aren't 24/7 revelers. She loves the shopping, museums, cinema and cultural aspects but does not have the "let's go get wasted" attitudes of many of her American counterparts. We fully intend on contacting NUIG about places to stay but just wanted a real student's opinion before we do. Thanks...you are so helpful!</p>
<p>To be honest i dont think alot of the corrib village. It wouldn't be that nice of a place for what you get. It needs modernising and also I find it to be not at all homely. I personally like the Cuirt na Coiribe student accomodation. It is a new modern complex within walking distance to the cinema, shops etc. It is a further 5 minute walk from campus but I think it is definetly worth it. The link is Cúirt na</a> Coiribe, Luxury Student Accommodation All you have to do is contact their office and you can book this and they arrange housemates and everything.</p>