The state sponsored colleges and other colleges listed in this section of the daycourses. com site provide an excellent range of facilities that enable students to develop the skills and knowledge they will need for a career in their chosen area. College campuses also house social and other amenities to ensure that the students are well looked after during their time at college.
Classroom and lecture hall facilities at Ireland’s colleges are generally comfortable and make use of modern technology. Classrooms can range from tiered theatres, which can accommodate hundreds of students, to smaller seminar rooms. Blackboards are still important, but lecturers can now use a wide range of IT, audio-visual and presentation technology to get their lessons across.
Library facilities are essential to all third level students. Students need access to relevant study materials and information. College libraries tend to have a wide range of literature and resources relating to their area of study. For example, the John Paul II library at the Pontifical University at Maynooth holds a wealth of resources in the areas of ecclesiastical history and scripture, which other institutions would struggle to match. Similarly, NCAD’s library holds a huge variety of materials relating to Irish art and design.
Up to date information technology and computing facilities are integral to college students. Projects and essays have to be typed up and printed out, so there are dedicated computer labs on all campuses to cater for this growing demand. Internet access for students is also vital and colleges are increasingly providing broadband and wireless access on campus.
Most colleges have their own specialised facilities and equipment related to their area of education. For example, the Shannon College of Hotel Management houses a state of the art production kitchen, a teaching kitchen, and a 60-seater restaurant. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) has an extensive selection of laboratory facilities to train students in the medicinal arts. Other colleges all have dedicated facilities to allow for a high level of education and development.
Some colleges provide facilities designed for people who, for a variety of reasons, may find it difficult to attend other third level institutions. For example, Roslyn Park College meets the requirements of people who have different needs due to illnesses, disabilities, or accidents. Technologies for assisting students with various physical disabilities include adapted keyboards, zoom text, and script-writers. Sign language interpreters are available for deaf or hard of hearing students. Interested students should contact the college directly to find out exactly what facilities are available.
Non-study related facilities are also very important for the student to consider. Each campus provides a range of sports, social, health, crèche, and religious services to their students. Students who have an interest in sport or drama, for example, might check out in advance how their particular interests are catered for by colleges they are considering.
Many of the colleges in this section have facilities that are every bit as modern as those of other Irish institutions, and some have links with a neighbouring university to allow students to use their gym, student centre, or other amenities. Examples of these link-ups include those between the Tourism College Killybegs and Letterkenny IT, and between All Hallows College and DCU.
Accommodation is also very important for all third level students who don’t live within commuting distance of their college. Many modern and comfortable student apartments have been built around Ireland recently to house the extra numbers going to third level education. Numerous colleges have purpose-built student accommodation on or close to the campuses, and all have dedicated accommodation services to help students find somewhere to live.
Students at the colleges featured in this section benefit from a wide range of facilities – which aid them both in their studies and in life outside the classroom.
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