***This orientation is for students enrolled at SETU's Carlow Campus only.***
International Student Orientation 2026 – Carlow Campus
Welcome to SETU! We are delighted to welcome you to our international student community.
Orientation will take place on Thursday 3 September and Friday 4 September 2026 and has been designed to help you settle into life at SETU, make new friends, learn about Irish culture, and prepare for your studies.
Important Information
When you arrive for orientation, you will be assigned either Group 1 or Group 2.
Please remember your group number, as it will determine which activities and sessions you attend throughout orientation.
What to Wear
Some activities throughout orientation will involve movement and outdoor participation.
We recommend that you wear:
- Comfortable clothing
- Trainers or suitable footwear
- Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
- A light rain jacket, just in case!
If you do not wish to participate in the sports activities, the Students' Union will be open and available throughout the day. However, we strongly encourage all students to take part, as it is a great opportunity to meet new people and experience Irish culture.
Day 1 is focused on helping you become familiar with the campus, meet your fellow students, and experience some aspects of Irish culture.
| Time | Group and Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Registration - Meet outside Library, get name badges and group numbers | |
| Group 1 and 2 | ||
| 9:30 - 10:00am | Welcome Talks (A102) | |
| Group 1 and 2 | ||
| 10:00 - 11:00am | Campus Tours - Peer Mentors | |
| Group 1 and 2 | ||
| 11.00 - 11.30am | Tea upstairs in canteen | |
| Group 1 | Group 2 | |
| 11.30am - 1.00pm | GAA ( GAA Pitch) | English Corner (Sports Hall) |
| 1.00 - 2.00pm | Lunch break | |
| Group 1 and 2 | ||
| 2.00 - 2.15pm | Picture in courtyard | |
| Group 1 | Group 2 | |
| 2:15 - 3.45pm | English Corner ( Sports Hall) | GAA (GAA Pitch) |
Registration
When you arrive, our team and peer mentors will welcome you to campus.
You will receive:
- Your orientation name badge
- Your group number (Group 1 or Group 2)
- Information about the day's activities
Official Welcome to SETU
Meet the SETU Global Team and receive an official welcome to the university. This session will provide an overview of orientation and important information for your first weeks in Ireland.
Campus Tours
Led by our Peer Mentors, you will take part in a guided tour of the campus and visit key locations including:
- Lecture buildings
- Library
- Student Services
- Students' Union
- Sports facilities
- Dining and social spaces
Introduction to Gaelic Games (GAA)
Experience one of Ireland's most popular sports and learn about Irish culture through a fun and friendly introduction to Gaelic Games.
English Corner
A relaxed and interactive session designed to help students build confidence in English while meeting classmates from around the world.
Official Orientation Photograph
All students will gather together for the official SETU International Orientation photograph.
Day 2 focuses on helping you settle into life in Ireland, understand important administrative requirements, and learn about the many supports available to you at SETU.
| Time | Group and Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| 10.00 - 11.00am | Non-EU - Bank and IRP information and Sim cards - A102 | |
| Group 1 and 2 | ||
| 11:00 - 11.30am | Break | |
| Group 1 | Group 2 | |
| 11.30am - 1.00pm | Student Services round circles (Sports Hall) | Irish Dancing (Activities Room) |
| 1.00 - 2.00pm | Lunch break | |
| Group 1 | Group 2 | |
| 2.00 - 3.30pm | Irish Dancing (Activities Room) | Student Services round circles (Sports Hall) |
| 3.30 - 3.45pm | Break (very quick break!) | |
| Group 1 | Group 2 | |
| 3.45 - 4.30pm | Consent Talk L117 | Irish Cultural Talk A102 |
| Group 1 | Group 2 | |
| 4.30 - 5.15pm | Irish Cultural Talk A102 | Consent Talk L117 |
Banking, Immigration and SIM Card Information – For Non-EU students only!
This important session is designed specifically for international students and covers:
- Opening a bank account in Ireland
- Irish Residence Permit (IRP) registration
- SIM cards
- Essential information for your first few weeks in Ireland
Interactive Sessions
Students will rotate between the following activities.
Student Services Round Circles
Meet representatives from key support services across SETU and learn about the resources available to help you succeed during your studies.
Services represented may include:
- Student Services
- Careers Development Centre
- Students' Union
- Sports and Recreation
Irish Dancing Experience
Take part in a fun and interactive introduction to Irish dancing and experience another important aspect of Irish culture.
Information Sessions
Students will rotate between the following sessions.
Consent Workshop
Learn about consent, healthy relationships, personal safety, and the support services available to students at SETU.
Irish Cultural Talk
Discover Irish traditions, customs, culture, and everyday life in Ireland.
Location: The Terrace, Dinn Ri Carlow
Time: 7:00pm
All international students are invited to join us for a fun social evening at The Terrace.
This is a fantastic opportunity to relax, make new friends, continue building connections with your classmates, and celebrate the beginning of your SETU journey.
We Look Forward to Welcoming You
Orientation is one of the most important parts of your arrival experience at SETU. We strongly encourage all students to attend the full programme as it provides essential information, introduces you to key services, and helps you build friendships before classes begin.
We can't wait to welcome you to SETU and wish you every success as you begin your studies in Ireland.