Students at the Technology University of the Shannon (TUS) have got the ball rolling on the new academic year with a lively Orientation Week held across its seven campuses.
At the Athlone campus, Orientation opened with motivational speaker Stephen Naughton, who encouraged students to “make choices and play to your strengths” before leading the colourful “Balls of Positivity” ice-breaker challenge.
Hundreds of students tossed balls marked with positive words around the Douglas Hyde Theatre, filling the space with laughter and energy as they connected with their new classmates.
This event was just one of the many activities taking place in Welcome Week across all of the TUS, in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare, which include campus tours, workshops and student support initiatives.
Students are being reminded of the full range of wraparound services available to them — from academic supports to health and wellbeing and financial – throughout the seven-week TUS Connect and Engage Programme which is aimed at helping the transition to student life.
“Orientation marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the lives of our students,” said Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS.
“For first years, Orientation is a milestone moment — the beginning of their higher education journey, where they start to uncover their potential, their passions, and the friendships that will last a lifetime. For returning students, it is a chance to reconnect with their peers, reset their focus, and prepare for the year ahead. At TUS, our smaller class sizes and close-knit campus communities mean students benefit from greater engagement with their lecturers and staff from day one. That personal connection makes a real difference — it helps students feel at home, stay on course, and achieve their very best both academically and personally.”
This year also sees the launch of TUS’s new online Starter Pack, which helps first-year students prepare for campus life with practical information and resources before they arrive.
“College life can be daunting at first, but Orientation Week is designed to remove some of that uncertainty,” explained Frances O’Connell, Vice President for Student Education and Experience, TUS. “It is about giving students the tools, the confidence, and the connections they need to settle in quickly and thrive. At TUS we have built a strong network of supports — academic and professional services, including health and wellbeing, that have been designed to support all our students from the very beginning. With the right guidance, encouragement, and one-to-one engagement with staff and lecturers, students find their rhythm, discover their strengths, and flourish as part of our university community.”
“There’s a fantastic buzz across our campuses this week, and the energy from our students has been infectious,” added Sarah La Cumbre, Student Resource Centre Manager, from the Athlone campus.
“The Balls of Positivity captured that spirit perfectly, showingstudents how we are focused on breaking down barriers and helping new students feel at home. Importantly, the fun and excitement of Orientation is matched by the wraparound services we provide all year round. Whether it’s health and wellbeing supports, learning or financial support, or simply a listening ear, our message to students is clear: you are not alone on this journey — we are here to help you every step of the way.”
The new Starter Pack is part of TUS’s commitment to ensuring students make a confident and smooth transition into higher education. Available online, it offers guidance on what to expect during Orientation, practical advice on academic and social life, tips on wellbeing and financial supports, and resources to help students navigate the opportunities available at university.
Across all campuses, TUS uses Welcome Week not only to introduce students to their new surroundings, but to highlight the personal, student-centred approach that sets the university apart.
Linda Barry, Academic Administration and Student Affairs Manager, from the Moylish campus, said: “Orientation is about much more than timetables and tours, it is the moment when students step into a new community and begin to see themselves as part of something bigger. At TUS, we pride ourselves on smaller class sizes, strong personal connections, and a whole-university approach to support. From day one right through to graduation, our goal is to ensure students feel at home, stay motivated, and have every opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.”