Joining a club or society is a great way to meet people with similar interests, try out something new or pursue your passion 

We encourage students to join at least one club or society, and with a huge variety to choose from, ATU has something for everyone.   Joining a club, society or activity will give you a chance to explore and participate in interests you might not encounter in your studies. It is a good way to meet like-minded people and make your college experience something to remember.  

How do you join?   

Clubs and societies days are held across our campuses early in the university year. This is an opportunity to sign up to as many of them as you would like. ATU subsidise clubs and societies so that they are free, as are most of the activities they offer. If you can’t find the right club for you, you can even start your own club.  If the Clubs and Socities day is too busy for you, you can also join a club or society on the Student Life website where each club has a listing. Here you can check out what activities they are running and have a look at the weekly calendar of activities on your campus. 

For more information, visit www.atusulife.ie  

Finding your community is an important part of the university experience. We encourage all students to explore the many clubs and societies at ATU!

Other Ways to Meet People in ATU 

Making friends can be tricky for anyone and at any time, but the first semester at university is a big period of change and adaptation and the social and routine-based aspects of autism can make things a little bit harder. It doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but as with so many things, it can just take a bit more work for autistic people and it’s easy to avoid getting on with it. Knowing how to meet new people is a great way to start. 

Each campus has a Chaplaincy, Student Wellness Officer and Disability or Inclusion Support person who can help introduce you to any of the organised campus social meetings. For example, the Chaplaincy host breakfast mornings two mornings per week. This is a nice way to start your day on campus and can be a way to meet other students who regularly drop in for breakfast or just a chat or a place to start their day. They also run a meditation and lunch session once a week. There are Hangout Hubs, Neurodivergent Societies and Connect Cafés available to come along to and each campus has their own organised clubs and spaces for you to join. These spaces are welcoming and inclusive and are open to all. 

It’s not always easy to connect with other people you don’t know that well. The students taking the same course also have the same assignments. You could start a conversation about an upcoming assignment or project and use that to get to know other people. Group work in First year can also be a good way to get to know others in your class. If there is someone you connect with in the group, make an effort to continue that connection outside of the groupwork by exchanging phone numbers or socials or offering to meet after class. It can be easier for some students to talk to one person, rather than a group.  

Small talk can be difficult for some students and can often be mundane but it helps start the conversation . Asking a question is a way to signal that you’re open to social interaction.  Small talk is just a warm-up to a more interesting conversation. Here are some examples you can try: 

• Where are you from? Do you commute or are you living in student accommodation? 

• Ask something about the class you are attending together 

• Ask about a current assignment you have been set for that class 

• Ask have they joined any clubs or societies 

• Ask have they been to the Student Centre/Coffee Shop yet – maybe you could both walk over together at your next break 

• Share something about yourself – do you commute or are have you recently moved into student accommodation 

Ask follow up questions –  

• if they say they have joined a club – ask them which one or ask have they been to any gatherings of that club yet. Tell them about a club or society you joined… 

• If they mention a current assignment – continue the conversation about the assignment – how it is going, when it is due, what that class is like etc… 

If making conversation is something you find difficult – try to follow this: 

• Ask a question 

• follow up with a question or comment on their answer  

• share something about yourself in relation to the question you ask 

If the person you try to talk to only gives short answers, don’t worry, they may just not be able for social interaction themselves; the important thing is you tried. Do not take a lack of reciprocal conversation personally. We never know what is going on for other people in a given moment.  

Remember to practice some self-care after social interactions – you may need some time on your own at points during the day or in the evenings to recover and recharge after a busy day in college – factor this time into your daily timetable. Take some time for your hobbies or interests and for some relaxation exercises. 

Working or Volunteering on Campus. 

• Form your own Club or Society! 

• Joining the local gym and attend classes there. 

• Taking the opportunity to get to know your classmates better during group work. 

• Getting to know friends of friends is a great way to expand your social circles. 

• Form or join a study group. 

• Avail of peer mentoring with Foróige 

• Keep on eye on your ATU Student Hub, Student Life and ATU Emails for notifications of opportunities and events to attend. 

• Remember, most people starting university for the first time feel intimidated by the idea of making new friends. 

If you would like to learn more about the Student’s Union, you can click here. 

The Student’s Union is representative of the entire study body. They are there to assist students in all aspects of student life including academic issues and queries, grants, your health and wellbeing, accommodation and so much more! 

The Student Union is dedicated to enhancing the student experience and advocating for the needs and interests of all students. They believe in fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.