Griffith Fest 2025: A Warm Welcome for Incoming Students at Griffith College

Each September, Griffith College’s “Griffith Fest” transforms the Dublin Main Campus into a vibrant hub of activity, offering a structured welcome for incoming students. For those embarking on a new academic journey in 2025, the Fest is designed to ease the transition, build connections, and introduce all the resources available to support success. This article outlines what you’ll experience, how to make the most of the opportunities, and practical steps you can take before and after the event.

How Griffith Fest Supports Your First Semester

The central aim of Griffith Fest is to create an inclusive environment that helps you acclimate instantly. Rather than the traditional “orientation” schedule, the Fest blends formal sessions with informal activities, giving you a rounded introduction.

Key Highlights:

• Welcoming speeches from the College founder and president.
• Engagement sessions in multiple languages to foster cross‑cultural friendships.
• Dedicated breaks featuring face‑painting, a circus show, outdoor games, and a chill‑out space.
• Showcase of student clubs, societies, and support services.
• Photo booth moments to capture memories for your student portfolio.

Setting the Stage: Before the Fest

Preparation is key. Here are a few steps to ensure you’re ready to dive into the Fest:

1. Check the Schedule. Griffith College posts an updated agenda two weeks before the event. Bookmark the page so you can navigate quickly on the day.
2. Arrange Your Accommodation. Sign up through the College’s housing portal. Knowing where you’ll stay can help you plan travel to campus.
3. Verify Your Course Details. Go through your program handbook or the Moodle site to understand which faculty meetings you’ll attend.
4. Pack Essentials. Bring a notebook, a reusable water bottle, and a small backpack to carry your essentials for the day.

Day One: Greeting and Cultural Exchange

The Fest opens with a welcome address by Diarmuid Hegarty, the founder and president of Griffith College. The speech highlights the College’s commitment to student welfare and the power of a supportive peer network. Students from around the world are greeted in their native languages, a gesture that quickly builds rapport and demonstrates a genuine respect for diversity.

Following the address, a short workshop on language exchange invites students to share basic greetings in each other’s languages. This quick activity is not only fun but also builds trust, making later group work smoother.

Support Services Showcase

Before diving into academic matters, you’ll be introduced to the Student Activities Team, Student’s Union, Careers Service, Learning Support Service, and Counselling Service. Here’s what each team covers:

• Student Activities Team. Organises themed clubs, sports, and social events throughout the year.
• Student’s Union. Advocates for student rights and provides a platform to voice concerns.
• Careers Service. Offers CV workshops, internship listings, and networking opportunities.
• Learning Support Service. Provides tutoring, study skills workshops, and accommodations for learning difficulties.
• Counselling Service. Offers confidential sessions for mental health support.

Submit your application today if you haven’t yet and stay ahead of deadlines.

Connecting With Faculty and Coursemates

After the service showcase, students split into faculty‑specific groups for informal meetings with lecturers, department heads, and teaching assistants. These sessions allow you to:

• Ask questions about course structure and assessment.
• Clarify administrative tasks like enrolling in lab sessions or setting up Moodle.
• Build rapport with people who will guide you throughout the program.

Bring a list of questions beforehand – whether they are about grading curves, recommended textbooks, or extracurricular responsibilities. Faculty appreciate preparedness and often reward detailed inquiries with extra support.

Fun and Networking: Games and Chill Spaces

After the formal introductions, the Fest’s relaxed side takes center stage. Organisers have arranged:

• Outdoor Games. Capture quick competitions – a soccer relay, a trivia quiz, or a scavenger hunt around campus.
• Face‑painting and Circus Show. Lighthearted events that allow you to let loose and meet random classmates.
• Chill‑out Room. Equipped with comfortable seating, books, and a projector for spontaneous movie nights or study sessions.
• Photo Booth. Take a snapshot with your new friends – these pictures become great additions to your personal student blog or LinkedIn profile.

Participation in these activities is not just about fun; they create a social memory that eases the often-intimidating first week. The shared experience can become your first network of study partners or friends for campus events.

Maximising Your Support System Early On

Following the Fest, here are some actionable steps you can take to cement your support network:

1. Schedule One‑on‑One Sessions. Book an appointment with the Learning Support Service to tailor a study plan that matches your learning style.
2. Dive into the Careers Service portal. Upload your CV, register for upcoming workshops, and set alerts for suitable internship postings.
3. Attend the Student’s Union Briefing. Learn about student representation and upcoming policy changes that could affect you.
4. Join at least one club. Not only does it enhance your resume, but it also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration.

These steps ensure you are not only academically prepared but also socially integrated – a combination that leads to better outcomes across the board.

Planning Ahead: Academic Resources

The College’s online platforms, including Moodle and the Learner Hub, play a crucial role. Here’s what to focus on:

• Course Syllabus. Review the syllabus uploaded by your lecturer for prerequisites, recommended readings, and assessment dates.
• Learning Management System (LMS). Familiarise yourself with Moodle modules – forums, quizzes, and weekly uploads.
• Library Resources. Make use of the digital library catalogue and request books or journals in advance.
• Technical Support. Understand how to resolve common issues with Moodle, email, or campus Wi‑Fi.

Keep a calendar of key dates. Setting reminders for assignment due dates or lab sessions keeps you on track throughout the semester.

Community Engagement and Life Beyond the Classroom

Griffith College encourages students to get involved beyond academics. Opportunities include:

• Student‑Led Events. Pitch and run your own event – from workshops to community outreach projects.
• Volunteer Initiatives. The Union coordinates monthly volunteering days across Dublin and surrounding regions.
• Study Abroad Alerts. Keep an eye on the Global Engagement page for scholarships and short‑term study tours.
• Networking Platforms. Join the College alumni network through LinkedIn groups to connect with professionals who walked the same path.

How to Make the Most of the Fest Online Resources

Not all students can attend in person. Griffith College provides digital alternatives:

1. Live Streaming. The College’s Facebook Live and YouTube streams capture core sessions for remote students.
2. Virtual Photo Booth. Upload a selfie with the virtual backdrop to share on Instagram.
3. On‑Demand Replays. Access recordings of lectures and workshops on the Student Hub after the event.
4. Discussion Forums. Participate in the New Student Forum for asynchronous conversations with peers and faculty.

By engaging through these channels, you can still network, learn, and feel part of the community.

Action Steps for Immediate Next Moves

Now that you know what to expect and how to leverage the Fest, here are concrete actions to take right away:

• Confirm your housing arrangement through the College portal.
• Set up an account on Moodle and the Learner Hub – upload a student ID photo for official ID badges.
• Register for the faculty workshop session listed on the Fest schedule.
• Book a meeting with the Learning Support Service.
• Send a quick thank‑you message to a lecturer you meet – it demonstrates initiative.

These tasks help solidify your academic foundation while establishing a professional presence on campus.

Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Here

Griffith Fest 2025 offers a comprehensive introduction to the Griffith College community. By attending, engaging with support services, and participating in both formal and informal activities, you set the stage for a productive and enjoyable university life. Embrace the opportunities, build lasting connections, and use the available resources to excel academically and professionally.

Schedule a free consultation with our admissions team to clarify any last‑minute questions or to discuss future career pathways. If you haven’t yet completed your application, submit your application today and secure your spot in the upcoming cohort.

For more student success tips, explore our related articles, or join the conversation by sharing your expectations in the comments below. We look forward to welcoming you to Griffith College and celebrating your first steps at Griffith Fest.