Financial & Well-Being Advice
Financial Advice
Managing finances when they first enter college can be challenging for students. Have a conversation with them about how best to handle their money and, most importantly, how not to get into unnecessary debt.
The following financial tips are a good place to start:
- Encourage them to research the scholarships, grants and other financial aid options available to them. Schemes like the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), funded by the Irish Government and part funded by the European Social Fund, could make all the difference.
- Go to the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) website for comprehensive information on student grants.
- Advise them on how to put together a realistic weekly budget. Encourage them to cover the essentials such as food, transport, and college materials first before using their limited resources to purchase non-essentials - mabs.ie has a few tips on managing money and a mabs handy budgeting tool to help.
- Urge the student to research and apply for Student Discounts Cards and Vouchers. The International Student Identity Card Association’s main product is the ISIC card, the only internationally accepted proof of full-time student status. It is endorsed by organisations such as UNESCO and the European Council on Culture. The card is recognised by universities, academic institutions, student organisations, national governments and ministries of education around the world. It offers card holders benefits and advantages covering all areas of culture, entertainment, leisure, sports and travel and is well worth applying for.
- Encourage them, where possible, to avoid the use of credit cards thus avoiding high interest rates and minimising the likelihood of impulse buys.
- If they need to take out a student loan ensure they shop around for the cheapest student loan possible.
- Other helpful tips include encouraging them to cook their own food instead of going for the more expensive take-away option and, where possible, source books in the MIC Library as opposed to buying their own copy.
International Students
MIC’s International Office administers Federal Aid and private study loans to eligible students from the USA studying at Mary Immaculate College. Click here for further details on various funding options.
Important Contacts
As the representative body of the students of MIC, Mary I Students’ Union (MISU) helps to make College life easier and is the place to go for any student who needs support, advice or help with any aspect of College. If a student is worried about money or the financial aspects of college, they can call to MISU. MISU has offices on both campuses and it is a good place to start if you have any concerns. If you are under severe financial hardship while in college, we encourage you to make contact with the MISU President or Vice-President or Maura Moore (Access & Disability Officer) on the Limerick Campus or Paula Hourigan (Senior Academic Administrator) on the Thurles Campus.
Access and Disability Office
T: +353 61 204927
MIC Students’ Union
T: +353 61 400013
Paula Hourigan, MIC Thurles Campus
T: +353 504 20535
Wellbeing Advice
MIC has a number of outlets to help students get on, and maintain, good mental and physical well-being. They are:
The MISU Welfare Officer promotes positive mental, physical and sexual health and equality for all MIC students and can be contacted by emailing: WelfareOfficer@misu.ie.
If students are worried about academic matters, they can go to Student Academic Administration on the first floor of the Foundation Building for advice. The MISU Vice-President, based in the Student Union office in the TARA Building, is also the Academic Officer and can be contacted on MISUViceprez@mic.ul.ie.
- Financial Advice
- Wellbeing Advice
