Universities are not just the place we went to earn a degree and further our careers. They’re also the place we came of age by learning all about life, house sharing, partying and er… those things that ‘normal people’ get up to.
While we look back fondly on those times, you may not be aware that some great benefits of attending college are still available to you.
For not only does alumni membership include ways to have class reunions, networking events or discover career opportunities, they can also offer you discounts or access to college services. Some benefits even allow you to help your old university by just going about your daily life.
Here’s a look at what’s on offer from the main universities across Ireland. As per most things some of these services might be altered as we come out of Covid-19 lockdown:
DCU alumni benefits
Free access to the Library's collections, service desks and communal study/workspaces.
Discounted rate for sports centre. This includes access to pool, spa facilities, fitness centre, group fitness classes, and squash.
Discounts for post-graduate courses - in 2019/20 there were discounts for business school masters degree fees.
Other benefits include – Access to DCU Clubs and Societies. Take part in mentoring programs. Free career support for recent graduates
DIT/ TU Dublin alumni benefits
TU Dublin gym and pool discount.
Free access to the library.
Limited range of benefits in relation to career/networking. It comes with lifetime library access and BOI Affinity Credit Card – a way to give back some of your annual credit card spend.
They have the biggest programme of offers and discounts with retailers. It includes a huge range of Galway retailers like Hughes and Hughes bookstore, Hanley’s clothing stores, footwear store, fitness stores, and jewellers.
You can also enjoy discounts in the financial, insurance and tax areas.
Alumni can get married at Trinity chapel!
Your own exclusive Alumni room - a space for visiting Trinity alumni and their guests to relax, work, meet other alumni. You can book meeting rooms here too.
Discounted sports centre membership.
Free online courses (these appear to be open to non-alumni too).
10% discount on short-stay campus accommodation during summertime. This is great for visitors to Dublin.
Discounts at Trinity Gift shop and 1592 restaurant.
Preferential rates at the Mardyke Arena Health and Leisure Centre.
Alumni can continue to leverage some of UCC careers service functions
Get married at UCC - This includes access to Honan Chapel or more civil venue options
10% off VHI mortgage protection and life insurance.
Discounted UCD sports and fitness centre membership. It includes access to their gym and 50-metre pool from €66 a month.
10% off courses run by UCD Access and Lifelong Learning and 10% off diploma courses at UCD Professional Academy.
Library access and UCD University Club with café, restaurant and business facilities. Though both these facilities come with an annual fee.
Discounted membership to the full UL Sports Arena facilities. This includes pool, sauna and steamroom.
‘UniversaL' was Ireland's first University online community. It now has over 8,500 members and provides UL alumni worldwide with the opportunity to build their network by connecting with other graduates.
Giving back with an Affinity Credit Card
This credit card issued by Bank Of Ireland allows you to give back to your university. A small portion of your annual card spend each year is automatically donated to the university you attended. The card comes with your university crest and is a nice way to support your alma mater without making any grand gestures. To learn more click here. As with all credit products, it's recommended that you read the terms and conditions before applying.
As you can see, no matter which university you attended, there are still lots of benefits to keeping in touch and making the most of being part of their alumni.