Dáire Martin

BBs (Hons) in Sport with Business

Sligo

What I love about Sport with Business is the perfect mix of both areas. Perhaps the biggest surprise for me was variety within the degree- whether you’re out in the sea, in the gym or in a classroom, you’re always learning something new and usually something that peaks your interest. I was always under the impression that studying at university had to be boring, but this course is far from that to say the least!

I hadn’t actually planned to go to university initially. I always wanted to become a personal trainer and coach once I finished secondary school. When I seen the different modules and qualifications that accompanied this degree, two of which were personal training and strength & conditioning, I was interested straight away. I quickly discovered that the mix of business subjects and practical hands-on coaching electives was also a welcomed uniqueness to the course.

There are so many embedded qualifications in addition to the degree itself. Last year for example, we surfed in Strandhill every Wednesday morning. We got coaching qualifications in basketball, rugby, GAA, and gym instruction. We also completed strength & conditioning and personal training. These modules and electives don’t feel like subjects or typical college work. You look forward to them, enjoy them as if they’re hobbies and in the end, come out with a valuable and accredited qualification.

Sligo has always been a familiar place to me. My family had a house here and I would spend most of my summers growing up on the beaches of Strandhill and Rosses Point. Apart from the obvious fantastic location of ATU Sligo, it was the only third level institute that offered a degree of this nature.

ATU Sligo greeted me with a warm welcome and do so with all their students. The campus has a family-like community. The lecturer to student ratio is the best in the country so lecturers know you by your first name. If you’re someone who benefits from a more personal and more hospitable learning environment, then ATU Sligo is for you.

Sligo itself has so much to offer too. The restaurants, variety of welcoming student bars, and top-class accommodation all add to fantastic student life. If you find yourself staying up at the weekend or if you have time off between classes, then the beaches, hikes and shops are a great bonus! It’s very easy to become a local, navigate the town and fit in.

The biggest advice I would give to new students is to hit the ground running. Sligo is a fantastic town, and ATU Sligo is a fantastic university – jump in and don’t waste time meeting new friends, joining clubs and putting your foot on the ladder. Time flew here, so enjoy it, embrace it and don’t waste it!

I loved my time here so much that I ran for Student Union President and got elected. I am now in my second terms as President. I hope to meet all new students over the coming months. If you see me on the corridor be sure to say hello!