College Life

Student Union (now AMLÉ)

If you have concerns or issues that your personal tutor, administrator, or lecturers can’t help with, your next port of call should be AMLÉ (formerly USI – Union of Students in Ireland).

Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ), is the national student union in Ireland. It is a student-run organisation whose purpose is to represent the entire third-level student community, giving them a collective voice and dedicated support.

What AMLÉ Does for Students

Representation and Campaigning

AMLÉ advocates for student interests on issues like education funding, mental health, accommodation, and accessibility. For example, in 2019, student unions across Ireland marched on O’Connell Street to oppose rising student charges.

Organising Activities

They coordinate social and organisational events – from orientation weeks and mental health initiatives to advocacy actions and protests.

Get Involved and Build Skills

AMLÉ runs numerous roles where students can volunteer and gain experience:

• Class Reps: represent their classmates and campaign on their behalf.
• Campaign roles: raise awareness of key issues like disability access or mental health.
• Executive positions: elected sabbatical officers (e.g., President, Welfare, Education) sit on the Coiste Gnó (Executive Team), leading national campaigns and policy.

Regardless of whether you’re heading into politics or any other career path, these roles provide valuable transferable skills such as event organisation, teamwork, public speaking, budgeting, and media relations.