The Minister for Higher Education has given a guarantee that students will be returning to campus next semester.
Labs and lectures in classrooms and small lecture halls will return, while libraries, canteens, and on-campus bars will also reopen.
A decision on whether large-scale lectures can return will be made next month.
Minister Simon Harris says the year of college via zoom, is over.
"Bars, canteens, sports, social clubs."
"If it's safe to open them outside the college walls, then it's safe to open them inside the walls."
"So if the pub nearby to the college is open, the college bar can be open."
The Plan Includes Having Students Back In Classrooms
Endless Zooms and break-out rooms have been the college experience for the majority of students since last March.
But from next semester the plan - at the very least - is to have students on campus for labs and teaching in classrooms and small lecture halls.
But it's catching up with friends that has Barry, a teaching student from Dublin, most excited:
"I'll be able to see all of the new people in my course, and meet all of my friends."
"Just to have that proper college atmosphere."
President Of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó Hógartaigh says the ongoing roll-out of the vaccination programme is key to enabling large-scale lectures.
At a minimum from September, libraries and canteens will also be open.
While sports facilities, clubs and societies, and bars can return in line with public health advice.
