Maeve Rutledge

I’m 22 years old and I’m from Aghada, Midleton in East Cork. I have recently finished my final year of Applied Languages, majoring in French, Spanish, and International Relations. As President, my main responsibility is to sit on over forty committees within the university and be a voice for you, our student body. At these meetings, I will bring forward the issues facing students and advocate for positive change within the university.

I plan to be approachable and accessible to all students! I am always open to student opinions on any issues that concern you, so do not be afraid to come up to me whenever. I am always up for a chat! To represent the students at these meetings, it’s important that I am informed of the issues facing students. Being from Cork, and not having many of my secondary school friends in UL with me, allowed me to have a great insight into the experience of a first-year college student in a new city and new university. During my time at UL, I tried out many of the clubs and societies. I met lot of new friends through camogie, kayaking, and of course, through the many events that UL Student Life organise throughout the year. I recommend to any student (old or new) to continue to put yourself out there and take the opportunity to try all the new experiences that are offered to you, as your time in college really flies. There are so many communities within UL, there is a place for everyone so get out and explore!

During my time as a student in UL, my peers and I have had a mix of learning experiences, between blended learning, on-campus and online. These experiences have given me a great understanding of the problems students face including academic, welfare and social challenges. Also, as a student that went on co-op placement abroad, I understand the highlights and difficulties of this process very well. I feel this experience allows me to be able to help and to advise to students who will also be completing placement and Erasmus both home and abroad.  Having full on-campus learning back for the academic year 2022/2023 is amazing and I cannot wait to continue the great work the previous UL Student Life team has done regarding bringing back the unreal atmosphere that existed pre-COVID.  I want to make sure all UL students have just as much fun as I have had in my four years while fulfilling their full academic potential and helping to look after themselves. 

I am so excited to work with Maeve, Kieran, and Laura to ensure we make the most out of the coming year. I know as a team we will do our very best for UL students. We are here for YOU so never be afraid to approach us with any problems big or small, or even to just say hi! You can contact any of us on via email and we will get back to you as soon as possible or call into us in the student centre for a chat. 

I cannot wait to get started as your UL Student Life President. A huge thanks to everyone who voted me in for this amazing opportunity. I won’t let ye down!

Thanks,
Maeve