About ISS Hub
ISS began with a simple belief: nobody should have to build a life in a new country alone. Today, ISS Hub helps international students and internationals find friendship, practical support and a genuine sense of belonging.
Read our story
The ISS story
Every stage of ISS has grown from listening to our community and building what international people told us they needed next.
In autumn 2022, a small group of international students in Galway—Jorge, Gabriella, Ayushi, Manya and Ashley—set out to create the warm, welcoming community they wished they had found when they first arrived in Ireland.
What began as the International Student Society at ATU Galway quickly became a place where students could meet, build friendships, experience life in Ireland together and feel that they truly belonged.
As the society grew, Jorge recognised the need for a dedicated platform where members could stay connected, access event tickets and share their favourite memories.
In July 2024, ISS launched its first website. More than a public website, it included a private social community where verified society members could connect, interact and access event content.
The website received a strong response, but members increasingly asked for the convenience of a mobile app. In July 2025, the first ISS app was launched.
Originally designed as a social community for students, it allowed members to connect, exchange messages, discover events, access tickets and download photos. Interest soon extended beyond ATU Galway as students from other universities—and international people who had never previously been society members—began asking to join.
Growing demand showed that ISS could support a much wider community. With the support of its members, the society expanded in March 2026 to become International Student Society Ireland.
ISS was formally registered as an Irish not-for-profit organisation, creating a stronger foundation from which to support international communities across the country. The first ISS Hub app launched alongside this expansion, marking the beginning of a more ambitious Ireland-wide platform.
Four years after the original society was created, ISS Hub 3.0 launched in August 2026. The new app brought the community’s most important services together in one trusted place.
It was no longer simply a social app for one student society. It had become a growing platform for international life in Ireland.
Today, we usually call ourselves simply ISS, and our platform is called ISS Hub. This reflects who we have become: a community that welcomes international people from every background—including EU and non-EU citizens, English-language students, university and college students, professionals, workers and families building their lives in Ireland.
What began with five students in Galway has grown into an Ireland-wide not-for-profit community. Our purpose remains the same: helping international people find friendship, trusted support, meaningful experiences and a genuine sense of belonging in Ireland.
Why we exist
We create genuine opportunities to meet people, build friendships and feel part of life in Ireland.
We share clear, useful guidance shaped by the real experience of internationals already living here.
We celebrate different backgrounds and create space for people to learn from one another.
Clear standards, thoughtful moderation and verification where appropriate help protect the community.
The organisation behind ISS Hub
ISS Hub is operated by ISS International Student Society Ireland, a registered not-for-profit organisation in Ireland. Our work is guided by the needs, safety and long-term wellbeing of the international community.
Be part of what comes next
Download the app to join, discover events and start making connections across Ireland.
ISS Hub in your pocket
