Hundreds of students are expected to take part in a protest over fee increases, grant cuts and graduate joblessness in Cork today.
Students from CIT and UCC will march from UCC's campus to Fine Gael Cork South Central TD Jerry Buttimer's constituency office.
It is the first in a series of student protests replacing the annual Union of Students in Ireland march in Dublin.
The protests are specifically aimed at certain TDs in Government who have supported students in the past, have a USI-affiliated third-level institute in their constituency or are sharing a constituency with a Minister.
Last week, Mr Buttimer said he welcomed the USI protest and was willing to engage with the students.
"I have no difficulty with this protest, as long as they don't interrupt the work going on in my office, or put people off going in," he said.
USI president John Logue said he hopes thousands of students will take part in the demonstrations.
"This series of protests will be the largest mobilisation of students in USI's history. We expect thousands of students and parents to stand up to their TDs in towns and cities across Ireland," he said.
"Their message will be clear: 'We're fed up of fee hikes, grant cuts and graduate unemployment. Stand up for us and for promises made to a generation of Ireland's youth'."
The next protest will take place tomorrow in Sligo, where students will march to Fine Gael TD John Perry's constituency office.