Institute of Technology Tallaght - Handbook for Exchange Students
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Institute of Technology Tallaght
Handbook for Exchange Students
1
Table of Contents
Some essential facts about Ireland ....................................................... 4
Climate & Clothing ................................................................................... 5
The English language in Ireland .............................................................. 6
Dublin ........................................................................................................... 6
Institute of Technology Tallaght (ITT Dublin) ........................................ 7
Getting to I T Tallaght ............................................................................... 7
From Dublin airport to I T Tallaght campus ........................................ 10
Driving in Ireland .................................................................................... 133
Accommodation................................................................................... 134
Registration and Induction .................................................................. 167
Beyond the College ................................................................................ 26
General Information ............................................................................... 33
Checklist - don’t leave home without… ............................................. 34
Other useful websites .............................................................................. 34
Fáilte Ireland ............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
2
To all our visiting exchange students:
We welcome you warmly to I T Tallaght, Dublin. The purpose of this
handbook is to provide practical information as you prepare for
your short stay in Ireland. Please also check out our website www.it-
tallaght.ie because it will have all the latest up-to-date information
about courses, academic calendar, etc.
Your home university may have told you what to expect during your
study period abroad. This handbook builds on what you already
know; essential facts and tips that are relevant to an exchange
student not usually resident in Ireland. We hope that your stay her
will be a pleasant one, and that your time at I T Tallaght will benefit
you personally, professionally and (of course) academically.
3
Essential facts about Ireland
Ireland has a population of just over 4.5
million people, 25% of whom live in the
greater Dublin area. The long established
trend of emigration has now been reversed
and it is estimated that people from 160
nations have made their home here.
Although geographically on the periphery of
Europe, the Irish people have traditionally
been quite pro-European since Ireland
joined the then EEC in 1973.
Ireland’s Head of State is President Michael CC BY-SA 3.0, by: Andrein
D. Higgins. . The Head of Government or
“Taoiseach” is Mr Leo Varadkar.
Irish people are quite proud of their Celtic roots. In fact, the Celts may have
arrived here as early as the 6th century B.C. They were, of course, followed
much later by the Vikings, the Anglo-Normans and the English. Christianity was
introduced in the 6th century AD and monasteries soon became not just the
centre of religious life, they were also important seats of learning. Some
monasteries even received students from abroad. Irish monks then travelled
through Europe, establishing monasteries and centres of learning as they went.
Irish Universities and Institutes of Technology continue the tradition of higher
education and proudly welcome a growing number of international students,
who follow in the footsteps of those early travelling scholars. At I T Tallaght we
welcomed around 300 international students during 2017-2018.
Climate & Clothing
You have probably heard a lot about the Irish weather before your arrival here!
And you will notice that the weather is a frequent topic of conversation in
everyday life. We have a mild, moist climate and rarely experience radically
high or low temperatures. There is no real pattern to the Irish climate and
sometimes we experience all four seasons in one day. We are ill equipped for
extremely cold temperatures and also cope badly in very high temperatures!
Autumn can be quite sunny during the day with mist descending in the
evening. During the winter months we experience sharp winds and frosty
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nights. The coldest months are January – March with daytime temperatures
between 4°C and 8°C. There is often snow on hilltops and mountains, and
sometimes in the cities – this usually causes traffic chaos. Spring can be quite
chilly, with prolonged rain. July, August and September are usually the warmest
months, averaging temperatures of 14°C -16°C .
It is a good idea to wear layers of clothing so you can adapt to the daily
temperature variations. Always have an umbrella and/or rain gear with you.
You will probably be surprised at how few people wear hats, scarves, and
gloves in the cold winter months and amazed at how quickly we wear T-shirts
as soon as a sunray appears.
The English language in Ireland
Initially, you may be surprised at how different Hiberno-English sounds
compared to the English you have learned in class, or what you have heard
on American or British TV channels. In this variety of English you will find minor
differences in the pronunciation, intonation and some minor items of
vocabulary. When you travel to other parts of Ireland you will find that there
are also many accents of Irish English.
The Irish Language
Many people arrive in Ireland thinking that Irish is a dialect of the English
language. In fact the Irish language derived from Celtic roots, unlike English,
which is from the Saxon family of languages. Approximately 4% of the
population speak Irish (Gaelic) as their first language in everyday life. The
Gaeltacht areas where Irish is still the first language are located in the North-
West (Co. Donegal), West (Co. Mayo and Connemara, Co. Galway), South
West (Co. Kerry and Co. Cork) and Co. Meath. Although you may not hear Irish
being spoken in Dublin, you will encounter some Irish language mainly in the
form of street names, road signs, bus destinations, toilets, and the occasional
spoken expression. Here are some basic expressions in Irish:
Gaeilge (Irish) English equivalent
Baile Átha Cliath Dublin
An Lár City Centre
Dia duit Hi there
Go raibh maith agat Thank you
Fáilte Welcome
Slán Bye
Fir Men’s toilets
Mná Ladies’ toilets
Sláinte Cheers
5
Dublin
Home to over one million people, Dublin is a vibrant, dynamic European city.
It is alive with theatres, restaurants, museums, galleries, shops, pubs and
nightclubs. In the urban centre it is hard to miss evidence of this fine city’s
historic past. From the remains of Viking settlements, through rows of elegant
Georgian houses, to the streets and buildings referred to by Joyce, Dublin is
where the past meets the present. Many global companies have a base in
Ireland, including Intel, Facebook, Microsoft, Paypal. Dublin is well-established
as a European hub for numerous high-tech companies.
For many years, the works of Beckett, Yeats, Wilde and Joyce have been a
source of pride for the Irish nation. Our rich literary heritage has also inspired
many contemporary Irish writers, who have received international critical
acclaim in their own right. The works of playwright Brian Friel, poet Seamus
Heaney and novelists Roddy Doyle and Patrick Mc Cabe add continued
vibrancy to this sector.
Useful maps can be found here: http://www.dublintourist.com/maps/
Tallaght
A suburb of Dublin, Tallaght itself is actually larger than the other Irish cities of
Limerick or Galway, with a population of 100,000. Over 1,000 companies are
based in Tallaght, including UPS, Nestlé, Loctite and United Drug, to name but
a few. Although now a thoroughly modern urban area, the tradition of studying
in Tallaght goes back as far as 769 AD when St. Maelruain founded a
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monastery here. This scholastic tradition is continued today in the purpose built
Institute of Technology, which opened in 1992. Tallaght is practically a city in
itself. The facilities include: The Square shopping centre (over 100 shops), 12-
screen cinema, theatre, dozens of pubs/clubs, hotels & restaurants, bowling,
gyms (with reduced membership rates for I T Tallaght students), swimming
pools, public library, internet café, 3 public parks, a number of smaller shopping
centres and retail parks.
Institute of Technology Tallaght
The parkland campus (circa 15 hectares) is nestled in the heart of Tallaght
village and has cinemas, restaurants, bars, banks, hotels, shops and a theatre
on its doorstep. The Institute of Technology Tallaght is a modern, purpose-built
complex in a tranquil, green setting. Natural light streams in to all areas of the
college. Many classrooms and common areas overlook leafy courtyards;
others have views of landscaped green areas, making this a very pleasant
learning environment.
It is easy to find your way around the building as room numbers indicate their
location. Rooms starting with 0 (e.g. 020) are on the ground floor, those starting
with 1 (e.g. 124) are on the first floor and those starting with 2 (e.g. 210) are on
the second floor. Furthermore, each staircase is colour coded so you will easily
remember which one to take.
There is another large classroom block, called Premier House, which opened
in 2015. Many of the Humanities department lectures and classes are held
there. The building is located about 10 minutes’ walk from the main campus.
Getting to I T Tallaght
Immigration procedures
Students are responsible for obtaining and maintaining a valid passport/ID
card. If you do not hold a passport from one of the countries of the European
Union, you will need a student visa to enter Ireland for study purposes.
Your starting point for all necessary information about immigration procedures
and visa applications is the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration
Service:
www.inis.gov.ie
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This website displays a list of countries whose citizens do not require a visa to
study in Ireland. But you are a citizen of a country that is not on this list you must
follow the procedures given and apply for a study visa. YOU SHOULD START
THIS PROCEDURE WELL IN ADVANCE OF YOUR PLANNED STUDY TRIP.
To get a study visa you will need to be enrolled on a full-time course of study
at I T Tallaght, either undergraduate or postgraduate. The International Office
at I T Tallaght will send you an invitation letter and/or confirmation letter of
acceptance, proof of registration, etc., to support your visa application,
according as these may be required by the immigration office.
The institute cannot intervene in the visa application process, in fact to do so
may delay or hamper your application for a visa.
The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service provides a weekly update of
visa decisions on its website. Applicants may search under their visa reference
number. When submitting visa applications please ensure:
You have a valid passport
You have fully completed and signed your visa application form
You have evidence of medical insurance
You have evidence of finances to support your study in Ireland
You have a letter from Institute of Technology Tallaght confirming your acceptance
to a full-time course of study
You have a letter from the International Office confirming your tuition fees are paid
in full
You should provide full details of all visa applications to any country including
Ireland and if refused by any country. Include the letter of refusal that issued from
that state.
Once you have submitted your student visa application, you should contact
the International Office via email, providing us with the following information:
Your first name and family name
Your country of origin
Visa reference number
Date of your application
The Irish Embassy to which you made you application
Title of your course of study, or ITT Dublin department you will enrol in.
Immigration registration - after your arrival.
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Please note that European Union citizens do not need a study visa in Ireland,
and do not need to register with the Immigration Bureau.
Visiting or exchange students with a citizenship from outside the European
Union or EEA (European Economic Area) must register in person with the Garda
National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). All students will need to produce the
following documentation when registering with the Garda National
Immigration Bureau:
Your passport
Valid student visa
A letter from Institute of Technology Tallaght’s International Office, addressed
to the GNIB, stating you have paid your fees in full and that you are
undertaking a full-time course of study. This letter will state the name, duration
and location of your course of study and it will state if there is a work
placement component on the programme.
Bank statement (this needs to show a minimum of €3000 in your account)
A fee of €300 (no cash accepted).
Contact details: Opening Hours:
13-14 Burgh Quay, Monday to Thursday: 08:00-22:00
Dublin 2. Friday: 08:00-16:00
Tel: +353 1 616 7700 End Sept/Oct: 10:00-14:00 (Saturday)
It is advisable to visit: www.garda.ie/angarda/gnib.html for up-to-date-
information on opening times, office location and method of payment.
For information about visa requirements please consult www.irlgov.ie/iveagh/
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Getting around on arrival
Download the Real Time Ireland App free for your iPhone, iPad, Android device or tablet.
From Dublin Airport directly to Tallaght
There are a few options to get from Dublin airport to the city centre or to the suburb of Tallaght.
Airport Hopper
This is probably the quickest and cheapest way to get directly to Tallaght.
Airport Hopper is a shuttle bus operating between Dublin Airport and Tallaght.
The Hopper stops in “The Square”, the main shopping centre. The cost is €13
one way for a student, or if you book online €10:40. www.airporthopper.ie
Taxi
Taxis are the most expensive mode of transport for visitors, but can be
convenient if the cost is shared between 3-4 people, or if you are unsure of
your surroundings. A taxi to Tallaght takes around 30 minutes and costs around
€50. You should check with the taxi driver BEFORE your journey starts, because
there are pre-set distance fares in operation. You can check and book your
taxi here http://www.airporttaxi.ie/ You can also travel to the city centre by
taxi – expect to pay about €25
From Dublin airport to the city centre
Aircoach (Bus #700)
10The Aircoach is a 24-hour bus service between the airport and the city
centre. From the airport to the city centre (O’Connell Street) costs €8 one
way and takes about 40 minutes. The AirCoach has a number of drop-off
and pick-up points. For all stops and routes, plus a live timetable visit
www.aircoach.ie
Airlink bus 747
The Airlink bus leaves the Airport every 10 or 20 minutes from 05.45 – 23.30
Monday-Saturday and from 07.15 – 23.30 on Sundays and will drop you outside
the Savoy cinema on O’Connell Street in the heart of the City Centre. This costs
€6 one way.
Regular Dublin Bus route #16
(Dublin Airport to Ballinteer, Kingston) This regular bus service has the airport
on its route. You can get out in the city centre (in the middle of O’Connell
Street) and a one way fare is € 3.30. Timetable and map of all stops here:
http://www.dublinbus.ie/en/Your-Journey1/Timetables/All-Timetables/16-/
Regular Dublin Bus route #41
(Lower Abbey St. towards Swords Manor) This regular bus service stops at
Abbey St, Irish Life Mall (2 minutes’ walk from O’Connell street), and a one
way fare is €3.30. The timetable and map of all stops is here:
http://www.dublinbus.ie/en/Your-Journey1/Timetables/All-Timetables/41-/
Citylink
The private bus company CITYLINK runs buses from the airport. Look for the blus
CITYLINK signs outside the airport terminal building. CITYLINK takes you into the
city centre. From the city centre you can take the LUAS tram or another bus to
Tallaght.
11From Dublin city centre to Tallaght.
To travel between Tallaght and Dublin city you can take many
different bus routes or take the tram (LUAS).
Download the Dublin transport app to your phone .
Public transport in Dublin is more expensive than most other
European cities and towns.
After you have completed the registration and received your I T Tallaght student ID card
you will be able to apply for the student LeapCard. http://www.studentleapcard.ie
Get the LeapCard as soon as possible, as you will start saving money immediately. You
top up and pay-as-you-go on Dublin Bus, LUAS, DART, commuter rail, as well as longer
distance regional buses and trains.
Bus
There is a good scheduled bus service between Tallaght and the city. A one-way
ticket for the full route costs €3.30. The fare is based on the distance travelled.
If in doubt, ask the bus driver. Buses from the city centre to Tallaght leave from
College Street, beside Trinity College (this is a 5-10 minute walk southwards
from O’Connell St.). They depart very regularly, cost €3.30 (no change given) and
take about an hour to reach the college.
Here are the bus services stopping at the entrance to ITT Dublin
49: Pearse Street to the Square
76: Chapelizod to Tallaght
76a: Blanchardstown to Tallaght
75: Dun Laoghaire to the Square
54A: Pearse St to the Square
56A: Ringsend to the Square
65: Hawkins Street to Blessington
65B: Hawkins Street to Citywest
77A: Ringsend to the Square
12LUAS (Red Line)
From Dublin city centre take the tram LUAS to Tallaght. LUAS means ‘speed’ in
Irish language. Visit www.luas.ie for routes, maps and fare information.
There are several smartphone apps for public transport timetable – eg. Real
Time, Journey Planner or Dublin Bus. There is a website: www.hittheroad.ie
Driving in Ireland
IN IRELAND WE DRIVE ON THE LEFT. Apart from that slight difference (!),
you will find that driving in Ireland is the same as anywhere else. Remember
that once you travel inside Northern Ireland or to Britain, the speed signs there
are in miles per hour (not Kilometres). Here is a conversion guide:
30 mph = 48 km/h
40 mph = 64 km/h
50 mph = 80 km/h
60 mph = 98 km/h
70 mph = 112 km/h
Drink driving: Official policy is not to drive if you have had an alcoholic drink.
Insurance: You should check with your insurance company that your policy is
valid for your extended stay in Ireland. Bring a copy of your insurance
certificate with you.
Driving Licence: It is compulsory to carry your driver’s licence with you at all
times while driving in Ireland.
Roundabouts: Traffic already on the roundabout has priority, or right of way.
Accommodation
First - Some advice before choosing accommodation in Dublin:
13Before arrival: Find out what is available and what you can afford by
searching Dublin’s accommodation websites.
Do not expect to find accommodation in May / June, if you are arriving in
September. It is more usual in Dublin to arrange accommodation at shorter
notice. Book yourself into a hostel for the first few days if possible. Search the
internet for budget accommodation in Dublin city centre, for short-term
arrangements. Try www.visitdublin.ie
Searching for long-term accommodation:
1. The internet:
There are many websites offering accommodation to let. Most sites offer to
send you e-mail alerts about properties that come on to the market, Try
www.rent.ie . Another very popular website is www.daft.ie/lettings
On the DAFT website you can select “Institute of Technology Tallaght” from the
“College Search” option. You will view a list of locally available properties.
Places that are within easy walking distance of ITT Dublin include Kingswood,
Bancroft, Glenview, Old Bawn & Belgard. You can search for accommodation
by areas of Dublin, e.g. ‘Dublin City’ or ‘West Dublin’ (where Tallaght is
located). You can also search by postal district for places to rent. Tallaght is
Dublin 24, a large district, and includes all the places named above. Other
districts close to Tallaght and on a frequent bus route to Tallaght are Dublin 6W,
Dublin 22, Dublin 16 and Dublin 12. Beware that all the odd numbers (Dublin 3,
Dublin 9, etc.) represent districts north of the centre of Dublin, while the even
numbers are south of the city centre. You may find that prices north of the
centre seem better value, but you would almost certainly need to spend a lot
of time and money travelling to Tallaght if you rent there.
2. The college accommodation register
This is another starting point in your search for suitable accommodation. This is
a regularly updated list of apartments and homestay options available in the
immediate Tallaght area.
14This list is offered to students with no obligation on the part of the I T Tallaght.
This list is being updated now, and the new list will be made available in mid-
July. The file can be sent to you on request via email. To receive a copy of this
accommodation list, please phone +353 1 404 2562 or send an email to the
Students’ Union Welfare Office, at suwelfare@it-tallaght.ie
Note: this is a list of accommodation. You must study the list, and contact the
individual landlords yourself. The students union does not operate as an
accommodation agent. Much of the accommodation on this list is in private
homes, where one or more bedrooms are let to students. This is called a
‘homestay’ option. For some students, staying in a room in a family home is a
good way to get established during the initial few weeks. It will be necessary
to understand some of the basic acronyms used: The accommodation may
be offered on a Bed and Breakfast basis (B&B), HB, or Half-Board (i.e. breakfast
and evening meal), FB, or Full-Board (breakfast, lunch, evening meal), or even
self-catering (SC) whereby you have access to cooking facilities. These family
homes are normally within 30 minutes’ walk of the college, in residential areas
and often on public bus routes. Approximate costs for 7-day homestay is €165-
180. Approximate costs for a 1 bed apartment: €900 , 2 bed apartment: €1400+
General Advice for your accommodation search
Make contact (usually email or phone) with the individual or agent who are
advertising accommodation, and arrange to view the apartment or room.
Get to know the locality and decide where you would feel comfortable
living. Most ads will give information about the bus or tram routes close to the
accommodation. The college is in the district Dublin 24. Addresses in Tallaght
itself that are within easy walking distance of ITT Dublin include Kingswood,
Tallaght village, Bancroft, Glenview, Old Bawn & Belgard. Addresses in Dublin
22 are generally accessible by bus. The good websites will SHOW you where
the accommodation is in relation to the college, by providing a map.
NEVER arrange to send cash shipments to an address in Ireland. ONLY pay
deposits using an international bank transfer, where you have exact details of
a bank account, a person’s name, address and land line telephone number
(NOT mobile phone number).
ALWAYS read your tenancy contract (lease) very carefully. Do not sign it
unless you understand and are happy with all the terms and conditions. Ask
your prospective landlord / landlady to explain the terms and conditions if
15necessary. It is important to adopt a positive approach where finding
accommodation is concerned. Not everyone can immediately find the ideal
accommodation. Be prepared to accept an alternative for a few weeks until
you have had time to network with other students and get to know the area.
Cost of Accommodation
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland, and rents for students are similar to capital
cities in other European countries. Most visiting students will find that
accommodation in Dublin is expensive; student rental accommodation of
€140-€170 per week is normal for Dublin, and you may pay even more if you
want to live close to the college. Sometimes, you may have to make
compromises between cost and proximity to college. Watch out for extra costs
too, e.g. electricity, heating and internet access. If you are looking on the
internet for apartments to rent, the price of rent quotes does NOT usually
include heating / electricity / etc.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!! If your landlord requires you to pay a deposit before
giving you access to the accommodation, make sure that you understand
the terms and conditions about the return of the deposit. If you are in any
doubt about the validity of the contract, do not sign it until you have had a
chance to satisfy yourself that it is genuine.
Tenancy law The law governing tenants and landlords is outlined in the
Residential Tenancies Act 2004, which can be read in full online at:
www.oireachtas.ie/documents/bills28/acts/204/a2704.pdf \
Registration and Induction
Erasmus programme and other exchange students:
Erasmus and other exchange programme students will receive details of their
first meeting via email.
Please do not send repeated emails requesting this information. When the
dates are fixed an email will be sent to you.
16Registration and induction of students will take place in early September OR
late January, with welcome activities and further information and orientation
sessions. Detailed times and places will be emailed to you close to the date.
Representatives from Student Services Department will assist you with the
registration process, and you will meet representatives from Student Medical
Services, Sports & Recreation, the Students’ Union, the Counselling Service, the
college Chaplains. There are also tours of the college services, the library and
student computing facilities.
Finalising your timetable
If you are not attending a pre-set academic programme you will need to
arrange your own timetable. This will take about two weeks, during which time
you will need to familiarise yourself with the timetables of different academic
programmes and/or academic departments. Ideally you should try to pick
modules that do not involve a clash of times. It is important to be flexible with
regard to modules: it may not be possible for you to attend certain classes due
to lack of space. You will have to finalise your module choices by early-mid
October/ early-mid February when you must submit your registration form to
the Registrar’s Office. Once this form is submitted, no further changes can be
made to the subjects you will study while in ITT Dublin.
Academic advice
During the first few weeks of the semester you will have further opportunity to
receive advice on academic matters. Many departments have appointed
an academic coordinator to advise and help in-coming exchange / Erasmus
students. It will be possible to make individual appointments as required.
17DEPARTMENT ACADEMIC ADVISOR PHONE* ROOM
Creative Digital Mr. Tom Jenner 2431 Staff area, room
Media
Electronic Engineering Mr James Wright 2502 School of Engineering,
Second Floor
Humanities & Ms Tara McKiernan 2813 Icon Court (email to
Management arrange
appointment)
Marketing Mr Glenn Mehta 2807 Dept. of Marketing &
Business Computing,
Ground Floor, Rm 034
Mechanical Ms Fiona Cranley 2503 School of Engineering,
Engineering Second Floor
Computing Mr John Cardiff 2858 Staff Area, Room 028
you can use the internal phones to contact lecturing staff. To phone from an
external phone, place 404 in front of the extension number above.
to phone from outside the Dublin area, dial 01, then 404 + lecturer’s number
to phone from a foreign number dial +353 , then 1404, + extension number
All staff can be accessed via email: firstname.lastname@it-tallaght.ie
For example: Tara McKiernan is on email at tara.mckiernan@it-tallaght.ie
English as a Foreign Language
For exchange students classes in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) run at
B1 / B2 / C1 level, depending on demand. An EFL module carries 5 ECTS.
English for Academic purposes
International students who are registered on a full-time programme in Institute
of Technology Tallaght can avail of English for Academic purposes.
IT Services
Technology is a key aspect of our courses, and the Institute is equipped with
the most up-to-date systems to meet students’ needs. The Primary functions of
the IT Department at ITT Dublin are:
To provide IT support to all students and staff.
To provide and maintain key business applications and services.
To maintain and enhance the Institute Network Services. 18
To act as a central consultancy and advice service for all Institute departments.The IT Support Desk is a facility that provides staff and students with face to
face, e-mail and telephone communication for all Computing and Information
Technology related issues. The IT Support Desk is located on the Top Floor of
the Institute in Room 205.
You may contact the support desk via e-mail at
computingservices@ittdublin.ie or by telephone at 01 404 2010. To
telephone the helpdesk from within the Institute, dial Ext 2010.
IT Support Desk Opening Hours
The IT Support desk is open from 9.00-13.00 and 14.00- 19.00 (in semester)
Monday to Thursday. The support desk is closed on Fridays. Please bring your
student ID with you to avail of our wide range of services.
The IT Department provides a wide range of services across the entire campus
to students and staff. Please think of the IT Department as your first ‘port of call’
for general IT related queries.
These include:
Assistance with access to wireless
Digital signage information system network connectivity.
(plasma screens).
Technical advice.
Student software & Hardware special offers.
ITnet (E-mail) support.
Online call logging services using Trackit.
Self Service Kiosk.
Assistance with file storage.
Password reset and login account management.
Other Support services carried out by the IT Department Institute wide support
includes e-learning and staff e-mail facilities.
19Library Service
The library plays a central role in academic
life. The Institute library is available to all
registered students and staff. The library is
located on the ground floor to the left as you
enter the main entrance.
Your current IT Tallaght student card is also your library card. You must have
your card with you to borrow books. You are not permitted to allow others use
your card, and you are responsible for all items borrowed with it. Please
familiarise yourself with the Library Regulations.
Using the library website http://library.it-tallaght.ie/ you can check what books,
journals, DVDs, student projects etc. that the library holds. It tells you whether
an item is available, how many copies there are and where it is shelved.
You can also view what items you have on loan, place requests for items on loan
and access past exam papers. The library website allows you to search for full
text peer reviewed journal articles, abstracts, conferences and standards.
The Internet is also a source of information. To assist you we have selected some
web-sites and search portals for your subject area on the Subject Internet
Gateways on the library website. There are tutorials on the library website to
show you how to research your assignment, reference your sources and practise
critical thinking.
Books and articles unavailable in the Institute’s library may be ordered, by
completing an online Inter Library Form. Undergraduate students are allowed 3
interlibrary loans per academic year.
Books are issued to you by staff at the library desk or by using the self-service
machine. General Collection books are issued for a week which will
automatically renew if no one else is looking for the book. Short loan books are
issued for 3 days and cannot be renewed.
20The library provides access to computers which can be used to check our
databases or search the Internet. Computers are located on the mezzanine floor
of the library. We also provide laptops for use in the library with wireless access
to the Institute network.
The library has study areas. The main body of the library is for individual study,
but if you need to work together, you can book one of our group study rooms,
located on the first floor. These are booked using the library website. These
rooms are equipped with wireless access and whiteboards.
There is an Assistive Technology room provides specialised software and
hardware for use by students with disabilities or learning difficulties. Ask any
member of staff for more details.
Laptops can be used in the library and may be powered from available power
points. However, students wishing to use sources to power their laptops in the
library do so on the understanding that the Institute is not liable for any damage
caused as a result of supply and/or technical problems.
Email: library@ittdublin.ie
Plagiarism
Plagiarism means that you have deliberately represented someone else’s work
as your own. Normally plagiarism involves the use of someone else’s work
without giving full acknowledgement but it is also plagiarism to alter the form
or context of that work in order to conceal the source. All Institute students are
expected to use other people’s ideas. You will use books and journals in the
library, some assignments involve working collaboratively with others, and in
some cases you may have access to other people’s work on computer disk or
over a computer network. When undertaking a major assignment, you may
sometimes legitimately make reference to similar projects undertaken by
students on your own or another course in previous years.
21However, other people’s work must be used in a
principled way, with due acknowledgement of
authorship. Recognised standards of acknowledging
the work of others will be discussed during your course,
and it is important to retain guidelines which you may
be given, and observe them.
Plagiarism means taking someone else’s ideas or
writings and presenting them as your own. Like
cheating in an examination, plagiarism is a serious matter. Where there is
evidence to suggest this, a formal process of enquiry may begin, if it is found
that plagiarism has taken place you may fail the piece of work concerned,
and will not necessarily be permitted to resubmit it for a pass mark. Plagiarism
in a major piece of work at the final level of your course can result in a decision
by the Examination Discipline Board not to award you a Degree/ Higher
Certificate. If evidence of serious plagiarism comes to light after the
Examinations Board has agreed final results, the Institute reserves the right to
invoke the Examinations Discipline procedure which may result in the
cancelling of the award.
Where plagiarism, or other forms of assessment offence such as cheating, is
suspected, decisions on assessed work will be made only when the facts have
been established. All serious cases may be considered by the Examination
Discipline Board. The procedures for dealing with plagiarism up to the point of
the final Examination Board are available from the Registrar’s Office. Plagiarism
is one of the most serious academic offences you can commit and if caught
you render yourself liable to disqualification.
Eating in College
22There is a restaurant area in the
college. The largest, on the ground
floor is open from 08.30-21.00 Mon-
Thurs, 08.30- 16.00 on Fridays and
10.00-13.30 on Saturdays.
It is also possible to bring in your own
lunch and eat it in the restaurant
areas.
Health Centre
The Health Centre is located in room
108 on the first floor (yellow stairs). A
nurse is on duty from 9.00–21.00 Monday to Friday and 9.00-13.00 on Saturdays.
No appointment is necessary to see the nurse and this service is free of charge,
but you do need an appointment to see a doctor and there is a charge for
visiting him/her. If you need medical assistance while you are in Ireland, check
that the doctor you visit here is a public one, i.e. part of the Medical Card
Scheme. Doctors visit the college each week and the nurse will make an
appointment for you.
Contact: Nurse Orlagh Fleming on extension 2613.
Health Insurance
Important Information about Health Insurance
European Union (EU) citizens: Before arrival in Ireland you should apply for the
European Health Insurance Card in your home country, and bring this with
you to Ireland. This card will cover EU citizens for treatment in the public
medical / health service (including any necessary medication), whether
emergency or not.
You have the EHIC card in another EU state, but you are not an EU citizen?
Non-EU citizens taking part in Erasmus or other exchange programmes should
ask at the university International Office where they are studying fulltime
about adequate health insurance BEFORE they decide to undertake a study
visit to ITT Dublin. If you are not an EU passport holder, EVEN IF you have a
23European Health Insurance Card the in the EU country where are you
studying full-time, the EHIC card issued to you there may not be valid in
Ireland. Private insurance in Ireland for these students is compulsory in order
to receive the study visa, and will cost in the region of €110 for 1 or 2
semesters.
Health Insurance for Non-European Union citizens studying at I T Tallaght
International students are advised to ensure they have comprehensive health
insurance, which includes cover in the event of hospitalisation. This policy
may be obtained in their country of origin in which case a copy of the policy
in English should be obtained before travelling to Ireland. Proof of health
insurance is required for student visa applications. Non-EU students will be
asked to show proof of comprehensive medical insurance when registering
with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. The Institute can arrange
Medical Insurance for students at a cost of €105 for an academic year.
Please enquire about this when asking for your offer letter for your visa.
Counselling
The Counsellor's office is located on the ground floor, turn left before the AV
office. An appointment is not always necessary, but the office can get busy
during term time. Aishling O’Brien is the Counsellor and her telephone
extension is 2635.
Careers
The Careers and Appointments officer is based in room 122. Here you will find
help with C.V. layout, interview techniques, job placements, etc.
Chaplaincy Service
The Institute Chaplains are there to facilitate the social, human and
especially the spiritual development of students within the context of their
own religious traditions, all of which are equally esteemed. Where a Church
does not have its own Chaplain visiting the Institute, we are available to help
establish a link with the student’s faith community.
24Lockers
Many students choose to hire lockers for the year. To hire one, call to the
Caretaker’s office on the ground floor, show your current Student ID card. The
rate for a year is €20.
Banking services in ITT Dublin
There is a branch of the Allied Irish Bank located on campus (1st floor of the
main building). AIB is open: 10.30-12.30 and 13.30-15.30 Mon, Tues, Thurs;
10.30-12.30 Wed and Fri.
Beside the bank there is an ATM*, which accepts most international cards. For
withdrawing cash. If you intend to use your bankcards from home, beware of
the costs…! If you open a bank account in Dublin, you will pay no bank
charges for that account as a student account holder.
To open bank accounts in Ireland you must, by law, produce 2 forms of official
identification. This usually means a valid passport and a utility bill e.g. phone
bill, with your address on it. A letter from the International Office, confirming
that you are a student, will be accepted as a second form of identity by the
campus AIB, though we cannot take responsibility for your address. It is
probably best to call in to the bank with your passport and the letter from the
international office, and explain that you are an exchange student here at ITT
Dublin, bringing any other form of official ID that you may have with you.
2 further Irish banks with branches in Tallaght village are listed below. To reach
them turn left at the main entrance and walk for about 600 metres. All banks
are closed on Saturdays but many operate Internet or telephone banking. Ask
for details when you open your account.
Bank of Ireland Permanent TSB
Priorsgate, Main Road Old Bawn Road
Tel: + 353 1 451 5399 Tel: + 353 1 452 4122
Open: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 10.00-16.00 Open: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri
Thurs 10.00-17.00 10.00-17.00,
Thurs 10.00-19.00
25*ATM = Automatic Teller Machine (machine from which you can take money
out of your bank account)
Beyond the College
Shops & Opening hours
Most shops in city centre and shopping centres are open 9.00-18.00. On
Thursdays shops are open until 21:00 in city centre and 22.00 in shopping
centres. In Tallaght, the Square Shopping Centre is open late on Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays, usually until 21:00.
Department stores and supermarkets are open all day Saturday.
Many supermarkets and department stores are open on Sunday afternoon.
Some supermarkets (e.g. many Tesco stores) are open 24 hours.
Banks are open Monday – Friday 10.00-16.00
Post Office (An Post) opening hours: Monday – Friday 9.00-17.00, main post
offices also open 9.00-17.00 on Saturdays.
Groceries
Your cheapest option is to purchase groceries in the larger supermarkets such
as Aldi, Lidl, Dunnes Stores, and Tesco. Local neighbourhood supermarkets
such as Londis and Super Value are fairly competitive. It is much more
expensive to buy your groceries in the smaller 24-hour convenience stores.
If you cook regularly, you might consider purchasing your vegetables and fruit
at the outdoor markets. There is a farmers’ market every Friday in Tallaght
Square. Other fresh food markets operate in Dublin City Centre e.g. Moore
Street (off Henry Street), and Smithfield Market both on the north side on the
city centre; Camden Street in the south city centre. This makes shopping a
much more social experience, but be prepared to buy in bulk. There is also an
organic market in Dublin city centre (in Temple Bar Square in the cultural
quarter) every Saturday morning and ethnic foods for sale in The Asia Market,
Drury Street.
Plastic Bag Tax
26There is a government levy on plastic bags in Ireland. A regular plastic bag now
costs 30c. This charge does not apply to the small bags used to wrap meat or
fish. Many Supermarkets also offer “a bag for life” which is a large and more
durable plastic bag. Prices for these vary from 30c to 1 Euro but if the bag wears
out, the supermarket will replace it free of charge. Most department stores and
larger clothes shops have changed to paper bags, which are free.
Weekly Shopping Basket
Of course, prices vary from place to place, but hopefully this list will be of some
help to you when working out your budget.
Tesco Bread (loaf) 2.35 Aldi
Coffee instant Nescafe 200g
Bread (loaf) €1.60 7.87 Bread (loaf) 1.35
Coffee instant 200g €4.99 Pasta 500g 1.19 Coffee instant Nescafe 200g
Pasta 500g € 0.59 Rice 1 kg 1.19 4.49
Rice 1 kg €2.60 Chicken Fillets 450g 4.98 Pasta 500g 1.00
Chicken Fillets 400g €5.00 Tuna 180g tin 1.09 Rice 1 kg 1.29
Tuna 180g tin €2.45 Cheese 200g 1.39 Chicken Fillets 400g 4.00
Cheese 200g €2.10 Kellogg's Corn Flakes 375g Tuna 180g tin 1.00
Kellogg's Corn Flakes €4.29 3.99 Cheese 200g Chedar slice
Milk (2 ltr) €1.59 Milk (2 ltr) 1.49 1.49
Butter 250g Flora €1.20 Butter 250g Flora 1.59 Kellogg's Corn Flakes 500g
Milka chocolate 100g €1.59 Milka chocolate 100g 1.49 4.19
Milk (2 ltr) 1.39
Butter 250g Flora 0.99
Dunnes Milka chocolate 100g 1.39
Weekly budget
A typical weekly budget for grocery shopping is approximately €45-€55.
Depending on your accommodation you need to consider a budget for,
internet, cooking and heating (gas / oil / electricity). Bills can generally be paid
at any bank or post office. Just bring the bill with you.
Clothes
If you're not concerned with designer labels, the popular chain stores such as
Dunnes, Pennys, H&M, etc. are found in many locations and offer a vast range
of clothes for all seasons at very reasonable prices. For a great shopping centre
with lots of cheap and expensive brands, coffees and restaurants go to
Dundrum (from Tallaght direct on the 75 bus, taking 40 minutes).
Socialising
27I T Tallaght Students’ Union organises a range of events throughout the college
year. Refer to your Student Union handbook for the calendar of events. Regular
annual events are Freshers' Week and Rag Week. There are lots of Clubs and
Societies, sporting facilities and events. Over the past few years the
International Cultural Society has been one of the most pro-active groups in
the college and students have had an opportunity to participate in weekends
away discovering regions of Ireland outside Dublin. The college website also
keeps you updated on events.
The Dublin Event Guide is a free newspaper issued fortnightly on a Wednesday.
It is usually possible to locate a copy in The Civic Theatre, Tallaght or in pubs in
City centre. It provides a full insight into music events, cinema, theatre, comedy
& museums.
Cinemas
There are plenty of cinemas showing Hollywood releases, including the UCI, in
The Square shopping centre Tallaght, Tel: 014043005. If you long to see a film
in a language other than English, check out the listings for Screen on D’Olier
Street (city centre) Tel: 01 6725500 or the Irish Film Institute (IFI) on Eustace
Street in Temple Bar, Tel: 01 6793477
Sport and gyms
28ITT has various types of sport clubs eg. football, volleyball, rugby, etc. which you can
join, for an annual fee of just €3 per club or society. There are also 2 gyms within
walking distance of the campus that offer special rates to ITT students.
Westpark gym – http://www.westpark.ie
Fit4Less gym - http://www.f4l.com/tallaght
Pubs
Pub styles vary greatly from the most humble,
where locals come to enjoy a quiet pint, to the
trendiest bars, some with their own micro
breweries, where people gather to see and be
seen. Prices vary too, of course. In contrast to
many other European locations we usually order
our drinks at the bar and pay for them as soon
as they are received. If you choose to buy drinks
in the Lounge tipping is usually expected.
Never leave your drink unattended in a club or
pub. Opening hours are 10.30-23.30 with 30
minutes drinking up time. This means that the last
drinks are served at half past eleven, but
customers can stay in the pub until midnight. Pubs can remain open until 00.30
on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, again with an extra 30 minutes drinking
up time. Occasionally, pubs may have permission to extend their opening
hours. This would usually be the case at long weekends or during major sporting
events.
Some tips for restaurants/pubs which were voted as the most favourite from
our students: Temple Bar, Metro, Molloy’s, BadBobs, O’Neiil’s, VAT House Bar,
Slattery’s, Queen of Tarts, Doyles in Town, etc.
Nightclubs
There is no shortage of clubs in Dublin. They are generally open until around
03:00. Most clubs and even some pubs have strict dress codes. T-shirts, sports
jerseys and trainers are generally unacceptable.
29The most popular clubs/bars among our students are: Dicey’s, Show, Palace,
Copper Face Jacks (“Coppers”), Capitol, 37 Dawson street, etc.
Smoking ban
The college building is a no-smoking area. There is a designated smoking
area outside, at the back of the building. Since March 2004, smoking has
been forbidden by law in all Government offices, all places of work, including
pubs, restaurants and nightclubs as well as on all public transport.
Getting home after a night out
A little common sense goes a long way here. Obviously, don’t walk alone in
the middle of the night. When out in public, keep your wallet and mobile
phone in an inside pocket. Stay on well-lit, busy roads and paths if you are
walking. Use the same rule of thumb when choosing a parking space.
Nitelink. This is the late night bus service from Dublin city centre along most of
the main bus routes. It operates from after midnight until around 4am (Friday -
Saturday). You can buy your ticket in advance, or pay with exact amount on
the bus (no change is given). There is a kiosk at the relevant departure point.
Tickets cost €6.50.
From Dublin city centre to Tallaght you can take the bus No. 49n or No.77n
every 2hours (00:00, 02:00, 04:00).
For more information about Nitelink go to: http://www.dublinbus.ie/en/your-
journey1/timetables/Nitelink-Services/
Taxis
It is usually possible to get a taxi, and there are taxi ranks in the city centre on
O’Connell St., Dame St. and St. Stephen’s Green. If the taxi queues are long,
you may decide to walk further up Dame St. towards Christchurch. From
Dublin city centre to Tallaght the rate is €20-25 and it may sometimes work
out cheaper to share a taxi with friends than for a large group to travel on the
Nitelink. You can also download an app for your smartphone (eg.Hailo)
through which you can order a taxi for specific time and location.
30Travelling Around Ireland
If you plan to make some private weekend trips and discover Ireland a little,
the following websites are useful:
www.heritagedata.ie www.tourismireland.com www.discoverireland.com
Bus journeys outside Dublin are with the national bus company Bus Eireann. The
main bus station is Busaras, located near Connolly Railway station just north of
the river Liffey. These buses cover long journeys e.g. Dublin - Cork and offer
special weekend bus fares. www.buseireann.ie There is also other company
called Dublin Coach (http://www.dublincoach.ie/) which goes from the Red
Cow Luas stop to various places in Ireland.
The national train company is called Iarnród Eireann. For fares, routes and
online booking visit www.irishrail.ie The rail service is not as extensive as in other
European countries and can also be quite expensive compared to the long
distance bus fares. There are two railway stations in Dublin City centre;
Connolly Station, located on Amiens St in the city centre (north of the river
Liffey), and Heuston Station on the quays. You can reach these stations on the
LUAS red line that runs between Dublin city centre and Tallaght.
The DART is a suburban train which runs from Howth, a small fishing village on
the peninsula North of Dublin, to attractive coastal village of Greystones in
County Wicklow. Howth is a popular place for a daytrip. To see maps, etc., log
on to www.luas.ie
Tourist tips
Dublin as a capital and historical city has a lot of places of interest to offer for
students – eg. Trinity College, Temple Bar District, Christchurch Cathedral, St.
Patrick’s Cathedral, The Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol and very
many more. Outside the capital there are plenty of places around the
country which are definitely worth visiting while in Ireland. Here are some tips:
31Belfast – capital of Northern Ireland is just less than 3 hours bus drive from
Dublin city
center. While
going there, it is
recommended
to take a black-
taxi tour through
which you will
experience the
remarkable city
from different perspective and learn about its history. If you have a second
day you could book the Giant’s Causeway tour to experience the beauty of
a unique natural phenomenon and wonderful scenery.
Trip to Limerick – Galway – Cliffs of Moher
Take a Friday off and go to the West coast of Ireland to explore different parts
of the country. Limerick is a beautiful historical city with a castle in its city
center which brings you to the history of the country. In the evening take a
bus and move
on to Galway.
The next day
take a tour to
Cliffs of Moher –
one of the most
beautiful natural
sights in the
country. On
Sunday take a
nice, relaxing
walk around
Galway and
explore the city.
Other places which are worth visiting: In Dublin (on the DART train line) Howth,
Dun Laoghaire.
Outside Dublin: Kilkenny (city and castle), Kylemore Abbey (in Connemara,
Co. Galway), The Wicklow Mountains, Cork.
32Travel within the European Union
Non-EU/EEA citizens wishing to travel to another European Union country
should apply for a travel visa from the destination country’s embassy. For a
full list of embassies in Dublin please visit this website:
www.embassyworld.com/embassy/ireland/ireland
General Information
Mobile (Cell) Phones
There are a number of digital GSM mobile networks in Ireland, operated by
Vodafone, O2, Meteor, 3 and Tesco. All offer pay monthly option or a
prepaid option.. The GSM networks use the international standard 900 MHz
and 1800 MHz systems.
The prices range from €5 to €20, depending on what is included. The most
popular provider is ‘Three’. For €20 / month you get unlimited data, unlimited
texts, unlimited calls to provider, and unlimited calls on weekends.
Electricity
The standard mains voltage is 220v.
Public Holidays 2018/9 (all banks/many businesses closed)
Remaining public holidays in Ireland in 2018:
Monday 04 June, Monday 06 August, Monday 29 October.
Tuesday 25 December, Wednesday 26 December.
Public Holidays in Ireland in 2019:
Tuesday 01 January
Monday March 18 (for St Patricks Day March 17)
Friday 19 April * (Good Friday)
Monday 22 April (Easter Monday)
Mondays: 06 May, 03 June, 05 August, 28 October,
Christmas Day Wednesday 25 December 2019
St Stephens Day Thursday 26 December 2019
*Good Friday is not a Public Holiday, however some businesses in Ireland may close
on that day
33Emergency contact details
Tallaght Hospital 01 4142000
Tallaght Garda (Police) Station 01 6666000
National Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance
112 or 999. These numbers are free of charge but should only be used in
cases of genuine emergency. On answer, state which service you require, wait
to be connected to that service, then clearly state the location of where the
assistance is required.
Irish Tourist Assistance Service (ITAS)
01 478 5295 info@itas.ie www.itas.ie
This is a free nationwide service offering support and assistance to tourists who become victims of
crime while visiting Ireland. Trained staff and volunteers, who speak a variety of languages, will
provide assistance.
An open mind –the first thing you will probably notice is the differences between Ireland
and your own country. The initial three weeks can be a time of great adjustment as you
Checklist - Don’t leave home without…
get to know new friends, a new college and a new country. So, give yourself time to
settle in to your new life as an International student. Hopefully it will be the experience
of a lifetime!
Money, and evidence of financial support
Passport/ID card– check that it will still be valid for your return trip
Health Insurance – confirmation that you are covered by health insurance
Your acceptance letter issued by I T Tallaght – for non EU citizens only
Travel Insurance to cover you and your possessions
Driving licence if you intend driving in Ireland
An adapter – the electrical current is 220 volts, but you need an adaptor for the Irish 3-
pin (flat) sockets
Useful web-sites (for travel within Ireland):
www.garda.ie (Irish Police)
wwww.dublinbus.ie www.irishrail.ie www.buseireann.ie
ww.aaireland.com (route planning and maps) www.ireland.travel.ie
www.visitdublin.com www.ireland.com
www.dublinairport.ie www.failteireland.ie (Ireland’s tourist board)
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