Technological University Dublin ( TU Dublin Tallaght Campus)
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Technological University Dublin ( TU
Dublin Tallaght Campus)
1
Handbook for Exchange Students
Table of Contents
Some essential facts about Ireland ............................................................................ 4
Climate & Clothing ................................................................................... 5
The English language in Ireland..................................................................................... 6
Dublin ........................................................................................................... 6
Technological University Dublin ( TU Dublin Tallaght Campus) .......... 7
Getting to TU Dublin Tallaght Campus ................................................................... 7
From Dublin airport to TU Dublin Tallaght Campus .................................... 10
Driving in Ireland .................................................................................................................... 133
Accommodation .................................................................................................................. 134
Registration and Induction ............................................................................................ 177
Beyond the College ............................................................................................................. 26
General Information ............................................................................................................. 33
Checklist - don’t leave home without… ............................................................... 35
Other useful websites........................................................................................................... 36
Fáilte Ireland ............................................................................................................................... 36
2
To all our visiting exchange students:
We welcome you warmly to TU Dublin Tallaght Campus. 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 TU
Dublin Tallaght Campus 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 TU Dublin
Tallaght Campus 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
4
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 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. Gaeilge (Irish) English equivalent
Galway), South West (Co. Kerry Baile Átha Cliath Dublin
and Co. Cork) and Co. Meath. An Lár City Centre
Although you may not hear Dia duit Hi there
Irish being spoken in Dublin, Go raibh maith agat Thank you
Fáilte Welcome
you will encounter some Irish
Slán Bye
language mainly in the form of Fir Men’s toilets
street names, road signs, bus Mná Ladies’ toilets
destinations, toilets, and the Sláinte Cheers
occasional spoken expression.
5
Here are some basic expressions in Irish:
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 Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Paypal, eBay and LinkedIn.
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, swimming pools, public library, internet café, 3 public parks, a
number of smaller shopping centres and retail parks.
TU Dublin – 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 TU Dublin Tallaght Campus 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 Ireland
Anyone who holds a UK or EU passport needs no visa to reside in Ireland and
does not need to register with the Immigration Bureau.
7
All 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 (INIS):
www.inis.gov.ie
Immigration procedures
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 Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin Tallaght Campus), either
undergraduate or postgraduate. The International Office at TU Dublin
Tallaght Campus 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 (INIS) 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 Technological University Dublin ( TU Dublin Tallaght Campus)
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.
8
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 your application
Title of your course of study, or the department you will enrol in at TU
Dublin Tallaght Campus
Immigration registration - after your arrival.
Visiting or exchange students with a citizenship from outside the European
Union or EEA (European Economic Area) must register in person with the Irish
Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS). All students will need to
produce the following documentation when registering with INIS :
Your passport
Valid student visa
A letter from TU Dublin Tallaght Campus International Office, addressed to
INIS, 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: 08:00-21:00
Dublin 2. Friday: 08:00-18:00
Tel: +353 1 456 2895
Visit: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/contact-registration for up-to-
date- information on opening times, office location and method of payment.
For information about visa requirements please consult
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Irish%20Visa%20Information
9
On arrival in Ireland
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)
The 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
10The 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/Your-Journey1/Timetables/All-Timetables/16-2/
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/Your-Journey1/Timetables/All-Timetables/412/
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.
From 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 :
https://www.transportforireland.ie/available-apps/
Public transport in Dublin is more expensive than most other European cities
and towns.
11After you have completed the registration and received your TU Dublin
Tallaght Campus 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 Technological University
Dublin ( TU Dublin Tallaght Campus)
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
LUAS (Red Line)
12From 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
See if your driver’s license is applicable in Ireland :
https://www.ndls.ie/holders-of-foreign-licences.html
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 as the names have not been updated on the
website yet. You will view a list of locally available properties. Places that are
within easy walking distance of TU Dublin Tallaght Campus include
Kingswood, Bancroft, Glenview, Old Bawn & Belgard.
If the website has not updated the new status of TU Dublin Tallaght Campus
from Institute of Technology Tallght, see https://www.daft.ie/student-
accommodation/institute-of-technology-tallaght/
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.
Other websites that you could use are :
https://www.collegecribs.ie/home/
14https://www.rent.ie/student-accommodation/Institute-of-Technology-
Tallaght/28/
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.
This list is offered to students with no obligation on the part of the TU Dublin
Tallaght Campus. This list is being updated now, and the new list will be made
available in May. 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 TU Dublin Tallaght Campus include
Kingswood, Tallaght village, Bancroft, Glenview, Old Bawn & Belgard.
Addresses in Dublin 22 are generally accessible by bus. The good websites will
15SHOW 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
necessary. 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:
http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2004/act/27/enacted/en/html
16Registration and Induction
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.
Registration 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.
There will be a number of networking / social activities offered during the
induction, to help everyone settle in and meet the other international
students.
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 TU Dublin
Tallaght Campus.
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 Media Mr. Tom Jenner 2431 Staff area, room
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 Diarmuid Rush 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’s email address is 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
Technological University Dublin 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 TU Dublin Tallaght Campus 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.
To act as a central consultancy and advice service for all Institute departments.
18The 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.
Library Services
The library is one of the most important learning resources of the Institute and
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.
19The Institute ID card issued to you at
registration also doubles as your library ID.
Make sure you always have your card with
you, as you’ll need it to borrow books, and
to obtain some of our reference material.
If you mislay your card, please let library
staff know as soon as possible. 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 web catalogue (https://library.ittdublin.ie/crl.html) you can
check what books, journals, DVDs, student projects etc. that the library holds.
It tells you whether an item is in stock, if it is on loan, how many copies are
available and where it is shelved.
Borrow a book
You can also view what items you have on loan, place requests for items on
loan to another user & renew your own loans. To avail of these and to access
additional services such as online access to past exam papers or electronic
resources, you will need to set yourself up with a library PIN number. For
information on how to set this up, check out the library web-site
(https://library.ittdublin.ie/borrowing.html) or ask a member of staff.
To access the library catalogue, use the following link;
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13T5DJCNJhwQf13DA25z-
VqVrs6DvMqjbC2nDm70CRlY/edit#gid=0. Databases provide a search index
to: full text peer reviewed journal articles, abstracts, conferences and
standards. For more information, check out the library website;
https://library.it-tallaght.ie/
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.
Books and articles unavailable in the Institute’s library may be ordered, by
completing an Inter Library Form. Forms are available at the library desk,
please fill in as much detail as possible.
If we can do anything to help you make the most of the library’s resources,
please let us know.
20Books are issued to you by staff at the library desk or by using the self-service
machine. There are 3 main collections in the library, these are; General
Collection, Short Loan and Reference. Low usage books are held in the Book
Store.
General Collection & Book Store books are issued for two weeks. This period
may be extended by calling in to the library, telephoning us or using the
library web catalogue to renew them. You can renew books three times.
There is a penalty point system for overdue books. You accumulate 1 penalty
point per day for each overdue book from the general collection. On short
loan items 5 points per day are added to your library record. On reaching 20
penalty points, the borrower is blocked from borrowing.
The 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
catalogue.
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. See
information leaflets in the library or 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
21journals 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.
However, 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.
22Eating in College
There 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 9.30–21.00 Monday to Thursday, 9.30-16.00 on
Fridays 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
For 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.
for Non-European Union citizens studying at Technological University Dublin
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
23asked 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.
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 Technological University Dublin. If you are not an EU passport holder,
EVEN IF you have a European 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 Technological University
Dublin
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, in front of room 012. 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.
To book an appointment, visit
https://studentcounsellingservice.youcanbook.me/
24Careers
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 offer social, pastoral and especially
spiritual support to 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.
Lockers
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, non-refundable.
Banking services in TU Dublin Tallaght Campus
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 Registrar’s Office (room
120), 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 TU Dublin Tallaght Campus, bringing any other form of official
ID that you may have with you.
252 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 8 Old Bawn Road
Tel: + 353 1 451 5399 Tel: + 353 1 452 4122
Open: Mon-Thurs 10.00-16.00 Open: Mon - Fri 10.00-17.00
Friday 10.00-17.00 Sat 10.00-12.00
*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
26such 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 called “The Supernatural Food Market
(in Temple Bar Square in the cultural quarter) every Saturday morning from
9:30a.m. - 3:30p.m., and ethnic foods for sale in The Asia Market, Drury Street.
Plastic Bag Tax
There 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
27A 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
The Students’ Union at TU Dublin Tallaght Campus organises a range of events
throughout the college year. Refer to the Students’ Union website
(https://www.it-tallaght.ie/studentunion) 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.
28Cinemas
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, recreation and gyms
TU Dublin Tallaght Campus has numerous clubs and societies 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.
FLYEfit Gym – https://www.flyefit.ie/l : 26€ a month
Address: Crosswest, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 EP9R
Monday-Friday: 5.30am – 11.30pm
Saturday & Sunday: 7.30am – 10pm
Open 7 days a week (except Christmas day)
Fit4Less gym - http://www.f4l.com/tallaght : 24,99€ a month
Address : F4L Tallaght
Belgard Square West, Cookstown Road, Tallaght Dublin 2
Monday – Thursday 6a.m.-10p.m.
Friday 6a.m.-9p.m.
Saturday 9a.m.-6p.m.
Sunday 10.am.-4.p.m.
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 microbreweries, 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.
29Never 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.
The most popular clubs/bars among our students are: Dicey’s, Show, Palace,
Copper Face Jacks (“Coppers”), Capitol, and 37 Dawson Street.
Smoking ban
The main campus 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
30every 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 (https://www.dublinbus.ie/Your-Journey1/Timetables/Nitelink-
Services/) . You can also download an app for your smartphone (eg. mytaxi)
through which you can order a taxi for specific time and location.
Visit https://ie.mytaxi.com/welcome to download
Travelling Around Ireland
If you plan to make some private weekend trips and discover Ireland a little,
the following websites are useful:
www.tourismireland.com
www.discoverireland.com
Bus journeys outside the Dublin area 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 Iarnrod 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.
31The 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:
Note : Non EU-students need a visa to travel Northern Ireland
Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland, the city of Belfast is less than 3 hours by bus
from Dublin. If you go, 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.
32Trip 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.
Travel 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:
https://www.dfa.ie/embassies/embassies-in-ireland/Diplomatic-List-January-
2019.pdf
General Information
33Mobile (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 2019-2020 (all banks/many businesses closed)
Remaining public holidays in Ireland in 2019:
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
Public Holidays in Ireland in 2020:
1 Jan Wed New Year's Day
17 Mar Tue Saint Patrick's Day
13 Apr Mon Easter Monday
4 May Mon May Day
1 Jun Mon June Bank Holiday
3 Aug Mon August Bank Holiday
26 OctMon October Bank Holiday
25 Dec Fri Christmas Day
26 Dec Sat St Stephe's Day
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