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2020 - 2021 Undergraduate Offer Pack
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Undergraduate Offer Pack
Welcome 01
CONGRATULATIONS
Welcome to University College Dublin and This UCD Undergraduate Offer Pack has been prepared
congratulations on being offered a place to study in with the intention of making your transition to UCD as
Ireland in one of Europe's leading research-intensive smooth as possible. In the coming pages, we have
universities. We have a diverse community of almost included what we think might be some helpful
34,000 students enrolled in study at UCD with over 25% information to you as a new student. This includes
of our students choosing UCD from outside of Ireland. information about the admissions process and what you
must do next in order to accept your offer, as well as
At UCD we want each student who comes to the information about the University and the city of Dublin.
University to experience a unique educational journey,
supporting their academic development with excellent Upon entering one of our undergraduate programmes
teaching while also encouraging their own social and you will begin on a path of intellectual stimulation,
personal growth. To assist in that goal UCD offers a acquiring new knowledge and skills enabling you to
unique, spacious campus environment with world class become a highly-qualified graduate in your chosen
degree programmes and research sitting alongside a discipline. In broader terms I know that you will also find
wide array of clubs, societies, sporting facilities and studying in UCD a life-changing experience, where you
on-site student residences. We also have increasing will be helped to grow both personally and professionally,
opportunities for work-based internships, field trips and preparing you for a rewarding career.
also chances to become involved with volunteering and
community-based co-curricular activities. I look forward to welcoming you to your studies at UCD.
We encourage our students to “Learn Today, Lead
Tomorrow” and we are proud that so many of UCD's
students have gone on to leadership positions in
Ireland and across the globe in academia, the health
professions, engineering, business and law, the arts, Associate Professor Marie Clarke
sports and politics. UCD graduates are consistently Dean of Undergraduate Studies
ranked highly by international employers and enjoy
excellent job prospects.
02 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Undergraduate Offer Pack
Contents 03
CONTENTS
What to Do Now 05
Financial Information 10
Funding and Scholarships 13
Accommodation 14
Visa Information 16
Staying in Touch 20
Registration 21
Orientation 23
Destination UCD 24
UCD Global Centres 29
Student Support Services 30
Sport and Recreation 34
Destination Ireland 36
Destination Dublin 39
Visiting UCD 41
Recommendations from our Students 42
04 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Congratulations on receiving an offer to come
and study at University College Dublin, Ireland’s
largest and most international university.
At UCD, we pride ourselves on our excellent
teaching and research, our broad and diverse
curriculum, and our brilliant student body,
25% of whom hail from 138 countries
around the world.
Undergraduate Offer Pack
What to do now 05
What to
DO NOW
As soon as you receive your offer you need to:
ACCEPT DEFER or DECLINE
ACCEPTING YOUR OFFER
You must accept your offer in order to reserve your place TYPES OF OFFER
at UCD. You may be required to pay a non-refundable
deposit which will then be deducted from your fee Unconditional Offer or Full Offer
obligations. The deadline for accepting your offer will be An Unconditional Offer or Full Offer means
stated in your official online offer letter. An offer, whether that you have met all the entry requirements
conditional or unconditional, will be made in good faith for the programme.
taking into account information as supplied by the
applicant and/ or referee at the time of the application. Conditional Offer
A Conditional Offer means that you will be
UCD reserves the right to withdraw any offer if deemed accepted if you meet certain entry requirements,
necessary at a later stage. By accepting the offer of as specified in your offer letter.
admission, the applicant agrees to the rules, regulations,
and policies of the University.
06 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
• Log in to your application account at
www.ucd.ie/international/apply
• Upon logging in, you will see that your application
appears with the status of ‘OFFER’. Click on ‘ACCEPT OR
REJECT’ and it will bring you to the page where you can
accept the offer, and pay the deposit, if appropriate.
ACCEPT • Your acceptance will not be complete until you
A FULL OR successfully submit your acceptance online and, where
CONDITIONAL appropriate, pay the deposit.
OFFER
• Upon acceptance of your offer UCD will automatically
create a student record for you. Following this you
will receive an email confirmation of your acceptance,
including your student number.
• If for some reason you are unable to take up your
offer of a place at UCD, please contact the UCD
DEFER Global Admissions team so see if you can defer your
offer to the next academic year. You can view the
AN OFFER
Deferral Policy on our website at www.ucd.ie/registry/
admissions/Deferral_Policy.pdf
Undergraduate Offer Pack
What to do now 07
• Log in to your application account at
www.ucd.ie/international/apply
• Upon logging in, you will see that your application
REJECT appears with the status of ‘OFFER’ or ‘CONDITIONAL
AN OFFER OFFER’. Click on ‘ACCEPT OR REJECT’ and it will
bring you to the page where you can reject the offer.
Please indicate your reason for doing so.
MEETING THE CONDITIONS OF YOUR OFFER by Princeton University is a minimum score from 600
English language condition paper based TOEFL (with a minimum score of 475
All UCD programmes are taught through English, and in the Test of Written English), 250 computer based
applicants from non-English speaking countries must TOEFL or 90 internet based TOEFL (iBT). Additional
provide evidence of competence in English language recognised English language tests are listed at
through a recognised English language test, or equivalent. www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/elr
The minimum English Language Requirements in relation For all proficiency tests the results must be less than
to International English Language Testing System (IELTS) two years prior to the programme start date. Some
is an average score of 6.5 over all components and a programmes have higher English language requirements.
minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. Please make sure to check the English language
The English Language Requirements in relation to Test requirements for your chosen programme of study.
of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered
08 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Academic condition
If your offer is conditional upon obtaining your final PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
high school results, the offer letter will state the level
and grades required. When your results are known, please
Pay your fees
upload a certified copy of your results. We may also ask
for original transcripts to be mailed. Official translations
must be provided with the original/copy documents
where documents are not in English. Any offer will be Organise health insurance
conditional until we have received satisfactory official
final transcripts.
Apply for a visa
Deposit condition
(if applicable)
A deposit of c500 is payable to secure a place on
most courses. Deposits are non-refundable. The deposit
amount will be deducted from your fee obligation. Make accommodation
arrangements
Proof of identity
Applicants should be aware that, if admitted to a
programme, they will be required to present either
Make travel arrangements
their birth certificate or passport as part of the
registration process.
Start registration
Arrive in time for
orientationUndergraduate Offer Pack
What to do now 09
Photo by UCD Student Diana Markina10 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
FINANCIAL
Information
PROGRAMME FEES Irish embassy or consulate to ensure that you have paid
In order to complete the registration process, you must an adequate amount. Please ensure that you have paid
confirm your registration and pay the appropriate fee. and received a receipt to the value of the minimum visa
A detailed breakdown of your fee obligation is available payment so as to avoid visa refusal on the basis
while registering in the SIS (Student Information System) of incomplete tuition fee payment.
through your UCD Connect account.
Note 2: Where a student is receiving funding from a
When to pay fees to UCD third party source, students must pay either a half or a
Students may pay fees by semester: third (whichever is applicable to the programme) of any
• You may pay one third of your fee in semester balance of fees and charges in order to be a registered
one and the remainder in semester two student of the university.
Further information on payment dates is available at: Note 3: Using PaytoStudy is the quickest method to
www.ucd.ie/students/fees/feepaymentdates.html receive a fee receipt for visa purposes.
If you require a visa to study in Ireland, visa application HOW DO I PAY FEES?
requires that you pay the greater of c6,000 or half the You can pay directly by credit or debit card using
tuition fee prior to submitting your visa application UCD’s online payment facility. This is available at
– see page 16 for further information. www.ucd.ie/sisweb. A receipt will be emailed to you at
your default email address or another that you specify.
Note 1: If you require a visa to study in Ireland please
be advised that the Irish Government will only issue a Pay via the PayToStudy payment facility. This facility
student visa to students who have paid their tuition fees is especially useful for students who require a visa to
in full or paid a minimum deposit. This is usually c6,000, travel and/or study. You may access this service via
but varies in some countries. Please contact your local webpage: www.ucd.ie/students/fees/howtopay.htmlUndergraduate Offer Pack
Financial Information 11
Photo by UCD Student Neeti Jain
Students making payments from outside Ireland may For further information on UCD fees visit
also pay UCD directly by International Bank Transfer to: www.ucd.ie/fees
UCD Fees Account, Bank of Ireland, College Green,
Dublin 2, Ireland.
IBAN: IE82 BOFI 9000 1720 6115 11
BIC: BOFI IE 2D IMPORTANT NOTES
UCD regrets that it cannot accept cash
Please ensure you enter your Student Number or
payments for any portion of a student’s fees.
Application Number as the narrative/description on
the transfer so it can be identified as your payment
If you pay UCD directly by International Bank
and added to your record.
Transfer it is essential that you include your
student number (or application number) as the
Third Party Payment allows individuals and
sole narrative. A copy of the Bank Transcript should
organisations to pay fees on behalf of a UCD student by
also be sent to UCD at student.payments@ucd.ie
debit or credit card without having access to confidential
or faxed to +353 1 716 1228.
student information. Further information is available at
www.ucd.ie/students/fees/thirdparty.html
The UCD Fees and Grants office does not issue
invoices to individual companies or to students
RECEIPTS
for the purposes of paying fees. If you are in a
If you pay by bank transfer, you will need to contact
situation whereby you are in receipt of private
UCD for receipts relating to visa applications etc. This
sponsorship this is a matter between you and
may take some time; therefore we urge international
your sponsor directly. The fee liability for your
students to use the PaytoStudy option to expedite
programme rests in full with you as a student
payment and visa applications.
of UCD. You can upload your sponsorship letter
at www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/
If you pay online you will be emailed a receipt. You may
fundingletter.html
also print your own receipt for the current year. Log into
www.ucd.ie/sisweb12 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
COST OF LIVING This is based on 2018 costs and is to help you work out
This table gives a rough guide to the cost of living in the costs for living expenses such as accommodation,
Dublin over the course of one month. food and other basics. Lots of things can affect how
much money you’ll need, so these numbers are indicative
MONTHLY COSTS only and subject to change.
Rent (based on UCD Merville These estimates do not include the cost of flights or
accommodation rates) €835 insurance. You should also budget for any initial costs
Food (including lunches) €250 you will likely incur (e.g. you might need to budget for
short-term accommodation upon arrival in Dublin).
Travel (Student Leap card) €80
Books and materials (including Also please note that all non-Irish nationals, who are
photocopying and printing) €70 not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, must register
in person with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration
Clothes / medical €45
Service (INIS) after arrival and after completion of
Mobile phone (excluding registration at UCD. The INIS will issue you with a
handset cost) €20 residence permit/card. As of July 2018, the fee for this
Social life / miscellaneous €130 card is c300 and should be included in your budgeting
calculations.
Total: €1,430Undergraduate Offer Pack
Funding and Scholarships 13
FUNDINGand Scholarships
Check out https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/
scholarshipsfinances/ for information on scholarships
and funding available for international students.
FUNDING FOR US CITIZENS OR ELIGIBLE
NON-CITIZENS (FINANCIAL AID)
The University is approved by the US Department
of Education to certify loans under the ‘William D.
Ford Direct Loan’ Program. For details in relation to
applying for US Federal Loans please see the Incoming
Student Portal for a comprehensive instruction guide.
If you do not have access to the incoming student
portal yet, you may contact federalaid@ucd.ie for
further details. Photo by UCD Student Junhyoung Lee
SPONSORED STUDENTS
If you are receiving funding from your government or (up to 40 hours) for the months of June, July, August
another organisation, you are required to submit official and September and from 15 December to 15 January
confirmation of sponsorship prior to, or on registration. inclusive.
Failure to do so may result in you being liable for tuition
fees. You may email your sponsorship letter or financial Please note term dates at
guarantee letter to sponsors@ucd.ie www.ucd.ie/students/keydates.htm
Some sponsors will require you to provide them with UCD Global provides information about living
a fee statement prior to confirming your sponsorship. and working in Ireland on its website: www.ucd.ie/global
You can access your fee statement online via your
SISWeb account. Log into your account, click on
the 'Registration, Fees and Assessment' tab. Select
'Programme Fee & Payments'. On this page there
is a 'Generate Statement' button. Click this to CONTACTS
download a PDF fee statement.
UCD Fees
www.ucd.ie/fees
If you have any questions, please contact
sponsors@ucd.ie
UCD Global Applications Team
Tel. +353 1 716 8500
LIVING AND WORKING IN IRELAND
internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
Entitlement to work (casual employment)
Students who are attending a full-time course of at least
International Scholarships Information
one year’s duration are entitled to seek employment on
www.ucd.ie/global
a casual basis. Casual employment means you can work
for 20 hours per week during term time or full-time14 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
ACCOMMODATION
Ireland’s largest university campus, UCD is a vibrant student community
with over 3,000 students living on a state-of-the-art campus only 5km
from Dublin city centre.
UCD RESIDENCES PROVIDES accommodation in you may need a little more support to help you get
single-room, apartment style halls, complete with started at UCD. Up-to-date information and allocation
living area and kitchen, with limited options for catered policy will be sent out to you directly by email.
accommodation. As a guideline, accommodation fees
for the 2019/20 academic year range from c7,514 - HOW TO APPLY?
c11,591, depending on the type of accommodation. Please note you are required to have an offer of a
place of study to apply for on-campus accommodation.
The “Res Life” social programme helps to foster a sense Application is made online via the Incoming Student
of community within the residences. There are games Portal. Communication will be sent to you regarding
rooms located in three of our residences, and a gym in on-campus accommodation in early summer and this
one of our newest builds. Specially adapted facilities are will include details of application dates and deadlines.
provided for students with disabilities.
www.ucd.ie/residences
UCD seeks to guarantee first year non-EU undergraduate internationalaccommodation@ucd.ie
students on-campus accommodation, as we recognise Tel: +353 1 716 1031Undergraduate Offer Pack
Accommodation 15
OFF-CAMPUS LIVING
If you are looking for information on off-campus options, CONTACTS
and information on rented, private and family-based
accommodation, please visit www.ucd.ie/residences/ Off-Campus Accommodation Office
bookings/offcampus Merville Residence Reception Office,
University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
roombookingsupport@ucd.ie
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 09:30 – 13:00
and 14:00 – 17:00
Student Union Accommodation Services
Student Union Centre, University College
Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 3164/3112
accommodation@ucdsu.ie
welfare@ucdsu.ie
The following websites have advertisements
for available accommodation in Dublin:
www.ucdaccommodationpad.ie
www.daft.ie
www.let.ie
www.myhome2let.ie
www.letbynet.com16 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
VISA Information
DO I NEED A VISA? to obtain permission to remain in Ireland. INIS
Some, but not all, students from outside the EU/EEA registration must take place before the expiry date
require an entry visa for Ireland. You can check on stamped on their passport by immigration officials at
www.inis.gov.ie to see if you require a visa. (Examples the airport. This also includes countries such as USA,
– USA, Canadian, Brazilian, Malaysian students do not Canada, Australia and Brazil, which though they do not
require a visa whilst Indian, Chinese, Russian students do). require a visa to enter Ireland, are required to register
with INIS after arrival. Further information
You must make your visa application online using the AVATS on registration will be provided at orientation.
online facility. Completing the online application form is
the first step. The application will only be processed when the Important note: When you have applied for your visa,
online form is completed AND the required documentation, please alert us by updating your profile on the The
passport photograph and appropriate fee are received by Incoming Student Portal. The Incoming Student
the relevant office as indicated by the online system. Portal is available on your SISWEB account.
If you are applying from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, HEALTH INSURANCE
United Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom, please also Students from ouside the EU must obtain private
check the Irish Embassy website for details of further health insurance. You can purchase insurance in your
documentation which may be required. home country, however you will need to ensure that
it is valid in Ireland and in any other countries you
You should read the visa application details very plan to travel to. There are different levels of private
carefully. If you do not provide the documentation health insurance available. Students are advised to
required, your visa will be refused. read their policy documents carefully. INIS requires
that, if you have health insurance from your own
INIS REGISTRATION country it must cover you up to c25,000 for
All students from outside the EU/EEA, after they have in-hospital treatment.
registered with UCD, must register with INIS in orderUndergraduate Offer Pack
Visa Information 1718 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
When making a visa application you must:
Complete an
online application
Ensure your passport is
valid for 12 months
Check the Irish Embassy details
where your documentation is
to be sent
Have private health insurance
(please visit UCD Global Student
Support Services for information on
health insurance providers). Please
Provide a passport
note that private health insurance
sized photo
is not provided by UCD
Show that you have enough
Pay the application fee money to support yourself
while in Ireland (bank account
statements for six months
previously, evidence of access to
c7,000, sponsorship letter, etc.)
Provide a signed letter of
application which explains Show evidence of language
why you require the visa proficiency. INIS requires IELTS
of 5 but UCD generally require
IELTS of 6.5
Provide evidence from UCD
that you have been accepted
Any other documents as requested
on a full-time course of study
by INIS or the Irish Embassy
through which you are applying
Show evidence of tuition fees paid.
Make sure you keep copies
of all documents submittedUndergraduate Offer Pack
Visa Information 19
Many of our international students tend to opt for
a basic medical expenses insurance policy, which If you get approval for a visa, the embassy to which
satisfies the Irish immigration requirements, and you sent your documents will affix a visa to your
can be purchased online for c130 with a company passport. For visa-related queries you can contact us.
now called Study and Protect, formerly ODON Applying from India: india@ucd.ie
www.studyandprotect.com Applying from China: chinaoffice@ucd.ie
The contact there is Brian O’Riordan Applying from SE Asia: southeastasia@ucd.ie
BORiordan@odon.com Applying from Japan, Korea, Taiwan or Hong Kong:
eastasia@ucd.ie
More comprehensive plans are available from one Applying from the Middle East or North Africa:
of the three main private health insurance companies dubai@ucd.ie
in Ireland. Applying from all other regions:
VHI: www.vhi.ie internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
Irish Life: www.irishlifehealth.ie
Laya Healthcare: www.layahealthcare.ie If you are refused a visa you may appeal the decision
within two months. However, as this would affect your
Please note that in order to apply for a policy from date of arrival in UCD, you would need to seek advice on
one of these companies you will need to provide an final acceptable arrival date from the course director/
address in Ireland. Also note that medical cover does administrator.
not normally begin immediately with VHI. There is
usually a ‘waiting period’ of six months.
NEED MORE HELP?
CHECKING ON YOUR VISA STATUS Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
You should apply as early as possible for your visa as it www.inis.gov.ie
can take eight weeks for it to be processed but in busy
periods may take longer than this. You can check online
at Visa Decisions to see if your visa has been processed
(using your Visa Application Number). This list is
updated weekly.20 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Staying in
TOUCH
CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT OFTEN! SOME IMPORTANT FEATURES AND
You will receive regular communications from the WAYS TO ENGAGE
University to the email address detailed in your • Update your Visa Application Status
application to UCD and you should take careful (if you require a visa to study in Ireland)
note of any instructions in these emails. • ‘Make Connections’ with other incoming students
• Download a Cost of Attendance (sometimes required
LOGIN REGULARLY TO THE INCOMING if looking to secure a bank loan to cover the cost of
STUDENT PORTAL your studies)
The Incoming Student Portal is a dedicated portal for • Check out UCD’s jargon buster, which will explain
students with offer of study to UCD to access important words and phrases you’ll hear used in UCD
information about coming to UCD as well as helping www.ucd.ie/students/jargon.html
to connect you with other students from your country/
state and with other students on your programme.
Your Programme Director may also post important TIP
messages about your degree programme so remember
Make sure that ‘internationaladmissions@ucd.ie’
to check frequently!
and ‘onlineapps@ucd.ie’ are added to your list
of safe senders so emails from these accounts
HOW TO ACCESS THE INCOMING
do not end up in your spam folder!
STUDENT PORTAL
Log in via www.ucd.ie/sisweb
Photo by UCD Student Diva GalloUndergraduate Offer Pack
Registration 21
REGISTRATION
Once you accept an offer the next step is registration. You will need to
register online before you can begin your undergraduate studies at UCD.
Registration allows you to obtain your UCD Student Card (UCARD) and
gain access to the wide range of facilities available to our students.
REGISTRATION FOR the majority of programmes takes Please see www.ucd.ie/students/registration.html for
place in August and you will receive notification via further details on registration such as times, guides
email when registration opens. (including videos) to registration and other support
information. This website will be updated near
Registration will be available through UCD Connect registration open time in August.
at www.ucd.ie. Please note that your UCD Connect
account will be available 48 hours in advance of online
registration – access is not available immediately. Your
username is your UCD student number, and your
password is your date of birth (in ddmmyy format). PLEASE NOTE
To access UCD Connect email, you will need
In UCD Connect, click on the “Student Life” tab, then
to log into UCD Connect at www.ucd.ie
enter the SIS (Student Information System). If you were
Your username is your UCD student number,
a student of UCD in the last three years your computer
and your password is your date of birth
account and email details remain the same. If you have
(in ddmmyy format).
any questions or problems with the registration process,
please contact your College/School directly.
Photo by UCD Student Xinyue Xu Photo by UCD Student Shuyue WangUndergraduate Offer Pack
Orientation 23
ORIENTATION
When you come to UCD, you will be among 4,000 other new incoming
students, many of whom you will interact with both during orientation and
throughout your time at UCD. You are now part of the UCD family!
ORIENTATION IS THE TIME to ask questions, meet You can explore the island of Saints and Scholars
other students, have fun and dive into the Irish culture! through road trips, walking tours, and by taking part
Orientation introduces you to the University and key in celebrations of Irish culture right here on campus.
staff members, and provides you with crucial information There is also an extensive calendar of celebrations of
and advice that will assist you in adjusting to the living different cultures throughout the year, including national
and learning environment of the University. You will day celebrations. All students are invited to attend these
receive academic advice about your course and support events, which are often organised in conjunction with
in how to enrol in the correct units of study. The UCD student societies.
Orientation programme runs over one week.
2020/2021 TERM DATES
Please note that Orientation Week begins officially on Most programmes start at the beginning of the
1st September so it is wise to arrive in good time. academic year in early September. The start date for
your programme will be stated on your offer letter.
Classes begin on Monday 7th September. Please also
check www.ucd.ie/global for updates on For details on term, revision and exam dates please
September 2019 Orientation. see the academic calendar for 2020/2021 at
www.ucd.ie/students/keydates.htm
Alongside student orientation, we also have an
extensive, fun and dynamic programme of activities Semester Dates Exam dates
for international students. During this time, you will
Orientation 1st September –
have ample opportunity to meet UCD Global staff
4th September
and students through events such as the President’s
Welcome, Student Café & Fair, social and cultural Semester One 7th September – 7th-18th
excursions, and many other exciting events that operate 27th November December
out of the UCD Global Lounge, the University's hub for
Semester Two 18th January – 4th - 15th May
international students. 23rd April 2019
UCD GLOBAL LOUNGE EVENTS
The UCD Global Lounge is staffed by Global Guides
who are student ambassadors. They are available to CONTACT
answer questions regarding student life. You will have
Student Desk
opportunities to interact with our Global Guides during
www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/contact.html
Orientation and throughout the year.
Once orientation week is over, the UCD Global Lounge
calendar of events is packed with opportunities for
students to take advantage of their time in Ireland.24 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Clockwise from above: UCD’s Sports Centre is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool; the
Bloomberg Trading Room in the Quinn School of Business and UCD’s Sutherland School of Law, overshadowed by the Dublin Mountains.
Destination
UCD
UCD has one of the largest urban campuses in Europe, and
contains not only the buildings in which students live and
study, but also gorgeous parkland teeming with wildlife, art
and fabulous facilities.
RANKED IN THE top 1% of higher education institutes such a large campus, we have the ability to house an
worldwide, students love our flexible curriculum, and our incredible breadth of amenities (such as the UNESCO-
research-intensive academic staff comprises leading recognised National Folklore Collection), all of which
national and international opinion leaders and influencers. make the UCD experience second to none.
THE CAMPUS THE PEOPLE
The UCD Campus has to be experienced to be believed. At UCD, our faculty and staff are focussed on ensuring
Our facilities include vaults of historical record, the that all students have the best experience and receive
biggest animal hospital in Ireland (and animal A&E for the best education possible in an exciting, dynamic and
Dublin), world-class teaching and research facilities, supportive environment.
excellent accommodation, a huge sports centre
with Olympic-size swimming pool, and interactive One quarter of our student population is from outside
laboratories, some of which are unique to UCD. With Ireland and the EU, and over one third of our academicUndergraduate Offer Pack
Destination UCD 25
staff is from outside Ireland. This ensures that the
experience of all students at UCD is truly global, and
encompasses a multitude of attitudes, formed from
25% of our
student population
different life and learning experiences. A multitude of
clubs and societies make it easy for students to meet
is from outside the EU
each other, and get involved in activities that not only
mean a lot to them, but that also offer invaluable life
experience.
TOP 1%
of higher education
We also have excellent student support services,
including our Peer Mentor Programme, which pairs institutes worldwide
groups of first year students with a senior student who
can support them throughout their first year at UCD.26 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
OUR CELEBRATIONS! Our international admissions team are on hand to
At UCD, we celebrate many national days. Organised by, answer any questions you may have about coming to
or in collaboration with, relevant student societies, these UCD and you can find them in Dublin and further afield!
events really make students feel like they are in a home
away from home. Pictured opposite: Holi, the Festival of Colour, run by the UCD
India Society.
Kuwait National Day celebrations, organised by UCD Global.
Chinese New Year, run by UCD Global and the UCD Chinese Students and Scholars Association.
Thanksgiving dinner, organised by UCD Global. Malaysia Night, run by the UCD Malaysia Society.Undergraduate Offer Pack
Destination UCD 2728 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global UniversityUndergraduate Offer Pack
UCD Global Centres 29
UCD
GLOBAL
CENTRES
UCD has a network of Global Centres located in five cities around the world.
Staffed by UCD employees, these centres are contact and information hubs for
students and parents when students are making an application to UCD. Make
a call, drop them an email, or even visit a Global Centre in person. Each Global
Centre serves a specific region and all other countries are served through our
central Dublin office.
NORTH AMERICA SOUTH ASIA
University College Dublin North America Global Centre, University College Dublin South Asia Global Centre,
12 E. 49th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA Access Work Business Centre, Building 8C, 11th Floor,
Skype: UCDublin_NAmerica DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon – 122002, Haryana, India
Email: northamerica@ucd.ie Tel: +91-9384810500 / +91-9940633500
Email: india@ucd.ie
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Regions
Tel: +1-646-690-9024 (Eastern Time) ASIA PACIFIC
University College Dublin Southeast Asia Global Centre,
Central Region Suite 9.07, North Block, The Ampwalk, No.218, Jalan
Tel: +1-847-373-6731 (Central Time) Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 (03) 2715 1662
West Coast Region Email: southeastasia@ucd.ie / eastasia@ucd.ie
Tel: +1-650-255-8532 (Pacific Time)
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
CHINA University College Dublin Dubai Global Centre
University College Dublin Global Centre Beijing, Dubai Knowledge Park, Block 2B, Office F-06, Dubai.
C612A, Lufthansa Office Building, Liangmaqiao Road, Tel: +97145898204
Chaoyang District, Beijing, PR China 100125 Email: dubai@ucd.ie
Email: chinaoffice@ucd.ie
DUBLIN OFFICE
ĝყڄęƓ | University College Dublin UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Building, Belfield,
UCDƽЎġķ(ġŚ) | Ѐҷ̤࠷іҡб҈ɢ Dublin 4, Ireland
50̸ිႇġķѩȔ֞C612A Email: internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
ৠ뻭100125 Tel: +353 1 716 8500
ǗƸ뻭뻞86 010 8448 4288 / 428730 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Student Support
SERVICES
UCD GLOBAL OFFICE
The UCD Global Office offers a wide range of support to
both international students and Irish students who wish
to study abroad. International students make up about
25% of the UCD student population. The services offered
by the UCD Global Office include:
• Pre-arrival information for new international
students
• Orientation programmes
• Cultural and social events
• Assistance with University procedures
• Handbook for International Students
• International Student Adviser who assists
with personal and practical issues social, personal or practical issues, and help students
to access other support services where necessary.
For further information please visit:
www.ucd.ie/global For more information, please visit:
www.ucd.ie/studentadvisers
STUDENT ADVISERS
Student Advisers provide support for all students throughout UCD PEER MENTORING
their university experience, particularly during their first Every new student in UCD is assigned a Peer Mentor,
year. They are attached either to particular programmes who is usually a second or third year student from the
(e.g. Arts) or to specific groups of students (e.g. international same or similar subject area as you. They will be your
students). Student Advisers are there to help make informal point of contact during your transition into
students' time at UCD as fulfilling and enjoyable as college, guiding you through Orientation week, helping
possible. They are available for private meetings with you settle in and arranging group activities in your
students so they can express their concerns regarding first year. They also provide important advice aroundUndergraduate Offer Pack
Student Support Services 31
assignments and exams and introduce you to other first
year students, making it easier to meet new friends. 1 million
print books are available
UCD LIBRARY
across UCD’s libaries
UCD’s libraries stock one million print books, 650,000
e-books, numerous subject databases and approximately
84,000 print or electronic journals. There are also 3,150
reading places for quiet study time, group learning rooms
and social learning spaces. UCD CAREER
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Maths Support Centre
Whether you have a clear vision of what you
Located in the main James Joyce Library, the Maths Support
want to do upon graduation or are just beginning
Centre (MSC) offers free help to students with maths,
to look at your career options, the UCD Career
applied maths and statistics. This support is available to
Development Centre can help you to:
all UCD students, whether you are studying maths or not,
• Understand the range of national and
and support is offered on a one-to-one or small group
inter-national career opportunities
basis, with tuition by friendly and experienced tutors.
available to you
• Find out what other UCD graduates from
Writing Support Centre
your programme have gone on to do
Also located in the James Joyce Library, the Writing
• Take credit bearing and non credit bearing
Support Centre offers free, high-quality tuition in
programmes & workshops to develop your
writing to students interested in improving their writing
skills, competencies and attitudes that
skills. One-to-one tuition and a range of workshops/
employers seek
seminars are delivered by our team of friendly and non-
• Develop a winning C.V., cover letter and
judgemental writing tutors, who strive to ensure that
interview techniques for face-to-face,
students are helped to communicate, structure
telephone, Skype and group interviews
and present their knowledge and ideas in writing.
and learn how best to compete for jobs
For further information please visit: www.ucd.ie/library32 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
UCD APPLIED LANGUAGE CENTRE (ALC) Catalogue Search facility so you can look up journals
The UCD Applied Language Center offers foreign on your smart phone. Just search for “UCD Mobile”
language electives and English language courses. in the Android Marketplace or your App store!
For further information please visit: www.ucd.ie/alc UCD Access Centre
UCD Access Centre provides support for students with
IT SERVICES disabilities. UCD Access Centre assists students in many
UCD Belfield is the largest campus in Ireland and is digitally different ways from academic support to exam support.
enabled with wireless access available campus-wide Registration with Access Centre is confidential. All you
(including residences). Online services can be accessed need to register is a letter from your medical consultant
24/7 whether you are at home or abroad through UCD or an educational psychologist’s report (no more than 3
Connect. UCD Connect gives you access to your personal years old). You will meet one-to-one with a member of
files, library resources and online learning resources. A the UCD Access Centre team and together you will put
large amount of software is available to students at no in place your individual learning plan. The UCD Access
charge when you come to UCD, including AutoCAD, Centre is here to support you.
EndNote, Microsoft Office and SPSS.
You can find more information and contact details at:
There are two IT Centres on campus, located in the www.ucd.ie/openingworlds
Daedalus and Health Sciences buildings. Look out for
our mobile IT Centre which will be on the move across
campus during term time! UCD is a BYOD (bring your
own device) campus so come to us for all your device
queries. UCD also has 1,000 computers available in UCD STUDENT DESK
open-access laboratories across campus.
The UCD Student Desk offers a range of services
to students including registration/student records,
Online support is available at www.ucd.ie/it
fees, assessment, regulations and transcripts to
name but a few.
UCD Mobile
This app gives you an interactive campus map with
For the full range of services available to students
information on campus facilities, tours, a staff directory,
please visit www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk
and Blackboard Mobile Learn so you can check
announcements on the go! There is also a LibraryUndergraduate Offer Pack
Student Suports 33
Photo by UCD Student Yat To Leung34 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
SPORT and Recreation
SPORT CLUBS rugby, GAA and soccer pitches, and the National
With 56 official sports clubs, excellent facilities and a Hockey Stadium.
huge programme of fitness classes, there’s something
for everyone. So make the most of your time in UCD, Student Gym Membership entitles current UCD students
get involved, get active and have fun! to free access to the UCD Sport & Fitness Gym and the
Performance Gym. Students who activate their Student
UCD SPORT AND FITNESS Membership can gain access to the pool on a pay-as-
Our modern Sport and Fitness Centre has an you-go basis or can pay a once-off annual charge for
extensive range of amenities, catering for students unlimited access to the pool area.
of all fitness levels, from casual gym-user to Olympic
athlete. Facilities include a 50 metre swimming pool, For more information about our sports facilities,
gym, dance and spinning studios, sauna and jacuzzi, please visit: www.ucd.ie/sportandfitness
three multi-purpose sports halls, four squash courts,
handball/racquetball alley, climbing wall, changing STUDENT SOCIETIES
facilities, performance and squad gyms, 17 natural Regularly recommended by international students as the
grass pitches (including the UCD Bowl, home ground best way to make friends and fill your social calendar
to both UCD RFC and UCD AFC), six synthetic in UCD, when you get here find a club, society or group
5-a-side pitches, sand-based hockey pitch, synthetic that interests you, and JOIN IT!Undergraduate Offer Pack
Sport and Recreation 35
Student societies and networks are a great way to students, so they understand the issues facing students.
explore your interests and develop new ones. UCD has Students can call over at any time and have a
over 80 active student societies so there is something chat with them.
for everyone. Many of our societies bring together
international students from different backgrounds, and Throughout the year, the UCDSU Entertainments (Ents)
networks such as the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Office runs class trips and parties, gigs, comedy nights,
and International Student Society run lots of events mystery tours and The Freshers Ball. They also run an
and activities throughout the year, including trips award-winning newspaper, The University Observer.
around Ireland.
For more information about the UCDSU,
For more information on UCD Societies, please visit: please visit: www.ucdsu.ie
www.ucd.ie/sportandsocieties.htm
UCD STUDENTS’ UNION (UCDSU)
All UCD students are automatically members of UCDSU,
which represents students’ views and opinions, and
works on a number of university committees from
all areas of university life as the voice of the student
population. Five elected officers offer support and advice
to students during their time in UCD – the President,
Welfare Officer, Education Officer, Graduate Officer and
Campaigns & Communications Officer.
The UCDSU is there to advise, support and direct
students through any kind of situation in which they
may find themselves. All the UCDSU officers are UCD36 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Photo by UCD Student Mary-Loup Bonnett Photo by UCD Student Diva Gallo
Destination
IRELAND
Recognised as having one of the best education systems in the world,
and graduates who are sought after in governments, industry, NGOs and
organisations the world over, Ireland is an ideal choice for students who
want the best possible springboard for their futures.
DESPITE BEING a small country with a population of WE’RE SAFE
just over five million, we are a well-connected nation, Ranked 10th out of 163 countries in the Global
with over 70 million people around the world who Peace Index.
claim Irish heritage.
WE’RE HAPPY
OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT Ireland is ranked 16th in the World Happiness Index
Ireland’s education system is amongst the best in the 2019. This happiness leads to friendliness, and the Irish
world. We lead in the skills race with a higher percentage people are renowned for their friendly and welcoming
of 3rd level graduates than the UK, US and OECD nature the world over.
averages. Ireland also ranks in the top 10 globally for:
• Quality of the education system WE HAVE DIVERSE… WEATHER
• University education that meets the needs of a In Ireland, a hot (or cold, or rainy) topic daily is the
competitive economy weather! You might experience four seasons in one day
• Knowledge transfer between universities and – so be sure to pack your sunscreen, umbrella, rain jacket,
companies. sweater and sunglasses when heading to class!Undergraduate Offer Pack
Destination Ireland 37
Photo by UCD Student Abigail Lynch
WE’RE YOUNG YOU’VE SEEN US ON SCREEN
Ireland has the youngest population in Europe with a Ireland is famous for its beautiful countryside, and is
third of the population under 25 years old and almost featured in many films and TV shows. In Kerry you can
half the population under the age of 34. see Sceilg Mhichil (Skellig Michael), AKA planet Ahch-To
in Star Wars; in Wexford you can wander the beaches
WE SPEAK ENGLISH featured in ‘Saving Private Ryan’, in Clare you can explore
Ireland is soon to be the only member state of the the incredible Cliffs of Moher and see the location of
European Union (apart from Malta) whose first the Horcrux Cave from Harry Potter and the Half Blood
language is English. Prince, and in Down you can travel the Kingsroad from
‘Game of Thrones’.
WE’RE COMPACT, EASY TO NAVIGATE
– AND CLOSE TO EUROPEAN CAPITALS WE’RE PROUD OF OUR CULTURE
As a small country, Ireland’s beautiful landscapes and AND HISTORY
vibrant cities are easily accessible. Dublin is just a Ireland’s incredible culture and history is celebrated
two-hour drive from Galway in the west and Cork in the countrywide. With two UNESCO World Heritage
south, meaning that the entire country can be explored Sites, and many museums, cathedrals, parks and
by students with ease while they are based in Dublin. monuments, Ireland’s past and present can be
An island located off the western edge of Europe, next explored on every corner.
to the United Kingdom, Ireland is within easy reach of
all major European capitals, so you can enjoy European
adventures during your time with us too!38 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Great career opportunities
With a one year stay back visa for graduates, many UCD students now choose to stay in
Ireland beyond their studies and start their careers here. The Irish economy is also the fastest
growing in the Eurozone and the 6th most competitive in the world.
ICT MED TECH ENGINEERING FOOD & FINANCIAL
& PHARMA AGRICULTURE SERVICES
ICT ENGINEERING
Ireland is known as the internet and games capital The engineering industry in Ireland is strong and
of Europe and is home to nine of the top ten global vibrant. It supports a very broad range of companies
software companies, nine of the top ten US tech in various fields, including environmental, biomedical,
companies, all of the top three global security and global aerospace, energy, ICT, and medical devices to name but
enterprise software companies, four of the a few. The industry is also a very strong contributor to
top five IT services companies and all ten of the top Irish exports, generating €4.2 billion in exports annually.
‘born on the internet’ companies.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
MED TECH AND PHARMA The manufacture of food and drink is Ireland’s
Ireland is home to all of the top ten global pharma most important indigenous industry, with over €11
companies and has over 25,000 people employed in billion of product exported every year to 175 markets
the industry. Over €10 billion has been invested in worldwide. Ireland supplies 10% of the world’s infant
new biological production in the last decade. Ireland milk formula and three of the four best-selling infant
has exported almost €40 billion in biopharmaceutical formula companies in the world are based in Ireland.
product, and was the 6th largest medicinal and
pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the world
in 2017. FINANCIAL SERVICES
Ireland is the 7th largest provider of wholesale
Financial Services in the EU, and is home to over
500 international financial institutions in world-leading
areas such as fund administration and aircraft leasing.Undergraduate Offer Pack
Destination Dublin 39
Destination
DUBLIN
Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and is served by a large
international airport which sees over 30 million passengers pass through
annually. With major European capitals just a short flight away, Dublin is an
ideal base from which you can easily explore the rest of Europe.
A COMPACT, COSY, yet bustling city, Dublin is easy to WE’RE EUROPE’S TECH HUB
navigate and the city centre is within walking distance, Regarded as Europe’s tech capital, Dublin’s thriving
or just a short bus ride, from UCD. Split in two by the digital hub is home to international IT giants such as
River Liffey, Dubliners identify as either ‘Northsiders’ Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, AirBnB, Hubspot
or ‘Southsiders’. UCD is located in Dublin 4, on the and Squarespace.
city’s south side.
WE’RE AN EVENTFUL CITY
WE’RE FRIENDLY AND POPULAR! Dubin hosts many annual events such as the St Patrick’s
Dublin is one of the three most visited capital cities Festival, a Chinese New Year Festival, Culture Night, the
in Europe, and is regularly voted friendliest city in Dublin Film Festival, and is home to the national football
Europe by TripAdvisor. and rugby teams.
Photo by UCD Student Kartik Sharma40 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Photo by UCD Student Hayley Meyers Photo by UCD Student Rohit Gupta
WE HAVE AN INCREDIBLE ARTS AND WE HAVE FOOD TO CATER FOR
PERFORMANCE SCENE EVERYONE’S TASTES!
Dublin has spawned jaw-dropping creative talent, and Dublin has a vibrant, young, multicultural population,
amazing authors such as James Joyce, Roddy Doyle, and and the city centre is packed with shops and restaurants
Anne Enright hail from the city. Dublin is also home to a to suit everyone’s budget and tastes. There is an Asian
multitude of world famous bands, including U2 and The strip just north of the River Liffey, home to many
Script, and actors such as Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson authentic and award-winning restaurants, and the many
and Domhnall Gleeson. supermarkets in the city centre stock ingredients from
around the world.
Storytelling is not just confined to books, music and
movies – Dublin has a vibrant stage scene and theatres EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
such as The Gate and The Abbey have performance runs Flanked by beaches to the east and mountains to the
throughout the year. You can also take many tours in south, and dotted with parks, Dublin boasts wonderful
Dublin, where the guides will make history come alive amenities for everyone to enjoy.
through their stories!
WE’RE ALL ABOUT THE CRAIC
(IT’S OUR WORD FOR FUN!)
The pubs, coffee shops, and music venues of Dublin are
important meeting and social venues for both Dubliners,
and visitors to the capital. You can enjoy coffee in a
bookshop, have a drink overlooking the city, or see
musicians perform any night of the week.Undergraduate Offer Pack
Visiting UCD 41
VISITINGUCD
BY PLANE The route 145 provides a direct route from Heuston
Dublin is served by Dublin International Airport, which is Station to Belfield via the city centre. If you wish to take
located north of Dublin City Centre. There are frequent a tour of the campus for details and bookings please visit
connecting buses from the airport to the city centre. www.ucd.ie/global
Aircoach operates a service from Dublin Airport to
Leopardstown/Sandyford/Stillorgan which passes UCD.
Further details available at www.aircoach.ie. For further
HOW TO VIDEOS
information on Dublin Airport and flights please visit
www.dublinairport.com We have created a bank of videos showcasing
the best ways to get to UCD, and these can be
BY TRAIN viewed on our YouTube channel.
Dublin is served by two main railway stations, Connolly www.youtube.com/ucdglobal
Station and Heuston Station. It is a short walk from
Connolly Station to O’Connell Street, where the Dublin
Bus numbers 2, 11 and 46A can be boarded for UCD.42 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Photo by UCD Student Xiaoyue Zhang
Recommendations from our
STUDENTS
As Ireland’s Global University, UCD welcomes thousands of students from
around the world to campus each year. Here are some top tips from our
current and past students for incoming first years!
FOOD, DRINK AND COFFEE! Other options nearby: Tesco, Centra (on-campus),
Dublin has a large array of excellent supermarkets, Dunne’s Stores, SuperValu
restaurants, pubs and coffee shops, with a food and drink
culture that is truly global. The city centre is bursting Eating out / lunch
with stores stocking ingredients from around the world, For vegetarians & vegans: Umi Falafel (meal deals
and a world food market pops up on campus every before 5pm), Cornucopia, Veginity, Sova Vegan Butcher
Thursday for lunch! Markets: Dun Laoghaire People’s Park (Sundays, crafts
and food), Blackrock Food Market, UCD Food Market
Supermarkets (Thursdays)
For everything on a budget: Lidl and Aldi Burritos and Burgers: Bunsen, Wowburger, Boojum
For affordable Chinese groceries delivered to your (student discounts and giant portions), Tolteca
door: www.chinese.ie Restaurants: Milano’s (pizza and Italian), Neon
Asian staples: Asia Market in the city centre, Eurasia in (affordable, large portion Asian food with a fill-your-
Fonthill (huge supermarket, with great cheap hot food own ice cream cone option!), Crackbird, Platform 61
too – their onion bhajis are amazing!) (bottomless brunch), 3 Leaves Blackrock (affordable
For Halal butchers and grocers try the shop at the Islamic home cooked Indian food with good vegan options)
Cultural Centre of Ireland (10 minute walk from UCD)Undergraduate Offer Pack
Recommendations from our Students 43
Coffee
Miami Café Dun Laoghaire, The Wooden Spoon MY FAVOURITE SPOT
Blackrock, 3FE, Coffee Angel, Accents (near Grafton
“Kilmainham Goal is one of my favorite spots,
Street), Beanhive, Mochaland, Insomnia (chain), Bear
and also go to a GAA match at Croke Park or a
Market Blackrock
Rugby or Football match at Aviva Stadium.”
Miesha Roberts
THINGS TO DO IN DUBLIN!
A true mountains to sea experience, Dublin is a vibrant
capital that is both steeped in culture and at the forefront
of technology. The city centre is compact, and everything
is within easy walking distance. Venture further afield Sports and Entertainment
(via foot, bus, tram or train) and find the real gems. Go to a game in Croke Park (GAA) or Aviva Stadium
(football and rugby), Comedy @ the International Bar
Outdoors (keep an eye on big acts performing in Dublin, as they
Glasnevin Cemetery (followed by a visit to The are known to appear in the International Bar the night
Gravediggers’ pub), Dublin Bay cruise to Howth and before their big gigs!).
Howth cliff hikes (good seafood and views), Viking Splash
Tour, Phoenix Park (find the deer, visit Dublin Zoo, hire DISCOVER IRELAND
a Segway, see Áras an Uachtaráin (President’s house), From your base in Dublin, the whole island of Ireland is
have a picnic, or check out Farmleigh House for cultural readily accessible. Hire a car, or take a bus or train, and
events), Marley Park (for markets, open air movies, and explore one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
walking), Happenings (sign up to their mailing list and Visit Planet Ahch-To from Star Wars (Skellig Michael, Co.
follow them on social media for outdoor yoga, outdoor Kerry), experience the majestic Wild Atlantic Way (maybe
cinema, and other events), Botanical Gardens (Birdwatch try surfing!), and visit places like Galway, Cork, Kilkenny
Ireland do amazing talks here – watch out for their and the Aran Islands.
insanely popular crow series!).
UCD Res Life and the International Students’ Society
Indoors organise trips around Ireland, so keep an eye on their
Christchurch & St Patrick’s Cathedrals, Guinness Storehouse, social media for information.
Kilmainham Gaol, IMC Cinemas do special discount days.
Left: Dublin is well known for its many colourful and atmospheric pubs and right: Photo by UCD Student Sela BetzYou can also read
