University College Dublin, Dublin- Ireland Facts

• Language of instruction: English • Number of students currently enrolled: 33,000 • Semester 1: Early September – Late December • Semester 2: Mid-January - Late May • Important information: http://www.ucd.ie/international/exchange- programmes/incoming-exchanges/erasmus-exchange-information/

About the University

Founded in 1854 by Cardinal John Henry Newman, University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s largest and most richly diversified university. Today UCD is a vibrant, modern university of over 33,000 students situated on a spacious and leafy campus some 5km to the south of Dublin city centre.

Located on the east coast of Ireland, Dublin began as a Viking settlement founded over one thousand years ago. In the 21st century, with a population of over one million people, Dublin is the thriving capital of the Republic of Ireland and is the centre of the political, diplomatic, administrative and commercial life of the country. Famous for its literary tradition, Ireland's capital has been home to writers from Jonathan Swift to William Butler Yeats and James Joyce. Dublin allows you to explore both the historical and the modern, from castles and churches to cafés and clubs. Website: http://www.ucd.ie/

What to expect

Application process If you are allocated for an exchange at the University College Dublin, you will be officially nominated by the Go Abroad Office and will then be provided with your detailed application instructions. You can ONLY apply if officially nominated. Type of Application: You will receive an email with application instructions. The application form is online. Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University College Dublin

Academics

Course/ credit load One full year of study should equate to 60 ECTS. One semester of study should equate to 30 ECTS

Courses available At undergraduate level each module is worth 5 credits and students take six modules per semester. Exchange students may take fewer modules if permitted by their home institution. http://www.ucd.ie/students/course_search.htm

Course enrolment Instructions will be sent along with letter of enrolment during the Summer months. Your exchange coordinator will manually register you for courses after you arrive in Dublin.

Academic restrictions UCD asks for flexibility with Erasmus course choices, and not all choices will be available.

Previous Students Please research the suitability of the University College Dublin for your degree programme. Courses and programmes at your home and host institution may have changed since other students studied there. However, please find below some examples of the degree programmes of students who went on exchange to the UCD in previous years: • Biological Sciences • Chemical Engineering • History of Art and English • History and Politics • Mathematics • Philosophy and Politics

Your final course selection must be agreed and approved with your Exchange Coordinator and any course changes made whilst you are away must have their approval.

Accommodation

University Accommodation is not guaranteed for international accommodation students so it is important that you apply early if you would like to live in on-campus housing. There is not always any on-campus accommodation available for Erasmus students •Explore Dublin accommodation at: http://www.ucd.ie/residences/

2 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 13 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University College Dublin

Application process Information about how to apply for accommodation can be found here: http://www.ucd.ie/residences/bookings/howtoguides/

Private The international office at UCD provides advice for accommodation students looking for off-campus accommodation.

Costs

Estimated cost of Estimated cost of living is €680 per month without living accommodation. Accommodation may range from €400 to 1300 per month.

Insurance Non EU nationals must obtain health insurance. EU nationals are covered through their EHIC card. More information can be found here: http://www.ucd.ie/international/current-students/student- support/health-insurance/ For up to date information on using UK issued EHIC cards after Brexit please see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in- ireland#healthcare

Banks The largest banks in Ireland are Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Bank, and Ulster Bank. To open a bank account you will need to bring a valid form of ID (Passport) and proof of address. There may be other requirements if you are form outside the EU. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted throughout Ireland however you may be charged for using a foreign bank card. You should be able to transfer between UK and Irish bank accounts if you have your IBAN and SWIFT codes however your bank may charge you.

Other

Employment Students attending a full time course lasting a year are entitle to seek casual employment (up to 20 hours). Single semester students cannot seek employment. More information can be found here: http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd- global/coming-to-ireland/working-in-ireland/

3 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 13 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University College Dublin

For more information about working in Ireland after Brexit, please see: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in- ireland#working-in-ireland

Orientation UCD International organise an airport welcome for incoming international students. UCD organise specific International Erasmus Orientation events throughout the Orientation Week. These events include, meet and greets, welcome speeches and other social activities. Orientation Week: 4th of September to the 7th of September 2018 Some but not all non-EU/EEA students require an entry visa Visas for Ireland. Use this link to determine whether you are in need of a visa: http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/check-irish-visa

More information can also be found here: http://www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd- global/coming-to-ireland/visa-and-immigration/ Disability Statement Some destinations may be more accessible than others for disabled students. If you require any adjustments due to disability or specific learning difficulty and you wish to study abroad please contact the Erasmus Outgoing team in the International Office ([email protected]). We will work together with you to explore the help available at your host institution. It might also be helpful if you discuss this with your Personal Tutor and the Disability Office as well.

The best part?

Meeting new people, being able to discover a new country and seeing the politically active student (and non-student) society in the campaigns and protests being held.”

Getting to experience the culture and meet new people.”

The greatest challenge?

Getting used to a slightly more relaxed way of teaching where self- study is more needed.”

4 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 13 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected] Notes of Guidance for Exchange students University College Dublin

Advice for future exchange students

Accommodation

University accommodation is very expensive, so it is worth looking privately as often you can get accommodation closer to city centre for cheaper.

General advice

You might have to do a bit more research yourself into the modules available.”

Good advice is provided on the UCD Student Union website regarding private renting.”

5 These guidance notes were correct at the time of publishing, 13 September 2018. Help us keep this information accurate by sending any feedback to the Go Abroad team [email protected]