GRIFFITH COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL HANDBOOK 2014/15 1 Contents Section 1- Welcome to Griffith College Dublin ................................................................................... 5 Map of College ................................................................................................................................ 5 Academic Calendar 2013/2014 ....................................................................................................... 6 Who’s Who? .................................................................................................................................... 8 International Office- D009/D013 .................................................................................................... 9 Your Faculty Office ........................................................................................................................ 10 Students’ Union- Meagher Building .............................................................................................. 11 Student Fees- D006 ....................................................................................................................... 11 Library ........................................................................................................................................... 11 Section 2- Day to Day Life ................................................................................................................. 12 About Ireland ................................................................................................................................ 12 Dublin ............................................................................................................................................ 12 Climate .......................................................................................................................................... 12 Electricity/Voltage ......................................................................................................................... 13 Bank Holidays ................................................................................................................................ 13 Irish Language – Gaeilge ............................................................................................................... 14 Accommodation ............................................................................................................................ 15 Getting Around Dublin .................................................................................................................. 21 Shopping in Dublin ........................................................................................................................ 23 Internet ......................................................................................................................................... 26 Post Offices ................................................................................................................................... 26 Entertainment ............................................................................................................................... 28 Religious Ceremonies .................................................................................................................... 29 Working in Ireland ......................................................................................................................... 32 How to Apply for a PPS Number ................................................................................................... 33 Good luck! But please remember… .............................................................................................. 35 Money Matters ............................................................................................................................. 35 Legal Issues ................................................................................................................................... 39 Irish Laws ....................................................................................................................................... 41 Legal Matters ................................................................................................................................ 42 Section 3 –Studying at Griffith College ............................................................................................. 47 Attendance .................................................................................................................................... 47 2 Punctuality .................................................................................................................................... 48 Examinations ................................................................................................................................. 49 Impersonation ............................................................................................................................... 49 Plagiarism ...................................................................................................................................... 50 Transferring to another Programme ............................................................................................. 50 Authenticating Documents ............................................................................................................... 51 Continuing Your Studies in Griffith College .................................................................................. 51 English Language ........................................................................................................................... 51 Top Ten Study Tips ........................................................................................................................ 52 IT services ...................................................................................................................................... 54 Section 4 – Extras .............................................................................................................................. 55 Griffith College Students’ Union ................................................................................................... 55 Facilities......................................................................................................................................... 60 College Counsellor ........................................................................................................................ 62 Health and Safety .......................................................................................................................... 63 Section 5- Visas, Immigration and Letters ........................................................................................ 68 Ordering Letters ............................................................................................................................ 68 Embassy Letter .............................................................................................................................. 68 Bank Letter .................................................................................................................................... 69 PPS Letter ...................................................................................................................................... 69 Visa Letters .................................................................................................................................... 70 Extending Your Student Visa ......................................................................................................... 72 Visa Required Students ................................................................................................................. 72 Conditions of the Visa Extension Letter ........................................................................................ 72 Non Visa Required Students ......................................................................................................... 74 EU/EEA Students ........................................................................................................................... 74 Obtaining a Re-Entry Visa ............................................................................................................. 74 Travelling to Other Countries ........................................................................................................ 75 Schengen Visa ............................................................................................................................... 76 Inviting Relatives & Friends to Visit from Abroad ......................................................................... 76 Section 6- Fun stuff in Ireland ........................................................................................................... 77 Hiring a Car .................................................................................................................................... 77 In Dublin ........................................................................................................................................ 77 Day Trips........................................................................................................................................ 79 3 Weekend Trips 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