Welcome to your new homeA guide for students preparing to join us at University College Dublin International Study Centre

ucd.ie/isc

Welcome to your new homeDublin is a fantastic place to live and study. This friendly and welcoming city will be your new, exciting home away from home, a place where you will create new memories that you’ll treasure for life.

We want to help you settle into your new home quickly and easily, so that you can concentrate on your studies and start enjoying student life in Dublin. This guide provides all of the important information you need to prepare for travelling to Dublin, Ireland as well as living and studying at University College Dublin International Study Centre (ISC).

For up-to-date information before your arrival, visit: ucd.ie/isc

Useful websites:International Study Centre: ucd.ie/iscEducation in Ireland: educationinireland.comIrish Council for International Students: icosirl.ieDiscover Ireland: ireland.comVisit Dublin: visitdublin.comWeather: met.ie

Contact detailsUCD International Study Centre, Richview Newstead Block A, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland

Telephone: to be confirmedEmergency telephone: +353 (0) 877 467953

Contents

Get ready to join us 1

What to bring with you 5 to Dublin, Ireland

Arriving in Dublin, Ireland 7

Getting to University College Dublin 9 International Study Centre

Your induction programme 11

Your campus 13

Campus map 15

Campus map key 17

Your checklist 19

1 Apply for your visa (if required)Most international students (non-European Economic Area) need a visa to come to Ireland, although there are a number of countries where you may not require a visa.

To check whether you need a visa and to apply if required please visit the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) website: inis.gov.ie

If you do need a visaStep 1: Complete the online application form. Visit: visas.inis.gov.ie

Step 2: Follow the instructions on the summary application form you will receive, which will include information on where to submit your form and documents

Step 3: Submit the documents, outlined below. Documents must be sent to the local Irish Embassy/Consulate/Visa Office. For a full list, visit: inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/pages/study

✓ Summary application form (printed, signed and dated) providing full details of your previous education

✓ An explanation for any gaps in your educational history

✓ Two colour passport photographs – not more than 6 months old

✓ Current passport (valid for 12 months after your arrival date in Ireland), and a copy of previous passports, if applicable.

✓ Signed letter of application including your full contact details

✓ Letter of Acceptance from University College Dublin ISC confirming and specifying acceptance on your course of study. This letter should confirm the amount of fees payable and fees paid for the course. Our visa letter will provide proof of this.

✓ Evidence of course fees paid a) A copy of an Electronic Transfer of Funds from

the applicant to the bank of the centre/valid receipt showing course fees lodged to an approved student fees payment service

b) Visa letter If the course fees are:• in excess of €6,000, at least this amount must be

paid before applying for the visa • less than €6,000, this must be paid in full before

applying for the visa ✓ Evidence you have the academic and English ability

to follow your chosen course ✓ Such evidence will include exam results AND

qualification certificates AND English certificates. While not a mandatory requirement, it is recommended that all applicants take a Secure English Language Test (SELT), and provide the original certificate with their visa application. Any certificate must have been issued within 2 years of the expected start date of your course.

✓ Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies

If you are studying in Ireland for at least six months, you must provide bank statements covering a six-month period immediately prior to your visa application showing immediate access to at least €7,000 and ready access to an amount of at least €7,000 for each subsequent year of studies, in addition to the course fees for each of those years. €7,000 is the estimated cost of living in Ireland for a student for one academic year.

Get ready to join us at the International Study CentreBefore you join us, there are five things you need to do first.

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2 Book your accommodationDid you request accommodation when you filled out your application? If so, our ISC Accommodation Team will contact you directly regarding the options available.

You might prefer to book your own accommodation, which you should secure before you depart for Dublin, Ireland. You will need to let us know where you will be staying, by emailing: iscaccommodation@studygroup.com

3 Book your travelOnce you receive your visa, you can book your travel. You should arrive ready for the first day of term to get a good start to your studies. If you have booked your accommodation with us, it will usually be available two days prior to the start of term.

You should book any flights home after the official end of term date, which can be found in your offer letter.

Please see page 9 for your suggested arrival airport.

The bank statements must show full contact details of the bank – name, address, telephone number and include the name and address of the account holder and the account number.

If you are a sponsored student, then details of the relationship is required. Evidence of ready access may include the sponsor’s employment letter with contact details of the employer – name, address and landline phone number, and four recent payslips.

If you are funded by a scholarship, please provide details of the funding and a letter to support this.

✓ Evidence of private medical insurance See point 5

✓ Details of any previous visa applications for any country and visa refusal letters (if applicable)

✓ Birth certificate (for unaccompanied students under 18 years)

✓ Consent of parent(s)/legal guardian(s)

You may be required to provide your Biometrics information as part of the application process.You need to submit the required documents to avoid your application being refused.

Processing time and visa decisionsPlease allow a minimum time of 8 weeks for student visas to be approved.

Visa decisions are published weekly (every Tuesday). You can search for the progress of your application using your Visa Transaction Number that will be allocated to you at the time you submit your application. Visit: inis.gov.ie

Continued on pages 3-4

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5 Ensure you are insuredIn our experience, it is essential that international students have the protection of personal insurance for the duration of their time in Dublin, Ireland as well as for registration with the Garda (police).

When you applied to the International Study Centre, you will have had the option of taking insurance cover with StudyCare. This insurance policy covers loss of personal possessions as well as providing health and medical insurance. If you have not taken this option, please make sure you have secured your own policy.

For full information on StudyCare, visit: ucd.ie/isc

4 Complete our pre-arrival formAt around one month before term starts, we will email you with a link to an online form. You will need to complete this with your travel information - so we know when to expect you - and your visa details.

If you would like us to arrange your taxi from the airport, please let us know by ticking the box on the form. On the form, you will need to provide us with the number of a mobile phone that you will have at the time of traveling so the driver can contact you.

Get ready to join us at the International Study CentreBefore you join us, there are five things you need to do first (continued).

If you need help and advice, your local representative or your student enrolment adviser can help you.3

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Things to pack in your hand luggage Passport and visa Your offer letter Your education certificates including IELTS or other original Secure English Language Test

Evidence of funding for your tuition fees and living costs, including sponsor letter (if you are being sponsored)

Accommodation documents, including your signed tenancy agreement

Four passport-sized photographs Any insurance documents Medical certificates including vaccination records

Mobile phone

Essential toiletries and medications (please check with your airline what’s permitted)

Enough money to live on in the first few weeks. We advise using traveller’s cheques and not bringing large amounts of cash.

Things to pack in your suitcaseDublin has a variety of shops so you’ll be able to buy everything you need to live comfortably. Many of the personal items you wish to bring with you, such as clothes, accessories and books can go in your suitcase.

What to bring with you to IrelandYou’ll need to pack some important items, such as your passport and visa, in your hand luggage for easy access, while other non-essential items can be packed away in your suitcase.

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We recommend that you bring:• Comfortable clothing such as trainers,

jeans, t-shirts, jumpers and a warm coat. The dress code at the International Study Centre is informal.

• Study supplies e.g. pens and paper notepads – these may be less expensive in your country.

• Laptop computer and charger – you can set English as the main language choice. This will help you to improve your English and assist you with everyday aspects of your life in Ireland.

• Mobile phone and charger• At least one travel adaptor plug – 240v

with a three-pin plug (like the one pictured opposite).

Your accommodation may provide a bedding and catering pack. Check the accommodation section at:ucd.ie/isc

If you have booked private accommodation, you will need to check what is supplied.

Top TipsCheck with your airline on what you can bring in terms of size and weight for hand and checked luggage.

Calling from Dublin? Once you’re in Dublin, you don’t need to include the ‘+353’ just replace it with an ‘0’. For example, a number that internationally is +353 (0) 877 467953becomes 0877 467953.

Adaptor

Irish Socket

Non-Irish Plug

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For up-to-date information visit: dublinairport.com/at-the-airport/passenger-Information/customs-immigration

Arriving in Dublin, IrelandTravelling to a new country can be a little overwhelming. To make it easier for you, we’ve outlined the process below so that you know exactly what to expect when you arrive.

If you are from outside the European Union (EUI), when you reach border control, please enter through the Non-EU entrance. Please be prepared for an immigration interview with Garda Immigration (GNIB) staff . You must be able to answer some questions in English and have a basic conversation without the assistance of an interpreter – failure to do so may result in you being denied access to the country, at which point you will have to return home. Please note that the Irish border control can be very busy, so you may have to wait in a queue to see an Immigration Officer. After collecting your luggage and making your way through customs, you will reach the arrivals hall.

Welcome to Dublin, Ireland!

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Top TipMake sure you have original, paper copies of all your documents, not in digital formats on smart phones, tablets or other electronic devices. Keep them in your hand luggage in case you need to show them at the Irish border.

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Getting to University College Dublin ISC from Dublin AirportDublin Airport is the closest international airport to University College Dublin.

By plane and pre-booked taxi transferIf you are arriving by plane and have asked for a taxi transfer, you will be met by the taxi driver in the Arrivals Hall. The driver will be holding a sign with your name on it.

Please do not pay the taxi driver as your fare will be added to your account.If you are heading directly to your accommodation booked with our ISC Accommodation Team, the taxi driver will take you to collect your keys – they will have been informed where you will be staying, but it is a good idea for you to have the details to hand.

Check your room confirmation for details of where and when to collect your keys, particularly if you are arriving late at night or early in the morning when residence receptions may not be open. If you are arriving when the reception is not open, check your room confirmation for out of hours key collection information.

If you are staying in private accommodation, provided you have given us the address in advance, the driver should have this information.

What if my plans change?If you have booked a taxi transfer but your arrival date changes or you decide to arrange your own taxi transfer, you will need to let us know as soon as possible. We will require two business days’ notice to be able to change or cancel your booking.

Please email: iscaccommodation@studygroup.com

Making your own way If you are travelling directly to your accommodation, the safest way is by taxi from Dublin Airport. Prices for journeys to different parts of the city are posted at the official taxi ranks, found on the forecourts directly outside Terminals 1 and 2.

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Edinburgh

Manchester

Glasgow

London

Dublin

Cork

Limerick

Belfast

LeedsYork

Birmingham

Liverpool

University College Dublin

dublin airport

Top TipsDon’t forget to email or phone your parent or guardian to let them know you have arrived.

Remember to switch your phone on as soon as you get off the plane so the taxi driver can call you.

Journey time from Dublin Airport is 30-40 minutes by taxi (depending on traffic)

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Your Induction ProgrammeOn your first, exciting day with us it is important that you arrive on time. During your induction you will have a complete introduction to Dublin, Ireland, the University, and the International Study Centre.

It’s vital that you arrive on time so that you don’t miss out on meeting your new classmates and enjoying all of the great social activities that have been planned for you. Activities include a tour of the University campus to help you discover your new home.

We will work with you in your first week to find out about your academic levels and how we can best support you in your studies.

What to bring with you on your first dayPlease bring the following documents, so that we can register you on the course:

✓ Evidence of your Secure English Language Test

✓ Passport and visa ✓ Sponsor letter (if you are being sponsored)

During your Induction Programme you will learn about:• Opening a bank account If you bring a banker’s draft in euros with you

(payable to yourself) or arrange for it to be sent, you can open a bank account once you have registered for your course.

In order to open a bank account you will need: ✓ a passport ✓ proof you are a student – we will issue you

with a letter ✓ proof of an address in Ireland

• Your chosen programmeGet your all-important timetable and find out what you need to achieve to progress to the University.

• Registering with the UniversityOnce you are registered with the University you will get your student card and be able to set up and log on to the University’s internet network.

You will also get information about the University sports facilities and gym memberships.

• Registering with the police (Garda) You will need to register with the Garda during

your first weeks with us and have up to 90 days to do so. Staff at the ISC will help you with this. You will need

✓ Your passport ✓ Bank Statement of an Irish bank account in

your name, showing a balance of at least €3000 (payment in cash is not accepted).

✓ Offer letter (original) ✓ Letter from the International Study Centre ✓ Your insurance policy ✓ Statement of Attendance from previous

college (only if you have been studying in Ireland already)

If you are over 18, you will need to pay a fee of €300 by credit card, laser card or bank giro (cash is not accepted).

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If you are under 18, this fee does not apply, but you will need to supply additional documents:

1. A letter from your parent or guardian permitting you to study in Ireland stating:

✓ Name and address of the centre ✓ Name of your guardian. If you do not have

a designated guardian arranged in Ireland we will help you with this on arrival.

2. Photocopies of the bio-data pages of the parent or guardian passport - photograph and signature must be visible.

Advice on settling in1. Say hello to your new neighbours.

Living in a student residence is a great way to make new, life-long friends. Other students around you, both from Ireland and abroad, will be feeling the same as you. Talking to each other will really help you settle in. Why not take the first step by introducing yourself?

2. Join in! There will be events planned at the International Study Centre as well as plenty of clubs and societies to join.

3. Don’t forget to set your morning alarm on your first day – you’ll need plenty of time to get ready.

We want you to feel at home as quickly as possible. If you have any worries, you can always approach any of our friendly staff and they will be very happy to help.

Top TipWhen you arrive, continue to view your fees online and select how you want to pay using your online login details

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Your campus

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Vehicle Route

Wexford >

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< Donnybrook

Roebuck Road

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Roebuck Castle

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Building Index Agnes McGuire Social Work Building (Arts Annexe) 1 E9UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre 2 D7Ardmore Annexe 3 C8Ardmore House 4 C8Bank, AIB 5 C8Belfield Office Park 6 D2Belgrove Student Residences 7 E8Bicycle Shop 8 B10UCD Bowl 9 C4Campus Services 10 D7UCD Centre for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery 11 D6Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID) 12 B8Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology (CSCB) 13 D7Charles Institute 14 C5UCD Clinton Centre for American Studies (Belfield House) 15 B10UCD Computer Centre 16 C5UCD Computer Science and Informatics Centre 17 C6UCD Conway Institute 18 B5Crannóg House 19 G12Daedalus Building 20 C9Energy Centre 21 F3UCD Engineering & Materials Science Centre 22 C9Environmental Protection Agency 23 E1UCD Geary Institute (Arts Annexe) 24 F9Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office) 25 D9Glebe House 26 G11Glenomena Student Residences 27 C11Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington Building (Arts Annexe) 28 E9Health Sciences Centre 29 C5UCD Humanities Institute Ireland 30 F9Information Point 31 B8Leinster Rugby 32 F2Irish Institute for Chinese Studies (UCD Confucious Institute) 33 G11UCD James Joyce Library 34 D7UCD John Hume Institute for Global Irish Studies (William Jefferson Clinton Auditorium) 35 B9Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) 36 D5Merville Student Residences 37 D11National Hockey Stadium 38 D4National Institute for Bioprocessing Researchand Training (NIBRT) 39 C12National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL )40 C8Newman Building W41 D8

Building Index (cont) NovaUCD 42 B12Oakmount Créche 43 G6 UCD O’Kane Centre for Film Studies(Observatory) 44 F7O’Reilly Hall 45 C7Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Church 46 E6Pavillion 47 D4Planning and Environmental Policy 48 E1UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business 49 D9UCD Research 50 C8Restaurant 51 D9Richview Buildings Labatory 52 E1Richview Lecture Building 53 F1Richview Library 54 E1Richview Memorial Hall 55 F1Richview Newstead Block A 56 F2Richview Newstead Block B (Main Bld) 57 F2UCD Institute of Sport & Health 58 E3Richview School of Architecture 59 E1Roebuck Castle 60 G11Roebuck Hall Residence 61 F11Roebuck Offices 62 G11UCD Rosemount Environmental Research Station 63 H4UCD O’Brien Centre for Science (Hub) 64 D6UCD O’Brien Centre for Science (North) 65 C6UCD O’Brien Centre for Science (West) 66 D6UCD O’Brien Centre for Science (East) 67 C6UCD Sports Centre 68 E5St. Stephens 69 C10UCD Student Centre 70 D5Building 71 71 D9UCD Student Learning Leisure and Recreation Facility 72 E5UCD Sutherland School of Law 73 D10Systems Biology Ireland (SBI) 74 C6Tierney Building (Administration Building) 75 C8UCD Earth Institute - Richview 76 F1Veterinary Hospital 77 B6UCD Veterinary Sciences Centre 78 B6Woodview House 79 B5

Map Key

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Academic Index UCD College of Human SciencesUCD School of Applied Social Sciences 28UCD School of Economics 41UCD School of Education 62UCD School of Geography Planning and Environmental Policy 41, 48, 59UCD School of Information and Library Studies 34UCD School of Philosophy 41UCD School of Politics and International Relations 41UCD School of Psychology 41UCD School of Social Justice 41UCD School of Sociology 34, 41 UCD College of Arts & Celtic Studies UCD School of Archaeology 19, 41, 60UCD School of Art History and Cultural Policy 41UCD School of Classics 41sUCD School of English, Drama and Film 28, 41, 44UCD School of History and Archives 30, 34, 41 UCD School of Irish, Celtic Studies,Irish Folklore and Linguistics 41UCD School of Languages & Literatures 41, 44UCD School of Music 41 UCD College of Engineering and ArchitectureUCD School of Architecture 48,52,54,57,59UCD School of Biosystems Engineering 2, 22UCD School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering 22UCD School of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering 48,52,54,57,59UCD School of Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering 6, 22UCD School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering 22 UCD College of ScienceUCD School of Biology & Environmental Science 66, 67UCD School Biomecular & Biomedical Science 18, 67UCD School Chemistry & Chemical Biology 11, 13, 67UCD School Computer Science and Informatics 17, 65UCD School Geological Sciences 66UCD School of Maths 34, 6UCD School of Physics 65, 67

Academic Index (cont) UCD College of Business & Law UCD School of Business 6, 49UCD School of Law 60, 73UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Blackrock Business School CampusUCD College of Health Sciences UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science 12, 18, 29UCD School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health Systems 29UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy andPopulation Science 18,29,58,78UCD College of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science 2, 63UCD School of Veterinary Medicine 76, 77 Campus Information ServicesBank 5 C8Bicycle Shop 8 B10Campus Bookshop 34 D7Centra Supermarket 37 D11Copi-Print 34,41,49, 7,D8,D9Laundry 27, 61 C11, F11Pharmacy 70 D5Post Office 51 D9Sports Centre Barber 68 E5Student Desk 74 C8Student Health Service 70 D5Students’ Union 70 D5Students’ Union Shop 22,34,64 C9,D7,D6UCD HR 62 G11 Traffic Calming Programme Traffic Restrictions in OperationMon-Fri Barriers closed from: 07.00-10.30 16.00-19.30 Gates Opening TimesN11 Entrance 24 hoursClonskeagh Entrance, (Mon-Sun) 07.00-00.00Owenstown Entrance (Mon-Sat) 07.00-00.00Fosters Avenue Entrance 07.00-00.00Richview Entrance (Mon-Fri) 07.00-00.00 (Sat) 07.00-18.00Richview Newstead Gate (Mon-Sun) 24 hoursRoebuck Castle, Pedestrian Route 24 hoursGreenfield Park, Pedestrian Route 24 hoursRoebuck Road Gate Pedestrian Route (Mon-Fri) 07.00-18.00

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Get involved!Why not join our social network

facebook.com/iscucd weibo.com/ucdisc

We can’t wait to welcome you.

Your checklistAs soon as possible

Have you paid the required fees for your

tuition, accommodation and insurance

(if applicable)?

Have you booked your accommodation?

Have you checked your passport is valid for at

least six months from your course start date?

Have you applied for and received your visa?

Up to one month before you depart

Have you completed the online pre-arrival

form (sent by email) with your flight and

visa information?

Have you organised money to bring with you?

Have you received confirmation of your

room allocation?

Have you made a copy of your passport

and other essential documents?

Have you obtained four passport-sized photos?

What to bring with you on your

first dayPlease bring the following documents, so that

we can register you on the course:

Passport and visa

Sponsor letter (if you are being sponsored)

Evidence of your Secure English

Language Test

University College Dublin International Study Centre is run by Study Group in partnership with University College Dublin.

For more information visit: studygroup.com

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