International Student Handbook

DCU is located near Dublin Airport on the north side of the city and is approx. 5km from Dublin city  centre. At present, there are no direct bus connections to DCU from the Airport.

Non-EU/EEA citizens will be required to complete a landing card at the port of arrival. You may also be asked to produce the following documents, so make sure they are easily accessible: 

• Valid passport 

• Visa (if applicable) 

• Evidence of health insurance 

• DCU offer letter 

EU/EEA citizens may be asked for the following documents on arrival in Ireland:  - Valid passport/national identity card 

• European Health Insurance Card 

• Confirmation of your place at DCU 

• Proof of sufficient financial resources

Taxi and coach from Dublin Airport

A taxi from the Airport to DCU costs approximately €35. You can also order a taxi through one of the following Apps: Freenow, Bolt, Lynk, Uber

Depending on where you are going from the airport, you can also use Dublin Express or Aircoach.
 

Dublin Bus

DCU has three campuses, all on the Northside of Dublin. They are reasonably close to both the airport and the city centre.

Glasnevin Campus

The DCU Glasnevin campus is just a short distance from Dublin city centre, Dublin Airport and both the M50 and M1 motorways. The campus is bordered by Ballymun Road and Collins Avenue.   Pedestrian, cycle and vehicular access is via the Collins Avenue and Ballymun Road entrances. There is additional pedestrian and cycle access via the pedestrian entrance on Collins Avenue and via the Albert College Park.  There is no public through road from Collins Avenue to Ballymun Road.

Bus routes servicing Glasnevin campus: 1, 14, 44, 16, 33, 41, 41B, 41C, N4 (Collins Avenue); 4, 9, 11, 13 (Ballymun Road)

St Patrick’s Campus

St Patrick’s Campus is situated on the main Belfast Road (M1), which is also the road from the airport, about 2 km to the north of Dublin city centre. Bus routes servicing St Patrick’s campus: 1, 11, 13, 16, 33, 41, 41B, 41C, 44. There are 2 bus stops outside the main entrance to St Patrick’s campus on the Drumcondra road.

All Hallows Campus

The All Hallows Campus is based on Gracepark Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, within a 5 minute walk from the St Patrick's Campus.
 

Maps of all campuses can be found at: https://www.dcu.ie/campus-maps

IMPORTANT: Buses don’t stop automatically at all stops. Put your hand out to tell the driver that you want him / her to stop so that you can get on the bus. When you want to get off the bus, press the ‘STOP’ button once, giving the driver plenty of time to stop safely.

Public transport

When moving around Dublin, you can use the yellow-and-green double-deckers, trams (called ‘Luas’) and trains. You can either buy individual tickets (on the bus with coins only) or get a Leap Card and top it up. Leap Card is accepted on all Dublin buses, Luas, and DART train connections.

Students between the ages of 19-23 can avail for the Young Adult Leap Card, which comes with 50% savings on travel fares.

The Student Leap Card is for full time third level students who are either 16-18 or 26 years old and above. You can get it at the Students’ Union in the ‘U’ building on Glasnevin campus.

Some useful apps when moving around the city are: Next Bus, TFI Live App, TFI Leap Top Up App, Irish Rail, and Citymapper.

Walking and cycling

Dublin is a relatively small city and is very walkable, as well as a cyclist-friendly city. Students are encouraged to explore the DCU campuses and the city on foot or on a bike.

Should you wish to buy a bike, it is good to invest in a sturdy lock. You can also avail of the bicycle sharing services DublinBikes (in the city centre, Leap Card works with them), Bleeper or MOBY Bikes (both have stations around DCU).

You can learn more about active commuting on the DCU website.

Car hire

Car sharing in Dublin is available through GoCar or Yuko. For longer trips it may be more cost effective to hire from one of the car rental firms in the city. You will need a full EU or International driver’s licence to rent a car. If you are planning to drive in Ireland it is advisable that you go through the rules for Irish drivers: Rules on the Road. Keep in mind - we drive on the left!

If you are a Non-EU student that requires a visa to stay in Ireland, you need to make an appointment with GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) to apply for the IRP (Irish Residence Permit). You will receive an email that tells you what documents you need to bring to your appointment.

All non-EEA students must have private health insurance that covers them from day one in Ireland. Proof of insurance is required at the time of registration with immigration authorities.

For newly arrived first year students, travel insurance may suffice in some circumstances. You may obtain private health insurance in your home country provided that it is in English, valid in Ireland, and meets the requirements of the Irish immigration services.  

There are currently three health insurance companies in Ireland (Irish Life, Laya, and VHI). The Health Insurance Authority is the State body that regulates the private health insurance market in Ireland and offers comparison of their plans.

There is also a service specifically for students called Study & Protect. They can arrange comprehensive medical, health & travel insurance for international students in Ireland.

All this information and more (DCU group scheme) is accessible on our website.

Those looking for accommodation in Dublin, and international students in particular, are sometimes targets or bad practice and rental scams from landlords. The Student Union at DCU offers advice and can help with looking for accommodation off campus.

The Irish Council for International Students can also be a good resource for advice on practical matters, including accommodation.

First-year international students who live on campus typically stay in:

• College Park Apartments (Glasnevin campus)

• Purcell House (All Hallows campus)

• O’Donnell House (All Hallows campus)

If you are looking for off-campus accommodation, it might be useful to check out the DCU StudentPad.

International students enrolled in a full-time university course and in possession of a Irish Residence Permit card are entitled to take up casual employment. This is defined as up to 20 hours part-time work per week, except for two standardised periods when it is permissible to work full-time (i.e. up to 40 hours per week). The periods are December 15 to January 15 and June 1 to September 30 only, corresponding to the traditional summer and winter college holidays. These dates are fixed for all non-EEA students, regardless of the actual college teaching calendar for their course.
 

In order to be eligible to work in Ireland, you need to get a PPS (Personal Public Service) number. PPSN is a unique reference number that everyone who works in Ireland must have. It ensures that they are registered with the Irish taxation authorities, known as the Revenue Commissioners.
 

Keep in mind it might take time before you start working. First, you need to register at DCU, settle in at the university and in your accommodation, book a GNIB appointment (if applicable), apply for PPSN, open a bank account, and look for a suitable part-time position. There are a lot of vacancies in Dublin, and it is good to print a couple of copies of your CV and walk around your neighbourhood to see which places are hiring. You can introduce yourself and leave them your CV. You can also apply to job adverts online.

While securing a job alongside your studies might be high on your priority list, your course should always come first.

Academic Calendar and important dates

The academic calendar for 2024/2025 is available now.

Online registration runs from 13 August until 27 September.
 

• 26 - 30 August Move-in Days for Postgraduate students

• 2 - 6 September Move-in Days for Undergraduate students

• 2 - 14 September General Orientation for all new incoming students

• 9 September Teaching starts (for new Postgraduate and non-first-year students)

• 16 September Teaching starts (for first-year Undergraduate students)

• 25 October Deferral request deadline

• 28 October Public Holiday 

• 8 - 12 Dec Exam study period

• 9 - 21 Dec Exam Period

• 22 Dec - 2 Jan Break

Orientation 

The latest Orientation schedule will be available at: https://www.dcu.ie/orientation.

DCU Email Account 

In August, you will receive an email from our colleagues in Registry with instructions on how to set up your DCU student account.

Once registered, all official DCU communications will go to your DCU email account. Please  remember to check it regularly and when communicating with the university (Student Service, lecturers, library, etc.), always use your DCU account and quote your DCU student ID number.

Student Portal Pages 

DCU Loop contains your academic information such as registered modules, exam timetables, exam results, etc. You are required to check your portal page regularly during the academic year. If personal info is incorrect, inform registry@dcu.ie. For technical difficulties, contact iss@dcu.ie.

DCU Transcript of Exam Results 

DCU official transcripts will be provided online on your portal page via Digitary. Digital transcripts  are verified and authenticated by DCU Registry. Students can share transcripts with their home  institution. You are advised to download the transcript when it is made available as the link expires within 2 weeks. 

Points of Contact 

Any academic queries regarding your programme or modules, the first point of contact is your lecturer or academic coordinator. 

If the issue is administrative or you need some practical advice, you can always contact the Student Advice Centre at: student.support@dcu.ie or 01 700 7165.

Study abroad students can contact the Study Abroad Team at study.abroad@dcu.ie

Exchange and Erasmus students can contact the Mobility Team at incoming.mobility@dcu.ie

Cost of Living 

The cost of living depends on individual choices and spending on travel and social life can vary widely  from student to student. Estimates on the annual cost of living in Ireland can be found on SS&D  Financial Survival Guide. You can also consult the Irish Council for International Students guide on  cost of living.

Banking and Currency

The unit of currency used in Ireland is the euro (€). One euro is made up of one hundred cents. Banks  are generally open Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm. It can take up to two weeks for the  international transfer of money through the banking system.  

Students staying for two semesters or more must open an Irish bank account. You are advised to  open a bank account within your first two weeks in Ireland as it is required for some immigration  processes. Rent may also be requested via a direct debit from an Irish bank account. The most popular banks in Ireland are: Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks, Permanent TSB (PTSB).

Setting up a Bank Account in Ireland 

To open a bank account with a bank branch, you must request an ‘International Student Confirmation Letter’ using the online letter request service. You will also require:  

• Photo ID (Passport, National ID card) 
• DCU Student Card 
• Bank letter from DCU (this can be used as ‘proof of address’) 

Always check with the bank to confirm what documentation they require.

Electricity 

The Irish electrical current is 220 V. The most commonly used plugs are 3-pin flat, the BS1363 standard (also used in the UK). Voltage convertors are available from most electrical stores. Plug adapters are available in supermarkets, bookstores, electrical stores, or can be bought in bulk online.

Emergency Services 

Whilst in Ireland, dial 999 or 112 for the emergency services. You will be asked which service you  want – ‘Garda’ (police), ambulance or fire brigade – and the area in which the incident has occurred. 

We also advise that students download SafeZone. This is a DCU Campus Safety App that offers aid in  emergency or high risk situations or if First Aid is needed.

Basic information

Official name: The Republic of Ireland or Ireland (Éire in Irish)

State emblems: the Harp and the Shamrock

Capital: Dublin

Counties: 26

Population: est. over 5,200,000

Currency: EUR

Head of the government: Prime Minister (Taoiseach in Irish)

Emergency numbers: 112, 999

Major religion: Christianity (75%)

Calling code: +353

Language

The Republic of Ireland is de facto a bilingual country as it has two official languages. There is the Irish language (an Ghaeilge), and Hiberno-English (Irish English). Nearly everyone born in Ireland speaks English, and most of them learn Irish in school.

You will see both languages side-by-side on signs and official documents, and hear it on the public transport. Although you are not expected to become proficient in Irish, you can give it a try and learn some words - it will be much appreciated!

Weather

Irish weather is mild, and temperatures rarely go above 25°C or below 0°C. It rains quite frequently, and it can also be fairly windy. The weather can change a lot in just one day. A famous saying goes ‘Don’t like the weather? Wait five minutes.’ Don’t trust the forecast too much and always make sure you have an umbrella (or a poncho) and a jacket/raincoat. A good idea is to dress in layers.

Tourism - sights to see

Ireland is a country of many natural beauties, rich history, and excellent art. A lot of museums and galleries are free to visit. There are a lot of exciting places to visit from Dublin. Some are near (like Howth, Malahide Castle, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Wicklow Mountains), some a little further (Cork, Cobh, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Kylemore Abbey, Wild Atlantic Way, Giant’s Causeway, Belfast, Newgrange), but all are worthy of seeing.

Arts and Sports

Ireland has produced many excellent artists: poets, playwrights, novel writers, actors, musicians, painters, and composers. We encourage you to explore the world of Irish arts, literature, and film - it will help you connect with the country and the people.

The Irish are avid sports fans, especially of their native games of Gaelic football and hurling. Both are promoted by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), founded in 1884 to revive native Irish sports. Rugby is also big in Ireland.

Weekend matches are usually family events, with parents and children all wearing jerseys and going to the stadium (or a pub that broadcasts the game).

Famous Irish People

• Singers: Andrea Corr, Bono (U2), Niall Horan (One Direction), Gary Lightbody, Dolores O’Riordan (The Cranberries), Enya, Sinéad O’Connor, Shane McGowan
• Actresses: Sarah Bolger, Fionnula Flanagan, Evanna Lynch,Saoirse Ronan
• Actors: Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy, Jamie Dornan, Brendan Gleeson
• Writers: Abraham ‘Bram’ Stoker, Oscar Wilde, C.S. Lewis, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, Edna O’Brien
• Others: James Hoban (designer), Graham Norton (TV host), Conor McGregor (MMA fighter), Mary Robinson (former president), Katie Taylor (boxer)

Irish habits and manners

• Irish people have the reputation of being friendly, welcoming, and easy-going.
• Small talk is an important part of everyday life even among strangers.
• Being polite is also very important. If eye contact is made, it is customary to greet the person, smile, or nod your head. People often thank bus drivers when getting off the bus.
• When meeting, people usually shake hands.
• Respecting one’s personal space is important.
• People often ask each other ‘How are you?’ instead of saying ‘Hello’. The response should generally be positive, brief, and reciprocal (‘I’m grand, how are you?’).
• Gestures are not used in restaurants /  cafés to get the attention of staff.
• When people are waiting for something, they make a queue. It is considered impolite to break or jump the queue.
• The Irish are famous for their humour. They use sarcasm and tease each other, but they do not mean it literally.
• In Ireland, both buses and people sometimes arrive a little late. However, if you have an important meeting, appointment, or class, you should be on time.
• Pub culture is big in Ireland. Pubs are places to socialise, they often serve food, host sports games, and have live bands playing. They serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Irish History in a Nutshell

Archaeologists think the first people to settle in Ireland arrived around 6000 B.C. The first major and long lasting people to leave their mark on Ireland were the Celts. They remained unchallenged until the late 8th century, with the arrival of the Vikings from Scandinavia who began to raid Ireland as well as most of mainland Europe. The unity that had been in place in Irish society under Brian Boru during the Viking invasions, had however disappeared by the time Ireland faced its next challenge that of the Normans from England in the 12th century which had long term influence on Ireland. The Norman Conquest brought Ireland under a new rule for several centuries with many attempts at rebellion. In the early 1600s, England’s official religion became Protestant, while most Irish remained Roman Catholic. This would create tensions that would eventually lead to revolution and Ireland’s independence.

One of the most tragic and profoundly devastating events in Ireland’s history was the Great Famine in the mid 19 century. Also referred to as "The Great Hunger" (known abroad as the Potato Famine), the Great Famine lasted between 1845 and 1849 was arguably the single greatest disaster that affected Irish history creating a seismic change in the population and culture.

Another change for the positive in Irish history came with the movement to gain Home Rule. Frustration arising from the continued postponement of home rule led to the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin, a major turning point in Irish history. Although a military failure, this rebellion brought a new generation of potential leadership to public attention and sparked a new drive for Irish independence that would finally come to fruition a few years later.

In 1922, after violent uprisings, the Irish Free State was created within the British Empire.

In 1948, most of Ireland became an independent country, while six mainly Protestant counties in the northeast remained a British territory.

Irish Fun Facts

• Ireland is the most successful country in the Eurovision Song Contest.
• Halloween originated in Ireland.
• Ireland is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument as its national symbol. (the Gaelic harp)
• In 2015, the Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to ratify same-sex marriage by popular vote.
• There are approximately over 70-80 million people of Irish descent living outside of Ireland!
• There are no snakes in Ireland.
• Ireland has the most Nobel Prize winners in literature per capita.
• The longest Irish word is ‘Grianghrafadóireachta’ and it means ‘photography’.
• The Irish people are the second-biggest tea drinkers (Turkey holds the first place).
• The oldest pub in Europe is located in Ireland. It dates back to 900 AD, and it’s located in Athlone.

Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Checklists (pdf)