International Students

Everyone at DCU wants to make sure you have a safe, rewarding and fun experience while you are studying here. Find out who to ask for help when you have a question, need some advice or would just like a chat!

• Student Advice Hub

  A comprehensive overview of essential information, organised by theme. It covers topics from academic policies and support services to information about campus and student life.
   

• Academic and module questions

Contact the relevant lecturer or your Programme Chair.

Exchange or Erasmus students: incoming.exchange@dcu.ie

Study Abroad students: study.abroad@dcu.ie

Questions about registration, admissions, deferrals, transfers: registry@dcu.ie

Questions about exams, results, appeals: examinations@dcu.ie
 

• Practical advice

If you need practical advice, please email student.support@dcu.ie or contact the dedicated International Student Support Officer. You can also book an appointment with them.

If you need a letter confirming your status in DCU, please contact Registry.

Questions about fees: fees@dcu.ie
 

• Careers advice

  Through learning and development initiatives, they empower students to shape their futures to become successful in their chosen career paths; provide opportunities to connect students with the agile nature of the world of work; and be a leading player in the talent development and employer engagement for our local, national and global communities.
   

• Wellbeing and Mental Health

Professional, confidential, and free - that is our Counselling and Personal Development Service.

At DCU, we care very much about the wellbeing of our students, teachers, and staff members. In fact, it is so important to us that we have established Care & Connect, a whole-of-university approach for academic, personal, and financial wellbeing. The aim is to develop a campus environment where students are treated with dignity and respect, watch out for each other, and develop meaningful relationships.

This means you can attend events organised by out Student Wellness Ambassadors and our colleagues in Student Support & Development, and you can find lots of Care and Connect spaces around the DCU campuses (such as Quiet Zones, spaces to study or connect with others, spaces to relax between classes, etc.).

We would definitely recommend you also take a look at the DEVELOP courses (such as Community, Healthy Choices, Mental Health, Life Skills, or Spirituality).

DCU also has a tool for anonymously reporting incidents of harassment, bullying, discrimination, and sexual misconduct - Speak Out.
 

• Disability and Learning Support

  The aim of the Disability & Learning Support Service is to provide a student-centred multi-disciplinary service that empowers and enables students to reach their full potential in an inclusive learning environment.
   

• Learning Skills & Writing Centre

  The Learning Skills team provides expert advice and support to help you develop your study skills and grow your learning confidence. The Writing Centre offers guidance with academic writing to all undergraduate and postgraduate students through individual appointments, workshops and online resources.
   

• Chaplaincy and Interfaith Centre

  DCU Chaplaincy is a place of care and sanctuary for everyone on campus and for the wider community - regardless of religious or spiritual beliefs.

Global Connect Café and Events

If you wish to meet other international (and domestic) students, you are more than welcome to join us at one of the new series of events in Semester 1 - from coffee/tea gatherings, breakfasts, board game sessions, to quizzes and film screening! Make sure to check My Events Hub regularly for updates on upcoming GCC events!

Get involved and make friends

DCU Students’ Union (DCUSU) represents our students and advocates for them, and it can help you access counselling and other supports. You can find DCUSU offices in The U, DCU’s state-of-the-art student centre on the DCU Glasnevin campus. 

There are more than 140 clubs and societies you can join, including several for our international students, including the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), the Chinese Society, the Indian Society and the Intercultural Society.

Find your way

Explore our campuses and find places to study or to socialise with the new interactive virtual model, DCU Campus Explorer, that brings the vibrancy of our inclusive community to life in a new and exciting way.

• Taking care of yourself is not selfish; it is essential for your well-being and ability to thrive in college and beyond. Prioritise self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active.
   
• Join clubs, societies, and social activities to build a support network and connect with the college community.
   
• Familiarise yourself with campus healthcare and counselling services. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance with any physical or mental health concerns.
   
• Whether grabbing a meal together or attending a campus event, reaching out to classmates or hallmates helped me build meaningful relationships.
   
• Attending campus events became one of my favourite ways to socialise. Cheering on our sports teams, dancing at parties, or exploring cultural festivals were all opportunities for me to meet new people and make lasting memories.
   
• I wish I had more information about Irish cultural festivals, like Pancake Tuesday or Lent. Make Irish friends, follow social media that inform students about events around Dublin.
   
• I discovered that studying in social spaces could actually be quite beneficial. Instead of isolating myself, I chose to study in places where I was more likely to interact with others. It led to some interesting conversations and even some new friendships.
   
• Saying yes to invitations was a game-changer for me.
   
• Embracing diversity and staying true to myself fostered genuine friendships, shaping my journey of self-discovery and growth.
   
• Tips for trips: the majestic Cliffs of Moher, the serene Japanese Gardens of County Kildare, the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula, the enigmatic Murder Hole Beach in County Donegal, the mystical ruins of Glendalough, Blarney Castle, Leap Castle, Trim Castle, Malahide Castle, Powerscourt Estate.
   

• Familiarise yourself with local customs, culture, and any specific regulations or etiquette. Plan out a rough itinerary of places you'd like to visit and activities you'd like to do during your stay.
   
• Sample traditional Irish dishes! Check out local events, festivals, and markets happening in your area to experience Irish hospitality and live music sessions.
   
• Learn some Irish phrases.
   
• Strike up conversations with locals and fellow expats. Smile, make eye contact, and be open to initiating conversations.
   
• Keep an open mind, stay flexible, and be prepared to adapt. Be patient and persistent.
   
• Engage actively in class discussions, group projects, and study groups. Take advantage of study sessions, workshops, and academic support programs offered by the university.
   
• It is normal to feel bad at first after receiving some critical feedback, but at some point, when you look at the situation again and grow, you may turn out grateful. In the course of all that, be kind to yourself, but be willing to improve based on the feedback.
   
• Join university-related social media groups, forums, and online communities.
   
• Volunteer to help organise or participate in campus events, such as orientation programs, charity drives, or community outreach initiatives.
   
• Care and Connect is a highly important service students should engage with considering how well they care about the general, although mostly psychological, wellness of students.
   
• Talking about one's feelings in a supportive environment like a wellness centre, can be incredibly therapeutic.
   
• Being an Ambassador - helping others - really helped me and was part of my self-care.

• I would always recommend wearing suitable rainproof clothing. Keep warm, especially in the winter months.
   
• Try to maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and a moderate intake of protein and whole grains.
   
• Prepare a list of emergency contacts, including contact information for your embassy or consulate in Ireland.
   
• If you plan to drive, check to see if your driver's licence is valid in Ireland or if you need an international driver's licence.
   
• Joining clubs and societies, attending events, and volunteering helped me create a sense of community and build lasting friendships.
   
• When you're feeling lonely, regular phone calls or video chats with loved ones can provide emotional support and keep in touch with people you know well. All the emotions you are feeling are valid and normal.
   
• Going abroad to study is not easy. A lot of us are, for the first time in our lives, managing our time and finances away from home and family. We all feel both excited and anxious. There may be some discomfort (cultural differences, language barriers, different teaching styles), and that is okay. It is all part of the experience.
   
• Utilise university resources, like the library and writing centre. There is a lot of support offered. If you need to deal with an issue, do it immediately, don’t postpone - you might miss important deadlines.
   
• Tips for trips: Trim Castle, Malahide Castle, National Botanic Gardens, Hill of Tara, Howth.