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UCD International Study Centre

We're looking forward to welcoming you

Whether you are getting ready to join us on campus for the start of your programme or arriving on campus after starting your course from home, we are really looking forward to welcoming you to the International Study Centre. When you join us on campus, you will benefit from a high-quality blended learning experience ensuring you get the best of both worlds: with some classes taking place face-to-face, and some activities taking place online. 

Here to support you

From visa application through to booking accommodation, you’ll be fully supported by our dedicated team every step of the way. We’ll support you with:

  • What to pack
  • Planning for your arrival
  • Visa
  • Accommodation 
  • How to make the most of your time with us

Studying in Centre 

The International Study Centre is open for you to begin your studies and start your journey to achieving your university and career ambitions. In order to create the safest possible learning environment, and whilst social distancing restrictions are in place, you will benefit from blended learning. You will also receive one-to-one support, giving you help and guidance every step of the way.

When you choose to join us on campus, it is important that you are able to attend your face-to-face classes. It is a visa requirement that you attend all face-to-face classes at the International Study Centre. To help with this, please ensure you choose accommodation which is within a one hour travel time of the International Study Centre.

As some lessons will be taught online, you will need to have a PC or Mac based computer. Whilst it is possible to access and interact with most course content using a tablet or smartphone, these devices will not work for assessments. If you do not have access to equipment, please let us know so that we can support you.

Computer

While it is possible to access and interact with most course content using various tablets and smartphones, such as iPads, iPhones and Android devices, these devices will not work for assessments and therefore it is important that you have a PC or Mac based computer available for use.

PC

  • Any Microsoft Windows based PC (laptop or desktop, preferably running Windows 10)
  • Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Mac

  • Any Apple MacOS based laptop or desktop
  • Web Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge (Chromium version)
  • Webcam
  • Microphone
  • Installation of Zoom for Virtual Classroom

Internet Connection

Internet connectivity is required for access to all coursework. Internet connectivity could be in the form of a fixed line connection, 3G/4G/5G, wi-fi or other technologies.

Minimum: 600kbps download and 600kbps upload speed

Recommended: at least 1.5Mbps download and 1.5Mbps upload speed

Zoom Restricted Countries

Zoom is used for access to virtual classroom and is therefore an important part of all courses. Zoom is unavailable or restricted in several countries, with the full restricted list available here. While Zoom may still work from the countries listed, individuals should test Zoom using their own equipment to ensure connectivity.

You will learn through a mixture of as many live teacher-led classes as possible, as well as interactive activities and resources delivered in a virtual learning environment. Your health and safety is important and we will observe social distancing guidelines at all times.

A VLE is a virtual learning environment, the online hub for your programme. Here, you will find recorded lessons, collaboration tools, helpful materials, and more.

Safety principles include:

  • Wearing face coverings is encouraged around all our buildings
  • Hand sanitiser stations 
  • Enhanced cleaning and sterilising measures
  • One-way systems and signage to manage the flow of people around campus
  • Smaller class sizes to enable social distancing 
  • Utilising online learning to manage number of students on campus
  • Additional support for vulnerable students or those with special requirements

Assuring the safety and wellbeing of our student and staff communities, as well as providing a quality blended learning experience, is at the heart of all of our planning and decision-making. By listening to your feedback and by following guidance provided by the government, public health authorities and the University, we have put the following measures in place to help you feel confident ahead of arriving on campus:

  • Risk assessments of all our International Study Centre buildings 
  • Hand sanitisers in all our International Study Centre spaces 
  • Face coverings are available to you
  • Regular deep cleaning for all our buildings 
  • International students over the age of 18 will have access to a COVID-19 vaccination, once they have arrived in Ireland and are registered with the International Study Centre

We will continue to monitor and review all the safety and wellbeing measures throughout the coming months.

Student life

Our friendly campus is based in Dublin where you will make friends and discover everything the city has to offer.

Explore student life

Visa information

Find all the information you need about visas, including which type you need, being interviewed, and how and when to apply.

Learn about visas

Keeping you safe on campus

Essential pre-arrival tasks

Before you arrive at UCD International Study Centre, you need to complete all the tasks in our pre-arrival checklist. Contact us with any questions.

If you applied directly through us, your Student Enrolment Advisor can answer any questions you have about arriving in Dublin. They can offer advice on living in Dublin and support you with organising airport transfers on arrival in Ireland. We will also provide you with pre-arrival reading and preparation materials so you are fully prepared for your study abroad adventure.

Pre-arrival checklist

View Fees to see what you need to pay to confirm your offer.

Find out more about applying for an Irish study visa here.

Please confirm your accommodation with our Accommodation Team as soon as possible.

You can book your travel to Ireland when you receive your visa. You should fly to Dublin Airport.

For more information about the transfer options and prices please visit the fees page.

It is essential that all international students have health, medical and personal insurance. Find out more about StudyCare insurance.

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, if you are living on campus, please ensure that you have agreed to the UCD Residences terms and conditions and that you have a copy of your booking receipt with you on arrival.
  • Four passport-sized photographs
  • Notarised letter naming your designated guardian in Ireland (if you are under 18)
  • 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

You may want to bring:

  • Comfortable clothing such as trainers, jeans, t-shirts, jumpers and a warm coat. The dress code at the Centre or College 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.

You should aim to arrive at your accommodation up to two days before the start of term.

What will your first week be like? 

Whether you start online or on campus, you’ll benefit from an Induction Week to help you settle in and make friends.

Local support information for students

Question

Answer

How can I guard against fraud?

From time to time, scammers may specifically target international students by pretending to be the Police, Visa issuing authorities, education agents or other regulatory bodies. It is important to be able to recognise common signs of fraudulent activity and know what to do if you come across it. The best way to protect yourself from any kind of fraud is to protect your passwords, regularly update your devices with the most up to date security software and never share your bank details or transfer money to an account you don’t recognise.

Make sure you tell a teacher or a member of student services team if you receive a suspicious message or phone call, or if you have any concerns about fraudulent activity. It is important that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can help to protect you and other international students in case they are targeted in the same way.

What facilities are available on campus?

Visit our student life pages to find out more about what to expect on campus.

What should I do if I need support when I arrive in Ireland?

We’ll ensure that you have all the information and support you need ahead of your move to Ireland. We will provide you with tailored information to prepare you for your journey; including information about what to pack, planning for your arrival, and how to make the most of your time at the Centre.

If you need help with anything when you arrive, you can call the Centre's Emergency Contact number for support.

UCD ISC: +353 87 746 7953

What should I do if I am in Ireland and I need health advice or welfare support?

If you show the symptoms of COVID-19 then you should follow official IE medical advice. You should also contact the International Study Centre for further information.

View the government’s advice on what to do if you are displaying symptoms of the coronavirus.

While the campus is closed, we are still available to support you, and all essential services will still be provided.

What if I need to quarantine on arrival?

  

Travellers from outside of Ireland from a location that is not on the COVID-19 Green List will be requested to restrict their movement for 14 days.

More information on which countries are on the COVID-19 Green List can be found here.

On arrival at UCD ISC we will ensure you have everything you need to be able to settle in. Whilst you will not be able to go to the local shops, we will make sure that you can access supplies of bedding packs, shopping deliveries and take-away services.

Useful link for takeaways:

Online deliveries from supermarkets are available too including:

What if I start or enrol late on my course?

  

All students should attend Induction Week, whether in the ISC, self-quarantine, or online from your home country.

If you start your programme online from your normal place of residence you can arrive in-Centre at any point during the first term. Providing there are no travel restrictions or personal health issues, we would expect to see you in-Centre ahead of your studies continuing in January 2021.

If you are not required to quarantine, then some of this activity may take place with our staff in the Centre.

What happens in induction week?

All students will take part in an Induction Week programme, whether you are coming to the ISC or starting your studies online from home.

Through our Induction Week programme we will introduce you to the ISC, our staff and welfare and support services. You will receive full guidance on maintaining your health and safety whilst studying in Dublin.

You will find out about your timetable and important information about how we will deliver your course through a mixture of classroom teaching and online learning, or online if you are starting your studies in your home country. There will also be events to help you to get to know your fellow students.

If you are coming to the ISC, and don’t need to quarantine, your Induction Week programme may include some face to face activities, if it is possible.
Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.