Even before you set foot in Ireland, you can start exploring its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture through a range of virtual tours and travel platforms. The websites are great for planning future trips or simply getting inspired:
Orientation
Your 2025 guide to Orientation at UCD
Welcome to UCD!
UCD coordinates various orientation events and activities for new international students commencing their students at UCD in the September 2025 trimester!
The information below will help you learn more about the UCD Orientation programme, and the UCD Global Orientation events and activities. There is also a lot of helpful information for reference, as you plan to arrive in Ireland for the start of term.
What's On
UCD Global’s Orientation events and activities include a series of cultural, social and informational events specifically designed to help new international students ease into life on campus, make new friends, and get to know Ireland. You can choose to attend any events that fit your schedule and your interests, as these events compliment the main UCD Orientation Programme schedule.
Orientation Schedule Coming Soon!
UCD Orientation
Orientation Brochure 2025
UCD Global Event Schedule Coming Soon!
Main UCD Orientation
The main UCD Orientation programmeis hosted by your School and academic programme. Here you will learn much more about UCD, your academic programme, and have even more opportunities to meet other new students. Keep in mind, some of the orientation events hosted by your academic programme are mandatory, so be sure to check your Orientation timetable in SISWeb by mid-August.
In addition to the orientation programmes above, there are a variety of other events and activities on-campus during Orientation and throughout the year. Be on the lookout for more information!
- UCD Reslife hosts a variety of events during orientation and throughout the year. Download the Living at UCD App for more information.
- Fresher’s Week 15th to 19th September
- Sports Expo from 15th to 18th September
- Events hosted in the UCD Global Lounge
Stay connected with UCD Global on Instagram @ucdglobal to learn more about upcoming events and activities at UCD.
Pre-Arrival Information
The below information is helpful for you to review as you plan for your arrival in Dublin. If you have any questions as you prepare to travel, don’t hesitate to let us know.
UCD Student Health Service provides an on campus primary care medical service for all students of UCD. A staff of doctors, nurses and a part time psychiatrist offer professional, confidential care with a wide range of medical services available on the UCD Student Health Service website.
To learn more about the Irish healthcare system and how services operate, please read through this list ofhelpful FAQs.
If you are unsure about availability and costs of certain medications in Ireland, please read through the first question on this list titled 'Common Questions about Medications in Ireland'. If you cannot find an answer there you can email the UCD Pharmacy to enquire before you travel:(opens in a new window)global@procarepharmacy.ie
To find out information about the Student Counselling Service and how to access appointments, please review the information available on thecounselling website.
The student Ucard is the official UCD student card. The Ucard is multi-functional, and is used for numerous services. Your Ucard offers convenience, flexibility and most importantly, security. Each student has their own personal & confidential Ucard account.
Find out more information andrequest a UCARD.
Several mobile phone service providers in Ireland offer a range of monthly plans. By topping up mobile credit each month, you can avail of unlimited data and texts with certain mobile phone companies. See the links below for current promotions and call allowances.
- (opens in a new window)Switcher.ie (all networks)
- (opens in a new window)3 Mobile
- (opens in a new window)Vodafone
- (opens in a new window)Tesco Mobile
- (opens in a new window)48.ie/
SIM Cards
Free SIM cards will also be provided for international students checking into UCD Residences (while stocks last!). If you do not get one at check-in, please enquire at the UCD Global Guides and Reception desk.
Vodafone offers e-SIM cards which you can set up without the need to go to a store or receive a physical SIM card. This is helpful if your mobile phone only accepts e-SIMs, or you prefer an e-SIM for your Irish mobile number. For more information on e-SIMs, view their (opens in a new window)e-SIM Information Document and also see their website at (opens in a new window)Vodafone e-SIM.
Alternatively, SIM cards can be ordered online directly from your preferred network provider and you can request it to be posted to your accommodation address.
Unlocking your phone
Students can purchase a new phone when they arrive in Ireland or unlock their existing mobile phones. If you wish to use your existing phone, please ensure that it is unlocked and is compatible to accept an international SIM card. Your current network provider can provide you with your unlocking code.
Your phone may be unlocked already; you can check this by putting in a different SIM card to your current network to see if it works.
Please also ensure that you bring your SIM card removal tool in order to change SIMs between phones when you get to Ireland.
In order to open an Irish bank account with one of the main banks in Ireland, you need to have an address in Ireland, have completed your online registration at UCD and received your Certificate of Attendance.
To make an appointment to open a bank account, see links for Allied Irish Bank (AIB) and Bank of Ireland (BOI) listed below. Whilst different bank branches can be used for opening an account, the AIB branch in Clonskeagh is closest to the Belfield campus, and Blackrock for the Smurfit campus. BOI has branches on the Stillorgan Road and in Blackrock.
On the day of your bank appointment, you will be required to show the following documents:
- Valid Passport/National ID Card.
- Certificate of Attendance that lists both your permanent and Irish addresses. (Please check that your correct addresses are on your SISweb account, as this information will be included on your Certificate of Attendance).
- UCard (UCD student card) is required by Allied Irish Bank.
(opens in a new window)Allied Irish Bank
(opens in a new window)Bank of Ireland
In order to open a digital bank account with (opens in a new window)Money Jar, you need your passport, student entry visa for non EEA students, and a valid Irish address/Eircode. A temporary address is okay to use to open an account. UCD students can use a code to get a welcome bonus with their account when signing up. Click here for the steps to open an account with Money Jar.
On-Campus
- There is a Centra Supermarket on UCD campus. Check out (opens in a new window)https://centra.ie/beat-the-queue
Off-Campus
There is a wide range of supermarkets near UCD where you can shop for food and essentials, and in some cases, order delivery.
- Lidl (opens in a new window)https://www.lidl.ie/
- Supervalu (opens in a new window)https://shop.supervalu.ie/shopping/
- Tesco (opens in a new window)https://www.tesco.ie/groceries/
- Dunnes Stores(opens in a new window)https://www.dunnesstoresgrocery.com/
- Marks & Spencer(opens in a new window)https://www.marksandspencer.com/ie/c/food
- Asia Market (opens in a new window)https://www.asiamarket.ie/
- For local take out and dining options check out (opens in a new window)https://www.tripadvisor.ie
- Too Good to Go App(opens in a new window)https://www.toogoodtogo.com/
- Deliveroo (opens in a new window)https://deliveroo.ie
- Uber Eats (opens in a new window)Local to UCD
- Just Eat (opens in a new window)https://www.just-eat.ie
- Dundrum Shopping Centre(opens in a new window)https://www.dundrum.ie/
- Another grocery delivery option is (opens in a new window)https://buymie.ie
From career development and cultural integration to finding your way around campus, these tools will help you settle in and make the most of your time at UCD.
- UCD Careers Network
- (opens in a new window)Jumpstart - Careers Course for International Students
- Gaeltacht UCD
- UCD Global Lounge
- (opens in a new window)Handy Map of UCD and surrounding area
For access to the Destination Ireland module (a non-credit bearing online module which will give you an introduction to Ireland’s culture and heritage), please visit the UCD Student Welcome Hub in your UCD SISWeb account. You can also email(opens in a new window)ucdgloballounge@ucd.ieif you would like the direct link.
The UCD Dignity & Respect Support Advisers work proactively with students who disclose issues of bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct and those who are reported for such issues. The Advisers, who are experienced and trained to support, respond and advise on all reports of a dignity and respect nature, will provide you with a supportive, confidential environment in which to discuss the issues and will support you to make a decision that is right for you and your situation.
There are a variety of engaging resources to help you explore Irish culture, history, and contemporary life as you settle in. From music and folklore to podcasts and museums, there’s something for every interest.
We recommend exploring:
- (opens in a new window)MoLi Museum
- (opens in a new window)Irish History Podcast
- (opens in a new window)Other Voices (Irish Music)
- (opens in a new window)RTE Culture Podcast
- UCD Folklore
- (opens in a new window)Ireland Before You Die
In addition to the above resources, please check out the 'Destination Ireland' short course linked within the '(opens in a new window)Student Welcome Hub' in your UCD account. This short, interactive course provides a wonderful introduction to Irish culture and heritage.
It is great you're taking an interest in local culture and current affairs. Here are some widely used Irish news sources you may find useful:
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(opens in a new window)RTÉ News – Ireland’s national broadcaster covering TV, radio, and online news.
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(opens in a new window)The Irish Times – A leading daily newspaper with in-depth reporting and analysis.
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(opens in a new window)The Irish Independent – One of Ireland’s most widely read newspapers.
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(opens in a new window)TheJournal.ie – A digital-first news outlet offering accessible coverage of Irish and global events.
These outlets will help you stay informed about Irish society, politics, culture, and student-relevant topics during your time at UCD.
For information on how to have a more sustainable student experience at UCD, and to download your copy of the (opens in a new window)Student Green Guide, please visit the UCD Sustainabilitywebsite.
You can also stay up to date on UCD Green Campus initiatives via the (opens in a new window)UCD Green Campus website.
Arriving in Ireland
Watch our airport arrival video with Global Guide, Bo, welcoming you to Dublin and showing you how to get to UCD.
In the video, you will see what is waiting for you when you arrive and how you can get easily from the airport to our green UCD Campus.
The Campus
The UCD Campus has to be experienced to be believed. Our facilities include world-class teaching and research facilities, modern, comfortable student accommodation, a huge sports centre with Olympic-size swimming pool, interactive laboratories and the biggest animal hospital in Ireland! Get to know our campus a little better in our video, or take a virtual, 3D tour of the campus and experience it for yourself!
The People
At UCD, our faculty and staff are focused on ensuring that all students have the best experience and receive the best education possible in an enjoyable and supportive environment. More than one quarter of our student population is from outside Ireland and the EU, and over one third of our academic staff is from outside Ireland. Our Global Guides are UCD students who are here to help you settle into life at UCD, and who organise many great events for international students in the UCD Global Lounge and Virtual Global Lounge. You can get to know our Global Guides in this video. New Global Guides will be announced in August 2025.
