Orientation - International Event

International Student Support

Welcome to your new adventure in Dublin! As an international student, you are about to embark on a journey filled with exciting opportunities, personal growth, and lifelong memories. Our vibrant and diverse university community is here to support you every step of the way as you adjust to living and studying in Ireland and make the most of your academic and social experiences. Whether you are navigating the new culture, exploring the city, or diving into your studies, we are here to ensure you feel at home and empowered to thrive in your new environment.


Before you arrive

Before you arrive
Orientation 2024/2025
General Orientation Hub

International Orientation

International Welcome Online Sessions are taking place on Monday, 2 September, from 10:00 to 13:30 (Irish time). Please register for the sessions by Monday, 2 September at 8:00.

 

Don't forget to also go through the International Student Handbook, and, once you have access, through the 'International' page on My DCU.

 

International Orientation September 2024 Information Leaflet

 

The first pre-arrival webinar for international students, offering a welcome, advice and information, took place on 18th July. The second pre-arrival webinar for international students, focusing on the first weeks at DCU and student wellbeing, took place on 14th August. The recordings are available upon request.

See the DCU Academic Calendar for details on registration and the commencement of classes.

If you have any questions, please let us know at student.support@dcu.ie

Before you arrive
Accommodation

Accommodation in Dublin is always a challenge, and it's best to start your search early. Make sure you organise accommodation before the start of term. Please note, on-campus housing is unfortunately heavily oversubscribed.  As there are typically several applicants for every room, it is important to plan for an unsuccessful lottery outcome. Make sure you explore off-campus accommodation options, and if you are offered a room off-campus, you are strongly advised to accept it. 

Because of the high demand for housing, rental scams are on the rise! Before paying for a room, check Threshold's advice on how to spot a scam.
 

Off-Campus Accommodation

❗Know your rights and beware of scams 🚨
 
On-Campus Accommodation

DCU Rooms manage on-campus accommodation. On-campus housing is unfortunately heavily oversubscribed. It is important to plan for an unsuccessful lottery outcome and secure a room as soon as possible. Applications for international students closes on June 12th. A lottery is held in mid-June and students are notified of their status shortly after by email only.

Semester 2 Information

If you are an undergraduate student looking for on-campus accommodation in Semester 2, please note that Semester 2 rooms are extremely limited and it is essential that you look at off-campus options as soon as possible.

If you are a postgraduate student looking for on-campus accommodation in Semester 2, please note that as postgraduate rooms in campus residences are available on a 50 week basis only from September, Semester 2-only rooms are not available.


After you arrive

Student Support
Student Support

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!

  • 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

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.

Global Connect Events
Stay Connected
Global Connect Café

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!

Upcoming Global Connect Events

International Social and Speed Friending (3 September, ALL)
Global Connect Café at the Interfaith Centre (4 September, ALL)
Global Board Games Connect (4 September, ALL)
→ Trip to Glendalough (in cooperation with the Interfaith Centre) (5 September, ALL)
Global Connect: PG Morning Coffee Catch-up (10 September, PG)

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.