Newsletter 26 (1st Years)2
Newsletter 26 : 13 April 2026
Dr. Claire Bohan, Dean of Students
Message from Claire
Dear Students,
Hard to believe we have come to the last Newsletter of the semester! I truly hope that we have helped you stay on track, keep up to date with what's going on around the University, learn a few new skills, and develop yourselves academically, professionally and personally.
We'd love to get feedback from you on the Newsletter so that we can continue to make it more useful for you all. If you have a minute, simply reply to this email with your comments or suggestions.
In the meantime, may I wish you the very, very best for your upcoming exams and assessments. Take them one step at a time and you will be just fine!
With warm regards,
Claire
Dr. Claire Bohan, Dean of Students
Focus this week
Exam Survival Tips
Did you know that there are tried and tested strategies to make your life easier, and your revision more effective, in the lead-up to exams? Here are some top tips from our Learning Skills Advisors:
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Compile a revision checklist for each exam, including all the materials you need to cover: class notes, PowerPoint slides, articles or book chapters, and relevant past papers. Checking things off as you review them will help you stay motivated and track your progress.
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Create a study schedule. Be realistic and take into account your energy levels throughout the day. To maintain focus and productivity, aim to be at your desk for no longer than 60-90 minutes at a time, and take regular breaks.
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Break things down into manageable chunks and plan to return to the same topic a few times over the course of the exam study period. This is called spaced repetition and it's proven to improve retention. Put simply, it's the opposite of cramming.
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Use proven active learning strategies like elaboration (making connections between new information and what you already know) and retrieval practice (self-testing through past exam papers or practice questions that you make up for yourself).
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Don't study until late on the day before the exam — being well rested is more important for performance. On exam day, don't read any new topics which you haven't already learned; trying to cram at this stage can contribute to "blanking". Try to stay calm and do things that help you relax, like listening to music or taking deep breaths.
Health & Wellbeing
Staying Well during Exams
Taking care of your body is always vital, but it requires extra attention during the intensity of exam season. To ensure you can perform at your peak, you need to prioritse how you recharge. Think of your food, sleep, and movement as the essential foundation that keeps your focus on track.
Explore our Quick Guide to Fuelling for Energy and Exams! It outlines practical tips and nutritious recipes designed to help you power through your revision and feel energised in your daily life. By looking after your physical well-being, you make sure your best self shows up on the day.
What's on
Events this Month
April 2026
Enactus UK & Ireland NextGen Takeover 2026 (Register)
Wednesday, 15/04/2026 13:00 - 17:30
ExCel London UK
Walking Meditation: Steps to Mindfulness (drop in)
Thursday 16/04/2026, 13:10 - 13:50
Meet at Interfaith Centre, Glasnevin Campus
dbt Labs Dublin SDR Interview Day — German Speakers Encouraged to Apply! (Register)
Tuesday, 21/04/2026 08:00 - 20:00
dbt Labs Office - Bloodstone Building, Blood Stoney Road, Grand Canal Dock, Dublin, D02 KF24
Effective CVs and Strategic Job Searching for PhD Students (Register)
Wednesday, 22/04/2026 10:00 - 13:00
GLA.Q305 (DCU Business School)
Teach English Abroad in 2026: A Student Guide to TEFL (Register)
Wednesday, 29/04/2026 19:00 - 20:00
Virtual
Last Chance to Book a Writing Centre Appointment
The Writing Centre will close on Friday 17th April, so book your appointment now! Our Writing Coaches can support you with any writing query, regarding assignments, dissertations, or how to prepare for essay exam questions.
Extra online appointments added!
With many students off campus this week, we've increased our provision of online appointments to meet you where you are. You will receive your Zoom link in the booking confirmation email.
Book your Writing Centre appointment here.
Student Support and Development Does Not Close for the Summer
We are open year-round, and ready to advise you on any queries you may have throughout the summer. Wherever you are, you can email or call the Student Advice and Support Centre, and your query will be dealt with promptly. You can also make an appointment to meet with us by phone or via Zoom.
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Email: student.support@dcu.ie
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Phone: GLA (01) 7007165 / SPC (01) 7009018
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Chat: Click on the 'ASK' button on our website between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. This is not a bot! A human will respond.
Public Discussion: Repairing Renewables
Ireland’s rapid expansion of wind and solar generation is central to achieving national climate targets, but what happens when our clean energy infrastructure reaches the end of its operational lifespan? Join us for a deep dive into the insights and challenges uncovered by A Wasted Transition?, a Research Ireland-funded initiative led by researchers at Dublin City University and The Rediscovery Centre.
When: Tuesday, 14 April, 14:00
Where: Seamus Heaney Lecture Theatre, St Patrick’s Campus
Find out more and register for free here.
Key dates
13-19 April: Exam Study Period
20 April - 2 May: Exam Period
5 May: Deadline to submit the Extenuating Circumstances Form (R30) for Semester 2. If you have had extenuating circumstances which have affected your ability to perform at your best (e.g. illness, injury, family illness, bereavement, other personal or emotional circumstances, victim of crime), this is how you must inform your Programme Chair and Progression and Awards Board. More information on the Registry Website.
3 June: Promulgation of examination results.
Contact us:
