University Support Services
The Student Advisers are just one of the many support services available to you as a student of UCD. The following pages contain a list of some of the other units whose responsibility it is to make sure your time here runs as smoothly as possible.
- Don’t think twice about seeking help. There’s no harm in asking.
- It is not too trivial and there are enough resources to help you without depriving others of the service.
- Worrying about it may impact on your studies.
- Support staff will do what they can to help put your mind at ease.
And, most importantly…
There’s no shame in seeking help. These individuals are professionals and won’t judge you.
Vice-president for students
The Vice-President for Students, Dr Martin Butler, has overall responsibility for student welfare. The Vice-President is always willing to meet any student with a serious problem. Students should phone Caroline, the Administrator for Students, in the Tierney Building (01 716 1745) for an appointment or for information on any of the student support services.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplains are there to help you if you are having difficulty settling into university life or if there is anything you would like to talk over with them during the course of your time at UCD.
For information on all events and Liturgical services run by the Chaplaincy, please see the Chaplaincy website.
Students' Union
The Students’ Union provides support and assistance for all students on a variety of issues. There is a Welfare Officer who will listen to any problems you may have in a friendly and confidential manner.
As well as listening and advice, the Students’ Union offers help with grants and education problems, lists of available student accommodation and tenants’ rights information, information on health issues and an employment office.
You can find more information and contact details at the Students' Union website.
Disability Support Service
UCD Disability Support Service (DSS) provides support for students with disabilities. UCD DSS assists students in many different ways from academic support to exam support. Registration with DSS is confidential. All you need to register is a letter from your medical consultant or an educational psychologist’s report (no more than 3 years old). You will meet one-to-one with a member of the DSS team and together you will put in place your individual learning plan. The UCD Disability Support Service is here to support you.
You can find more information and contact details at the Disability Support Service website.
International Office
The International Office, located in the Tierney Building, offers a wide range of support services to both international students and to Irish students wishing to study abroad on exchange programmes. International students make up 13% of the UCD population, and represent over 110 countries. Studying at UCD means joining a cosmopolitan community!
You can find more information and contact details at the International Office website.
Student Health Service
The Student Health Service, located on the first floor in the Student Centre, provides on-campus medical, psychological and psychiatric care to registered UCD students. The service is provided with an ethos of respect, courtesy and integrity and operates to the highest professional standards.
The service is intended as an addition to the students’ own family doctor or specialist medical services. It operates within resource constraints so certain service limitations apply. Students should continue to attend their own General Practitioner (GP), especially if Dublin-based. Services are by appointment which can be made at (01)7163133 / 3143, but if you are acutely ill, there is a nurse-led emergency walk-in service throughout the day.
You can find more information and contact details at the Student Health Service website.
Student Counselling Service
The Student Counselling Service provides a free confidential counselling service to students of the University. The service is based within the Student Health Service, which is located upstairs in the Student Centre.
Student difficulties can range from minor concerns and stresses to major life crises. Although in many cases students may find ways to deal with these issues themselves or with the support of friends and family, there are times when it is helpful to seek professional counselling. Counselling offers students the opportunity to get professional support, to make sense of their difficulties and to think about new ways of addressing them.
Waiting Times for Appointments: Waiting times are variable depending on the time of year and can be up to a few weeks during peak times.
Accessing the Service: Consultations are by appointment. For information contact 01-7163133/34
Fees and Grants Office
For any questions regarding fees or grants, you can call into the Fees and Grants Office in the Tierney Building.
You can find more information and contact details at the Fees and Grants website.
Student Desk
The Student Desk is the University’s point of contact for most of the administrative services students will require during their time in UCD.
The mission of the Student Desk is to provide a seamless service to students. Certificates of attendance, transcripts of academic records, replacement of student cards, assistance with module registration, re-enabling of student SIS web access, are some of the services provided by the Student Desk Team.
You can find more information and contact details at the Student Desk website.
