Welcome to UCD!
Welcome to UCD! UCD Global will be coordinating a series of social and cultural events for new international students commencing their studies at UCD in September 2025.
The information below will help you settle into life in Ireland.
Orientation Events & What's On
UCD Global's events will provide you with the opportunity to meet Global Guides in the UCD Global Lounge, learn about life at UCD, bring you up-to-speed on immigration requirements, and answer any general queries you may have about living in Ireland. These events complement the university-wide Orientation programme, and the orientation programme hosted by your academic programme.
All incoming international students are welcome to all events unless specified otherwise, this includes all Year 1 undergraduates, post-graduates, exchange, study abroad, pre-masters programme, international foundation year students, and other students from outside of Ireland who are starting at UCD for the first time.
Orientation Schedule Coming Soon!
Arriving to 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.
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 their website.
To learn more about the Irish healthcare system and how services operate, please read through this list of helpful 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: global@procarepharmacy.ie
To find out information about the Student Counselling Service and how to access appointments, please review the information available on the counselling website.
The student Ucard is the official UCD student card. The Ucard is multi-functional, and is used for numerous services on campus i.e. ‘One card for all functions’. Your Ucard offers convenience, flexibility and most importantly, security. Each student has their own personal & confidential Ucard account.
Find out more information and request 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.
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 e-SIM Information Document and also see their website at 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.
In order to open a digital bank account with 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.
There is a Centra Supermarket on UCD campus. Check out https://centra.ie/beat-the-queue
Another grocery delivery option is https://buymie.ie
There are a huge range of supermarkets near UCD which you can also order from.
Lidl https://www.lidl.ie/
Supervalu https://shop.supervalu.ie/shopping/
Tesco https://www.tesco.ie/groceries/
Asia Market https://www.asiamarket.ie/
For local take out and dining options check out https://www.tripadvisor.ie
Deliveroo https://deliveroo.ie
Uber Eats Local to UCD
Just Eat https://www.just-eat.ie
Jumpstart - Careers Course for International Students
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 ucdgloballounge@ucd.ie if 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.
How does it work?
- These bikes are completely free to use (for international students only).
- Available bikes will be visible via the Moby App.
- Bikes can be locked/unlocked using the App - no need for keys!
- Bikes can be used off campus but must be returned to the Belfield/Smurfit Campus at the end of every journey.
How do I sign up?
- You can sign up by following the instructions on the Moby Bike App
- If you have any issues/queries please contact Moby directly (+353 1 903 6297)
In addition to the above resources, please check out the 'Destination Ireland' short course linked within the 'Student Welcome Hub' in your UCD account. This short, interactive course provides a wonderful introduction to Irish culture and heritage.
For information on how to have a more sustainable student experience at UCD, and to download your copy of the Student Green Guide, please visit the UCD Sustainability website.
You can also stay up to date on UCD Green Campus initiatives via the UCD Green Campus website.
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.
Take the Next Step
Contact us today for more information or to apply for a place.