Hi! I’m Ash, a medical student at UCD.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on my experience, and I hope it helps you feel more prepared and excited for your journey at UCD!
Application Process
If you’re a Non-EU international student from ASEAN, you’ll apply through IUMC. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Fill out the application form by January
– Rank your university preferences (UCD, TCD, NUIG & UCC).
– Submit documents like your passport, CV, and personal statement. - Pay a €100 application fee.
- Wait for an interview invite (usually sent in February).
- Attend a 15-minute interview with university staff. Be yourself, and don’t stress! IUMC also organizes info sessions to help you prepare.
- Outcomes (sent around March) include an offer from your first-choice university, offers from other universities, waitlisting, or an unsuccessful application.
Accommodation
Once you accept your offer, book on-campus accommodation ASAP (you’ll receive an email from the residence team).
- UCD offers 7 residences at the Belfield campus: Ashfield, Belgrove, Glenomena, Merville, Roebuck Castle, Roebuck Hall, and Village.
– Options vary from ensuite apartments to twin rooms and catered apartments (meals included), so research carefully before ranking your preferences. - If you don’t get on-campus housing, check the UCD Accommodation Pad (and be aware of rental scams!). Another option is private student accommodations in the city, but ensure they have a direct bus route to UCD to avoid taking multiple buses.
Pre-Arrival
- Book your flight (some airlines offer student discounts!)
- Packing can be overwhelming, but here are the essentials to make your life easier!
– Warm clothes (December–January can be very cold)
– Rain coat (skip the umbrella—it won’t be very practical!)
– Comfortable shoes for walking on campus
– Waterproof shoes or boots
– Medication (and a copy of your prescription for refills)
– Lab coat for dissections (UCD sells them for €25 if you don’t already have one)
– Stationery
– Stethoscope (only required in 3rd year / Stage 4)
– Charger & power bank
– Toiletries
– Bedding
– Kitchen items (rice cooker, utensils, etc.)
– Miscellaneous (reminder of home, snacks, reusable water bottle, etc.) - Check your passport and renew it if necessary
- Get medical insurance (required for IRP)
– Options include Irish Life, Laya, and VHI. - Print important documents (for UCD and IRP)
- Attend pre-departure webinars
- Exchange some € or apply for a multi-currency bank account
On-Arrival
- At immigration, present your UCD certificate of attendance and passport.
- Get a SIM card at the airport (the WH Smith at Terminal 1 Arrivals sells them).
- Transportation to UCD:
– Taxi: Expensive but direct
– Aircoach: Cheaper but stops outside UCD
Post-Arrival
- Book an IRP appointment ASAP
– The Irish Residence Permit (IRP) proves your legal stay (Stamp 2 for students). You must register within 90 days of arrival. - Set up an Irish bank account
– You can apply online with AIB or Bank of Ireland. - Get a Student Leap Card
– 50% discount on bus fares.
– Available at the UCD bookshop after filling in the online form. - Attend orientation week and campus tours
– Your peer mentor will help with university life, so don’t hesitate to ask questions! - Explore the city & find affordable groceries (e.g Lidl, Aldi & Tesco)
- Helpful apps:
– Pulse (access lecture notes & assignments)
– Google Maps (bus routes)
– TFI Live (bus schedules)
– Leap Top-Up (top up your Leap Card)
– Unidays (student discounts)
– Tesco (order groceries)
– Too Good to Go (buy unsold food from local businesses to fight food waste)
Academics
- Work Load (for pre-clinical years): 5 core modules + 1 elective module (explore subjects outside Medicine)
- Sem 1 Difficulty: Not a huge jump from A-Levels and physiology modules may overlap with what you’ve learned before. Still, stay consistent with lectures & tutorials (tutorial attendance and assignments for some modules counts toward your grade!).
- Exams happen at the end of each semester (December for autumn trimester, May for spring trimester). Mid-term exams may occur in later semesters (check the UCD Medicine website for details).
- Study Methods:
– Flashcards & mind maps work well.
– Use past papers (if not available; ask lecturers for sample questions).
– You can borrow textbooks from the Health Science library. - Note-Taking:
– Most students use iPads or laptops, but traditional pen & paper works too – use what works best for you. - Time Management:
– Use Google Calendar to organize your schedule. Balance study & rest with time-blocking. - Best study spots – UCD has great places like the Health Science Library, James Joyce Library, and Veterinary Medicine Library.
Support Services
There may be times during your studies at UCD when you need some extra support. Whether it’s academic help, personal guidance, or a quiet space to unwind, UCD offers a wide range of services to ensure you have the resources you need for a successful university experience. Here are some of the support services available:
- Student Advisers – If you’re ever unsure about where to turn, your Student Adviser is a great place to start.
- Student Counselling Service – Confidential support for mental health and well-being. A great resource if you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or need someone to talk to.
- Student Health Service – Access to medical care and health services during your time at UCD.
- Temporary Exam Support – Available for students who need accommodations or adjustments due to temporary or ongoing health conditions.
- UCD Library Guides – Access to comprehensive research and study resources through UCD’s library system.
Campus Life & Social Scene
Join clubs & societies – Great way to meet friends and have fun!
Attend Freshers’ Week to explore different societies and talk to committee members.
Coffee & food options on campus – UCD offers a wide range of dining options, from global street food at The Village Food Hall and authentic Chinese at Confucius Restaurant to quick bites at various cafés, hearty meals at Pi Restaurant, and sushi or Hong Kong-style BBQ at Sushi Lab and Bullet.
Social events & nightlife – Freshers’ Ball, Med Ball, international student meet-ups, and so much more!
Final Advice
Medicine is a long and demanding course, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding journey. Take care of yourself, manage your time wisely, and don’t forget to enjoy the experience. Good luck, and welcome to UCD!