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Letter from the editor HI, and welcome to the University Observer’s Freshers’ Guide 2015. I wish I could say that within these pages you’ll find the secrets to success in UCD; how to ace your exams while drinking Dutch Gold every night, how to find accommodation without having to sell a kidney and how to make your college years the best ones of your life. Unfortunately, there’s no hard and fast rule to success at university. All I can tell you is that you probably won’t pass your exams if you pass out on a nightly basis from overconsumption of Dutch Gold and I’m still missing a kidney from a first year accommodation search that went drastically wrong. Let’s face it: you probably won’t be that one student who outshines the other 400 in first year English, however much you might want it. UCD is the biggest university in Ireland. The negative aspect of this is that it’s only a rare few who get noticed outside of the pack. The positive aspect is that if you fall into the lake at any point, it’s likely that none of your friends saw it happen. Settling into college can be a truly daunting experience. The University Observer has been there, done that and bought the t-shirt in the Freshers’ Tent. This guide will hopefully give you the information not mentioned in the prospectus, like tips on tenants’ rights for when your landlord won’t turn on the heating, a handy run-through of societies and clubs so that you won’t just join every stand with free pizza during Freshers’ Week, and where’s cool to go on a night out outside of Harcourt Street. We’ll give you the low-down on interesting places to see on campus (who knew there were showers in the Science building?) and the sorrowful news that, unfortunately, one cannot survive on chicken fillet rolls alone. This year in the University Observer we’re hoping to help you to see life in UCD from a different angle to the one described in your college prospectus. Hopefully by the end of your first year in college you’ll understand the corruption that goes on at all levels in a university of this scale. You’ll see that the corporatisation of education isn’t just something that goes on in the United States, but right here in UCD. You might also have an idea of how the UCD system operates on an executive level. If you get that much done, and you haven’t fallen into the lake, you’ll be doing well.
L - R: Patrick Kelleher, Gráinne Loughran & James Healy
Contents 3 Top Ten Best and Worst UCD Moments 4 UCD Societies in Brief 5 Top Foodie Haunts in Dublin and UCD 6 Freshers’ Guide to Accommodation 7 Campus Sport 8 Who’s Who in the SU 9 How to make the most of college 10 Getting around UCD 11 Photography 12 Managing your Money 13 Entertainment in Dublin 14 Freshers’ Playlist
Advice from an editorial team who have been where you are now: 1. Join lots of societies. Attend meetings/events for one society you really care about. 2. Skip lectures if you must, but always attend tutorials. 3. Essays can only be done in one night if you have no regard for your physical and mental health. 4. Stay in college for as long as you can. It’s much more fun than working life. Read on, enjoy and best of luck with your first year in UCD.
Gráinne Loughran
Editor Gráinne Loughran Deputy Editor Patrick Kelleher Volume XXII Freshers’ Magazine Telephone:(01) 716 3835 Email: editor@universityobserver.ie www.universityobserver.ie
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Visual Content & Design Editor James Healy Chief Photographer Joanna O’Malley Cover Photo: James Healy
Contributors Maebh Butler Eithne Dodd Eva Griffin David Kent Rebekah Rennick David Monaghan Niamh O’Regan
UCD: A HISTORY Top Ten Best and Worst UCD Moments UCD has a dark and shady past that you don’t read about in your prospectus. Gráinne Loughran is here to poke fun at it
SINCE its birth as the Catholic University of Ireland in 1854, UCD has gone through some dizzying highs and crushing lows. You don’t go from number 92 to number 226-250 in the Times University Rankings within six years without experiencing a few blips along the way. From our humble origins in Newman House on St. Stephen’s Green to our now sprawling campus in Dublin 4, UCD has seen its fair share of villains pass through our doors, a great number of PR disasters and some top class expense accounts belonging to everyone from the Students’ Union (SU) to the President of the University. But it’s also been the alma mater for five former Taoisigh and three former Presidents of Ireland, not to mention Father Ted himself, Dermot Morgan. UCD also has an Olympic-size swimming pool and is home to the Leinster Rugby Club, as well as some less important academic buildings and people. After all, who cares about academic facilities when there’s a chance of running into Jonny Sexton on your way to a lecture? Here is everything you need to know about UCD’s illustrious past in a compact list of our top ten best and worst moments in history. Admittedly the worst moments were quite a bit easier to come up with than the best, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be proud of our achievements too.
Worst
Worst Moments
Best
Photo: James Healy
Worst Moments
1. That time the SU bankrupted the most popular student bar in the country in 2012. 2. That time UCD decided to hand over €3 million for a model Confucius Institute to pay for the privilege of allowing the college’s academic integrity to be compromised. 3. That time the student gym became the gym that students are reluctantly let into, at certain times of the day. 4. That time the athletics track was dug up due to “health and safety” reasons and replaced with a tiny car park. 5. That time Scooter was announced as the Freshers’ Ball headline act and we were supposed to be excited. 6. That time the New Student Centre was built and our fees were hiked for the privilege of using Dyson Airblade hand dryers and having an occasionally open gym. 7. That time President Deeks talked about colonization of Aboriginal people in his inaugural speech and made things slightly awkward and uncomfortable. 8. That time UCD restricted access to campus accommodation during a housing crisis. And put the prices up, citing it was for the good of the ‘vulnerable’ students. 9. That time we decided to name our buildings after the questionable businessmen who contributed money to them, such as the O’Brien Science Centre named after our most litigious citizen, Denis O’Brien. 10. That time the “pass by compensation” rule was removed, unfairly forcing students to pass all their modules, even the really hard ones.
1. That time the SU ran their hugely successful Vote for ME (Marriage Equality) campaign. 2. That time James Joyce did pretty well out of the novels he wrote and we took all the credit for producing a master. 3. That time Judge Judy came to visit. 4. That time the swans of Ireland migrated to UCD’s lake, providing students with something to take photos of for decades. 5. That time we gave the swans a new, prettier lake so that our photos looked less depressing and full of cement. 6. That time UCD became the first place in Ireland to have a vending machine for contraceptives, back in January 1979 before condoms could legally be sold (it was removed a week later). 7. That time UCD SUAS briefly held the world record for the biggest playable Twister mat, at 1411.8 square metres. 8. That time the SU decided that running a ball entirely dedicated to pizza was a completely legitimate venture. 9. That time we produced most of our national treasures, including Anne Doyle, Dara O’Briain, Roddy Doyle, Maeve Binchy, Dermot Morgan, Pat Kenny and many more. 10. That time they installed Dyson Airblade hand dryers in the New Student Centre.
Honorable mention: That time the SU bankrupted the most popular student bar in the country. One spot on this list didn’t do it justice.
Honourable mention: The infamous UCD lake skinny-dipper of 2011.
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SOCIETIES A Guide to UCD’s Societies UCD’s societies are as many and varied as the students themselves. EITHNE DODD has compiled an easy-to-use guide to decipher who’s who in the Freshers’ Tent
The L&H Freshers’ debate Photo: Joanna O’Malley JOINING college societies is the perfect opportunity to meet people with similar interests to you. However with over 70 societies to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are the right fit for you. Aside from the big societies (you’ll know them by the masses of free stuff they give you when you sign up) there are plenty of others that may be of interest. Here’s a handy list of categories of societies that should make the decision process a bit easier. 1. Charity Societies There are five societies in UCD dedicated to helping others, all of them tackling different social issues, so you’re bound to find one dedicated to the issues you care about. Volunteers Overseas offers students the opportunity to travel the world and volunteer during their summer holidays. St Vincent de Paul runs soup kitchens and homework clubs, World Aid is dedicated to raising money for worthy causes around the globe and Amnesty International campaigns to end social and political injustices, wherever they occur. Not only will you help make a positive difference, they all have great social events as well. 2. Media Societies If the media interests you, or you are thinking about a career in that area, then UCD has plenty of opportunities for you. UCD TV and Belfield FM offer members the chance to create, write, record, host and edit their own shows. FilmSoc also provide their members with opportunities to show off their creative talents by helping to make short films and offer free film screenings every week of the semester. If you prefer written media, there are two newspapers on campus: the University Observer and The College Tribune. The newspapers have the added incentive of being free to join. 3. STEM Societies There are more societies from a science, technology, engineering and maths background than any other category. If the STEM subjects are more your cup of tea, then there is plenty to choose from. The societies range from the Veterinary Society to MedSoc to the Pharmatox society as well as five different engineering societies. There are also Chemical Society, AgScience Society and Physiotherapy Society.
Islamic Society and Christian Union Society. All of the societies encourage religious tolerance and are open to people of any faith or none at all. 5. Political Societies The four main political parties all have youth versions in the form of student societies. Young Fine Gael, Labour Youth, Kevin Barry Cumann (Ógra Fianna Fáil) and Young Sinn Féin are all very active on campus. As well as those, there are more political societies that haven’t yet got official recognition, chief among them are the Young Greens and the Socialist Workers Party.
other cultures. Some societies cater for specific interests such as the International Students Society or the Chinese Students and Scholars Association. However there are plenty of language and culture based societies that everyone can enjoy such as Malaysian Society and Japanese Society. Many of these societies also offer their members the opportunity to come to their respective countries to expand their knowledge of the country and language, such as French Society and Spanish Society.
10. Business Societies Business orientated societies offer students the chance to develop their skills and career 6. Arts Societies prospects in the areas of business and finance as For those who enjoy the liberal arts, UCD offers well as offering fun activities. The Investors and plenty of choice. If you’re interested in history, Entrepreneurs Society host stock trading games literature, architecture, archaeology or classical studies, there is a society for you. Join An Cumann as well as poker nights. The Economics Society had some of the best known guest speakers Gaelach if you’re interested in expanding your cúpla focail; if you’re interested in learning more last year, including Minister Brian Hayes and TK about illustration, photography or graphic design, Whitaker. Actuarial and Financial Society offers their members career talks and guidance and then DrawSoc is for you or, if you passionately believe that Kirk is better than Picard, join the SciFi Commerce & Economics (C&E) host some of the best-known annual events on campus, including Society. the Iron Stomach in Freshers’ week. 11. Best of the Rest Some societies are too unique to be put in a category. Chief among them would be the LGBTQ+ Society, a very active society on campus, who welcome any student of any sexual orientation and provide activities ranging from campaigns to coffee mornings to drag shows. The Mature Students Society is open to any student enrolled in UCD who is over the age of 23 and provides a support network for students who have a few 8. Performance Societies more years behind them when going to college. If you love being the centre of attention and showing off your skills, there are plenty of societies There is also a Harry Potter Society for anyone who dreams of playing Quidditch. For all other games, that will offer you opportunities to perform. From stand-up with the Comedy Society, spoken there’s GameSoc, who play everything from board word poetry with the English and Literary Society games to video games. For anyone who likes the circus, join The Juggling Society. There is also the (LitSoc) or everything from hiphop to jazz with the Dance Society, the opportunities are plentiful. Horse-Racing Society that not only watches racing but plans visits to stud farms and industry talks. There is also the ever popular DramSoc for any budding actors and directors as well as four different societies for lovers of music: Traditional All of these societies will have stands in the Music Society, Music Society, Musical Society and Freshers’ tent during Freshers’ week and cost €2 each to join. This year’s Freshers’ Week takes place Jazz Society. Musical Society won Society of the from September 14th to 18th. Year 2015. 7. Debating Societies There are two debating societies in UCD: the Literary & Historical Society and LawSoc. Not only will both societies give you a big goody bag when you join them, they also get some of the best guest speakers on campus every year. They offer new and seasoned debaters plenty of opportunities to show off their talents.
An Cumann Gaelach Photo: Joanna O’Malley 9. Culture and Language Societies 4. Religious Societies UCD has four societies dedicated to promoting faith Many societies offer students a chance to broaden on campus: Livingstones Society, Newman Society, their knowledge of the traditions and customs of
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Food Dublin’s Top Foodie Haunts
Trying to figure out where to eat in Dublin can be a challenge. Niamh O’Regan writes about three Dublin restaurants that are both high-quality and affordable, ideal for any student
GREEN 19, CAMDEN STREET First stop is Green 19 on Camden Street Lower. The menu is simple and straight-forward; there isn’t a particular cuisine that comes to mind, but it’s described as New-American and Irish. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Sundays, it is somewhere you can try any time. The restaurant itself does get quite busy and can be a little bit cramped sometimes, but never too awkwardly. If it’s full upon arrival and you don’t have a booking, you may have to stand around for a while, but it’s definitely worth the wait. The pork belly is always a deliciously good bet, as is the chickpea burger. The drinks menu is refreshing both in flavour and originality. Personal advice would be to skip the standard minerals and to try some of the homemade ginger beer, lemonade or one of the Irish craft beers.
Umi falafel, DAME STREET A quick trip down from Green 19 will find you on Dame Street and close to our second stop, Umi Falafel. The clue of the cuisine might be in the name; it is a Middle Eastern restaurant, specialising in falafel (small deep fried chickpea patties) while also serving mezze, salads and desserts. All dishes are vegetarian and many are also vegan friendly. The Palestinian falafel sandwich and minted lemonade both come highly recommended. While Middle Eastern food is growing in popularity in Ireland, this is the place if you want to try something a little bit different. The layout is simple, the food is fantastic and it’s ideally suited for lunch or a light supper.
FOAM, STRAND STREET Our last venture is across the Liffey, to a well-known and well-loved café on Strand Street named Foam. If loud colourful décor is not your thing, you may at first be wary, but never fear; you get used to it and will soon be distracted by food. Foam is bright, colourful and energetic. It may be called a café but there is a lot more than coffee on offer here. Lunch is served from noon until five in the evening. On offer is an array of omelettes, salads, pastas, pizzas, soups and other Foam specialities. Dinner is much the same as lunch but the omelettes are swapped for starters. One of the café’s great pulling powers is the range and quality of their teas, coffees and cakes. If there’s space to sit on the sofas, it is the perfect place to have a cup of warm nourishment and a slice of cake, for an hour or two alone or with friends.
These are just three places you can eat as a student without needing a loan. Eating out as a student can be a challenge, but if you go to the right places, there’s no reason you can’t taste delicious and affordable food. Bear in mind that most restaurants have early-bird or pre-theatre menus where you can have two or three courses for a fraction of the cost, just by eating dinner a little earlier. There are so many ways to keep spending to a minimum when eating out in Dublin. Try as many places as you can – the city is bursting with opportunities.
“Eating out as a student can be a challenge, but if you go to the right places, there’s no reason you can’t taste delicious and affordable food.”
Eating in UCD
Finding a place to eat on UCD campus that won’t leave you so broke that you end up living in a cardboard box on Leeson street can be hard. NIAMH O’REGAN rates some of the places on campus to help you find your favourite
UCD is not home to any Michelin star restaurants, but there are plenty of places to eat across campus. Our quick breakdown will have you munching your lunch in no time. Centra: Where the leader in Irish student cuisine, the chicken fillet roll, is found. The lunch time popularity of Centra means queues frequently stretch around the shop and outside. They also make pizzas, sandwiches, rolls and wraps for very competitive prices and have a range of snack foods and fruit bowls too. UCard is accepted and there is no minimum charge to pay by card. Unfortunately, it’s all the way at the 39A bus terminus. 8/10 Insomnia: The Sutherland Law School is home to UCD’s own Insomnia franchise. It has the same menu as a normal Insomnia, and the same prices. While the coffee may not be worth the extra few euros, there is a tasty range of sweet treats and sandwiches. 4/10
Starbucks: Another franchise can be found in the Quinn Business School. Like all Starbucks, it is somewhat pricey but a perfect place to fix your chai latte craving. 4/10
not the cheapest place to eat. 6/10
Readers’ Deli: Sandwiches, crépes and Costa all feature in the Readers’ Deli. The crépes come both sweet and savoury and they do a good BLT. In the past year they have started selling burritos, but they The First Restaurant: The Main Restaurant is where your widest selection of hot food will be at breakfast, are quite small and probably not worth the money. At lunch and dinner. It’s quite good value, salad prices are lunch time queues can be long, but they also tend to decided by weight, and there’s a loyalty card system. move fairly fast. 6/10 UCard is accepted and debit cards on purchases over €5. 7/10 Students’ Union (SU) shops: Alongside their range of pre-packed sandwiches and salads, there is also Java Arts Café: Located in the Newman building, this is the home of beautiful muffins and good soup. a salad bar and a deli counter where hot food like paninis, quiche and lasagna can be bought. UCards The food is of good quality and they do have lunch are not accepted and credit and debit cards are only specials, but it is certainly
accepted if your purchase is over €10. 6.5/10 Pi Café: The aptly named restaurant in Science East provides a delicious breakfast for a slightly cheaper price than the main restaurant. They too have a hot food menu at lunchtime. 7/10 Pulse: Convenient for Health Science students with good coffee and paninis, but expensive. It’s quite small too, causing large lunchtime queues. 5/10
Clubhouse: The college bar serves not only all your alcohol needs but some of your food ones too. A carvery lunch is available Monday to Friday, and smaller items like chips, burgers, sausages and chicken tenders are served until nine each evening. Payment is by cash only. 6/10 The Poolside Café: Located in the New Student Centre, the Poolside Café makes good paninis, salads, and bagels while also selling ice-cream. It is a little expensive for everyday eating on a student budget, and payment is cash only. 6/10
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Accommodation Accommodation Station: how to nab that house GRÁINNE LOUGHRAN looks at the important steps you need to take to find your first home away from home BY NOW many first year students have found accommodation for the year, but many more will still be looking for a bed for some time to come. UCD has made it harder than ever to get campus accommodation, with soaring prices and restricted entry criteria preventing non-first year EU students and many other vulnerable students from being considered for campus accommodation. Finding accommodation near UCD has always been difficult, but don’t forego your rights for the sake of a cheap bed. Here’s a quick run-through of all the essential steps to go through when you’re looking for accommodation for the first time. Step one: Finding suitable accommodation Finding accommodation that suits you and arranging a viewing is now the most difficult aspect of accommodation hunting. Clarify from the beginning whether you’re looking for a bed for yourself in a shared house, an apartment with friends, digs, or any other variation on the theme. Decide also on whether you’re happy to share a room either with a friend or a housemate, and stick to your decision to avoid tricky conversations later on. There are plenty of websites out there for you to find accommodation on, such as daft.ie and rent.ie, but don’t forget about the more old-fashioned ways of getting news around. Sometimes you’ll stumble across ads for local digs on the noticeboards around campus and in the local shops around UCD. Facebook groups like UCD Accommodation Support are a mix of students looking for housemates and potential landlords offering accommodation, so keep a close watch on it and you might just nab a spare room in a house close to college. There’s also the UCD accommodation pad (www. ucdaccommodationpad.ie). It doesn’t host as many ads as the bigger websites like Daft, but all of the accommodation listed is aimed at UCD students and it’s definitely possible to strike lucky. Sometimes the ads listed on the accommodation pad won’t be listed on Daft or anywhere else, so it’s important to keep a close eye on what goes up there. The accommodation market moves quickly, so if you see an ad for accommodation that sounds like it could be right for you, make contact immediately; if you wait until tomorrow, it could be gone. If you can’t commute to Dublin for viewings every other day, try couch-surfing or even staying in a hostel for a few days while you sort out your own place. It can be stressful, but it’s also nearly impossible to find accommodation in Dublin if you’re not already there. It goes without saying, but it’s important to get accommodation as close to UCD as possible. Not only will this make it easier and cheaper to get to college, but it means you’ll be able to make the most of the society events and the nightlife that goes on in UCD once the long day of lectures is over. Step two: Viewing the accommodation Scam alert: if you see an ad that looks too
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Photo: James Healy
good to be true, it usually is. It is absolutely vital to view a place before putting down any sort of deposit or handing over any details. If it’s suspiciously cheap, in a good location and the landlord happens to be “out of the country”, it’s a no go area. Paying between €400-€550 per month for accommodation near UCD is to be expected. Once you’ve arranged a viewing, there are plenty of things you can do to help nab that place. It’s likely that there’ll be a number of others viewing the property, so try to stand out from the crowd for the right reasons. Be on time, dress well and be presentable; no one wants to let their property to someone who can’t keep themselves clean, because the likelihood is that they won’t keep their accommodation clean either. However, don’t forget upon viewing a house to ask the important questions. Clarify whether any bills are included in the rent, and whether you have to pay for things like internet and bin collection. Check whether your electricity is run by gas or fuel, and ask what the bills have been for electricity in the past so that you won’t get a nasty surprise when you get your first electricity bill. Ask if there’s a building manager or someone
you can ask if the washing machine or the microwave breaks, and whose responsibility it is to replace it. The other aspect of this is checking the accommodation to make sure everything’s working. Take photos of any scratches on the furniture or carpet stains so that the landlord won’t refuse to give you your deposit back at the end of the year on the basis of not having seen those breakages before. Also take photos, where applicable, of the meter readings for electricity, gas and water so that you can tell if you’re being unfairly charged for someone else’s utilities. Check out the Private Rental Tenancies Board (PRTB) website for more information on things to check upon viewing your accommodation. The PRTB also has useful lists of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. You can check their website at www. prtb.ie Step three: Moving in So, you’ve charmed the landlord, paid your deposit (usually it’ll be to the value of one month’s rent, plus one month’s rent in advance) and are signing the lease. What
comes next? Make sure you know the public transport routes that go by near your accommodation and how regular they are, so that if you’re getting a bus to the city centre or to college you’ll know which bus to get. If you can, time how long the journey from the front door of your house to your faculty in UCD takes so that you know how many minutes you can squeeze out of the snooze button in the morning. Bear in mind that early morning and 5 pm traffic will probably add time to your commute. Moving out of the family home is a big step, and at first you might find yourself a bit lost for words at the prospect of doing your own washing, buying toilet roll and changing light bulbs. Whether you’re living with friends or strangers, it’s important to set a few ground rules about things like who’s in charge of taking the bins out and who’s paying what bill. A cleaning rota might seem an unnecessary hardship, but once study week comes around you’ll be grateful that your accommodation isn’t inaccessible due to the amount of dirty plates around the house. Be considerate of your housemates; don’t be “that person” who leaves their
dishes lying around and plays music late at night when they stumble home from the bar. Remember just how hard it was to find your accommodation in the first place – it’s not something that should be taken for granted. The accommodation crisis is worsening year by year, but moving out of home and taking responsibility for your own living arrangements is the official beginning of adulthood. Nothing beats the freedom that comes with opening the front door of your own apartment with your own key for the first time. And if you do want to put off official adulthood for a bit longer, get home to Mammy every so often for a few home-cooked dinners and help with washing the clothes. You’re still in first year after all – sometimes it’s nice not to have to be an adult all the time.
Sports Clubs Sports in UCD UCD is full of sporting opportunities, and there’s a broad variety of clubs operating on campus. DAVID KENT looks at five of these clubs in detail ahead of the Sports Expo during Freshers’ Week UCD’S CAMPUS is brimming with sporting opportunities. One of the best ways to get involved in new and exciting sports is to join a sports club. 57 clubs currently operate on campus, so there is bound to be something you haven’t tried before that you can launch into. The Sports Expo will run from Monday to Thursday during Freshers’ Week, from 10am to 5pm in Hall B. UCD Men’s Hockey Club UCD Men’s Hockey Club (UCDMHC) has been offering students the opportunity to play a fast, enjoyable sport since 1946. The Club prides itself on having a healthy balance of competitiveness and socialising. On the pitch, accolades include Under 21 Cup Winners 2013, the Mauritius Cup 2012 and the Walters Cup three years running. UCDMHC has three teams across divisions one, three and six. It is the perfect club for players of all levels, for those who are looking to compete at the top or those just looking to have some fun, take up a new sport and make friends. Off the pitch, the Club runs social events throughout the year. Alongside these events they have their annual Colours event against Trinity College, one of the biggest dates on the calendar. This involves a whole day of hockey and a great night out afterwards. The future is bright for the Club, with new coaches, new sponsorship and prospering talents. For enquiries, you can find them on Facebook (UCD Men’s Hockey Club), Twitter (@ UCDMHC) & email ucdmenshockey@gmail.com.
“57 clubs currently operate on campus, so there is bound to be something you haven’t tried before that you can launch into.”
then I was hooked on it! The thing I loved the most was the sense of family there. My highlights were the trips away as they were absolute craic.”
the Freshers’ trip to Achill in October, which is a weekend to remember. Castlegregory is another trip well worth signing up for with many activities including excellent lessons with ex-professional Jamie Knox. The club is brimming with adventurous people. If this is the club for you, drop by the windsurfing stand at the Sports Expo. You can contact them through the Club’s Facebook page or email windsurfing@ucd.ie with any queries. UCD Boat Club Looking for a challenge? UCD Boat Club will provide it. The training programme is known by many as one of the toughest workouts on campus. It will test your limits but you’d be surprised by what you can achieve by pushing yourself, and you can improve both your physical and mental strength whilst making lifelong friends. UCD BC is a well-established club, having been around for almost 100 years. Rowers compete at varsity, national and even international level, including the annual Colours Race, where there’s head to head battles with their rivals from Trinity. They welcome both experienced rowers and complete novices. Rowing is one of the few sports that you can take up in university and still have the potential to compete amongst the elites. The club runs many social events throughout the year, and they are among the best around. For more information, you can call over to their stand at the sports expo. Chris Doyle, a second year International Commerce student, says “My Novice year was great! I discovered a new passion alongside a lot of enthusiastic and driven people, whom I now consider to be my closest friends. Rowing changed my fitness, social life, diet and work ethic for the better.”
UCD Trampoline Club The Trampoline Club is one of the most enjoyable clubs to join on campus. It is relatively recent, founded in the 1980s by Andrew Cahill. With only one trampoline, he would ask passers-by if they wanted to try it out. 30 years on and with more equipment, structure and significantly more members, the club’s popularity is growing fast. Recent achievements include being Intervarsity champions for four years running, UCD Club UCD Windsurfing Club of the Year 2011, and four-time individual You will be hard pressed to find a more National Champions. They train two to enthusiastic bunch than those in the UCD five times a week and attend multiple Windsurfing Club. The club now boasts the competitions across Ireland and the UK. title of back-to-back All-Ireland Intervarsity There is a fun and friendly atmosphere and Champions. Sunday sessions are held every you can make a lot of friends on the way. weekend in Dun Laoghaire with all levels of You can sign up during Orientation, by windsurfing catered for, from beginners to the more advanced. The Club provides all the gear, asking one of the coaches or committee. You can find them on their website, Twitter and wetsuits and lessons at these sessions and trips. Membership only costs €15 for the year. Facebook, by searching for UCD Trampoline Club. Every year the Club’s entertainment duo Dylan Boon, a 2nd Year science student organise fun nights out and a formal ball. says “I joined because I saw the Trampoline Weekend trips are organised throughout the year all across Ireland. One of the highlights is exhibition during Orientation, and since
Photo: Courtesy of UCD
Ultimate Frisbee Club You might not have heard of this sport yet, but you will soon. Ultimate Frisbee is one of the most enjoyable and fastest growing sports around. The aim of the game is to catch the disc in the other team’s end zone by passing it up the field without moving with the disc in hand. The club is open to all, from those wishing to become obsessed with the sport, to those who just want to enjoy it but never miss a social. They send Open, women’s and mixed teams to tournaments throughout the year and consistently do well, winning Open and mixed titles in 2014. As a self-refereed sport, they put a big emphasis on the spirit of the game. The sport is incredibly social; at most tournaments the party is as much a part of the weekend as the games. Beginner’s tournaments include Trinitea party and Whacking day. You can check them out at the expo in the Sports Centre. They train four times a week. See the stand at the expo for further details or contact them on Facebook, at UCD Ultimate Frisbee.
Photo: Courtesy of UCD
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THE STUDENTS’ UNION
WITH FIVE NEW SABBATICAL OFFICERS TAKING THEIR PLACE IN THE STUDENTS’ UNION, GRÁINNE LOUGHRAN AND PATRICK KELLEHER TALK TO THEM ABOUT THEIR GOALS FOR THE YEAR
Marcus O’Halloran Clare O’Connor SU President Definition of the role: “My role is completely political and financial. I oversee the running of both Students’ Union Ltd and Commercial Services Ltd. I’m constantly meeting people and in communication with everybody. If anything goes wrong here in the morning, I’m the first port of call. I’m basically here to represent everybody on every aspect. “ Goals for this year: “Accommodation’ll be an ongoing goal for the year. It’s something that tends to be forgotten about by the third week of September, but it’s been such an issue this summer and it’s not something I want to forget about. Everyone says you’ve to push the Ball, you’ve to push Rag Week – realistically all those things are great but how good are they if people aren’t there?” “We’re also doing a lot of work on sexual assault. This year we’ll be working on a consent campaign during SHAG week. Obviously lad culture is a problem in UCD. We want to run a survey and really reach out to the victims of sexual assault, and put forward our results to the President’s office to effectively bring about policy change.”
Analysis: Marcus O’Halloran is aiming high for his year in office. The accommodation crisis is a big task to take on by himself, and by focusing so heavily on it he’s putting a lot of pressure on himself to succeed in something he may never have had a shot at to begin with. If he chooses his battles carefully however, locally and within UCD, he may be able to make small changes for next year.
Photos: Ger Byrne
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Welfare Officer Definition of the role: “Welfare is so broad. It covers accommodation, you’ve got mental health, you’ve got disabilities, you’ve got extenuating circumstances, you’ve got everything really. For me, it’s just making life for UCD students a little bit easier.” Goals for this year: “I want to promote positive mental health in UCD, that’s probably my biggest goal for the year, promoting a positive sense of mental health and general wellbeing. I’m setting up a mental health forum that’s going to run the mental health campaigns. UCD have a new mental health policy so we’re going to look at that and make sure UCD are implementing it. As well as that we want to run Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance week, SHAG week, so we want to bring that back with a focus on consent as well. Sexual health is coming on to the radar now and people are starting to become more aware of it, so we really want to focus on that and to run a consent campaign. I’m also setting up a Student Parent Network. The Student Childcare Assistance fund was scrapped last year without any notice, so I’m getting together a network of student parents that can hopefully support eachother and lobby UCD to bring back some childcare support.” Analysis: Clare O’Connor has a lot to live up to following Maeve de Say’s work last year, but her plans so far sound realistic, if not terribly inspiring. However she has yet to announce any plans for dealing with campus safety, transport services or substance abuse, which also fall under her remit. The reintroduction of SHAG week as opposed to the Sex Out Loud campaign that ran last year is an interesting backtrack, as Sex Out Loud was introduced as being more consent-based.
Cian Byrne Campaigns & Communications Officer Definition of role: “The purpose of Campaigns & Communications officer in my eyes is to bring what the Students’ Union does out to the masses, and make sure that people know what our function is. So something that has happened the past two years is that it’s all good and well that things are running but people just don’t know about it. I just want to be on the ground talking to people making sure they know what the SU is doing for them.” Goals for the year: “One big campaign that I’m running this year is Suicide Intervention and Prevention. So you may have heard of Assist and Safe Talk. All Sabbatical officers have been trained this year in it. I hope to get a lot more of the interested people or important people, say Auditors and Class Reps, all of them trained in as well, bring it to the forefront.” “Make the Union more personable again, a little more friendly, be a leader amongst the class reps, so that they have a little more guidance than they would have had in the past. College officers as well, so they have a link between the five sabbats and themselves, that I kind of have a little bit more time to bring them involved, get them on board, the same with the students out there as well.” Analysis: The role of Campaigns & Communications Officer was removed two years ago by the Students’ Union, and has been brought back this year. Byrne’s tenure will be a defining one. Much of his term will be focused on situating the responsibilities of the reinstated role. Currently, the focus seems to be in bringing the work of the Students’ Union back to the students, and helping people to understand their work. This is a big goal in the face of the apathy that many students harbour for student politics. Byrne has a challenging year ahead, but if he encounters success in this goal alone, the role could become an intergral part of the Students’ Union again.
Dannii Curtis
Hazel Beattie
Education Officer
Graduate Officer
Definition of Role: “The purpose of my role is that I help students of UCD navigate the educational supports on offer by UCD, as well as helping students on a one-to-one basis throughout their studies through a listening and referral service for students. I also sit on a number of boards for UCD from Governing Authority to Academic Council and many more. It is my job to help students from their very first steps on UCD campus during orientation week, to navigating them through their degree, as well as providing students with key skills for building a future career. I’m there for students through the ups and the downs.”
Definition of Role: “Postgrad students can literally go to me for anything, everything’s under my remit for postgrads.”
Goals for the year: “In layman’s terms dumbing down the UCD system, because it’s really daunting for a lot of students. So a lot of enquiries I’ve gotten into my office over the summer is something simple as “how do I fill out an extenuating circumstances form?” so I am doing up dummy guides for a lot of the student supports, and they’re going to be available on the UCDSU website.” “One of my main goals is on the offset… breaking down the barrier of education and welfare being specific kind of very different identities, and making students realise that if they don’t look after their mental health, they won’t be able to perform academically and kind of breaking down that barrier.” Analysis: Curtis has a lot planned for the year, and making the UCD system easier to understand for students is central to this. The guides could be very helpful to students, but they won’t work unless students know where to find them. The success of this will depend on strong promotion of these guides by not just the Students’ Union, but by the University too. Breaking down the barrier between welfare and education as being separate areas is an admirable goal. Too often they are seen as different areas, but Curtis recognises that welfare comes into all aspects of the Union.
Goals for the year: “I want to set up a common room for postgrads which I’ve been working on all summer but I haven’t yet got but still working on it, and hopefully that’ll be realised.” “One thing I’ve worked on this year is the Sexual Assault and Consent Campaign… we’re hoping to get in consent workshops. Hopefully the end goal would be to lobby the government to stop cuts to the Rape Crisis Centres and to reinstate the funding for the RCNI (Rape Crisis Network Ireland).” “I’m hoping to have a postgrad week to tell postgrads that we love you and we’re proud of you! I don’t have plans for that yet, mainly because I really want people to be involved in the planning of that, so hopefully my postgrad class reps will help with that.”
Analysis: There’s a lot in the works this year for postgraduate students, namely a postgrad common room, which would help create a community on campus. However it is likely to be Beattie’s work on the Sexual Assault and Consent Campaign that will make her tenure a successful and memorable one. A postgrad week could be very beneficial for encouraging postgrad engagement in UCD, but will only be successful if it is well promoted and students actively take part. The success of a postgrad week will depend entirely on how well the Students’ Union manage to promote it in advance.
Preparing for university Making the most out of college Figuring out college life can be difficult. MAEBH BUTLER writes her top tips for making the most of the experience, from beginning to end. BEGINNING college can often be a daunting process, particularly if you’re coming from a secondary school where you can recognise everyone by face and most by name. It’s incredibly easy to let yourself sit back and hide amongst the masses, stay within your comfort zone and watch the year float by. There are, however, some things you can do to help make the most out of the college year. 1. Get involved: You’ve probably heard this a thousand times, but joining a club is truly rewarding. Whether you’re a longtime footballer or a firsttime Frisbee player, make sure you participate in something. Not only are you going to make friends, but you might find a new hobby. One of the great things about UCD is the sheer amount of clubs and societies on offer, so be sure to do a little bit of research and get to the society stands during Freshers’ Week. 2. Go out: This one is obvious. You’re in college. In first year. It doesn’t even count for anything. 3. Ask someone for coffee: There will be endless amounts of times when you find yourself in that awkward situation of getting along well with someone in one of your classes, but that’s as far as it goes. Bite the bullet and ask them to go for coffee during a break. If you’re in one of the bigger courses like Arts or Science, this is especially
useful in making friends. No one ever wants to make the first move, but you’ll be delighted if you do. 4. Don’t skip every class: You don’t want to be the person who no one knows because you’re just not bothered to go to class. It’s easy to get into the habit of chilling in bed, but make the most out of classes. They’re actually helpful when it comes to exams and your tutor is more likely to give you a hand if they know who you are. That said, don’t beat yourself up if you miss the odd one every now and again.
can be. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. It’s always a lot easier to read about what you should do than to actually put it into practice, but try to set one goal for yourself a week. It’s the little things that will help you settle into college and get the most out of it. College is not just for obtaining a degree. Enjoy yourself as much as you can, and make sure you’re always trying new things.
5. Do the required reading: As dry as this sounds, do it. I promise you that there is nothing more awkward then sitting in a small class and attempting to avert eye contact with the tutor. They will notice and they will pick on you. Foil, Arms & Hog Photo: Joanna O’Malley 6. Get a job: Any kind of job. Some people choose not to work during college, but for most this isn’t feasible. You want to be able to go on weekend trips away and for last minute drinks with your class, so make sure you can actually afford it. 7. If you don’t like a module, ask to change it. Chances are, you will at some stage get landed with a module that really is not for you. Don’t give up hope. If you enquire about changing classes you might be surprised at how accommodating a tutor
“Socialise as much as you possibly can because when it comes to final year, you’ll regret all the nights out you missed.’’
Five Films/TV Shows to Help You Prepare for College David Monaghan looks at how people from the land of TV and Film dealt with the transition from school to university STARTING college can be an exciting and bewildering time. Don’t let it overwhelm you though, for many people have made it through to the other end – and some of them have been fictional. 1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer The Joss Whedon-penned, vampire-fantasy melodrama often used the supernatural as a metaphor for growing up, and the season four opening was no exception. Not only does Buffy have to contend with conflicting classes, a new roommate who snores, and her friends adapting to the pace of college life faster than her, but also, to no surprise, vampires. Despite initial fears about working independently of her mum, her mentor Giles, and her friend Willow, Buffy rises to the challenge and stabs her problems with a stake through the heart. 2. Monsters University Mike and Sully, protagonists of the much-loved 2001 Pixar sequel Monsters Inc., are introduced to us as they begin life in MU, Monstropolis’ prestigious university. Mike is hard-working, and diligent; Sully is
not (you will encounter a lot of this). The two don’t known as ‘When I’m Gone,’ also known as ‘The Cup Song,’ which was a great party piece circa-2012. get along initially, but learn to work together to compete in the campus Scare Games. Also of note 5. The Social Network is the film’s ending, which shows that there is more than one route to achieving your goals. A masterclass in what not to do, this biopic maps Mark Zuckerberg’s journey from Harvard 3. Fresh Meat University’s socially-inept tech genius, to world’s youngest billionaire. If you’re to take one lesson There is a lot to relate to in Channel 4’s from this film, it’s this: be nice to your friends, or “Inbetweeners-but-for-the-college-age-market”. else Andrew Garfield will smash up your laptop. Whether it’s Oregon, a character who lies to impress her new college friends, or JP, an all-round lad, there is a model student for all. You may also encounter people like Dan, a geology lecturer more concerned with being liked than teaching his classes well. Money problems, romance, and partying to excess, this is the student experience in a nutshell. 4. Pitch Perfect Societies are important. Case in point: reluctant college student Becca Mitchell only comes into her own when she joins the Barden Bellas, Barden University’s famous a cappella group. Channelling her love of music into the Bellas’ performances, she and the group go on to win the national a cappella competition. This film also helped popularise the song ‘You’re Gonna Miss Me,’ also
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FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND CAMPUS Hidden Gems in UCD
ucd is filled with hidden crevices to be explored. Patrick kelleher looks at some of campus’s worst kept secrets UCD can seem like a maze at first. With enormous buildings that veer from gauche 1960s architecture (Newman Building) to state-of-the-art buildings funded by rich businesspeople (Sutherland School of Law, O’Brien Centre), finding your way around can be tough. However UCD is filled with hidden gems too that can be a lot of fun to find. Take a look through our list of UCD’s hidden locations that are perfect for when you’re “taking a break” from the library. Secret Lake: One of the first things you’ll notice about UCD is that it’s full of large expanses of poisonous water (note: do not try and swim in any of the lakes. You may die.) The main lake is where the swarms of belligerent youth tend to waste their hours. But that’s all very tame. You want a different lake; a smaller lake, a prettier lake. Maybe… a secret lake. Perfect for an afternoon shift or just for hanging out with friends and watching other people shifting, the secret lake is one of the main places on campus you need to see. It’s located behind the Veterinary Building, but it’s a rite of passage for your peer mentor to show you this place. If they don’t, demand to be brought there. The Underground Tunnels: The tunnels in UCD are something of folklore at this stage, and you’ll probably hear many a fable while at UCD of things happening in tunnels. People drinking in tunnels, people shifting in tunnels, people getting lost in tunnels. Most of it is almost certainly untrue, because the tunnels are actually really hard to find. One secret tunnel entrance is located behind the grate outside the front of the old student centre, although they’re usually locked. There are also some very eerie tunnels in the Newman Building, which most freshers are too freaked out by to venture into. O’Brien Centre Secret Showers: The showers in the science building aren’t exactly a secret, but they might as well be. Most students don’t know that they exist, which is incredible given the amount of times you’re going to sleep in, rush into college and realise at midday that you stink. The showers in the O’Brien
Science Centre are your friend; they are always hot, unlike the lukewarm affair offered in the gym, and they will wash most signs of the night before away in mere moments. The Orchard: While not exactly a secret, most students just haven’t lifted their heads from their
“Most students just haven’t lifted their heads from their pillows or pints for long enough to realise it’s there.” pillows or pints for long enough to realise it’s there. Located up near the Clonskeagh entrance to UCD, you will find a field filled with trees bearing apples. It’s in the same grounds as the UCD Rosemount Environmental Research Station. It’s not exactly the most fascinating place to go on campus, but it is a joy to bask in some calm and serenity as the madness of UCD unfolds around you. Despite what it may seem, UCD is a sprawling campus filled with interesting places to go. By the time you finish here, you’ll probably not have seen it all. So make it your mission to go to as many exciting places as you can; college goes faster than you’ll ever imagine. Use your time wisely, and get the shift at the secret lake.
The Secret Lake Photo: Gráinne Loughran
UCD Library
Leabharlann UCD UCD Library Hello UCD
Library
e m o c l We ! s t n e d u t S w Ne y r a r b i L e h Meet t r u o T d n a k Tal
The Newman Tunnels Photo: Gráinne Loughran
p e S h t 8 1 7th
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www.ucd.ie/library/newstudents The Orchard Photo: Patrick Kelleher
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PHOTOgraphy
Photo: James Healy
Photo: Joanna O’Malley
Photo: James Healy
Photo: James Holohan
Photo: James Healy
Photo: James Healy
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Student FINANCE Managing Money: A Students’ Guide Managing your own money can take some time to adjust to. Patrick Kelleher offers some tips on how to do college on a budget
MANAGING your finances while in college isn’t always easy. For the first year students reading this, you have come into university after several years of increased third-level fees. Students who don’t get a maintenance grant are now paying over three thousand euro a year for the privilege of getting a degree. It is possibly harder now than ever to stay on top of your finances while in college. Below are tips from a veteran money-saver on how you can get through college on the cheap. Buying cheap and healthy food Feeding yourself is the most important thing you’re going to have to learn how to do, especially if you’re moving out of the family home. The fast food on campus will be tempting, but even so, it will clean out your bank account too quickly. Get into the habit of doing your weekly shop. Lidl, Aldi and Tesco are great for buying cheap vegetables. If meat is too expensive, you can buy tins of nutritious and protein-filled beans and chickpeas in most shops. Pasta, the age-old mistress of the broke student, is notoriously cheap, as is rice. Learn to cook cheap and easy meals that don’t require half an evening and twenty-five saucepans to make. You’ll be surprised to learn that you can cook at home in twenty minutes if you need to without getting a frozen pizza and crying yourself to sleep in your cold cardboard box. Look up recipes online, and adapt them; take out the expensive ingredients and replace them with whatever is on the bargain shelf in your supermarket. Bring your lunches to college with you so you don’t have to fork out a fiver for a fancy sandwich. You’ll only regret it when you have no money for a pint in the bar later in the evening. Budget on a weekly basis If you want to get through the week without the awkward “I have no money” phone call to your parents, budgeting is essential. Look at how much money you have at the beginning of the week or month, and how long it has to last you. Allocate that money for what you will need: does it have to pay the gas and electricity as well as feed you? Set enough money aside for everything at the very start. Always remember that as little money as you may have, being able to eat is always more important than paying a bill. So don’t hand over all your money to an angry flatmate just because they say the payment is due. Always prioritise your basic needs over the needs of large companies that probably don’t need your payment immediately anyway.
Learn how to socialise on a budget Another part of budgeting is learning how to go on a night out, and not wake up the next day to the panic of your below zero bank balance. If you’re going out for a few drinks, or going to a club, decide how much money you’re going to set aside for the night. Always leave enough money aside for a taxi; you don’t want to find yourself stranded in Dublin city centre, drunk and broke. A good idea is to take enough cash out for the night, and decide to only spend that. Don’t fall for the “leave your debit card at home” trick. You’re leaving yourself vulnerable, and you don’t know what for or when you could need some emergency funds. Always make sure to cover yourself at all angles. If you’re really stuck for money and all your friends can talk about is expensive club nights out, try suggesting different activities. You can do Bring Your Own Beer bowling at the Stillorgan Leisureplex on Tuesdays and Fridays for €12 per person, something that’s always a lot of fun, and costs a fraction of a night out in the city centre. There are a multitude of galleries, museums, and small theatres across Dublin doing amazing work that cost very little to get into. Don’t be afraid of sounding like a nerd; you probably are one. They are a fantastic way to spend a day with friends doing something enjoyable and cheap. Low-cost academia: cut where you can Fees aside, even going to classes can be expensive. If you’re a bus journey away, it might be worth considering investing in a bicycle. You’re sure to save money on getting into college, and it’ll help you keep fit. Attending lectures can sometimes be expensive too. Occasionally you’ll have a lecturer who will insist that you buy ten books that cost eighty quid each. You’ll quickly learn that some books are necessary, others aren’t. Look at your reading assignments, and buy the books that you have the most reading assigned from. The Campus Bookshop in UCD is a great place to buy books, however as they are all new, they can be quite expensive. The best place to look is UniBooks. ie. The website was set up by three graduates from Tipperary, who evidently understand the difficulty of trying to source expensive textbooks. You can view adverts from other students and graduates who are selling old textbooks that they no longer need, for significantly reduced rates. You can also go onto the website to advertise your own books if you need a bit of extra cash.
parent/guardian or from a job), you will learn how to be an adult. Many more before you have done it; it’s not as difficult as it seems. Occasionally circumstances may arise that are outside of your control, and it’s important that you seek help if this happens. The Irish Government and the European Social Fund (ESF) together fund the Student Support Fund, which operates for students experiencing financial difficulty. Queries can be directed to sfs@ucd.ie. The Students’ Union Welfare Officer Clare O’Connor also works full time to help students experiencing any number of difficulties, whether that is financial or other personal matters. She can be contacted at welfare@ ucdsu.ie. Whatever your financial situation is, getting through college can sometimes be a challenge. However with the use of careful budgeting and the supports in place already at UCD, the process does not have to be as turbulent as it looks from the outside.
“Pasta, the age-old mistress of the broke student, is notoriously cheap, as is rice.”
Learning how to handle your own finances can be a difficult thing. Once you have a current account from a bank, and some source of income (from your
Photo: Via flickr epSos.de
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things to do ENTERTAINMENT IN DUBLIN AS the cultural heart of Dublin continues to swell, and the student pocket becomes increasingly tight, REBEKAH RENNICK takes a look at the prevailing, cheap and cheerful entertainment sitting on UCD’s doorstep for the upcoming year.
Weekly Wonders Between cinemas and galleries, parks and cosy pubs there is plenty to see and do with every passing week. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a buzzing night out you’re after, there’s something here for everyone. Cinemas: Many cinemas across the city allow student discounts. Cineworld, found on Parnell Street, provides a Bargain Tuesday deal where you can catch any movie at a bargain price, while the Savoy on O’Connell Street continues the discount roll over on a Wednesday. If it’s an alternative cinematic experience you’re after, the Lighthouse Cinema out in Smithfield, just a few Luas stops away, starts their student prices at €6. Similarly, the IFI on Eustace Street, Temple Bar is a treat in itself. The beautiful cinema provides fantastic offers on a Monday to those with a student card, including a 2 for 1 student cinema ticket deal as well as a Student Membership deal for
are all places to check out not least to procure a cool new profile picture. Other boogie-guaranteed spots include Workman’s on a Wednesday, The Grand Social and Opium Rooms. While most pubs offer a platter of character and individuality, there are a few who certainly stand out. Steer clear from the tourist trap of Temple Bar and delve into the back rooms of Cassidy’s on Westmoreland Street. With drawings and graffiti scrawled on its walls, comfy couches and sweets and crisps at hand, there’s no reason not to indulge in its pint and pizza for a tenner deal and make yourself at home. Look out too for Grogan’s on South William Street for a drink and a toastie, Doyles on College Street for some late night pints, The Bernard Shaw for it’s big blue bus or Anseo where you might share a pint with local David O’Doherty.
only €10, usually priced at €15. Although not a weekly occasion, the event company Happenings often organise outdoor film screenings of well-loved classics, weather permitting. Dotted across the calendar the easiest way to keep track of a potential movie night out is to keep a keen eye on Happenings’ Facebook page. Likewise, a monthly showcase of short films can be found at the Firehouse Film Contest. With all entries made in the previous month and each film no longer than five minutes in duration, it’s an imaginative evening watching what budding young filmmakers in the city have to offer. Screenings usually take place at 6pm on the first Saturday of the month, downstairs in Filmbase, Temple Bar. If you’re not already convinced, take a look on their website to watch some of the previous movies created and screened there.
Comedy/Gigs: Speaking of cheeky bearded satirists, there are numerous comedy clubs in the city centre, full to the brim with comic aficionados. From the institution of The Laughter Lounge to The International Bar there are comedy shows on most weekdays and weekends to tickle your fancy. Likewise, there’s not a night without some energising live music. Take a quick scan of the listings in places such as Whelans, Bello Bar, Sweeney’s Bar and The Grand Social. There will undoubtedly be some rock, pop or synth group taking to the stage. Then when said band hit the big time you can always say you were at their early gigs, right?
Galleries and Museums: Peppered across Dublin are various gallery spaces, and many are free. Take a stroll into the National Gallery of Ireland located in the heart of Dublin, the home of both national and internationally recognized masterpieces. So whether you’re a budding art historian or a simple appreciator, the expansive gallery spaces will capture the imagination. Similarly, the Natural History Museum around the corner is a stationary jungle of wonder and delight. Come face to face with a chimpanzee, gawp at the towering giraffe or the immortalised roar of a lion; one could easily pass a day in the woodened walls of this museum. For something more modern, try the Science Gallery pioneered by Trinity College. This space offers a plethora of exhibitions, events and education seminars. Through the glass windows it’s difficult to pass this gallery without your interest being stimulated, so head in and have a peek.
For the Diary: Throughout the year there are some incredible festivals and events taking place. It’s a sin to be in Dublin and not spend some time at these occasions, however they are easily missed when Belfield is your main arena each and everyday. Here are some of the best festivals happening in and around the city this year:
What’s on in Dublin
Pubs/Clubs: If there’s one thing Dublin can certainly offer its diverse audience is a place to sip a pint or dance the night away. Off the Harcourt beaten track is a mass of venues providing unique nights out that will have you desperately anticipating the following week’s event. From house tunes, hip-hop and classic techno there is a dance floor set for every taste. Bedlam Events are the leading masters of such occasions, giving well-earned stage time to some of the best DJs around. Similarly, The Building Society, Hangar and District 8
Dublin Fringe Festival: September 7th-20th Culture Night: Friday September 18th Hard Working Class Heroes: October 1st-3rd Metropolis Festival: November 7th & 8th Dublin Book Festival: November 12th-15th Literature Festival: May 21st-29th
I Am Bear Photo: James Healy
Image: Bitch Falcon (Band)
DUBLIN city is a slow burner. Although one may feel they have it figured out, with each artisan shop, watering hole and delicatessen nook and cranny investigated, it will continue to take even a local by surprise with its ever changing entertainment scene. It takes just a simple 46a, 145 or 39a bus ride into town and therein awaits a playground of various degrees. Although my world-wearied expression and cynicism may say otherwise, I too was once new to UCD, high on the possibility of living away from home and drinking cans on a Monday night. Yet, I haven’t become naïve to the fact that by mid-orientation week Freshers will have grasped the meaning of such terms as CFJ, cheap list, pre-drinks, and Babylon (try the currycheese chips). As the whirlwind of nightclub euphoria and good-natured hooliganism may be an appealing adventure, capturing the imagination of Freshers galore, surprisingly the hangover isn’t sustainable despite your youthful enthusiasm. As such, when the haze of Freshers’ Week has lifted, the seven euro bottles of Centra wine have become acquainted with, and a burning desire to see beyond the Harcourt Street jungle rises, keep this list handy and begin to explore the exciting and creative hub that is our Dublin fair city.
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MUSIC The definitive Freshers’ playlist
You’ve just started college, so obviously you need a definitive playlist of your life to get you going. Eva Griffin picks six songs that show the Freshers’ experience in all its glory
S CLUB PARTY – S CLUB 7 There ain’t no college party without an S Club mega mix to kick things off. If you’re looking alright and you’re up for Coppers on a Friday night, then push the ceiling you player hater, because S Club’s gonna take you high and we’re all gonna get down. We won’t judge if the hoochie mamas wanna show their nanas, but watch out for Jon. Apparently he’s looking for romance and you don’t want a stage five clinger on your first week.
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HOW MUCH IS THE FISH? – SCOOTER
CHANGES – DAVID BOWIE
SCHOOL SPIRIT – KANYE WEST
This one goes out to our deep-thinking Philosophy students. It’s Freshers’ week and everyone’s having a good time; beer is flowing and tongues are wagging, but what does it all mean? Why are we here? No, seriously, whose house is this? Why is there a Tesco trolley in the hallway? Are these even my pants? Where are my pants? Did someone steal my pants? By the way, how much is the fish? HOW MUCH IS THE FISH?
When the inimitable Bowie sang: “Where’s your shame? You’ve left us up to our necks in it,” he was talking about hickeys, right? Pretty sure he wasn’t considering the effect of time, he definitely wrote it about one doozy of a love bite. It’s not ideal stumbling into your 9am looking like you’ve had an incident with a sloppy dog on Harcourt Street. Never fear, turn and face the strange. Then grab a scarf and cover it right up.
So you’re here in college, chasing y’all dreams and what you’ve got planned. But here’s one for the kids who hate it there, hate it there. There’s always someone who decides UCD simply isn’t for them or can’t seem to settle in straight away. Just started and you already feel like leaving? Kanye knows how you feel. College is a terror when all you want to do is drop out and marry a Kardashian. So if you’re anxious or disinterested, it’s alright, we feel a woo coming on, cuz.
CAMPUS – VAMPIRE WEEKEND Ah, the cruelness of college romance. Warm bed at night, cold shoulder in the morning. Here we have FML10100, our core module in Unrequited Love courtesy of Ezra Koenig and co. You swiped right and suddenly they’ve taken off stage left. Now you gaze at them from afar, your heart cold and grey like the Newman building. It’s alright pal, take a nap on one of the couches and hope they don’t catch you sobbing into your chicken roll.
PRETTY FLY FOR A WHITE GUY – THE OFFSPRING Need some help fitting into college? The Offspring have you covered from uno to seis. The desperation to be accepted can always be solved by the fool proof fake it til you make it approach. From buying the wrong music to faking having cool friends and getting the wrong tattoos, soon you’ll be blinded by your undeniable coolness. Or is it just plain denial? I don’t know, I can’t see.
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JOIN THE TEAM The University Observer is always looking out for fresh faces to join our team of writers, reporters, photographers, designers, illustrators and copy-editors. Join our mailing lists today to be informed of all the Observer goings-on, including meetings, article distribution, workshops, lectures and writing tips. Check out www.universityobserver.ie/jointheteam and our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/universityobserver for details on how to get involved, or email editor@universityobserver.ie for more information. The University Observer was the 2014 Student Newspaper of the Year and has brought home the Journalist of the Year Award for the last two years running.
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