All work, no play? No way!

BY B. SIEJA, H. KUBO

Turning twenty one opens up a new world for you. Now you have to learn how to balance work and play. Dublin City University just celebrated its 21st birthday and is one of the youngest universities in Ireland. As such, it offers lots of events and entertainment. There is something for everyone, particularly newly arrived international students, allowing you to both study and socialise.

 Academic life

NuBar in The Hub by B. Vysoky

To begin with, make sure that study comes first. Do not forget that you are in the university and you have to adapt to new environment. It is beneficial that you learn new academic skills to keep up with classes and exams. DCU provides you with various academic workshops. Here is a list that might interest you:

• Note-taking Lectures
• Introduction to Reading Techniques
• Academic Writing for Assignments
• Coping with Culture Shock
• Working in Groups
• Time Management
• Presentation skills
• Managing Stress, Focus & Energy for Exam Performances

DCU Library by B. Vysoky

Workshops usually take up to two hours to complete and are presented in a relaxed and friendly way. For example, in the  ‘Working in Groups’ workshop you will be practising how to cooperate with your peers, talk about your ideas, propose new plans, etc. Training includes simulations of working on a group project.  Also, you get handouts and notes for free!  

We attended some of the workshops and what we have learned helped us in our studies and private lives. Skills such as effective time management, verbal and written communication and team work can also be practical to your future workplace. If you want to find out more, go to “Academic and Study Skills Support” on DCU homepage.

Social life

So what can hard working students do with their free time? They can participate in many of the exciting events that happen in DCU. In this article we list some of these events focusing on The Hub and The Helix. These facilities can be enjoyed by all DCU students regardless of membership of clubs and societies.

Events in the NuBar

Inside NuBar by B. Vysoky

The NuBar is a social outlet in The Hub where students can enjoy food and beverages, chatting with friends, listening to music or playing billiards. It also hosts some official DCU events. For example, last year the Inter Faith Centre organised a Christmas party for international students at the NuBar.

Every Tuesday is Toxic Tuesday at the NuBar. Drinks are available at discount prices and DJ's play the latest hot club sounds. This could be a good opportunity for stress management and utilising your communication skills. This is one of the most popular events during the semester.

The Music Society in DCU hosts Open-mic events at The Venue. You can enjoy this particular event as an audience member or participant if you wish. They provide some of the instruments and all you have to do is give your name and your chosen instrument before the event starts.

Every once in a while the NuBar offers free food for students and soft drinks at discount prices. You would be advised to get there early because the free food is limited and offered on a 'first come-first served' basis.

These and other events can be discovered on GreatCraic.ie which is the official DCU social website.

Events in The Helix

The Helix by B. Vysoky

The Helix is a state of the art theatre on the grounds of DCU. It has three performance spaces which are used by student societies and professional touring companies alike.

You can enjoy various art forms including drama, dance, film, and pantomime. The Helix also hosts guest lecturers from around the world. During the day its warm cosy atmosphere attracts students and staff. Students meet there to discuss their group projects and to socialise. At night you can attend dance recitals, live music shows, dramatic performances, old movie classics or the annual panto.

Dance recitals can be anything from hip-hop to ballet to Irish dancing. Second Age Theatre Company is well known for staging their Shakespearean productions here. Live music shows at The Helix include Orchestral, Gospel, Rock, and Pop. It is also the venue for RTE's talent show The Voice of Ireland which is a competition to win a recording contract with Universal Music. Tickets prices for all these events vary so check their website for regular updates.

DCU provides us with all the social and academic events we need in order to have a balanced college experience. Enjoy!

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Student accommodation

BY H. KUBO, M. MIYAMURA, J. TREILLAUD

On campus

If you want to live on campus, DCU Campus Residences Ltd. offers three choices for incoming students. You can choose among Larkfield Apartments, Hampstead Apartments and College Park Apartments. Each accommodation has sets of 5 rooms and 1 dining room with a kitchen, so a maximum of 5 students can share one flat. In addition, each room has a study space and access to the Internet. If you drink a lot and oversleep the next day, don’t worry! Each apartment is located on Campus, so you can go to every classroom from your room within 5 minutes. 

In fact, Larkfield Apartments are only open to first year students and the other students (including Erasmus students) can choose their room between Hampstead and College Park Apartments. Perhaps it is very lucky that Erasmus students can’t live in Larkfield Apartments, because some unfortunate students who live in Larkfield Apartments say it is like a prison! Such complaints seem to come from its narrow size. As for Hampstead and College Park Apartments, I conducted research and the comparison is as indicated below.

College Park Accommodation by H. Kubo

The size: In general, the rooms of College Park Apartments are larger than those of Hampstead. However, you can select the rank of the room. In Hamstead, you can live in a single ensuite room or a superior ensuite room. In College Park, you can choose not only these two types but also a deluxe bedroom. The deluxe accommodation has a TV. However, it might be a bit difficult to get a deluxe room because it is determined by the result of a draw.

The price: Bear in mind that the price of the room depends on its rank. In general, Hampstead is cheaper than College Park; the former would be €4,234 and the latter €4,568 for the annual rent. At any rate, you might think it’s a bit expensive to live on Campus. However, the price already includes the deposit and energy bills. 

Tips: The dryers in College Park are €1 cheaper!

The nationality: It is said that there are more Irish students in Hampstead than in College Park and more International students in College Park.

In my personal opinion, some students who live with Irish students seem to have difficulty in their lives. Irish students often have parties in their flat and sometimes it might be too noisy in the middle of night. However, how about just thinking of such parties as good opportunities to make friends? They would be perfect opportunities to make friends with native speakers of English, and also you can hardly ask for more to experience REAL IRISH CAMPUS LIFE!

 Off-campus

Though the life on campus has many advantages, it is not the only accommodation available when you study at DCU. Some of them are situated just near the university while others are farther away. The two main student residences are Shanowen Hall and Shanowen Square. Both are situated on Shanowen Road, it takes 5 minutes to go to the university from there. You can book them on the DCU website once you have registered. So they are full of international students and can be really nice, depending on your relationships with your roommates. But there is still a majority of Irish students there and you will be immersed in an Irish student life. 

Accomodation on Shanowen road by H. Kubo

There is a system of a single room with bathroom for each person, with a kitchen shared between 4 or 5 persons. The rents are similar, with electricity fees (as long as you don’t exceed a certain amount) and Wi-Fi internet included in Shanowen Hall (working more or less well) and available for €80/semester in Square. You have to be aware that the rent for the whole semester has to be paid in one go (around €2200 according to the semester, plus a deposit when you book your room) and that it may not be the best choice if you are waiting for your scholarships or planning to get a work to afford the price of an accommodation. Otherwise legend has it that Shanowen Square throws the best parties, however Shanowen Hall is far from being quiet, especially on “Toxic” Tuesday nights.

These residences try to make you rush by telling you that accommodations are booked quite early and that it may be hard to get something else. However there are possibilities to find other flats. The Gateway Student Village (15 minute walk from DCU) offers rooms from €99 a week and seems to be appreciated by the students living there. Hazelwood (30 minute walk  from DCU) has a similar rent (€110/month with electricity and internet included) but pray for having an apartment full of nice flatmates as the system of electricity needs good relationships as you will need to share electricity cards (problems seem to occur very rarely though). Don’t be afraid to go and ask in some houses to let: a student got a house shared with 3 other people for €430 to €520 a month depending on the season and the need of heating. The house is much more comfortable than the usual student flats, though it is much farther from the university (near the Phoenix Park).

If you feel like you can handle arriving in Dublin without a place to stay for the whole semester/year, you can find one once you are there. Nonetheless, make sure to have a place for the week or at least a few days when you arrive, such as a B&B or a cheap hostel, as it is safer and cheaper, but do not stay too long either as it is still more expensive than the flat you will get and less appropriate for study.

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Saddle up in Dublin

BY B. TROPE 

Newly arrived international students to DCU can find deciphering the public transport system in Dublin a maddingly frustrating experience.  If you have arrived to Ireland from a home which can boast sleek modes of public transport which invariably arrive on time, brace yourself.

Looking for a greener option? by B. Trope

The primary mode of public transportation utilized by Dubliners and students of DCU alike is Dublin Bus.  Travelling by Dublin Bus is a minefield of near misses, long waits, and double (indeed sometimes triple) arrivals of the same bus number, all the while orchestrated over by a timetable which at best works under the principle of ‘guesstimation’ and at worst seems to invoke the principle of crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

The Dublin Bike Scheme offers another viable alternative and one which is gathering momentum with the passing of time.  Overlooking the obvious environmental benefit accrued, students will be attracted by the triumvirate of its ease of use, affordability and speed.

The Long Term Hire Card comes in at an attractive ten euro for one whole year subscription while a short term possibility is also available with a three day ticket costing two euro.  Significantly, the first thirty minutes of use is free, as Dublin is a compact city you should reach your destination within this time period.  After this initial free period a charge of approximately fifty cent per hour is charged to your account.

Dublin Bikes are relatively uncomplicated to use, simply log in at the bike station terminal with your pin number (given to you when you purchase both long term, and short term tickets), select your bike, remove it and you are ready to go!

Terminal and Bike by B. Trope

There are currently forty four bike stations scattered across the city centre, which raises the issue of its suitability for DCU students as there are no stations located within the hinterlands of the campus.  Nevertheless it is just a matter of time before this concern is rectified as the National Transport Authority has awarded the Dublin City Council half a million euro to further the network after its initial success.  As result the City Council has aimed to increase the number of stations to three hundred.

In its current guise perhaps Dublin Bikes best serves DCU students who live near the campus with a means of exploring roaming places of interest such as Phoenix Park or, for students who reside within the confines of the city centre it offer a viable alternative to the dreaded Dublin Bus! 

If saddling up with Dublin Bikes sounds like it might be up your street then you should bear the following details in mind before you take the plunge. You should take the time to adjust your saddle before you begin your journey ensuring that your feet can reach the ground with ease when you are slowing or stopping, while simultaneously making certain that your legs are not going to be fully extended while cycling. While this might seem to be stating the obvious, taking that extra moment from the outset can prevent backache and a stop-start journey as you pause to adjust and re-adjust your saddle.    

In today’s media and technological ubiquitous society resisting the temptation to cycle with your earphones in could save you from serious injury as drowning out the hum of passing traffic comes at a great risk.  As the cycle lanes of Dublin do not quite match up to the high standards of say our Dutch neighbours, you will need to keep your wits about you as you navigate your way around the city. Indeed, if you are an inexperienced cyclist, or just inexperienced cycling on the ‘opposite side’ of the road, it’s probably a good idea to get to grips with your new bicycle on the less busy roads of the capital first. 

Perhaps the most essential issue is the use of a cycling helmet. While it is not strictly a legal requirement to wear a safety helmet in Ireland you are strongly advised to do so. Splashing out a little extra on this vital piece of equipment will give you peace of mind, and who knows your new look may even grow you and become a fashion statement! 

Dublin Bikes Station by B. Trope

If you would like to explore the greater beyonds of the city boundary, or indeed if you would just like the increased flexibility of your own personal bicycle you could pick one up for under the two hundred euro mark second hand.  Some retailers offer to repurchase bicycles from Erasmus students for fifty per cent of what the student paid for it.  You can view some of these offers online here , while alternatively if you would rather drop in to a shop and view your bicycle ‘in the flesh’ before you make the purchase, Rothar located on the North side of the city offers a wide range to chose from.  Just don’t forget to purchase another cycling essential needed for Dublin....a solid lock!

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Getting around

BY F. BENDER

One of the first problems new students face when they arrive at Dublin Airport is how to get to where they want to go. It is not easy to find your way around an unfamiliar town but with a little preparation you will quickly get the hang of it.

There are three public transport systems in Dublin: 

• The Luas
• The DART
• Dublin Bus

The Luas by B. Vysoky

The Luas is a tram that runs on two lines: the Red and the Green line. It is an easy and straightforward way to get from the city centre to various suburbs of Dublin. But, because it only runs on two lines, the connection is limited. If you live in Tallaght, the Luas would be an easy option for you to get into town. Also, if you live in one of the Southern suburbs like Sandyford, the Luas is definitely the way to go. Once you have reached the city centre though (St.Stephen’s Green or Abbey Street), you will have to either walk or take a bus to go any further.  

Tickets: There are several different student tickets available (weekly or monthly). It is best to check out their web page for further information.

 

The DART by B. Vysoky

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is the Irish Rail’s  transport system that connects the coastal suburbs with the city centre. This option is faster than the Luas or the Bus but also limited. It is suitable for people who live outside Dublin and where a bus would take too long. Also, the DART does not get you to DCU, which means you would have to continue your journey by bus. Therefore, you would not only need a ticket for the DART but also for whichever additional transport system you choose then.

Tickets: The Irish Rail have various weekly or monthly ticket offers for students.

It all leads to the inevitable: Dublin Bus. This is probably the easiest way to get around. You will see the yellow buses all over town and once you figured this system out, it is the quickest and simplest option as it connects almost every corner of the city. Due to the fact that you might have to use several buses to get to your destination, it is probably worth considering getting one of the many student tickets as listed below. This way, you won’t have to pay for each and every single fare. Instead, you pay a fixed price and once you have scanned the ticket on your first fare, every following one this day is included. This is especially handy for those of you who live a bit further away and who need to change buses in order to get to college.

Tickets: You can buy a ticket from the driver as soon as you have entered the bus or you can go for one of the various student options:

The Dublin Bus by B. Vysoky

• 5 Day Rambler €17.20
• 30 Day Rambler €86.00
• Student 7 Day Bus and Luas €26.30
• Student 30 Day Bus and Luas €92.50
• Student Monthly Short Hop €102.00 (One calendar month on Dublin bus and DART system)

Make sure to keep checking the current fare prices as they are subject to change and get increased on a regular basis.

Please note that you will always need a valid Student Travelcard in order to buy a student ticket for either the Luas, the DART or Bus.  You can get the card in the student unions office on campus. All you need is a photo and € 15,-. If you can’t present your Travelcard when the ticket inspectors asks for it, you might get charged a fine of € 50,-. With the Travelcard you can also get some discounts. For example in Boots, McDonalds, AIB, Costa, meteor, Xtra-vision, TOPSHOP, Champion, GAA 

A new ticket option is the Leap Card. This is a card that you can top-up and which can be used on the bus, the DART and the Luas. The best thing about this card is the fact that it covers all of the three systems. You can get the card in the Dublin Bus Headquarter on at O’Connell street. All you need to do is top it up with €5,- and pay a refundable €5,- for the card, then you are ready to go. Once your money has run out, you can top it up in various places all over town. Watch out for the Leap Card sign in your local newsagent.

Tips for smooth sailing

• If you don’t hold out your hand when waiting at the bus stop the driver will keep going
• If you don’t have a ticket and have to buy one from the driver: queue on the left -  If you have one of the prepaid student tickets: queue and enter the bus on the right
• When you leave the bus, say ‘thank you’ or other thankful expressions to the driver
• Dublin Bus has an App that is very handy. Each bus stop has a number that you can type into your phone to see when the next bus is coming (Dublin Bus App)
• Don’t rely on the timetables. Sometimes, there is no bus for ages and then you will have three in a row. Just take the unpredictable departure times into consideration whenever you are planning a trip.
• Don’t forget to scan your ticket when entering the bus. When it was successful you will hear a long beeping sound as one day is being deducted off your card.
• Make sure you know where you need to get off as there is no stop announcement on the bus.
• Press the ‘stop’ button to let the driver know that you want to get off the bus. If you don’t do that the driver will continue driving.

If you want to travel outside Dublin, you can either take the train or BusEireann. Bus Eireann has its own main bus station called Busáras. It is located close to the Liffey on the North side of Dublin. The next train station is Connolly but you can also get there by bus or the Red Luas line. The buses also depart from Heuston station, which is the other big train and bus station in Dublin. It is located in the West of the city. From there, you can take buses to anywhere in the country. They also offer tickets at student rates so make sure you have a valid student ID when travelling.

Last but not least, as an international student you will find yourself traveling to the airport quite a bit so knowing about the transport opportunities is vital. Apart from Dublin Bus you can get there with one of the shuttle buses:

Aircoach is a bus service that operates every day for 24 hours, which is handy if you have an early or late flight.

Airlink connects train and bus stations as well as other parts of the city centre with the airport.

Urbus links the northern suburbs with the airport.

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Cinemas in Dublin: pure entertainment or playful culture?

BY J. TREILLAUD

Are you tired of university work? Looking for some entertainment without spending too much of your money? Going to the movies may be your solution! Dublin is here to provide you with different kinds of cinemas depending on your mood or where you live, be it near the university or around the city centre.

For those of you living on campus or around it, the most convenient place to go is the Santry Omniplex. This eleven-screen complex shows box-office films and is only ten minutes’ walk away from DCU (in the Omni Shopping Centre). Its scheduled programme has mainly American and British films for the general public, which are always popular amongst students.

DCU's DVD collection by B. Vysoky

If you wish to go to the city centre to watch a movie, the Savoy is easy to find (on O'Connell Street). This seven-screen cinema has a programme similar to the Santry's, with identical prices: €6.20 with your student card. But this is far from being the only cinema in town there is a large number. The Screen, situated near Trinity College, is a charming place to go and have some fun. Take a peek at their special events schedule as this is a good way to see some of the classics. If you love blockbusters and have time to go often, you should check out Cineworld: they offer a monthly unlimited card at €19.99 which gives you the opportunity to see as many films as you want in the month. Also situated in the city centre, the bar 4 Dame Lane organizes free screenings every Thursday. It is worth having a look at their programme if you fancy a beer and fish and chips as well. But Dublin offers a wide variety of film genres and if you’re a film addict or feel like discovering something different, try the Lighthouse in Smithfield, which has just reopened, or the Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Temple Bar.

The is a diverse range of films shown at the IFI: many Irish films are to be found here if you want to discover Irish culture in a way that does not involve museums or books. The IFI does not focus only on Irish cinema, however, but also shows an assortment of European and international films. It offers both recent hits as well as retrospectives of famous film-makers organised throughout the whole year. Homesick? Chances are high that you can find a film from your country in the programme. If not, their DVD shop is full of European and Asian films, including most of the classics. If you want to improve your knowledge of Irish culture, you can have a look at their collection. It includes classic films about history such as In the Name of the Father or Michael Collins, and if you think books are too boring or time-consuming, there is a wide selection of screen adaptations of classic novels such as Joyce’s Ulysses or A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and the must-see film version of Roddy Doyle’s The Commitments.

Though those DVDs can make good gifts or souvenirs from Ireland, DVDs are quite expensive and not every student can afford them. I advise you to take a look at the university library which has a wide selection of films. The loan period is quite short so be sure to return the DVD within the next two days, as the fines increase quickly. Another good fact to know is the DCU Film Society which organises regular screenings (as part of a society you can join it for €2 and have access to the showings for free).

In Ireland the films are released on Friday so the cinema programmes change before the weekend. The last screenings are around 8.30-9pm so don’t expect to go there late at night. Be sure to check different programmes as cinemas such as the Lighthouse offer late-night showings at the weekend.

As you may have noticed, Dublin offers different types of films which can be a pleasant break between the work and the parties of student life. And if you are an international student who wishes to learn English, going to see a film in its English version is a good way to improve whilst still having fun.

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Dublin and its surroundings

BY B. VYSOKY

The famous Molly Malone statue near Grafton St.

by B. Vysoky

Dublin is a great, vibrant city. It offers various opportunities for having fun. There are a great number of attractions and events. Despite the city’s pleasure spots, you may be a lover of nature, who cannot stand the busy city all the time. If you are seeking for peaceful and quiet places, there are some tips, you may find helpful.

Dublin is a large city located not far from the foothills of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. For those who fancy hiking there are a few places where you can get plenty of fresh air. The Sugar Loaf is a 500 metre high hill, situated some 15 miles outside the city. It takes its name from its shape, which closely resembles a sugar loaf with the top leaning slightly to one side.

It is easily accessible by city buses. In fact, one does not have too much to climb, but stronger better quality shoes, a waterproof jacket, a bottle of water, and maybe some snacks would be the basics. The climb is not too difficult; even beginners can easily manage. The entire walk should not take more than three hours. The view from the top is spectacular because you can enjoy a 360 degree view with the sea to the east, Powerscourt and Enniskerry to the west, Wicklow to the south and Dublin city to the north.

The Liffey River by B. Vysoky

Dublin Bay also offers us some wonderful places to explore: Howth, Malahide and Bray are just the three of the places along the coast. Passionate ramblers would enjoy a day trip to Howth. Howth is a small peninsula which can be reached by bus or train. It rises from a flat coastline to a moderately high hill and when you reach the summit it gradually falls down to the nearby harbour. The most popular walk for ramblers is along the coastline. Should you decide to go that way, you will make a loop starting at ground level and likewise finishing at ground level. Along the way, it might be good to stop occasionally to take the air and look around. The view from the summit is splendid, taking in the lighthouse, Dublin city and Dublin Bay.

 

When you reach the harbour you should definitely go and take a look at the seals which will certainly be there. They are the number one local attraction. People usually stand next to the fishing boats on the side of the pier and feed them with fresh fish bought from the local fish markets. In the weekends there are markets with various kinds of food and frequently crafts as well. As the local village is renowned as a fish centre, you should definitely taste some sea food. Popular specialities are the Seafood Chowder or the local fish and chips. They are very tasty and very nourishing and moreover it is pleasant change from mediocre student cooking.

Rambling in Howth by B. Vysoky

Howth is located to the north east of Dublin, but one should also go to the south side. The journey by the city´s train called the DART is spectacular. The DART goes all round Dublin Bay. You can get on in the city centre and get off in the town of Bray. Bray has its own atmosphere. It is only a few kilometres out of the city but you would think you were in the country. You can either take a nice walk along the beach or climb to the top of Bray Head. Bray Head is a small peninsula with moderate and steep slopes. At the top there is a cross erected by the locals. From here, you can see Bray village below with Dublin in the very far distance as well as the top of the Wicklow Mountains. Rambling along quiet desert path of Bray Head or walking along the beach would help anybody to chill out and clear their head. If you still have time to spare it is worth visiting the local Aquarium with its amazing sea creatures.

Dublin´s convenient location and the size of the city allow us to escape the monotonous of daily life. Apart from daylong journeys around the city, you can enjoy your favourite sport activities outside it. The great number of Dublin parks allows you to cycle, roller skate, jog and walk in almost any part of the city. The biggest one in Dublin and probably Europe’s biggest is the Phoenix Park, in which deer wander. Furthermore, the Botanic Gardens are a place where you can renew your energy. Wandering among its trees and plants which come from all over the world can be a wonderful relaxation.

These are just a few hints and ideas how you might spend a day outside without too much hassle or at no great expense. On one such a day, after you leave your accommodation, you will be able to forget about exams, deadlines and all your worries. The journey of just a few hours will give you the feeling that you have been away for weeks.

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