The Inter Faith Centre: A home away from home

BY B. SIEJA, F. BENDER, A. INHARJANTO 

DCU does its best to help and support new international students. DCU wants you to feel welcome, safe and happy therefore it offers many facilities across campus to reduce your stress and make you feel more at home. One of those places is located at the heart of the campus, the Inter Faith Centre. It’s cosy, it’s quiet and everybody is welcome.

Joe and Susan welcome everyone
by B. Sieja, F. Bender and A. Inharjanto

Joe and Susan Jones, the Chaplains in the Inter Faith Centre are looking after students' spiritual and religious needs. We asked Joe why he thinks students come to the Centre and this is what he told us: “Often it is to meet their friends over a cup of tea and some small groups use the meeting room for project work or even use the piano. We like to think that the Centre is a place of welcome for people of all faiths and none. Our logo for the Chaplaincy leaves one empty space for this particular reason to highlight to all that you don’t have to have a faith to come in and use the space.” We asked Susan if she thinks that the Centre is favoured by international students and she said: “Most of the students who come in for tea and to use the Muslim prayer rooms are international students’.

We go to the Centre quite often; on a bad rainy day, when we’re down, when we’re a bit lonely, when we want to pray or gather our thoughts, sometimes just to read a book or newspaper, often to chat with our friends. Joe and Susan “endeavour to create a homely atmosphere in the Inter Faith Centre” and that homely atmosphere gives us comfort, a sense of familiarity and belonging. We noticed how often in the Centre, over a cup of tea, students start talking to each other despite the fact that they come from different religious backgrounds, are studying different things and have never met before. This communication is what the Centre is all about.

We asked Joe about it and he told us: “Everything we do is helping us to make DCU one community/family, enabling us to move forward in mutual respect and harmony with dignity afforded to everyone who enters.” We also asked Susan about it and she told us: ”If you take the number of people who visit the Centre and see how people of different faith or no faith traditions chat and have a laugh with each other, and yet respect that people will slip into the prayer rooms to pray, and see how people offer each other support in relation to many issues, yes one gets a sense of the family of DCU.”

The Inter Faith Centre by B. Vysoky

The Centre is a welcoming place for students who have problems of any kind. The Chaplains are approachable for everybody who feels the need to talk to someone. Joe explained to us: “They come with many different needs and many questions at different levels; these can be personal or related to their studies or their own spiritual development.” Students, who are far away from home, might turn to the Centre when experiencing difficult times. For instance, when we have to cope with the loss of a family member, we can seek support in the Centre where the Chaplains would guide and accompany us during our time of grief. Apart from offering a helping hand in hard times, the members of the Centre are also there just to listen to us. Susan told us: “Many students are not aware that pastoral care is a very important aspect of Chaplaincy, that non-judgemental listening and support is part of our role.” Students are always welcome to just drop in and talk about whatever is on their mind. The Centre aims to be a place of open doors and open ears.

Apart from offering support in difficult times, the Inter Faith Centre is also very much involved in various events that take place on and off campus. When we asked Joe about the relationship between the Centre and the International Office he replied: ”Until recently the International Office was under the Student Support & Development so we all worked together very well. We have organised events like the Host Family Project when local families hosted students from foreign lands to give them a taste of Irish family life and culture.” The Centre also started the DCU Failte Programme. This programme offers trips to different places of interest in Ireland in order for us to learn more about Irish culture and heritage.

Logo used in the Centre by F. Bender

Besides the Christian or inter-faith services held by the Centre, there are also informative talks that explain spiritual topics. Susan told us: “At the moment we have the Talking Heads Programme which is done in conjunction with the Students Union and the School of Communication. This is where the leaders of the main religions in Dublin are interviewed by students.” There is also the Alpha course which is for anyone who would like to learn more about Christianity in particular. The Inter Faith Centre is therefore not only a place where we can go to worship but also a starting point for everybody who is interested in learning more about various religions. It is, however, not only the spiritual journey that could have its roots in the Centre, but also the exploration of Ireland, its culture and especially its people.

Irish hospitality and friendliness are well known around the world. Joe and Susan exercise those traits everyday through their creative projects for students carried out inside and outside the Centre. It is good to know we have so much support from people so deeply dedicated to their work. Our respect and gratitude for this place and the fond memories of events and moments spent in the Inter Faith Centre are a huge part of our college experience.

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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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No debt, no theft, no fret

BY B. SIEJA 

Plan your budget wisely by B. Sieja

They say money makes the world go round, that’s a given, but it also can get you into trouble if you’re not careful. Every year thousands of people come to Ireland to study. They leave their countries, families and friends and plunge into the unknown. They face new responsibilities and challenges and for many it’s their first time away from home. Moving abroad, managing and protecting your money, especially in such tricky economical times present many difficulties. Getting into debt, having your credit card details stolen or worrying about it  may cast a shadow on your college experience. Fret no more as there is a solution to your problems.

Two big Irish companies o2 and 3v designed disposable credit cards that work just like your top-up mobile phone. When you get one, you simply put on the amount  you want to spend and shop away. Both cards allow you to purchase goods from online websites. The o2 card also allows you to pay for goods in shops and restaurants. With disposable credit cards you won’t spend more than you have planned, you won’t get a nasty bill and you save yourself a few bob by avoiding paying the interest rate. So how do you get one? It’s simple! Both cards can be ordered online with o2 being also available in their stores. There is no charge for 3v cards and future top-ups under twenty euros. o2 sells its cards for 4.99e and charge between 50 cents and 3 euro per transaction. Applied cost depends on the amount you want to add to your card. Both companies ensure that topping up your card is easy and have lists of outlets available from o2 and 3v websites. If you own a smart-phone you can also download the o2 app which allows you to quickly check your balance and shows top-up outlets nearby.

o2 card app and 3V card by B. Sieja

It is a new and safer way to shop online which can also help students plan their spending. Many of us have very little or no financial support so managing and controlling your pennies is necessary. First, you need to learn how to plan your spending. Decide on a time frame; how many days or weeks will suit you and your budget best? A week? A month? You can match it with bigger bills that clearly mark days such as rent. It is useful to create a list of your basic expenses e.g. rent, phone credit, Internet and then count how much exactly you must put aside to cover it. Once the bills are taken care of you know exactly what’s left for your groceries and perhaps entertainment.

There are various markets offering low prices on everyday products. Tesco, Lidl and Aldi are considered the cheapest with variety of great discounts and special offers. For clothes you can get bargains in Dunnes, Penneys or TK max, all located in city centre. And let’s not forget about the post-Christmas sale that lasts all January. There is also a number of websites that offer good deals on products as well as entertainment. You can avail of discounts offered by Living Social, Groupon, Grab One or Freebie List to name a few. Websites offers vary tremendously! From restaurant deals, spa treatments, tickets and entries for numerous events, travel deals to freebies and trial products. Although it all sounds good and inviting remember not to be too easily tempted by special offers. Try to stick with your budget. Unfortunately no matter how much you plan your spending unforeseen or spontaneous expenses can happen. If it happened to you check whether or not you can return the purchased item and no matter how badly off you are do not borrow money from your friends or bank. Borrowing is a temporary solution and being in debt only expands list of bills. 

Penny saved is a penny earned by B. Sieja

A disposable credit card can help narrow the possibilities of over spending and the trap of debt. The card won’t allow you to pay for goods if you didn’t top it up. It can also help protect you from theft. We all have  a friend or a relative who got the bill  for  a plasma TV or a holiday in Dubai... Disposable credit cards have no connection to your main money source (be it a bank account or a sock under your mattress) so in the case of your details being compromised your money is safe and you can sleep soundly.

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Discovering Ireland

BY A. INHARJANTO

Dublin is no doubt a touristic, multicultural and vibrant city. When going around Dublin city centre, you will enjoy its brilliant atmosphere and will meet numerous people of different nationalities. You will also find lots of lively hubs, say, pubs, cinemas, theatres, clubs, sport centres, music halls, etc. It is a city with a jam-packed calendar of festivals and events.

However, if you are keen to further explore this Emerald Isle and move outside Dublin, the following places might interest you. Do not miss visiting them while living in Ireland as they can easily be reached by public transport especially by bus or train.

Glendalough and the Wicklow mountains

The glens of Wicklow by B. Trope

Located in County Wicklow, the scenery of Glendalough and its old monastic site are certain to create enduring memories. Glendalough is an Irish name, meaning ‘the valley of the two lakes’. From the visitor centre, it is best to hike so as not to miss the lovely views. After walking for about 15 minutes you will arrive at the Lower Lake. Do not spend too long here as there are plenty of other beautiful spots not to be missed. By following the signs, you will easily reach the Upper Lake.  This area has plenty of space for picnics, playing games, sitting around, etc. Nobody will be bored by the natural beauty of the Upper Lake calmly lying at the foothills and between two deep narrow valleys.

 

If all this is not enough and you want more adventure, feel free to go hill-walking. Hikers are well catered for in and around Glendalough and the surrounding area with an abundance of signposts leading the way. You would need to prepare for this, say, by taking some water and wearing good shoes as it can be  challenging at times and needs extra care along some parts of the routes.  

Furthermore, adjacent to the tourist centre and the car park, there is the site of St. Kevin’s monastic city. It is believed the monastery was established in the 6^th century and survived attacks from the Vikings. An 11^th century 34-metre round tower, high crosses and monastic ruins are still there as witnesses to the monastery’s remarkable history.

Besides Glendalough, if you have seen films like Braveheart and P.S. I Love You, you will enjoy panoramic drives through the Wicklow mountains, where those films were shot. There is Glenmacnass Waterfall famed for its splendid view. Travel to the Wicklow mountains during spring, summer, and autumn is obviously best. You are advised not to drive there in winter due to snow and icy roads.  

Galway and the Cliffs of Moher

The lovely ambience of Galway city by A. Inharjanto

Fancy going to the west? Galway and the Cliffs of Moher are recommended destinations for many tourists and recently arrived international students are no exception. The two are famed for their rolling hills, rugged cliffs, astonishing forts, historic castles, quaint towns, fabulous food, vibrant nightlife and many other things besides. You will notice Galway is the best combination of the modern Ireland of the Celtic Tiger with the easy-going ambience and cultural richness of its Gaelic heritage. Moreover, in visiting Galway’s harbour where fishing boats are moored to the stone quays, you will get some idea of its people’s activities. 

If you prefer discovering Galway city more seriously and plan to visit other tourist destinations the next day, do stay in Galway. Student hostels are available, priced around €15 a night. Do not worry about getting lost as tourist information centres are easily found. You might fancy enjoying an afternoon in Eyre Square or at the Spanish Arch, which offer good craic. The impressive Galway Catholic cathedral is among such places of interest.

The breathtaking cliffs of Moher by H. Tulp

Further, the breathtaking cliffs of Moher (214m) should not be missed. Apparently, they are the most amazing cliffs in the world and Ireland’s finest natural attraction. You will surely gaze in awe at this majestic scene. Besides the Cliffs of Moher, Paddywagon Tours for example, offer a good price for students (€40) including the burren, Corcomroe Abbey, Dunguire Castle, Poulnabrone Dolmen, the beautiful fishing village of Doolin and Bunratty Castle in one-day tour. For further information, please check these websites: Day Tours Ireland and Paddywagon Tours. So, from the limestone and fossil lunar-like rock formation of the Burren to the rugged Atlantic shoreline and sheer splendour of the cliffs, you will be awe-inspired.

Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway

Despite being part of the UK, they are still on the same island of Ireland and worth exploring. If you can travel to the UK without a visa as a EU citizen, do not hesitate to do so. However, some international students are not automatically allowed to travel across the border without a UK visa. You have to make sure this matter is first considered because it really matters.

Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital city, has impressive attractions for many visitors. Firstly, a warm welcome can be expected by the time you have arrived in the city where the famous Titanic was made. Then, you will finally get a fun-filled holiday experience in this second biggest city on the island. If your visit is well planned, your experience will be fantastic since the city offers its unique vibrancy and ambience. It is a region packed with fabulous restaurants, hotels, great shopping opportunities, visitor attractions such as the city hall, cathedrals, concert halls, the Titanic’s building yard. 

Last but not least, the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim is always on a tourists’ itinerary. Seeing the mostly hexagonal, basalt colums making up the Giant’s Causeway, you could tell how magnificent and unbeatable they are. When you get there, people may tell you a myth about how it was built. In fact, volcanic action formed those columns but old generations could hardly understand that process so they told the story of the great Irish hero Fionn MacCul who built the causeway to bring his love, a female giant living on the Hebridean island of Staffa, to his home in Ulster.

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