r/UCD

Hey everyone, I’ll be starting the International Foundation Year this September (2026) and honestly feeling a bit nervous about it all 😭

I don’t really know anyone going yet, so I was wondering if there are any WhatsApp (or other) group chats for incoming students? Would really love to meet some people beforehand and have a place to ask random questions without feeling completely lost.

Would appreciate it a lot, thanks so much! 🫶

I received my conditional offer letter yesterday for the aforementioned course. I am a BBA Hons in Marketing major student and want to pursue a career in Marketing. Is UCD a good option, and what is the extent of its connections and alumni reach in Ireland for an international student?

I am a bit confused; any update on this would be of great help. If you are working or studying in related fields, please share your experiences. Any small piece of information would be of great help.

My husband is looking to get his PhD in Ireland (we’re in the US), and we’ve been learning about the differences between PhD programs in Ireland vs. the US, and how in Ireland you find a professor to work with before you even apply to the Uni.

My husband has started to reach out to a couple UCD professors with his proposed PhD project and asking them if they’re currently supervising PhD students (sorry if I’m getting any of the terminology wrong), but he hasn’t gotten any responses. We have read somewhere that this is common, but…is it? Does anyone have any advice on how to increase his chances of getting a response?

Hi everyone, I applied via CAO for 2026. I got a 10/10 in English in my Italian State Exam (Maturità). I contacted UCD admissions, and they officially confirmed via email that this specific grade satisfies the English requirement and I'm exempt from IELTS. Has anyone else gone through this? I just want to be 100% sure I won't have issues at registration in September.

Thank you :))

Hi there,

I will be a student from the US studying at UCD in the Fall! I had a few questions for current students, if you wouldn't mind!

1. My program 'guarantees' housing in either Merville or Belgrove. How is the general vibe/life there?
2. Is the LEAP card program open to abroad students?
3. For us, we don't get a 'meal plan' of sorts; what are the best/most cost effective grocery stores around?
4. Are student's free to join any club/society they want? Is there like an application for some?

I was also wondering if there are other travel abroad students that want to form a group / communicate!

Thank you all so much, can't wait to be in Dublin!!

I’m an international undergrad student coming to ucd in september for cs. I keep reading that ucd is a lonely place and its very difficult to make friends so im a little concerned because i know no one in ireland. Is the social life really as bad as it seems?

I’m gay and would like to know how to find gay students in UCD, is there a whatsapp group or any form of meeting these people?

Want to make connection, friendship and hookups if that’s possible, thanks.

I've been invited to an awards ceremony tomorrow for getting good grades. UCD have given very little information though: will there be food? How do I dress? Ect ect...

Anyone been to one of these before and know what to expect?