Student Survival Guide
Know Your Rights!
As Your Students’ Union we want to make sure you are informed of all your rights, entitlements and supports as a student in TU Dublin.
This page is a quick guide to direct you to more information on key aspects of university.
We will be running information campaigns throughout the year to remind you of all of these, but you can just pop on to this page at any time for any information.
Remember if you need advice or assistance with anything our Student Advice & Advocacy Team are on hand to help!
What are my rights?
TU Dublin Policies & Procedures
Have You Heard About ‘The Access Service’?
The transition to university can be especially challenging for students from underrepresented backgrounds. The Access Service is specifically designed to support students who enter TUD through various access routes such as:
- Higher Education Access Route (HEAR),
- Quality and Qualifications Ireland’s Access to TU Dublin and
- the Access Foundation Programme (AFP).
Once you’re a part of the Access community at TU Dublin, a wide range of post-entry supports are available to you. These include academic assistance, financial guidance, study skills development, and personal and social support. The Access Support Team is there to help you navigate university life, mediate between you and your tutors, and connect you with other vital services within the university. They also organize social events and peer mentoring opportunities to help you build connections and feel more at home in the university environment.
For first-year students, the Access Service offers orientation programs, regular meetings with support officers, and tailored resources to ensure a smooth transition into university life! Make sure to visit one of the Access Offices located on our Grangegorman, Tallaght and Blanchardstown campuses or drop them an email at @access.supports@tudublin.ie
What If You Can’t Afford College?
College life comes with its fair share of expenses, but thankfully, TU Dublin offers a range of financial aid options, such as grants, scholarships and emergency funds, to help ease the burden. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or how to apply, our Advice and Advocacy Service is here to guide you every step of the way! Remember, you don’t have to navigate this alone – help is just a conversation away. You can reach out to our Advice and Advocacy service through emails at advice@tudublinsu.ie or pay them a visit in one of our Students’ Union offices located on all campuses!
Find out more here: Financial Support | TU Dublin Students’ Union (tudublinsu.ie)
What About Accommodation?
Finding a place to live during college can be one of the most stressful parts of student life, especially in Dublin. If you’re having trouble securing accommodation, you’re not alone – many students face this challenge. The good news is that TU Dublin has an Accommodation Office dedicated to helping you find a place that suits your needs and budget. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Accommodation Office at studentaccommodation@tudublin.ie if you’re feeling overwhelmed; they’re here to help you settle in so you can focus on your studies!
Find out more here: Accommodation Guides | TU Dublin Students’ Union (tudublinsu.ie)
Feeling Under the Weather?
Your health – both physical and mental – is crucial to your success in college. The Health Centre offers a wide range of services, from general medical consultations to sexual health resources. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with mental health issues, TU Dublin also provides free counselling services on all 5 of our campuses to help you navigate those challenges. You can book an appointment through their website. You’re never alone when it comes to your well-being!
Need Extra Support?
Navigating college with a disability can present unique challenges, but there’s support you need to thrive!
The Disability Services, available on all campuses, offer a range of accommodations and resources tailored to your individual needs, whether you require exam accommodations or specialized learning supports.
To add on; Academic Writing and Learning Centre in City, Maths Learning Centre in Tallaght and National Learning Network in Blanchardstown are there to provide a bit of extra support if you need it!
Need A Quiet Place to Study or Do Some Research?
Whether you need a quiet place to study, access to research materials, or just a reliable spot to work on assignments, the libraries are there to support your academic journey. Each campus boasts a well-equipped library with a vast collection of books and digital resources to help you with your coursework and research. The libraries also offer study spaces, group work areas and computers to ensure you have everything you need to succeed. If you’re unsure about how to find specific resources or need help with research, the library staff are always available to assist you! You can search for articles, books and exam papers, book study spaces and find out more about the libraries through this link: https://www.tudublin.ie/library/
Cannot Continue Your Studies?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, life circumstances may require you to defer your studies or even leave your course. Or sometimes studying just doesn’t feel like the right thing for you. Either way, it’s important to understand your options and the processes involved.
If you’ve been accepted into a program but need to delay your start or just want to take a year out to focus on other things, TU Dublin allows students to defer their place for a year in certain circumstances. To do this, you need to submit a formal deferral request before the academic year begins. It’s essential to check specific deadlines and conditions for deferral, as these can vary by program and year.
If you want to leave the program, keep in mind that there is a structured withdrawal process! You’ll need to complete the official withdrawal form and notify your department. Be mindful of the deadline! Withdrawing before the end of October is crucial, as it can significantly affect your fees and eligibility for a refund.
It’s important to discuss this with a Student Advisor to understand your options! Find out more about deferrals and withdrawals on our website! https://tudublinsu.ie/your-welfare/academic-advice