ailment serif;”>International students Greta Hughes and Manon Rubiella share their wisdom with new arrivals to UCD
sovaldi serif;”>As a non-Irish student it can be a challenge at first to figure out how things woviagra serif;”>rk, where to go, what not to do and what the hell people are saying. But fear not, we are here to offer some tips and hopefully guide you through some of the challenges you may be faced with during your time here.
Firstly, there is the difficulty of getting to and from college. If you have chosen to do this by cycling, great choice, but be warned that cycling conditions in Dublin still have a long way to go. Although the city is slowly improving cycle lanes and traffic conditions, don’t be surprised if a bicycle lane all of a sudden ceases to exist, only to later reemerge a few hundred metres ahead. Bus services to college are generally good, unless you happen to be on bus route 17. The 17 is known around campus as the ghost bus. This is because you never know when it will come along, or even if it will at all. Furthermore, regardless of which bus you are getting don’t expect it to be on time.
Although the Irish weather can at times be less than pleasant, don’t let it put you off exploring the city and all it has to offer. There are several hidden gems around Dublin. Just off Grafton Street you can find the Powerscourt centre. Located on South William Street, this Georgian townhouse, built in the 1700s, is a magnificent setting for browsers and shoppers alike. In the house there are galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Not far from the Powerscourt Centre is Georges Street Arcade. Neatly tucked away from the mainstream shops found on Grafton Street the arcade is home to hip, quirky shops and stalls. From the outside this place doesn’t look like much, but don’t be fooled by its modest exterior. It is a cool, relaxing place where you can find everything from tarot readings to amazing cupcakes (really nice cupcakes – definitely try them!).
Those who enjoy shisha, or would like to try something different, should visit The Tea Garden on Lower Ormond Quay. This unique spot also sells tea from around the world. From Moroccan to Chinese, you will find everything you want here, and the owner of the place is hypnotising.
Dublin boasts a lively nightlife. One of the main “club areas” is located on Harcourt Street. A hot spot for UCD students, you are likely to bump into a few familiar faces from campus. Keep an eye on the UCD Ents Facebook page as they often organise student nights with good deals. If you’re more in to a laid back atmosphere, cool pubs and good live music then check out Whelan’s on Wexford street.
Good to know
Don’t leave your Facebook logged in – your friends will take the opportunity to “frape” (Facebook rape) you.
Don’t go swimming in the UCD lake – the angry swan will bite you!
Don’t make eye contact with Librocop (the man who “patrols” the library). It makes him nervous and unpredictable.
You won’t get change back on the bus and you can only pay with coins.
The lingo (words they didn’t teach you in school)
The Irish use many fantastic words you will not have learnt in English class at school. This means even the simplest of conversations can become very confusing.
“Is yer wan shifting yer man over there?”
To an Irish person this sentence will make perfect sense. However, for most of us international students it will be difficult to understand what the person is trying to say. So, to help you along during your time here in UCD here are some useful words to know.
Tool= Idiot
Craic= Fun
Shift/meet/score= French kiss
Ride= A good looking person
Wagon= Unattractive female.
Yer wan= Person whose name you’ve forgotten
Savage= Very good
Deadly= Fantastic
Locked=To be drunk
Knackered= Tired
