How to get involved in campus life as an international student at UCD
Source: https://www.ucd.ie/global/international-blog/2026/campus-life-as-an-international-student/ Parent: https://www.ucd.ie/global/
Wednesday, 28 January, 2026
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Post by Mark Jackson. Photo Credit: Vincent Hoban.
Travelling to study in another country can be daunting, and international students often ask us how they can make the most of their student experience at UCD.
We’re going to answer that question by showing you all the ways you can get involved in campus life as a new international student at University College Dublin.
Fresher’s Week
Fresher’s Week usually takes place during the second week of the autumn trimester, when you can join sports clubs and student societies on campus.
This will also likely be your first chance to meet students from outside your degree programme, so make sure you introduce yourself. You might also want to grab a bucket of popcorn or a society tote bag while you’re in the Fresher’s tent!
Read more about Fresher’s Week on the UCD Societies page.
Refresher's Week
Refresher's Week is designed for you if you missed Fresher's Week either because you were unable to attend or because you are new to UCD for the Spring trimester. It usually takes place in mid-to-late January each year.
Maybe you are on exchange or Erasmus at UCD, and you would like to learn more about the types of societies you can join on campus, then Refresher's Week is for you!
For information about this year's Refresher's Week, please visit the UCD Societies website and the UCD Societies Instagram.
Located in the basement of the Gerard Manley Hopkins building, the Global Lounge is the main social space for international students on campus. With weekly events like coffee mornings, society events, quizzes, and movie nights, the Global Lounge offers social events to suit everyone.
Student Societies
Joining a student society is one of the best ways for new students to make friends on campus. Societies typically host weekly events and activities that you can attend after you’ve paid a small sign-up fee, usually no more than a few euro.
If you’re wondering which society to join as an international student, there are over 90 active student societies on campus, and that number is growing every year.
Societies are also a great way to learn leadership and teamwork skills, as there are often committee member slots available to those who want to apply for them.
Some of the most well-known and popular societies are:
- International Students Society
- Drama Society
- Literary & Historical Society
- Film Society
- Volunteers Overseas
You can find the full list of student societies on the UCD Societies page. Sign up to as many as you want!
Sports Clubs
Sports Clubs are another brilliant way to meet fellow students, learn a new sport or to practice a familiar one. Clubs also meet weekly during term time for practice sessions and competitions.
UCD has some of the best university teams in Ireland, so you will benefit from competing at a national level.
Popular sports clubs on campus include:
- American Football
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Gaelic Football
- Rugby
- Snowsports
- Soccer
- Tennis
There are lots more sports clubs to choose from on the Sports Clubs page. Drop into a practice session to find out if it’s the right club for you!
UCD Global Lounge
Located in the basement of the Gerard Manley Hopkins building, the Global Lounge is the main social space for international students on campus.
With weekly events like coffee mornings, society events, quizzes, and movie nights, the Global Lounge offers social events to suit everyone, whatever your interests. It’s the ideal place to meet other international students and make friendships that could last a lifetime.
We also host a monthly book club, featuring brilliant books from all over the world. And yes, tea and snacks are included!
Learn more about this great international social space on our Global Lounge page.
Student Centre
The Student Centre serves as a meeting place for students looking to chill after a long day of classes.
With facilities like a cinema, a café, pool tables, a radio pod, a pharmacy, and a barber, it’s easy to understand why it’s so popular with students at UCD. The Student Centre also houses the Students’ Union, which represents and advocates for students on campus.
If you’re looking for a relaxed place to catch up with your new friends between lectures, the Student Centre will be your go-to.
Visit the Student Centre page for more information.
Sport & Fitness Centre
The Sport and Fitness Centre is connected to the Student Centre and is home to an Olympic-sized swimming pool, the main campus gym, the performance gym, a sauna, a climbing wall, and many multi-purpose sports halls.
There are also personal trainers available to book in the main gym, which you can do at the welcome desk.
If you want to hit the weights in a modern gym or practice a new sport like rock climbing with friends, this is the place for you.
Explore all the Sport and Fitness Centre has to offer.
UCD Village
Great food stalls, a diner and recreation spaces live in the Village. While you’re there, you can grab a classic chicken fillet roll at the campus supermarket, Centra. This is a true Irish delicacy!
Like the Student Centre, the Village is a key social space on campus with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of comfortable seating. Whether you’re looking for a delicious bao bun, freshly made sushi or the classic ham and cheese toastie, the Village has got you covered.
There are also soundproof performance spaces upstairs, where you can practice an instrument with friends or by yourself. Pop in for a visit whenever you can and experience UCD’s most modern social space.
Explore the UCD Village virtually through our virtual campus tour.
Discover more about life on campus on our Campus Life page.
Contact UCD Global
UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4. T: +353 1 716 8500 | Location Map