Freshers' Magazine

FRESHERS’ MAGAZINE

Volume XXIV | September 4th 2017

Photo Crediit: Phoebe Ireland Joanne Olivia, Ruth Murphy and Aoife Hardesty

Letter from the Editors

Contents Letter from the Editors Mystic Mittens // Crossword Meeting your Students’ Union A Guide to Societies Your Guide to Sports Clubs The UCD Expeience Transportation In Dublin Food Guide Films and Shows Where to have Fun Advicerous Rex

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Hello and welcome to UCD, and to the University Observer’s Freshers’ Magazine. Within this magazine we are going to try and give you the key to success at university, not academic success however, you’re on your own there.

There is no magic formula that will get you through the next three or four or five years. You will make friends, lose friends, lose your way, lose the rag, lose your dignity, and end up coming out the other side thinking that the past few years went by too quickly and you’re not ready to take the big leap into “real adulthood”. Trust me, nobody really ever is.

If you’ve moved away from home for the first time to come to UCD you are probably a mixed bag of emotions, excited at all the freedom, and terrified at the prospect of a new place, new people, and having to cook all your own meals. Don’t forget to give your mum a call from time to time. She misses you.

Take a deep breath, and be ready to dive right in. Make the most of the next few years. Try something new and random that you’ve always wanted to try. Go talk to that person you have a massive crush on. Dye your hair. Become a vegetarian. Get involved. Try out juggling, dancing, debating, and attending random events that feature famous people. Find the secret lake. Explore your person, and find out who you want to be.

Don’t forget that the end goal of university is to get a degree, but remember that you are more than a piece of paper. Work at your degree, but if you think it’s not right for you, or if you are struggling in any way, say something. Talk to a lecturer, student advisor, someone in the SU. Do what’s right for you and for no one else.

Throughout your time in UCD, the University Observer is going to be there to tell you what’s going on in UCD, and what changes nationally and internationally are going to affect you. You’ll see bundles spread across campus, giving you news, entertainment, and insight into current affairs. We’ll keep you updated on what’s happening around UCD, scandals that are brewing and whether or not the SU are doing a good job.

We wish you all the best for your time here in UCD, read on to get some stellar advice and tips on lots of things from where to eat or hang out, societies and clubs to join, or which buses to get.

Welcome to UCD, don’t fall in the lake.

Aoife and Ruth

Volume XXIV Freshers’ Magazine (01) 716 3835 editor@universityobserver.ie universityobserver.ie

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Editor Aoife Hardesty Deputy Editor Ruth Murphy Art & Design Editor Joanne Olivia

Contributors Niamh O’Regan Orla Keaveney Ian Moore Brían Donnelly Adam Lawler Dylan O’Neill

Cíarán Busby Meadhbh Sheridan Phoebe Ireland Danielle Crowley Alexander Glover Joanna O’Malley

Crossword Mystic Mittens Across 2. Week of society badgering and much free pizza (7) 6. A causer of bike accidents on campus (8) 8. Union Seat of Democracy and supplier of condoms (8) 10. UCD’s biggest (possibly only) enemy (7) Down 1. Fillet roll sandwich of questionable nutritional value which has become a student staple (7) 3. Number of buildings on the Belfield campus named after people (9) 4. Deeks Imperial Overlord of our fine institution (9) 5. The Main Lake was built to prevent them (5) 6. Lake hidden location for predrinks and all round good times (6) 7. Services “Have you tried turning it off and turning it back on again?” (2) 9. Terrifying creatures which freely roam UCD being deceptively attractive (5) 10. Best friend, eternal comforter and source of strength (3)

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 Full of excitement at your newfound freedom as a student living away from home, after a few rounds in the Clubhouse you think it’s a great idea to take a midnight dip in the lake. Enjoy the tetanus shots.

Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 You go to the wrong theatre for your first 9am lecture.

Too embarrassed to leave you remain seated through the entirety of an advanced statistics lecture.

Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 In an effort to make the most of your time at university you join every single society possible, and fail to show up to a single event all year.

Leo Jul 23 – Aug 22 Sleeping with your History tutor isn’t all its cracked up to be. One month later you see him cycling his three kids to school.

Aries Mar 21 – Apr19 The all-boys secondary school you attended means you can’t speak to girls without breaking out into hives, but pretending to have a super hot girlfriend back home in Offaly won’t help matters.

Virgo Aug 23 - Sep 22 Feeling lonely, you secretly get a pet hamster and hope your roommate doesn’t become aware of the strange noises coming from underneath your bed.

Taurus Apr 20 – May 20 With no place to live for the year, you pitch a tent outside the Student Centre, making minimal use of the Sports Centre’s shower facilities.

Libra Sep 23 – Oct 22 In an effort to seem more interesting, you dye your hair green and tell everyone you’re a vegan, while having secret meaty midnight feasts.

Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 Halfway through the semester you will finally stop telling people Trinity was your first choice.

Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21 To the annoyance of your housemates, you fill the freezer with homemade meals from your mammy; God forbid you should try cooking.

Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 22 Testing the limits of how long you can avoid laundry, you resort to buying new underwear on a weekly basis.

Sagittarius Nov 20 – Dec 21 You fall for the boy sitting in front of you in your first class, only to find he already has a boyfriend.

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Meet your Students’ Union

You will see them everywhere in your first few weeks in UCD, so The University Observer sat down with this year’s UCDSU Sabbatical officers to talk about the year ahead.

Explain your role

I’ve been elected President, I’m chief spokesperson, and CEO of the Union, making sure things are operating smoothly, that we’re providing the best service possible to students, and that the union is a friendly place for students to come to and hang out.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

We are going to focus on class reps this year, making sure we’re recruiting as many as possible but also retaining them. We’re going to have “Hang out Thursdays”, we’re going to be getting to each building at least once: getting ourselves out there and interacting with students. We also want to work on cutting down the cost of college life.

We’re doing this through many ways: carpooling, microwaves but also accommodation.

Do you have any advice for new students?

Katie Ascough

My advice is simply get involved. Just throw yourselves out there. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people.

You can get involved in the union, and there’s so many societies and clubs to get involved with.

Explain your role

The Graduate Officer campaigns like the rest of the union, but one of the main roles is casework, and helping people with supervisory issues.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

At the moment there is a big focus in graduate rep recruitment. I am also going to try to come up with more structures within the university for people to deal with supervisory issues.

Do you have any advice for new students?

Niall Torris

For undergraduates: enjoy yourself, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. When you’re in first year you have to adjust to a new environment. It’s dramatically different to secondary school so give yourself credit for doing that.

For graduates: more boring, but look at the code of practise for supervisors and research students and find out who you can talk to if you’re having a problem with your supervisor.

Explain your role

Education Officer to me is doing peer-to-peer support for students who come in with academic questions. It’s also representing students on boards and looking out for their best interests across the university and all the different boards and keeping abreast of all the programme guidelines.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

I’ve been working on resit and repeat fees and will be bringing a proposal to senior management.

In terms of upskilling workshops it’s making sure that students are leaving with extra skills added on. I’ve got the registration clinics; I’m calling them “SU Help.”

Do you have any advice for new students?

Robert Sweeney

Go head deep into UCD. It’s your first year in UCD, broaden your horizons, but also watch out that your GPA may not count [towards your degree] but it may be relevant when you’re going for things like Erasmus or applying for master’s.

Explain your role

Welfare Officer is probably the widest-ranging role within the Union. I’m there to deal with any accommodation problems, financial problems. If a student needs someone to chat to, or have any unexpected circumstances, come see me.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

We will have a major emphasis on mental health. Mental health week is coming up in week 3 of semester one. We’ll be emphasising the supports available within UCD and trying to de-stigmatise the demographically smaller mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar, and OCD and just try to bring awareness about what is involved with them and what you don’t say to someone with OCD; just really how not to be a dick.

Do you have any advice for new students?

Eoghan Mac Domhnaill

Get involved. Get into societies, be a class rep, write for the paper, whatever you’re interested in. Some of the best supports available in UCD are from your friend group.

Explain your role

My role as Campaigns and Communications Officer is to be the person that engages with students. It’s my responsibility to get out and hear the students’ views, get them engaged in our activities, whether coming along to our Freshers’ Ball or joining the campaigns crew.

What are your plans for the year ahead?

I want to know what students want done here in UCD and get them behind campaigns. Campaigns go best when you have passionate and eager volunteers behind them. I also want to work on some environmental issues in UCD, to look at recycling, carpooling and encouraging the number of students cycling to UCD.

Do you have any advice for new students?

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Barry Murphy

My biggest piece of advice for first years is to recognise that they have worked very hard to get here, they are here to get a degree, but also to have fun. It’s here in college that you’ll find friends that come to your 50th birthday.

A Guide to UCD Societies

Picture Credit: The Green Party of Ireland via Flickr

With a huge range of societies to choose from, Orla Keaveney gives her advice on how to choose which are worth your €2.

Societies are one of the great aspects of university life that really set it apart from the secondary school experience. They help you meet new people, develop beyond your course, and pursue your passions for fun rather than grades.

During Freshers’ Week, the second week of the semester, a giant white tent will be set up in the quad behind the Student Centre.

Some faculty societies, like LawSoc and FilmSoc, have events that appeal to students from unrelated courses, so don’t rule those out straight away.

Inside, most of UCD’s societies will have stands manned by a member of their committee, who’ll be able to answer questions you might have about membership. Of course, it’s in their interests to make the society sound amazing, so take their enthusiastic descriptions with a pinch of salt.

The size of the stand depends on the number of members a society has. For instance, the Literary and Historical Society (better known as the L&H), LawSoc, and DramSoc have thousands of members, and therefore get much bigger stands.

However, take the time to check out the smaller ones too.

They might tap into your personal interests more closely, plus a more closely-knit community has its advantages.

To join a society, you simply give them your student number and €2.

In exchange you’ll get a membership card (usually with some cool discounts on the back), be added to their mailing list for events, and sometimes get a goodie bag filled with freebies like sweets, vouchers and of course, condoms.

The societies can be broadly divided into five categories: faculty, cultural, political, charity, and general “hobby” societies.

Faculty societies, such as MedSoc, Science Soc, and the Economics Society, are based on courses.

It’s always a good idea to join the one for your degree. They host events that help you get to know your classmates, find support from older students and even get jobs in your field further down the line.

However, some faculty societies, like LawSoc and FilmSoc, have events that appeal to students from unrelated courses, so don’t rule those out straight away.

Then you have the cultural societies, including the Islamic Society, Africa Soc, and Christian Union.

These societies can help you find other students who share your background, or to introduce you to a lifestyle that you’re interested in. It’s usually worth checking out the nationality-based stands during Freshers’ Week, which often hand out free croissants or other native delicacies.

After that you have the political and activist societies like Labour

Youth, Amnesty International, and Kevin Barry Cumann. These can offer you the chance to discuss and work on real-world issues that matter to you, or even build a network for a future career in politics.

the society’s page on Facebook first. The details of upcoming events will be available, (though not as comprehensively as the members’ email updates), and you’ll also get a feel for the culture of the society.

Also, don’t feel under pressure to sign up to every society that interests you during Freshers’ Week. In the early weeks, society members will check your card before allowing entry or discounts for their events – but if you don’t have one, they usually give you the chance to buy membership on the spot.

When you go to your first society event, try to resist the temptation to bring a friend along. Trying something new can be that bit scarier on your own, but having someone you know already will make it too tempting to talk to that person the whole time. If you’re hoping to make new friends within this society, you’ll need the freedom to strike up conversations with other attendees, many of whom will be in the same boat as you.

Finally, remember that societies are primarily for fun, but have so many benefits, even beyond university. Involvement looks impressive on CVs, can give you the teamwork and people-management skills needed to succeed professionally, and build your network of contacts to help boost your career. Or at least that’s what you can tell your parents, when they ask why you’ve spent so much time on meet-ups, nights out and cheap trips abroad...

Before handing over your money, try liking the society’s page on Facebook first.

There are two big charity societies in UCD: Volunteer Overseas (aka UCDVO) and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society (UCDSVP). UCDVO gives you the chance to volunteer in third-world countries over the summer, using skills you’ve learned on your course like nursing or IT where possible. Meanwhile, UCDSVP works closer to home, tackling domestic poverty through fundraising and activities like soup runs in the city centre. Since students are notoriously strapped for cash, volunteer work can be the most feasible option for giving back. Also both charities are great CV-builders.

Finally, the “hobby” societies are the most varied. They are generally centred around an activity or interest like drama, podcast-making, games, music, Harry Potter, food, debating, chess, juggling, sci-fi, and more. These are definitely the ones to go to for meeting people with shared passions, and will have events centred around the hobby that attracted you in the first place.

If you want a better idea of the benefits of membership before handing over your money, try liking

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Your Guide to Sports Clubs in UCD

Picture Credit: Joanne Olivia

Our resident sports guy Ian Moore takes a look at what sports clubs have to offer.

With over 8,500 members UCD’s sports clubs are a vital part of campus life. They give students the chance to compete at all levels of ability, make new friends, and lead a more active lifestyle.

Many freshers will be familiar with UCD sport at an elite level, where some of our most successful clubs such as GAA, Soccer, Rugby, Athletics, and Hockey have an illustrious history of producing sporting talent of an international standard.

Those seeking a sporting journey outside the norm are in luck as UCD boasts over 50 sports clubs.

From American Football to Windsurfing there is a place for everyone.

Alongside the more well-known clubs stands a plethora of combat sports, water sports, snow sports, racquet sports, and many more. Despite being smaller in stature these clubs have dedicated members and have had plenty of success in recent times. The Sailing Club won the IUSA Event of the Year, the Boxing club was victorious in their colours match against arch rivals Trinity, the Ladies & Men’s Volleyball teams were named the “Varsity Team of the Year” at the UCD Sports Awards, and the Mountaineering Club collectively ‘climbed Everest’ on the UCD climbing wall in aid of charity.

The nature of some clubs such as the Caving and Pothole Club, the Surf Club, and UCD Snowsports means that much of their activities are conducted off campus which gives members plenty of opportunities to travel and enjoy sports that

otherwise might never have been on their radar.

The largest sports club on campus is UCD GAA who boast 17 teams across five sports: Football, Hurling, Camogie, Ladies Football, and Handball. The clubs’ senior teams are consistently competitive in the

Members have opportunities to travel and enjoy sports that otherwise may never have been on their radar.

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Sigerson, Fitzgibbon, O’Connor, and Ashbourne Cup. Fortunately, the club also has Intermediate, Junior, and Freshers teams.

UCD AFC compete in the SSE Airtricity League First Division, Leinster Senior League, and the Collingwood Cup amongst others, while the AIB SuperLeague offers students a chance to enjoy football in a more relaxed setting.

UCD RFC ply their trade in the All-Ireland League with several current internationals bolstering their squad at a level which is just one step below provincial rugby. Alongside the 1st XV, the club fields six other teams including women’s and tag rugby sides. Both UCD’s Men’s and Women’s hockey teams field eleven teams and compete at a high level domestically, with the senior ladies’ team lifting an unprecedented five trophies last season including an unbeaten season in the EYHL. The Athletics Club (the UC-

DAC Bears) trains in jumps, throws, sprints and distance events and boasts three Rio 2016 Olympians, Mark English, Ciara Mageean, and Ciara Everard within their ranks. For the somewhat less prodigious the UCDAC runs meet and train groups for beginners alongside entering teams into Track & Field and Cross Country Intervarsities, as well as the annual Colours event with Trinity.

While the elite levels of collegiate sport may be beyond the reach of most of us mere mortals, the vast majority of clubs are open to all levels of ability and often pay a considerable amount of attention

lifestyle goes some way to making their time in UCD all the more memorable.

Those looking for more information should be sure to check out the Sports Centre during Freshers’ Week for the annual UCD Sports Expo where you can join up for a slightly pricier fee of ten euro. Clubs can also be joined throughout the year and all UCD clubs are contactable through email and Facebook pages.

With a range of clubs available, you’re sure to find one that is your cup of tea. So join up to something, you’ll be able to make friends, have fun and keep active!

The vast majority of clubs are open to all levels of ability and often pay a considerable amount of attention to the social aspect of sport. to the social aspect of sport.

It’s often the on the field successes that we focus on but the social benefits of joining a club are undeniable. Belfield can appear daunting to the best of us at first but sports clubs can provide an opportunity to meet new people, pick up a new hobby, and keep fit at the same time. Those involved in clubs are always quick to point out just how much their involvement in sport has enriched their college experience.

The combination of a sporting challenge, a social outlet, and an active

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The UCD Experience In order to help with the difficulties of entering the madness that is UCD here are some of the experiences of our own University Observer staff.

Brían Donnelly Having recently been barred from Dicey’s, I’m eager to return to the calming oasis of UCD to start my final year and ‘get serious’ about the rest of my life. Much has happened since I started college, but if I regret anything in particular, it’s that I didn’t retweet any of Hillary Clinton’s tweets while she was running for president. Maybe it’s my Catholic-Millennial Guilt, but I can’t help but feel that the whole ‘President Trump’ thing is sort of my fault.

Final year is, I am told, a time for deep reflection on the strange things that have happened. A stand-out moment for me was while I was Treasurer for EconSoc. A 2nd year Economics student, whose class was having a mid-term exam in Blackrock, asked us whether he could use the Economics Society’s bus to get his class to the exam hall on time. If he thought a society of roughly 800 people had a bus, I’d very much like to know what he thought the L&H owned.

When asked if there’s anything that I would change about my time in UCD, the answer, truthfully, is barely a thing - I’ve never been left desperately in want of something to do. It’s one thing to note the sheer number of active clubs and societies, but quite another to point out that none of these groups, or the events they hold, become any less accessible as you progress through your years here. If I leave you with any clichéd advice, it’s that you should throw yourself into the deep end (figuratively). Semesters go by at a nauseating rate, so don’t put off getting involved.

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Cíarán Busby On this, your first week of your sentence on Belfield Campus, it’s important to learn from past mistakes. Which is why I’m writing to you now from the cushy position of Business Editor!

During your first few weeks, you’ll make your first group of friends. Be this your orientation group, some random amalgamation of people you were randomly paired with during a group assignment or a party crowd you fell in with during a loose night in the clubhouse! Unless you’re a lucky sod, you will never see these people again.

But by semester two, you’ll fall into a routine and you’ll know who your friends are.

I must stress that if at any point during your undergraduate tenure you feel lost, neglected or depressed, UCD offers many services to help!

And, if you don’t feel like going through official routes, many students (myself included) are friendly enough to talk to if you have the confidence to speak first!

To the culchies, as a country man myself, I can attest to feeling completely out of my depth the first time I tried to make my way to campus on the 36a, or the 39a… wait, the 46a? Either way, I strongly suggest relying on your smartphone to help navigate the concrete jungle that is the big shmoke for the first while!

Other than that; avoid hangovers for 9 am lectures, when picking electives make sure your credits are equal for both semesters, and dance.

DANCE EVERY NIGHT!

Alexander Glover I love UCD a lot. However, this love only truly blossomed when I returned from my Erasmus year abroad. Being away from Belfield made me appreciate it more and when I came back, the campus seemed more inviting than ever. I wanted to get involved in as many things as possible. This may have been because there wasn’t as much happening on my campus abroad or because I was coming to the realisation that my time in Belfield would be ending soon. So, like a Fresher with a roll of €2 coins in my pocket, I joined the societies I was interested in and I pledged to get active in the college community.

Unfortunately, unlike a Fresher, I also had to deal with the pressures of final year and the heavy workload that comes with that. Still, I attended events and I wrote articles for the Observer but every time I did felt like procrastinating.

So, my advice would be if you get the chance to go on Erasmus, take it! But, hopefully you don’t need to see Belfield from a clarifying distance to realise how great it can be. Get involved early and make the most of your time here.

UCDog Millie My time in UCD has been so exciting. There’s smells everywhere!! There’s a really interesting smell by the entrance to the Library building, I thoroughly recommend sniffing it out. Be careful of the lake, really good smells there, but there’s these strange white not-dog creatures who I don’t like. I’m not scared of them. I just don’t like them.

Squirrels!!!!! There are so many squirrels here. Sometimes they’ll run out right in front of you! The Veterinary building smells interesting, some are good smells…. some are bad smells…

I don’t know what’s going on in there, but one smell led me to a big long-necked spotty notdog creature, it was really tall, taller even than my hooman.

I love coming to UCD, I love running around and smelling everything! My words of wisdom is to smell everything, and if something smells fishy (and you lick it, and it doesn’t taste like fish) then avoid it.

One day, I was walking along and a small hooman in front of me dropped an ice cream for me to eat up!! It was sooooo tasty, and cold, but tasty. And, most importantly, if you go up to hoomans in UCD they tell you you’re a good dog.

At the end of the day, being a good dog is what matters most, and hoomans are good dogs too.

Adam Lawler I faffed a good deal in my first year of UCD. After having gone to a tiny Irish school in Wicklow, UCD was like a physical manifestation of the world opening up in front of me to reveal its countless possibilities.

It’s okay to mess about. As everyone has already told you, the college experience is more than just lectures and tutorials. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to get by on attendance and half-assed assignments while you go out and make friends for life. However, there is a time when you have to put a cap on the faff, such as when you’re missing every class to sit in the Clubhouse at 11am with a glass of water scrolling through your phone with people you barely know and pretending you’re having the time of your life.

As someone who has undergone the horror of repeating modules: don’t do it. UCD is one of the most expensive places in which you can fail, so keep a balance and keep your sanity.

Orla Keaveney Just a year ago, I was a fresher myself, moving up to the “big smoke” from the wilds of Limerick City. I thought that my hometown had made me a seasoned city-slicker, but by Dublin standards I’m a right culchie.

I was a little nervous starting on my own in a whole new city: it was my first time living apart from my family, and I could count all the people I knew in UCD on one hand. As big as UCD is, the faces I saw at lectures and events became gradually more familiar, and the conversations became a lot more interesting.

What makes UCD so great is that it’s like a small town amid the maze of Dublin, populated by a fascinating range of people from all over Ireland and beyond. The campus is a varied blend of philosophers, athletes, performers, activists, writers, sesh gremlins, entrepreneurs, and globetrotters.

Some turn your world view upside down, some help you navigate Dublin’s club scene, some give you the courage to try things you’d never have imagined, and some simply make UCD feel like home.

If I was starting out again, I don’t know if I’d do anything differently – maybe resist eating so much Centra pizza. So for any fellow nonDubs out there, don’t let the sprawling campus or maze-like streets daunt you. Just be friendly, open yourself to new experiences, and soon things will fall into place.

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COACHES DUBLIN

ROUTE: UCD04 RECOMMENCEMENT DATE: MON 11TH SEPT 2017 PRICE EACH WAY: €3

Pick Up and Set Down is only permitted as per the stops listed in the schedule below.

Bus Stop MondayNumber Friday 2110 PUO 07:15 Garden Centre, New Road Clondalkin 2112 PUO 07:16 Clondalkin Village Main Street Clondalkin PUO 07:17 2160 Convent Road Clondalkin Cookstown Road 2741 PUO 07:25 Tallaght North Tallaght Square 4347 PUO 07:30 Tallaght 2538 Old Bawn Road (Jct. The Crescent) PUO 07:34 Tallaght 2540 PUO 07:36 Old Bawn Road (Jct. Kiltipper Road) Tallaght 6128 PUO 07:37 Firhouse Firhouse Road (Jct. Ballycullen Avenue) 2545 PUO 07:38 Firhouse Road (Jct. Monalea Wood) Firhouse 946 PUO 07:42 Firhouse Firhouse Road (Jct. Woodbrook Park) 1134 PUO 07:49 Rathfarnham Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham Shopping Centre UCD West Bus Terminus Belfield 877 SDO 08:10 Stop

Stop

Location

Location

Belfield UCD West Bus Terminus Rathfarnham Butterfield Avenue, Rathfarnham Shopping Centre Firhouse Road (Jct. Woodbrook Park) Firhouse Firhouse Firhouse Road (Jct. Monalea Wood) Firhouse Road (Jct. Ballycullen Avenue) Firhouse Tallaght Old Bawn Road (Jct. Kiltipper Road) Tallaght Old Bawn Road (Jct. The Crescent) Tallaght Square Tallaght Tallaght Cookstown Road Clondalkin Convent Road Clondalkin Clondalkin Village Main Street Clondalkin Garden Centre, New Road

Bus Stop Number 877 1138 1140 2520 2522 2532 2535 4348 2756 2160 2112 2110

Monday- Friday Thursday only

PUO SDO SDO SDO SDO SDO SDO SDO SDO SDO SDO SDO

17:00 17:40 17:45 17:47 17:50 18:00 18:02 18:05 18:08 18:10 18:13 18:15

15:30 16:03 16:08 16:10 16:12 16:15 16:18 16:20 16:25 16:28 16:29 16:30

UCD Bound New Road - Clondalkin Village - Convent Road - Fonthill Road South - Belgard Road - Cookstown RoadCookstown Way - Belgard Square North - Belgard Square West - Belgard Square South R113 - N81 - Oldbawn Road - Firhouse Road - Butterfield Avenue - Grange Road - Nutgrove Avenue Churchtown Road - Dundrum Road - Bird Avenue - Clonskeagh Road - Wynnsward Drive - UCD West Bus Terminus Clondalkin Bound UCD West Bus Terminus - Wynnsward Drive - Clonskeagh Road - Bird Avenue - Dundrum Road Churchtown Road - Nutgrove Avenue - Grange Road - Butterfield Avenue - Firhouse Road - Oldbawn Road N81 - Cookstown Way - Belgard Square North - Belgard Square West (Southbound) Belgard Square West (Northbound) - Belgard Square North - Belgard Road - Fonthill Road - New Road Clondalkin Village - Convent Road Please Note: If you want to make a complaint about your bus trip contact Tel: 01 4523358 Email: admin@ridgwaycoaches.ie.

If you are not happy with the response from Ridgway Coaches, contact the National Transport Authority, Dún Scéine, Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2. Email: info@nationaltransport.ie

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Transportation in Dublin Orla Keaveney

Picture Credit: Meadhbh Sheridan

For those of us from outside Dublin, the sheer scale of the capital’s bus, tram, and train network can be both dazzling and head-wrecking. Having learned to navigate the city the hard way, I have a few words of wisdom to impart: If you’ll be using public transport at all, get a Student Leap Card as soon as possible – there’ll be a stand selling them in the student centre in the first few weeks of the semester. I know a tenner seems steep, but trust me, you’ll make that back in no time. Plus it saves you carrying around €2.70 in coins everywhere you go (Dublin Bus, much like a dodgy vending machine, doesn’t take notes or give change).

Unless you’re a born-and-bred Dub, there are two apps you’ll need to find your way around: Google Maps, and the Dublin Bus app. Use these to double-check every journey, or else you could end up taking the extremely scenic route. These apps both need internet, but if you have no mobile data, there’s a Starbucks on practically every corner in the city centre where you can steal Wifi on the sly.

When boarding a bus, don’t swipe your Leap card on the reader to the right. It will charge you the maximum fare of €2.60, which is for 13 or more stages, and to be honest nobody ever checks how far you go. Instead, go to the driver’s window, place your card on the reader and say “two-oh-five please” with an innocent smile.

Always be very polite to bus drivers, with a cheerful “thanks” as you hop off, no matter how grumpy or late they are – we don’t want them going on strike again.

Real Time Information displays may seem like a handy feature, but are actually psychological

longest journey possible, which could cost up to €3 more. A bit annoying, but definitely not the end of the world The last buses leave the city at 11.30 each night, with the last Luas at 0.30 in the morning.

Later in the night, taxis can be very pricy, so it’s worth checking if you’re on a Nitelink route – these are special bus services that run from D’Olier and Westmoreland Streets every hour on Friday and Saturday nights If your route to UCD is very circuitous, join the “UCD Carpool” Facebook page. If you’re lucky, someone with a car might be passing where you live, and could give you a lift in exchange for splitting fuel costs And remember, if you’re still unsure of how to get from A to B, you can always ask your friendly neighbourhood local. Sure, they slag off your “culchie” ways, but if it saves you getting from Heuston to UCD via Malahide, it’s worth enduring the eye-rolls!

When boarding a bus, don’t swipe your Leap card on the reader to the right. It will charge you the maximum fare of €2.60, which is for 13 or more stages, and to be honest nobody ever checks how far you go. torture devices, designed to string you along on false hope. You’ll just have to come to terms with the broken promises of punctual transport, and try not to lose your head when the 39a jumps from 2 to 14 minutes away Thankfully, the Luas and Dart are a lot more straightforward than the bus, though you need to remember to touch on and off for every journey if you use your Leap card. But don’t panic if you forget to touch off, your credit won’t be maxed out – you’ll simply be charged as if you had taken the

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The University Observer Student Food Guide

Picture Credit: Joanne Olivia

Our esteemed editors Aoife Hardesty and Ruth Murphy who have been eating food their whole lives give you the rundown on how to feed yourself in college.

Student bar: The Clubhouse does

curries and chips to line the stomach.

Open 11am – 11:30pm most days.

Pi: This café and restaurant in the Science building does a hot breakfast and dinner food. They are open 8am to 8pm.

days.

STUDENT RECIPE

Reader’s Deli: Near the outside en-

Basic Stir Fry

trance to the James Joyce library, it offers sandwiches, crêpes, and burritos. A shortage of seating is its downside. Open 8am - 8pm weekdays and 8am – 3pm.

The humble stir-fry is a student staple. Following the same basic recipe will give you the basis of an Asian dish or a fajita filling.

Chopped: This popular chain for

1 tblspn oil for frying 2 spring onions, chopped 1 tspn ginger 1 tspn garlic ½ red onion, chopped ½ red pepper, sliced ½ yellow pepper, sliced ½ mug water with 1 veggie stock cube 5 cm piece of courgette, sliced 3 small florets of broccoli pack of ready-to-use noodles

Centra: Located beyond the law

healthy lunches is also found in the Gerard Manley Hopkins building.

Wraps, salads and smoothies are all available, freshly made right before your eyes.

The Restaurant: Above the Global

The Veterinary and Health Sciences buildings have their own cafés that serves sandwiches as does Richview. The Vet café is open 7:30am – 5pm, Pulse in Health Science is open 8am – 6pm, Earl’s Deli in Richview is open 8am – 5pm.

building, centra does pizzas, burritos, wedges, and chicken. The pizzas are especially good value. Open 8am – 10pm. lounge in the Gerard Manley Hopkins Building which is by the Arts Block opposite Daedalus. It is a buffet of sorts; the options change but usually consist of curries, rice, chips, and chicken options. Open 8am – 7pm.

SANDWICHES Centra: It sells the legendary chick-

en fillet rolls. For vegetarians the rolls are also delicious with wedges minus the chicken.

The Students’ Union shops: There

is one underneath the library, another in the New Student Centre and a smaller one located in the engineering building. In the Student Centre and beneath JJ there is a deli with a variety of sandwich options as well as lasagne and salads. They’re open 8am to 8pm Monday – Thursday and 8am – 4pm on a Friday.

Building and is cheaper than a regular Starbucks.

Insomnia can be found in the Law

Building, getting coffee to go is advised as it does not offer much seating.

The SU Shops have self-service

coffee machines in the SU shop, with the cheapest coffee on campus.

Readers Deli is slightly more cen-

The Poolside Café: This deli sits by

Pi Coffee Dock: Serving Lavazza coffee, this should be avoided at peak times when the queue stretches far beyond the doors, a sign of its popularity.

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1. Heat the oil in a wok, if you don’t have a wok you can use a regular frying pan.

Fry the spring onions, ginger and garlic for 1 minute, then add the rest of the ingredients apart from the noodles. Keep on high heat for 5 minutes until vegetables are cooked and almost all of the liquid has reduced.

2. Stir in the noodles and cook for 1 minute.

3. Serve up, and add salt and pepper for seasoning if desired.

4. Bon apetite!

Starbucks is situated in the Quinn

Subway: Hidden beneath the

the gym in the New Student Centre and serves sandwiches, salads, and ice cream. It is open 9am-9pm on weekdays and 9am-6pm on week-

Preparation

COFFEE

tral than other places and you don’t have to make it yourself with Costa coffee available.

restaurant in The Gerard Manley Hopkins building is a Subway, with a good value lunch deal for a fiver. It is open weekdays 8am – 7pm.

Ingredients

Arts Café: In the heart of Newman is an overpriced café.

Picture Credit: Meadhbh Sheridan

HOT FOOD

Tips!

Sauces (sweet and sour, black bean etc.) can be stirred in after the noodle addition. Noodles can be left out and rice boiled on the side. For fajitas, leave out soy sauce, and try adding seasoning such as cumin or bbq flavouring. If you’re craving some meat, sliced chicken fillets can be added. Fry these in the wok until lightly browned before adding the veggies, this will ensure they are cooked through.

Films and Shows to Get you Through College

Picture Credit: Pxabay

With many between classes chats centring on entertainment, Ciarán Busby and Dylan O’Neill give the rundown of some college staples.

Game of Thrones

If you want to have conversations in college, you will have to tune into this behemoth. Now finishing its penultimate season, Game of Thrones has been a staple of collegiate procrastinating chats since the first season aired back in 2011. If you have managed to avoid spoilers (which this writer believes to be near impossible) then the series will not only entertain, but shock you at the sheer brilliance of its writing of twists, turns, and world-building. Think ‘Lord of the Rings’ fused with ‘House of Cards’. Unfortunately, the series is unavailable on Netflix, although it is still available for purchase online, with Sky On Demand, or in your local DVD store- yes, they still exist!

Breaking Bad

Another quintessential university talking piece is the masterpiece that is ‘Breaking Bad’. A show that snuck up on the world and took it by storm, becoming one of the original binge watches. Breaking Bad follows the story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher who descends into a drug cooking and dealing super-criminal by the name of Heisenberg. If you haven’t seen the show, you’ve probably seen the t-shirts. Walt goes into the narcotics business with an ex-student to generate cash for the treatment of his terminal cancer. Although many say it’s slow to start

and that it takes until the second season to get into, I can assure you; it’s not. This one is a must watch, and can be viewed quickly on Netflix, which is also a must have for those long college evenings that you’re not out in Coppers.

American Pie

Ah, the original coming of age madcap teen sex comedy. American Pie (and its numerous sequels) mainly illustrates everything that WON’T happen to you in college, although it is incredibly fun to watch and you’ll hope it will. The craziest of house parties, the most maddening mission for sex, and the hunt for the One. Wait. What am I talking about?

Of course, this is everyone’s UCD experience. Not to mention the fact that every group of friends has that one version of Stiffler’s Mom.

Monsters University

Albeit a bit of a left wing choice for prospective UCD students, Monsters University not only serves as a biography of being a fresher but also as a touching story exploring the side of college we don’t always hear before stepping foot on Belfield campus for more than a day. College is tough.

Sometimes that dream course you studied so hard for, isn’t quite your cup of tea. Even though you were popular before, as you grow up, it becomes harder to find friends, and

the best ones are found in some of the strangest places. In such a large college as UCD it can seem easy to lose your footing, but remember, you’re here for a reason.

favourite is the parody of a certain blonde bombshell in “The Math of Love Triangles”). This show will make you ask yourself “When was the last time I was truly happy?”

Avatar: The Legend of Aang

Quantico

This cartoon series which ran from 2005-2008, centered around a young boy, Aang, as he traveled the world to learn and master his powers of the four elements. Showcasing a vast and diverse roster of memorable characters, the show was praised for how they weaved a critique on war into a fantasy children’s series. The show’s sequel series The Legend of Korra was critically acclaimed for its animation and musical score, as well as exploring themes of race, gender and sexual identity by featuring a bisexual woman of colour as the main character, long before Sense8 became a thing.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

It’s the age-old tale of girl likes boy, boy rejects girl, girl leaves her partnership in a New York law firm to stalk boy. This musical-comedy series is popular for its parodies of film and musical tropes. The series tackles issues such as unhealthy relationships and mental health in a funny and addictive way with catchy original songs that pay homage to Western pop culture (my personal

This ABC hit-series stars Priyanka Chopra, as FBI-trainee Alex Parrish, who is framed for a devastating terror attack in the heart of New York City. Filled with plot-twists and heavily character-driven, the series is divided between flashbacks at the Academy and flash-forwards to the fallout after the terror attack. It’s a fast-paced thriller that has enjoyed critical acclaim amd was nominated Favourite Network TV Drama at the People’s Choice Awards, with Priyanka winning Favourite Dramatic TV Actress for her role.

Class

The lesser known Doctor Who spinoff series, this series has a generally darker tone than its mainstream parent series. Centered around a group of teenagers who deal with alien invasions on a weekly basis. It’s a standard sci-fi plot, but what really makes the show worthwhile are the discussions on slavery, sexual orientation, family, and independence as the central story arc for the main characters.

13

Where to Have Fun in Dublin

Picture Credit: Phoebe Ireland

Adam Lawler gives the rundown of the coolest, classiest, and cosiest joints in town to explore with your new found freedom.

So you got into UCD, and your first thought is “oh my God I’m in the big city, where can I go on the lash?” Not really, your first thought is “oh my God, how am I going to find parking?” but that’s a different story.

Dublin is a relatively big place and it’s going to be your home for the next few years, so it will help to know the wonders that await you after a twenty minute bus journey into the city centre.

Every student will at some stage experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, and where you go to throw that cash definitely counts. You’ve probably heard some legendary tales of gregariousness in Copperface Jack’s, of two euro pints in Dicey’s, of the cool vibes in Everleigh Gardens and DTwo, and guess what? They’re all true, and they’re all basically next door to each other on Harcourt Street. If you go a bit further afield to get the good times rolling you can sample the delights of queer institutions like the George or Pantibar, or the chill hipster vibes of Workmans on the quays which is renowned for its amazing smoking area more than anything else. Go to all of them at least once, because no matter the difference in experience, you will have fun in every one.

Just don’t go to Palace unless you want to recreate an episode of Inbetweeners, and avoid Temple Bar altogether unless you want to pay a fiver for each breath you take.

Go for pre-drinks or just for some chill sociables in Turk’s Head, Sin É, Whelan’s or The Hairy Lemon for

some pub banter, and here’s a tip: download the In For Free app for a cheaper experience altogether.

Is your thing more chats (or spilling the tea) over coffee? Dublin is growing a reputation for its coffee shops, and you could do worse than stopping by Coffee Angel, Kaph or

Avoid Temple Bar altogether unless you want to pay a fiver for each breath you take.

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3FE. If you’d prefer a warmer and comfortable Friends-esque setting, try Accents on Stephen Street Lower for great coffee and comfortable couches (as well as the odd spoken word evening!).

is the hotspot for cocktails in the city. A bit pricey maybe, but totally worth it. If the thinkpieces are to be believed, young people are really into wings, so if you want to contribute to capitalism make sure to hit up TriBeCa, Elephant & Castle, Just Wing It, Aussie BBQ, Camden Rotisserie… there are literally too many to count. Another recent phenomenon is sweet treats, and there’s no shortage of them in Dublin; go to Lemon on Dawson Street for crêpes and pancakes, or next door for froyo in Mooch (life is short, do one after the other). Make sure to give Lemon Jelly a try, or one of the two Gino’s on Grafton Street alone. All of that without discussing doughnuts. Boston Donuts are solid and you can get a doughnut and coffee for a fiver.

Token is a bar and restaurant, but also a retro arcade and a pinball parlour, designed to indulge your newly-adult self but also your inner child; perfect for us students who are caught in-between.

Food is king, but food plus a good night? Captain America’s is a great place for food, but get this; cocktails are €3 each from Monday to Wednesday. Just flash your student card and endless Woo Woos await as well as the chance to embarrass yourself trying to say the name. Powerscourt Centre is the definition of notions, with its grandiose architecture, gorgeous boutique stores and a lovely café. It is also the home of Pygmalion, which

Aungier Danger is a cool spot, and Rolling Donut is the artisan experience. Whatever treat you decide on, take it and amble around Stephen’s Green. Wings and rings are here to stay.

For something different, why not have a gander at the Dublin Flea Market, or brew some quality memories on the Vintage Tea Tour? Something interesting that has popped up in recent months is Token. Situated in Smithfield, Token is… well, it’s a bit

of everything. It’s a bar and restaurant, but also a retro arcade and a pinball parlour, designed to indulge your newly-adult self but also your inner child; perfect for us students who are caught in-between. While you’re in Smithfield you could catch a film at the Lighthouse Cinema, where they show blockbusters and indie flicks alike as well as sell alcohol. What more could you ask for?

There really is something for everyone in Dublin. Culture? You’ve got the National AND Natural history museums, as well as the National Art Gallery. Science? Trinity College Science Gallery, which is host to cool and FREE exhibitions year-round. Music? Have a browse in one of the only Tower Records stores left in the world, or catch a cheap gig in Whelan’s or the Academy. As for shopping; who has the money for that? Enjoy your time in the Big Smoke!

Advicerous Rex Life, much like college, is full of difficulties and so our agony aunt/uncle/dinosaur is here to answer your burning questions Alternatively, you could play the long game. Nothing says, ‘I love you’ more than burying your head in your studies, ignoring your social and extracurricular activities, and focusing on your meteoric rise up the corporate ladder until you finally snap. Soon after, you should find solace in a narcissistic, drug-fuelled binge which, while actually lasting just under 2 years, wipes clean your perception of time entirely until you wander desperately into the reception of a nearby Radisson Blu and come face-to-face with the man you sacrificed everything to impress. Despite your dishevelled appearance, he barely notices you. You fall to the ground, flailing your arms like a windmill with a seizure, and profess your love to him. He backs away in terror, calling out for security. You faint, and the world turns black.

Finally, if all else fails, it pays dividends to simply approach him. Sit beside him in class and quote his favourite film at appropriate intervals until he asks you out for a drink. “I wish I knew how to quit you” you’ll murmur.

Terrified that his secret will be revealed, he will play the dutiful boyfriend until he elopes with his pal that always dressed up as a cowboy.

What should I do to prepare for my next tinder date?

The night before your date, I suggest you hop into bed and practice feeling disappointed, alone, and empty inside. In particular, try to focus on how you’ll have seemed to have had a better sense of humour when you were chatting online, sending your love interest an intolerable level of topical memes and poking fun at your only mutual friend, Darragh Murphy, to whom you haven’t spoken since you last saw him that one summer in the Gaeltacht.

Remember to question the very existence of your self-worth, condemn your wobbly and unreliable confidence, and consider signing up for Operation Transformation, Love Island, and First Dates Ireland. Don’t forget to hang up immediately when they call you for a face-to-face interview though - you were only joking anyway, weren’t you?

Why can’t I grow a beard?

Much like love, there’s no guarantee you’ll ever have a beard - but don’t let your inferior genes stop you from fulfilling your Van Dyke dreams. I recommend enrolling yourself in one of Ingrid Houwers’ taxidermy day courses in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Once you’ve mastered the ancient art of guttin’ and stuffin’, you’ll be able to choose any pre-grown bearded face, slice it off, and wear it yourself!

There are obvious hurdles to this course of action: you may be wondering how you could possibly understand the thick accent of any Northern Irish taxidermist, but fear not, as Ingrid’s course offers a 3-volume, leather bound, do-it-yourself guide to the intricacies of taxidermy: ‘Get Stuffed: Beginners’ Taxidermy & Me.

Should I get a puppy or a kitten?

Upon further examination, this seemingly innocuous question poses a greater challenge than many realise. While Pope Francis, in 2014, concluded that ‘paradise is open to all God’s creatures’, the scriptures themselves have largely remained silent on the age-old puzzle of whether animals go to heaven. Although I’m not particularly devout, I must say that I’d be rather bothered to find that the 7-year-old Bichon Frise-Yorkshire Terrier mix wandering around my family home is in fact barred from the eternal and blissful utopia of Heaven.

Conservative theologian Pope Pius IX, who first declared the doctrine of papal infallibility, rejected the idea that dogs and other animals could be permitted to Paradise on the grounds that animals have no conscience. I personally can support this hypothesis with the evidence that, despite years of house training, my dog continues to wildly defecate with an ungodly frequency in our conservatory.

In conclusion, it doesn’t particularly matter which animal you choose as it’s likely that the godforsaken heathen will drag you down with it to the pit of fiery brimstone and eternal damnation. In reality, the only difference is that a cat will eat your body once you’ve passed away.

I’ve been following this guy on Facebook, I look at all his pictures, and know all the places he goes, he’s the reason I decided to come to UCD. I’ve already enrolled in all the same classes as him, how do I say hello and get him to notice me?

The first thing to note is that, unfortunately, not everyone is as much of a hopeless romantic as your good self. However, there are a number of things you can try to get this boy swooning without the use of much chloroform.

Leave little hints around the place to let him know that you’re thinking of him. Break into his residence and move his furniture around several inches a week until he slowly loses his faith in reality. His broken spirit and fragile mind will be perfect real estate for a romantic, co-dependent relationship to blossom.

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