Return to Campus FAQs
Attendance
Will lecturers be understanding if you cannot attend lectures if you are sick?
If you're experiencing Covid-19 symptoms, such as a cough or trouble breathing,ou must not attend class on campus, and your lecturers will work with you to make up the missing time, if possible.
Will you be marked on online attendance?
Your lecturer will decide this, so please ask them when you return later this month.
Facilities
Will we be able to sit and eat in the canteen?
- Access to the canteen will be available on the days you are on campus, with numbers.
- A reduced menu will be offered, with pre-packed sandwiches and confectionery, such as crisps or chocolate bars.
- Where possible, please pay for your food and drink with contactless payments;
- Water dispensers will be hygienically controlled, and disposable cups will be provided where possible;
- If using personal water bottles at dispensers, please take particular care to avoid contact with the dispenser tap.
- To avoid transmission of infection, microwaves, fridges, and cutlery will not be available.
Will the gym in Blanchardstown and City Campus be open?
We hope to have some sports facilities open, but only small numbers will be catered for at any one time. Please keep an eye out on TU Dublin Sports - for more information.
If you are early, can we use the Library or where can we go?
The advice is to arrive on campus in time for your classes, as unfortunately, you cannot enter any University building unless you're timetabled to do so. This is to enable us to timetable the maximum number of students and staff on campus at any one time while ensuring the safety of everyone while they are there.
Bookable study spaces will be available in the libraries after teaching commences in September. These will be subject to safety guidelines in terms of maximum numbers. Further information will be available on the Library website at the start of the Semester.
What will the capacity be in the libraries and will we have to book in advance?
Libraries will have a lower capacity than usual, but they will be open for you when you return in September. You will need to book a study space or PC in advance to ensure the safety of everyone in these spaces. However, our online Library is open 24hrs a day for all students. Find out more information here.
Click & Collect Book Service
TU Dublin Library Services is offering a Click & Collect Service. You can request books on the Library Catalogue and collect from a designated collection by appointment. Click on the links below for more information about the Service on each campus:
Will we be able to use facilities like the quiet room or prayer room?
This will depend on your campus, please contact your local Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy service to find out.
Transport
Is there car parking available on campus?
- Grangegorman is a green campus, so parking spaces are minimal. We do however have some spaces for students with disabilities, so please flag this with the Disability Support Service who will arrange this for you. There is information about getting to Grangegorman here.
- Paid parking is in operation on our Blanchardstown campus for both students and staff via pay and display or parking permit - more information is available here.
- Parking is also available for students on our Tallaght Campus.
We encourage those who can to cycle, walk or take public transport to college, so if you think that might be an option, here are some useful links and apps to plan your journey.
I get the bus to college - what happens if I miss my bus because there is no room?
There will be additional pressure on the public transport system once all the colleges return, so we understand that there may be days when you might miss the start of the lecture. Please talk to your lecturer during your first class and ask them what you can do if you miss a lecture because of a transport issue.
Will we have to commute to Dublin for mandatory labs using public transport?
If you're worried about using public transport, then we suggest speaking to your lecturer about mandatory labs.
Will the Blanchardstown shuttle bus be operating this Semester?
Yes, the shuttle bus to the Blanchardstown campus will operate this Semester with some changes to the route. It will include existing stops at Coolmine station, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and TU Dublin with additional stops in Hartstown and Huntstown. The stop at the National Aquatic Centre will be discontinued. If you have any queries, please contact us on courses@tudublin.ie.
Clubs and Societies
Will societies be able to commence their events as usual?
COVID19 social distancing protocols will no doubt affect the type and size of events that Clubs and Societies can offer. Still, they are working on a new schedule of events, in-person and online, so there is bound to be something for you! The best bit is all Clubs, and Socs are free to join this year, so why not try something new!
COVID-19 Safety Measures
How many will be allowed in a lecture room?
This depends on the size of the room. A maximum number will be indicated on the door. 2. Will we have to wear face coverings?
All students and staff will be required to wear a face-covering in all public areas on campus and anywhere that 2 metres distance cannot be maintained, including, if required, in teaching spaces. There will be certain teaching spaces, e.g. kitchens, laboratories, workshops, which will have specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements which you must follow as otherwise you cannot join the class. Your School will let you know what type of PPE you will need. Please check here for guidelines if you are unable to wear a face covering for medical/other reasons.
Will TU Dublin be making reusable masks available?
TU Dublin encourages all students and staff to use reusable masks to minimise waste. Please bring your own mask to campus every day.
Is there a one-way system in the college?
Where possible, a one-way system will operate, with separate exits and entrances, and these will be well signposted. Where a one-way system is not possible, a 'STAY LEFT' policy will operate. When you arrive for lectures, please follow these instructions.
When will we be on campus and what PPE gear do we need?
You will spend at least one to two days on-campus. Face-coverings will be required while walking through campus public spaces, in libraries and when required in teaching spaces. There will be certain teaching spaces, e.g. kitchens, laboratories, workshops, which will have specific Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements which you must follow. If you do not, you will not be allowed into the class. Your School will let you know what type of PPE you might need.
Please check here for guidelines if you are unable to wear a face covering for medical/other reasons.
Will lectures be recorded for those who can't make it into college?
This will be made clear by your lecturers.
Erasmus
Update on International Student Mobility 2020/2021, Friday, 24 July 2020
This is the latest information regarding International Student Mobility in TU Dublin, which follows recent Government guidance about international travel:
Students coming to Ireland
For students intending to come to Ireland through Erasmus and other exchange programmes, they can proceed as planned subject to travel restrictions.
TU Dublin students outgoing on mandatory exchanges
For TU Dublin students travelling from Ireland on Erasmus and other exchange programmes, where international mobility is a mandatory part of their study, they may proceed if the following is in place:
- Students must be covered by a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for the duration of their planned Erasmus+ Mobility Programme.
- In addition to complying with the terms of the Erasmus programme, a student must also provide the International Office with a valid certificate from their GP to confirm that they are not in a 'very high-risk group' or 'high-risk group' as identified by the HSE. (See Appendix). Where this confirmation cannot be provided, the student will be requested NOT to travel given the very substantial risk to their health and insurance.
TU Dublin students outgoing – not mandatory
TU Dublin Students who wish to avail of an Erasmus or other Exchange programme but for whom international Mobility is NOT a mandatory part of their studies, will NOT be facilitated in Semester 1. This is in line with current government advice to avoid non essential travel.
Alternative academic study arrangements
For students who had intended to participate in an Erasmus or other Exchange programme in Semester 1 and who now cannot do so, alternative study arrangements will be provided by the relevant schools and programmes at TU Dublin for students.
These guidelines reflect the current Government advice on Friday, 24 July, which if changed our policies will be updated accordingly.
International Office, TU Dublin, Appendix
A certificate from a GP is required to confirm that the student planning to travel is NOT considered to be in either of the following 'at risk' groups identified by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Very high-risk groups (extremely vulnerable)
- are over 70 years of age - even if you're fit and well
- have had an organ transplant
- are undergoing active chemotherapy for cancer ? are having radical radiotherapy for lung cancer ? have cancers of the blood or bone marrow such
- as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
- are having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
- are having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
- have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
- severe respiratory conditions including cystic fibrosis, severe asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung fibrosis, interstitial lung disease and severe COPD
- have a condition that means you have a very high risk of getting infections (such as SCID, homozygous sickle cell)
High-Risk Groups
- are over 60 years of age
- have a learning disability
- ave a lung condition that's not severe (such as asthma, COPD, emphysema or bronchitis) ? have heart disease (such as heart failure) ? have high blood pressure (hypertension) ? have diabetes
- have chronic kidney disease
- have liver disease (such as hepatitis)
- have a medical condition that can affect your breathing
- have cancer
- have a weak immune system (immunosuppressed) ? have cerebrovascular disease
- have a condition affecting your brain or nerves (such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy)
- have a problem with your spleen or have had your spleen removed
- have a condition that means you have a high risk of getting infections (such as HIV, lupus or
- scleroderma)
- are taking medicine that can affect your immune
- system (such as low doses of steroids)
- have obesity
- are residents of nursing homes and other long-stay settings
- are in specialist disability care and are over 50 years
- of age or have an underlying health problem
- are taking medicine that makes you much more likely to get infections (such as high doses of steroids or immunosuppression therapies)
- have a serious heart condition, and you're pregnant
Fees
Will there be reduced fees?
While the delivery of teaching will be blended and will include more virtual classes than previously, the quality of your programme cannot be allowed to diminish. In TU Dublin, the experience of being in small class groups and of getting to know (and being known by) lecturers and tutors is an integral part of the university experience so we will be making every effort to retain this essential experience while following public health guidelines and ensuring the safety of everyone on campus. These measures will incur higher costs for every area of the university, from learning and teaching technology to health and safety measures, but there is no change in fees.
Student Assistance
How do I apply for the laptop scheme?
We are currently finalising the process for laptop scheme, and it will be communicated shortly.
Grants
Did you know that even if you weren't eligible for a grant in your first-year, a change in you or your family's circumstances could mean you can apply this year?
You can check your eligibility on the SUSI website. If you're eligible, we recommend that you apply via the SUSI website as soon as possible. If you have already applied for a SUSI grant, you can complete your programme registration without paying any fees.
Financial Aid
We recognise that some students may face financial difficulties during their time at college, and several assistance schemes are in place to support such students.
The scheme is designed to help those in severe financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances such as the current COVID19 crisis or students who are disadvantaged and require additional financial support to continue their third-level studies. This funding is available to full-time registered TU Dublin students, and certain part-time registered students and these funds cannot be used for the purposes of registration or tuition fees.
View more information on Grants and Financial Aid or contact your Student Services Information Desk.
Will DARE applicants have compensation as learning online from home reduces learning ability?
Our Disability Support Service is committed to supporting students with disabilities and to ensure that any student with a disability is not at an educational disadvantage during their studies. If you believe online learning may affect your studies this year, please contact your local Disability Support Service – you will find the information here.
Being on Campus
Where can I sit down on campus?
While you're on-campus, there will be socially distanced rest areas for you in between lectures, labs or workshops.
Can I use the water fountain?
Water dispensers will be hygienically controlled, and disposable cups will be provided where possible; if using personal water bottles at dispensers, please take particular care to avoid contact with the dispenser tap.
Is there a minimum number of days that we'll be on campus?
You will be on campus one to two days a week, check if your indicative timetable is available here.
Can we be on campus outside of our timetables to study?
Study Spaces & PCs
Bookable study spaces will be available in the libraries after teaching commences in September. These will be subject to safety guidelines in terms of maximum numbers in any space at one time. Further information will be available on the Library website at the start of the Semester.
There are 40 people in my class - will we all be together for lectures?
The size of a class will depend on the spaces available. For these reasons, lectures for larger class groups may take place virtually with face-to-face teaching reserved for tutorials, labs, etc.
Will creative arts students be in the studio most of the time?
Please see here for an indicative timetable for Creative Arts and Photography students.
How will labs work?
We suggest contacting your School to find out the procedures for laboratory work. 8. Will we be able to work in lab partners when our labs resume? We suggest contacting your School to find out the procedures for laboratory work.
An email was sent saying about 20% in college, will this include labs/kitchens etc. How many students will be allowed?
Maximum occupancy in labs and kitchens will depend on the size and layout of the individual spaces but will be in line with public health guidelines.
Placements
Is there any update for students who were meant to go on placement in September?
Student placement arrangements in Semester 1 will depend on the course. For example, the guidelines for early childhood programmes say that these will not take place until Semester 2, but some students are on placements in a range of other healthcare settings - all taking place as per national guidelines. We suggest contacting your lecturer or School to talk about placements.
Timetables
When will we get our timetables so we can look for jobs to fit our timetable?
Indicative TU Dublin Student Timetables for Semester 1 are available here. Please click on your campus location and search for your School or discipline. Detailed timetables will be provided to you by your School when classes resume.
Will online classes be live? Or can you also watch back later?
Please check this with your lecturers as it will depend on the class.
When will incoming first-year students get timetables?
Incoming first-years will receive their timetables when they join us from Monday, 28 September 2020.
When will we find out what class we are in?
Your School will let you know about this
Are all lectures online? Only on-campus for practical classes? How often would that be?
It will depend on the size of your classes, but many of your lectures will be online in Semester 1, while activities in laboratories, kitchens or workshops will take place on campus as far as possible. You will find an indicative timetable here.