I'm feeling homesick, what should I do?

Homesickness is totally normal- I’ll be the first to say that it was something that I really struggled with last year. Whether you’re coming from a totally different country, or from only an hour drive away, homesickness can affect anybody. Here’s a couple of tips that helped me and my friends last year, that you might find useful! Don’t spend too much time in your room. Sometimes curling up like a burrito in your duvet and avoiding chatting to anyone in fear of showing how upset you are is possibly the worst thing you could do (yet I can’t deny that it’s what most of us do to cope). Even just venturing out into your kitchen, where you can have a cup of tea with a flatmate, or sticking your earphones in and going a walk through the park will do you the world of good. If you need us, give one of us or a member of the welfare team a message and we’ll be there for you too. Organise times to chat to your friends and family from home. Whether its a FaceTime every night with your mum after dinner, or it’s a group call with your friends once a week, knowing that you have people at home to chat to is super important. Try not to count down to your next visit home. As tempting as this may be, it prevents you from enjoying the amazing opportunity you have in Dublin. Take comfort in the fact that you know you’re going home in six days, or in a month or at Christmas, but don’t wish your life away either. Make every effort to get yourself into a routine and throw yourself into life in Dublin as best you can. Remember why you’re here. This degree is going to get you where you want to go. Not only are you making your friends and family proud by making this huge step, but imagine how buzzing with yourself you’ll be when you make it through this really crappy stage and make it out the other side? The most important thing to remember is that it is possible to get used to living on your own. Every single one of my friends experienced homesickness, but we’ve made it out the other end to tell the tale. If you’re finding it tough living away from home, don’t be afraid to give myself, any of the other JCR or welfare guys a message. You can also use your college welfare contacts or the TCD counselling service if things are tough.

I'm finding it difficult to make ends meet, how can I fix my money problems?

These things are key to saving a lot of money, little by little these things will make a big difference by the end of the month:

• Use your leap card over cash (when you’re taking the bus and/or the LUAS, you will safe more money than paying by cash)

• Buy a weekly LUAS ticket (this gives you unlimited travels on the LUAS on green and red line for seven days, which makes it so much cheaper than paying with your leap card if you take the LUAS very frequently)

• Cycle into college (this is a faster and much cheaper way to get into college, this could make you safe up to 60 euros per month)

• Get guest list for nights out (this will basically let you get in the clubs for free before a certain time, use the apps; GuestList and VIPSY)

• Cook your own food (by doing this you will actually save a good amount of money from getting to eat out or ordering food)

• Use your student card and society cards (this will actually save you a bit of money in most of cases, like eating out, buying stuff etc. Shops like Vans or Levis will give you a certain discount and other eating places like Wagamamas will do 2x1 on meals for students)

Is Irish culture a lot different?

The Irish culture is not the same as your culture back home and that is the best part of all. There are some differences that can make you feel a bit uncomfortable at the start but then you get used them. Irish like to party a lot and that may sometimes be an obstacle to making friends. However, you learn to socialize as Irish people are very open so even if you don’t party 24/7 you will still be able to make friends. Join a sport or go to society events will be some of your best options. You can also go to a Pub if you are more of a light-party person… Everyone ends up settling in and having an amazing year and if not, you can always ask for help through your friends or Trinity’s welfare services.

It seems everyone else is loving college but I'm not. What should I do?

At times, you may feel a bit homesick or that you don’t fit in, however Unilife also means feeling a bit down at times. Everything is new and even when you feel all the others are loving college, they also went through “hard” moments at the start or during the year. I would say to give time to your course, have a look at it from another perspective and at the end of the year decide whether you would like to continue or go on to doing another thing.

I hate my course, should I drop out?

To make sure you are making the right decision, do give it some time because not all courses will seem satisfying at first. Sometimes the course you are thinking about dropping out from might be the best thing you’ve done towards the end of the year. If you are thinking the course is not made for you, you can always ask for help to the TA’s or friends. Do make sure that you give yourself time and patience when making a decision that will lead to a big change for you in the future.

I'm worried I'll lose touch with my friends at home?

This was one of my BIGGEST fears coming to college in Dublin - out of the 300 people in my sixth year at home, only three came to Trinity. In September it felt like all my friends were in UCC and UL, hanging out without me. But looking back on the year, I'm so happy I branched out and went with the scarier option of studying further from home. In reality, you're not going stay BFFs with the 300 people in your year at school at home, but that might not be a completely awful thing. I think that you should aim for a balance - throw yourself into life up here and make friends wherever and whenever you can. Don't let the thought of your friends at home stop you from having as much fun as possible. Then, when you are back at home, make sure to make the effort with your friends there, by making dedicated plans to spend time with them to show them how much your friendship means to them. if you are living a bit further from home, you could arrange a time every few weeks to FaceTime your group chat, or become email pen pals with your BFF. Regardless, I promise that you will make it work with the friendships that matter, and hopefully make some fab new friends in Dublin too.

I don't feel happy, what should I do?

First thing I should say is that it's totally ok not to be ok. Personally I found myself feeling a bit down at points last year and I had this exact question. In Hall there's an amazing support system and if you don't feel like talking to your friends about it you can message anyone on the JCR for a cuppa and just hang out and chill. No matter what know that we're here to help all the time, at any time.

I'm worried about making friends.

Being worried about making new friends when you get to college is completely understandable, I know that it was something that I was quite worried about myself. I was lucky enough to have a few from my school in Halls with me but I know that everyone isn’t that lucky and coming along can be so much harder. I think a good place to start is to get to know your flatmates. These are the people that you’re going to be living with for the next 8 months or so, and they’re in the same boat as you! It’s also good to get to know people on your course, as you clearly have something in common to begin with! Another way to meet people is to get involved in things in college and in Halls. In Halls alone you’ll have the chance to apply for different ENTS, International and Environmental Teams, and there are so many college societies that you can get involved in! I also auditioned for the musical where I met so many wonderful people who I stayed friends with for the rest of the year and on! I think the best advice I can give is to just realise that almost everyone is going to feel the same way you do and the first few weeks are the best time to just introduce yourself and get to know different people. Halls is such a lovely community and a perfect place to get settled in and make so many new friends.

I don't drink/like going to clubs, how can I make friends?

First off, you should still definitely try out one of our JCR events. It’s a great way to meet new people (a.k.a. get a good look at that cutie you’ve had your eye on since move-in day), and it’s the perfect excuse to get dolled up and snap some sweet instas. However, if you don’t feel up to this then that’s totally cool- there’s so many more opportunities! Turn to the “What’s Going on in Trinity Hall” page to see all the amazing clubs we have going on. It’s going to be so easy to meet people and make friends, so please don’t stress about it. You’re gonna have the time of your life, I promise!

What is Trinity Hall?

Trinity Hall is student accommodation provided by Trinity College Dublin. It contains around 800 first years, and other undergraduate students.

What is the JCR committee?

The JCR committee is a group of past hall residents who organise events and act as a support system for all residents who are members of the Junior Common Room.

How do I contact the JCR?

You can message any of the members, you can email them at their emails (just the officer-title@trinityhalljcr.com, for example preisdent@trinityhalljcr.com or welfare@trinityhalljcr.com) or you can give us feedback here.

If I miss ticket sales how can I get a ticket?

This year we are employing a system using Fixr the mobile app to sell tickets online. You can also message any of the officers on the committee.

How do I run for the JCR committee?

The JCR committee for the following academic year is decided through a voting process once candidates nominate themselves for a role, the current Halls residents will vote for who they want to see on the following years JCR. This is the case for all positions apart from the pubs, comms and tech officers who face an interview and who take a test/submit a portfolio.

Who will I be living with?

Six students live in most apartments, although this number can vary. There is no way to find out who you will be sharing with in advance, but be sure to join our 2021/22 Halls page on Facebook to start connecting with fellow freshers.

How far away is Hall from Trinity?

See Getting to College. Hall is a 52 minute walk from College.

Does Hall have a shop?/Does Hall have a laundry service?/Does Hall have a gym?

See Halls Services.

Does Hall have an ATM?

Sadly, no. The closest ATM is in Rathmines.

Where is the nearest supermarket/pharmacy/cinema

See Local Amenities.

I want to share a room with my friend. How do I apply to do that?

At the end of the application there will be a question asking if you want to apply with a friend. In there you put their student number. Also make sure your preference is for a twin room as they'll ask that on the application too.

Can I have an overnight guest?

Yes! Upon arrival take them down to reception to get them signed in. You must sign them in before 11pm. It's important to note that if you wish to have a guest for more than two consecutive nights you must contact your assistant warden. This is not confirmed for 2021 due to Covid-19. Please speak to a member of the JCR or Warden team for the latest information.

My keycard has stopped working, what do I do?

Often keycards can be demagnetised. Take it down to Reception and they will sort it out. If your key card is lost or broken, you can buy a new one at the Vending Machine behind Reception.

What is my new address?

NAME, ROOM (for example, NO. 85.15.02),TRINITY HALL, Dartry Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6. Post boxes are located behind reception.

What are the opening hours of Halls Services?

Gym opening hours can be found on the Sports page. The laundrette and Oldham are open until 11pm.

I'm having tech problems, eg. my wifi stopped working/my laptop is broken/I can't remember my password.

Contact our Tech Officer, Aisling Gallagher on facebook or on tech@trinityhalljcr.com