On the first of December, a group of fifth years visited the UCD campus. The tour was kicked off with a presentation inside the Fitzgerald Debating Theatre. A short video informed the students of some facts about the university: 24,000 students attend and it is ranked in the top 1% of universities in the world. The students were then given a brief overview of all the courses on offer, including theoretical physics and chemical engineering, introduced by two current UCD students.
When the presentation was over the students were split into smaller groups for a quick tour. We walked through the extensive grounds to the Newman Building of Arts and Humanities. Students commented that the facilities seemed ‘clean’, ‘modern’ and ‘well-heated’. We were shown a lecture hall and the main library before moving on to the O’Brien centre for science.
The Science Centre was huge and well designed, featuring a staircase shaped like the structure of DNA, and several large lecture halls.
The favourite among the Donabate students, and possibly the UCD students too, was the sports centre. Showcasing a gym, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a cinema, it’s clear there’s never a dull moment in UCD.
Most of the students who were asked after the tour said they’d seriously consider going to UCD, especially because of the ‘amazing science facilities’ and overall atmosphere. However, the distance from Donabate, and lack of direct public transport put off a great number of potential students.
The tour was a massive success and was very interesting and beneficial. Anyone in TY or below have to go on a tour to UCD when they are in 5th year as it gives them lots of important information which will benefit them after the leaving cert and gives them more options for college after they finish school for which college they want to attend and what course they want to study. Most of the students had a great time and really enjoyed themselves.
Report and photos by TY Journalism students; Giorgia Tanner and Stephen Moran
