Leinster House* (1745) (Houses Dáil Eireann (Chamber of Deputies) and the Senate
Arrival: Where do I go when I arrive at Trinity College to check in?
Check-in time is after 2pm on 2 July and check-out is before 10am on 4 August. You will be given a map when you arrive at Trinity College when you check in, you will also be sent a copy of the map of Trinity College once you have applied to USD. The map that Trinity College provides to you, shows you which building you are in, where your room will be, and directs you to USD's office. The Accommodations office is open for summer session, from 8am - midnight, Monday through Sunday, 19 June through 30 September. They are located to the left of the Great Bell Tower, that is if you are looking ahead facing the Bell Tower, in the corner where two buildings meet. Also you must arrive before midnight, every night, if not, then you will be locked out of Trinity College and will have to return the next day! Trinity College Accommodations staff are extremely helpful!
Housing: What about my housing?
Housing in a foreign country is NOT like living in the U.S. Be prepared for the unfamiliar. Should you have a problem with housing at Trinity College that was secured through USD once in Dublin, contact the Dublin Director or the Dublin Administrative Assistant for help. For budget information, click here: Dublin Budget
Deposits: Will I have to pay a deposit for housing?
Yes, regardless of whether you go through USD, which is $50 per person with your application, or on your own before you arrive or when you arrive in Dublin. USD will not be able to help you find housing off campus. However, call the Irish Tourist Board (before you leave the U.S.) at 1-800-223-6470 for FREE info on Dublin housing, pubs, etc.
Housing Costs: What is the total cost of housing in Dublin through USD?
Depends, remember, no meals are included in the housing costs at the College.For budget information, click here: Dublin Budget.
Housing: Will I have to pay utilities?
Generally yes, if you are staying off campus in an apartment. In Dublin they can run anywhere from $30-$100 depending on your use.
Do I have to bring linens?
No, everything is usually provided. If you are addicted to larger bath towels or washcloths (as opposed to wash mitts), you may wish to bring your own. However, Trinity College does provide very generous sized towels.
Do I have to bring pots, pans, silverware?
No, everything is usually provided or can be bought there.
Will I have access to cooking facilities?
Yes. The kitchen will be near the 4 room apartment you will be staying in. If you find your kitchen lacking in cooking utensils, ask either the Accommodations Office staff or the cleaning staff for what you need or buy what you need.
Laundry: Will I have access to a washing machine and dryer on campus?
Yes, there are washing machines and dryers available on campus. You must bring your own laundry powder & exact change. It is located behind the Chapel which is the building behind the Accommodations office, near the Atrium which is in the same building where breakfast is served. You have to walk between the Chapel and Dining Hall to find it. Trinity College will provide you with a map. An iron and ironing board, for your use in your room, is available from the Accommodation Office or if you are a Goldsmith Hall resident ask at the Information Desk in Goldsmith Hall.
Or you can wash your clothes in your sink in your room, OR go to the American Launderette Company on Georges St Great South (straight out Trinity College front gate, walk down 2 signal lights, turn left and go down about 4 blocks and it's on your left). If you go past HOGAN'S PUB you've gone too far. Open Monday - Saturday 8:30am - 5:30pm for self-service or if you want them to do it then you can pick up as late as 7pm. Sunday from 10am - 5pm for self-service and until 6pm if they do it. They have a number of washers and dryers. It costs about $12.50 or about 9.50 euros to wash and dry for all your loads if you do it, but if you wish for them to do it, it will cost extra to wash and dry all your loads, double check with them for this price. It takes about 30-40 minutes to wash and about 30 minutes to dry. All the above includes their laundry soap. You can bring your own soap if you wish.
There is also a laundromat at Leeson Laundry - 128 Leeson St Upper, phone 660-3106 or Powders Laundrette at 42a South Richmond St, phone 478-2655.
Telephone: Is there a telephone in my room at Trinity College?
No, however, there are phones around campus and there are a bank of phones under the archway at the main entrance of Trinity College. You will need to purchase a phone card to use some of these phones. You can purchase the phone cards in the Student Store right on campus, right before you enter the archway to leave, look to your right.
Friends Visiting-Dorms: Can I have friends stay in my room, at Trinity College, with me while they are visiting Dublin?
Friends can only stay until 10pm, they cannot stay overnight. If they stay over night in your room, you will be billed for that extra person and/or be asked to find other housing accommodations outside of Trinity College with no return of any monies already paid. Be aware that some of the single rooms at Trinity College are extremely small barely enough room for you, let alone someone else. The beds are quite small as well. As far as sleeping on the floor, again you may have very limited space.
Off Campus Housing: What if I prefer not to live at Trinity College and want to find my own housing?
This is okay. However, USD would not be able to help you. You might call in advance to the Irish Tourist Board at 1-800-223-6470 (before you leave the U.S.) and have them send you FREE information about Dublin and housing.
Also purchase a "Let's Go" book, or something similar, which lists several inexpensive places to stay. Or there used to be a place called Home Locators for students on Dawson Street, they may still help students. There was no charge in the past to students to find them apartments. You may have to show your International Student or Teacher I.D. Card, so be prepared. You can obtain their I.D. card through an STA Travel near you. Click here for more details: STA Travel, or if in San Diego at 953 Garnet Ave, San Diego CA 92109, 619-270-6402; Le Travel Store, 743 Fourth Ave, First Floor, San Diego CA 92102, 619-544-9632; or at 9500 Gilman Dr, UCSD Price Center #76, La Jolla CA 92093-0076, 619-452-0630 or STA Travel, 743 Fourth Ave, 1st Flr, San Diego CA 92101 (619) 544-9632. USD students can purchase these cards at the UC box office on campus. The price is $25 each. The required picture is an extra cost, so bring a passport size photo to save costs.
If I rent a room in an apartment, will I have kitchen privileges?
This will depend on the landlord, check with the landlord, but more than likely yes.
If I live with a family, are meals included?
Sometimes breakfast is included in the price. Sometimes, arrangements can be made for a second meal. Specify what you want when you talk with the landlord or whoever you have helping you find a family to live with. Special meals, such as vegetarian, no salt used, etc. will cost the student more and will be added to the rent.
If I choose to live with a family, how much will it cost me?
There are many factors involved, such as location, meals, whether you share a bedroom. Prices can run from $800 to $1900+ per person.
Books: When will I receive my books or class materials for my classes?
For U.S. students: Generally books are mailed around May 1st to the temporary address you listed on your application. Should you change address, you will need to notify us of your new address ASAP. If you leave the U.S. before you receive your books, you, the student, must pay USD to Fed Ex it to you in Europe. Fed Ex can cost anywhere from $50-$200 depending on your classes. Casebooks are heavy! If you attend school in San Diego, you would pick-up your books and/or photocopied materials at our office, Law School (Warren Hall) room 310. If you fail to pick up your class materials, we will Fed Ex them to your site and bill you.
For students coming from outside the United States, your books and/or photocopied materials may either be sent to you or will be at your chosen site, depending on whey you sign up. If sent to the site, you will need to pick them up from either the Director, or the Administrative Assistant at that site.
For students coming from outside the United States: If you are attending 2 programs, your books and/or photocopied materials may either be sent to you or at your chosen site, depending on whey you sign up. If sent to the site, you will need to pick them up from either the Director, or the Administrative Assistant at that site.
FOR ALL STUDENTS:
You will receive the first set of information sheets with your acceptance letter about 1 week after we have received your initial non-refundable amount(s) and the last set of information sheets on your chosen program(s) will be sent out in May. Sometimes it can take 2-3 weeks for air mail to arrive in various countries around the world, so please be patient.
Payments: If my U.S. school and USD sign a Consortium/Visiting Student Agreement, do I still have to make the scheduled payments?
Yes, payments must be kept up per the schedule on our web site. Once you have paid the USD Study Abroad Program a total of $800 or $850, which is due at USD by April 20th, your final payment of the balance due must be received at USD no later than June 18th. This includes tuition balance and/or housing costs. If any of the scheduled payments are missed then you would not be able to take advantage of the early pay discount. See Early Payment Discounts and Payment Due Dates for the payment schedule.
If you are going to 2 sites, Dublin and then on to either Barcelona, Florence, or Russia then an initial non-refundable amount of $400 or $450 is due with your application, if you wish USD to provide you with housing in Dublin. Then follow the payment schedule. Payment in full for both sites for housing (if you requested USD to provide you with housing in Dublin), tuition, and any language courses for Barcelona, Florence, and Russia, must be received at USD no later than May 14th. (we do not provide housing in Barcelona, Florence and Moscow Russia). Remember housing through USD is optional, except for St Petersburg Russia where it is mandatory. You may secure housing on your own (except for St Petersburg Russia), however, USD would not be able to help you.
Credit Cards Accepted:
USD accepts MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit cards to pay your costs for tuition, and/or housing. USD does not accept Visa credit cards for any types of payments. Please click on this link Credit Card information for more information.
Also, you must initally pay through our office and NOT through USD's Student Accounts or Cashier's office or USD's e-pay system!
After your initial non-refundable payment to sign you up and you are then enrolled, have received your Acceptance Letter and have been assigned a USD ID number, you may then either pay through USD's E-Pay system, paying via e-check or credit card only (Visa credit cards are not accepted). Otherwise, if you will be MAILING or WALKING IN a U.S. dollar personal check or U.S. dollar money order, then these must be sent/brought to our office to: Ms Cindy King, USD Law School, 5998 Alcala Pk LS 310, San Diego CA 92110-2492; or you may bring into our office, Law School 310 and pay either Darlene or Cindy.
Returned checks:
Should a U.S. dollar personal check be returned back to USD, there is a chance of you being withdrawn from the program for non-payment. USD puts returned checks back through two (2) times before the Study Abroad office is notified of a bad check. USD will not resubmit this check after two (2) tries. Re-payment must then be made immediately and arrive at our office within 2 business days by either a U.S. Money Order, U.S. Cashier's Check only. If your check is returned back to us for any reason, there will be a $40 bank/administrative fee that will be charged to your account.
Discounts: Will I be able to receive a discount if I pay early?
Yes, if none of the scheduled payments are missed. Please go to Early Payment Discounts and Payment Due Dates for more information.
Will I receive 2 discounts if I am taking 2 programs?
No, only one discount applies.
Refunds:
If I totally withdraw from the program, what type of refund will I receive?
Please go to Dublin Refund Policy for more information.
What if I am Academically Disqualified and I decide not to attend the Dublin program, will I receive a full refund of both Tuition and any housing amount I have already paid?
Please go to Dublin Refund Policy for more information.
If I withdraw, will I receive a housing refund?
If you secure housing through USD-San Diego, it would depend on when you withdrew. If you withdrew prior to 1 June, then you will receive all monies paid except the initial $50 housing deposit. If you withdrew on or after 1 June, then no, unless we can find someone to take your spot. Trinity College will still charge us for your room after this date. If you are renting an apartment, discuss this with your landlord.
Course Changes: What if I want to change classes once I have initially signed up?
No problem and no charge if you do this before April 1st. If you change ON or AFTER April 1st, then there is a fee of $50 for each law course change/switch, and you may change/switch only if we have the class materials/books for your new classes. Remember, there will be associated costs involved if you change/switch to another class. These costs can only be paid via USD E-Pay system for an e-check or via credit card and NOT to anyone in Dublin. (Visa credit cards are not accepted)
Thomas Cooley and Indiana Univ-Bloomington students must obtain permission to change classes from either Prof Bill Weiner or Dean Len Fromm. Then Prof Weiner or Dean Fromm will alert USD-San Diego to the approved change.
Class Additions: Can I add a class once I am in Dublin?
Yes, but you will be charged for the new materials and the add fee. If it is only photocopied materials, and the materials have to be photocopied at your site(s), you will have to pay these charges as well. If books are not on site, you will have to pay for USD-San Diego to Fed Ex the new book(s) to you. You would pay for all extra costs via USD's on-line E-Pay system by either an e-check or via credit card only. (Visa credit cards are not accepted) No payments are to be made on-site to anyone.
Thomas Cooley and Indiana Univ-Bloomington students must obtain permission to add classes from either Prof Bill Weiner or Dean Len Fromm. Then Prof Weiner or Dean Fromm will alert USD-San Diego to the approved change. If you increase your class load, you will be charged accordingly.
Law Classes: Can I drop a class once I am in Dublin?
Yes, however, there will be no refund of any monies paid. Be aware that if you took out loans, you may have to repay monies back to your lender. Contact the Financial Aid Office at your home school for further information.
Thomas Cooley and Indiana Univ-Bloomington students must obtain permission to drop classes from either Prof Bill Weiner or Dean Len Fromm. Then Prof Weiner or Dean Fromm will alert USD-San Diego to the approved change. If you increase your class load, you will be charged accordingly.
Exams: What time do the exams start and finish?
Your exams start at 9 am on August 1st and August 2nd and take about 2-4 hours. Do not plan to leave on a flight before 3 pm on Saturday, August 2nd, if you have an exam that morning. EXAMS ARE NEVER GIVEN IN ADVANCE.
Money: What about exchanging money in Dublin?
First, estimate how much cash you will need for the program. Then add $500 in case of an emergency. This is the amount of cash you will need at your disposal.
There are three principle ways of getting the cash you need: traveler's checks, Automated Teller Machine cards (ATMs), and credit cards.
Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars are always accepted, even when traveler's checks in the local currency are not. While the standard charge for traveler's checks is 1% of face value, it is often possible to obtain them free. AAA does this for its members, and many banks provide them free for significant account-holders. When cashing them in Europe, a better rate is often provided than when changing cash.
Right outside of the main entrance of Trinity College, go to your left, cross the street and go straight. At the 1st light turn left and look straight ahead, what looks like a church is actually the Irish Tourist Board it has an American Express Exchange office there and is a full service tourist office with Internet Kiosks. So if you have American Express travelers checks, you just pop in there for an exchange of your money into Euros. There is generally no commission charged if you have their travelers checks. Thomas Cooke offices are located outside Trinity College main gate, turn left and cross the street. It is on your right hand side.
ATM cards are a good way to receive cash. In addition to your card, you need a PIN number valid in Europe. Check with your bank to be sure that you have one. You are limited to the same withdrawal as at home, and it can sometimes involve major math to figure out how much you will be allowed. The major problems with the ATM solution are fees and cash. There may be two fees involved, one from your bank, and another from the bank that owns the ATM machine. The fees can easily total more than $10, so it makes no sense to withdraw less than the maximum allowed, as fees are imposed on each transaction. In addition, you can only withdraw money if you have it in your account. Both the Plus and Cirrus systems are well-represented in Dublin. If you have only the Star system check with your bank for locations in Dublin.
There are at least 2 ATM machines on the Trinity College Campus. One by the entrance to the "Buttery Pub" which is on the other side of the Chapel walking away from the Accommodation office and the other one is located back by the Computer Lab, room #1. When you get to room #1, do not go in but turn around and look straight and to your left, that building there has an ATM with both PLUS and CIRRUS symbols on it on the outside of the first floor door. I've personally used the ATM by the Buttery and it worked great! Also, ATM's for PLUS cards are at the Dublin Airport. In Dublin: at the Bank of Ireland, The Education Building Society, 1st National Building Society, and Irish National Building Society. There are, according to CIRRUS, 250 ATM machines in Ireland, look for Allied Irish Bank. Also, the following places have ATM machines for both PLUS and CIRRUS: AIB Bank, ICS Building Society/The Management Store on O'Connell St. The Bank of Ireland, which is just outside the front gate of Trinity College and to the right. Or turn left out of Trinity College and walk up about a block to Grafton Street, there are 2 ATM machines on each corner that will take PLUS and CIRRUS. If you use the STAR system, check with your bank for locations in Dublin.
One should probably charge as much as possible on a credit card. Visa and Mastercharge are universally accepted; American Express and Diners less so; Discover not at all. The exchange rate is pretty good, and the bill need not be paid for at least a month. However, most credit card companies are now charging you a percentage amount based on what you charge. Sometimes it can be 1% to 10% on each transaction, sometimes more. Check with your credit card company about this extra charge. Also, using your credit card to take a cash advance will also work if you have the correct PIN number, but interest begins accruing immediately, and there is usually a fee for the loan. So this is the more expensive alternative.
Normally, the best rates for changing money are NOT found at the airport, because banks there have a monopoly. You should purchase at least $50-$100 (in small bills) worth of currency before you leave for "landing money" that you can use immediately for drinks, toilet, cab fare, bus fare, porters, etc.. Once settled, students then exchange information about good places to change money. It is usually disadvantageous to change money at the airport, at night or on weekends because the number of places open then limits the competition. Two factors determined how advantageous the exchange might be: the rate, and the commission. Many places offer exchange with no commission, but usually give less favorable rates.
If you have cash, your best bet is at any bank, where the rates are usually more favorable.
Health Insurance: What about health insurance?
U.S. STUDENTS ONLY: All U.S. students should provide to our office evidence of medical insurance valid in Ireland by sending us a photocopy of your insurance card showing the dates you are covered. We recommend the International Student ID Card. It costs about $25.00. It provides some medical and travel insurance and student discounts. International Student ID cards can be obtained from STA Travel or call 1-858-544-9632 or 1-800-226-8624 or at the USD UC Box Office. You should bring a passport size photo when purchasing this card. If you choose this option, please mail/bring a readable copy of the International Student ID Card to our office. Mail us a copy of your proof of insurance, (USD Law School, Attn: Ms Darlene Smith, 5998 Alcala Pk LS 310, San Diego, CA 92110-2492) or scan it as an attachment to an e-mail (no faxes) to Ms Darlene Smith darlenes@sandiego.edu. We strongly suggest that you keep any health insurance you have current.
If you do not have health insurance, the International Students I.D. Card, which provides you with some discount entrance fees and air fares to many sights, comes with some health insurance. Cost: $25. (USD students can buy these cards at the UC box office). Bring a passport-sized photo to avoid extra cost. The USD Campus Card Services office in the Bookstore (Loma Hall) now offers passport pictures - $10 for 2 pictures. Otherwise you can purchase your health insurance coverage commercially, through your parents insurance, through AAA (if you, your spouse or your parents are a member). You should double check that it covers you during your summer trip. For more general travel info contact: STA Travel or call 1-858-544-9632, or 1-800-226-8624.
Check to ensure that your current insurance covers you while you are in Europe. Ask if they will reimburse your out-of-pocket expense for doctor, prescriptions, etc. when you return to the U.S., if you provide them with receipts. A doctor's visit alone can cost $50 plus whatever medications in case you run into problems. Our USD-Dublin office will have the names of English speaking doctors.
Medication and/or Glasses: What about my medications and/or glasses?
We bly suggest that you bring at least an extra months supply of whatever medications you take. In Dublin, it is illegal for a doctor or nurse to give an allergy shot. So if you're on allergy shots, see what your alternatives are. You may have to learn to do it yourself. If this is the case, ask your doctor to type you up a letter for Custom's stating what must be done by you or your medication might be confiscated and you could end up be in trouble with the law there. You should also bring a prescription from your doctor in case you run out and need a refill. You should also bring a prescription for your eye glasses as well, just in case.
Local transport: Tell me about transportation within Dublin.
Transportation within Dublin is easy and efficient. Trinity College is located in the heart of Dublin. You have your choice of the regular city bus system, Bus R Us (for outside of Dublin - similar to Greyhound buses but nicer) and the Rail system (for outside of Dublin)
Legal events - program-organized:
In 2006 students visited the Dail Eireanne (Irish Parliament), had a meeting with the Minority Whip, Dublin Castle, Four Courts, Kilmainham Goal, Mountjoy Prison (built in 1850 and is still used), a tour of the local police station and jails, and some students sat in on court room trials at the Special Criminal Court.
Tourist events - program-organized:
In 2006 students visited the National Museum, 4th of July at the Capital Bar and Night Club, Georges St, Abbey Theatre, Trinity College, Guinness Brewery, Book of Kells, a Literary Pub Crawl, took in a play at the Vicar Street Theatre, Glendalough and a walking tour of Trinity College,.
Cost is determined by how many students sign up for trips.
References: Names and addresses of former students.
If you would like names, e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers of previous Dublin students, just send an e-mail to Cindy or Darlene with what school you go to and what city you live in cking@sandiego.edu or darlenes@sandiego.edu and you will be e-mailed back with the info.
For more information click here Dublin Tips - General
Questions:
Send Cindy or Darlene an e-mail should you have more questions that were not answered in these FAQ's or in the Dublin Tips - General section
If you find an error, please let Cindy or Darlene know by providing the exact web site address location (http://www.sandiego.edu/lawabroad/..............) where the problem is located by cutting and pasting it into your e-mail, so that it can be corrected right away. Thank you!