Ratings and Reviews
As a first year, I have felt very welcomed and cared for by the whole team throughout my short time in University College Dublin. I can see myself growing to my full potential through my studies at UCD. The support is endless.
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Students' Union at University College Dublin
StudentCrowd Students' Union score: 4.04 / 5
Ratings and Reviews
As a first year, I have felt very welcomed and cared for by the whole team throughout my short time in University College Dublin. I can see myself growing to my full potential through my studies at UCD. The support is endless.
University College Dublin Reputation
University College Dublin is a campus university in Dublin, the capital city of the Republic of Ireland. The university has two campuses, Belfield and Blackrock, and a research farm.
29,325 students are enrolled at UCD.
(Source: HEA Enrolments 2021/22)
The graduate outcomes for University College Dublin show that 55.2% of honours degree graduates are in full-time work and 29.7% are in full-time further study or training.
(Source: HEA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021)
Updated: 10 August 2023
Read University College Dublin Reviews
Public transportation is poor and so is student housing support.
Has been quite a good experience so far. Accommodation too expensive
As a first year, I have felt very welcomed and cared for by the whole team throughout my short time in University College Dublin. I can see myself growing to my full potential through my studies at UCD. The support is endless.
UCD is a good university that offers a high level of teaching. The general admin and organisation here is much better compared to other colleges such as Trinity. The free access to the gym is also a real bonus!
Ucd is an amazing university. There are amazing lecturers and there are a lot of facilities to help you with whatever issue you may face.
Coming to UCD was honestly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I still remember my first day on campus. I was feeling nervous, excited and a bit sad considering the fact that I initially wanted to go to Trinity. However, looking back now, I can see how much I’ve grown here. My course has challenged and inspired me in ways I never expected, and my lecturers have been so supportive every step of the way.The thing that really makes UCD stand out is the people — the friends I’ve made, the late-night study sessions in the beautiful libraries, the small moments that turn into lifelong memories. UCD has given me so much more than i expected and it keeps on giving. It’s given me confidence, community, and a sense of home.
It’s really good here I love it I’m studying medicine
Campus has great facilities but poor internet reliability. Also campus library seating is very frustrating. People leave a notebook on desks for hours and no space for people to study.
Love campus, lived here for 2 years. Great services and plenty of options for coffee/food. The new switch to eduroom from UCD wireless is a killer! Funny how they will finish construction of one building and then start another a month later. Loved my degree and made everlasting friends
UCD is one of the tops universities in Ireland. I’ve enjoyed all my time there and look forward to continuing to grow in a encouraging environment
Having been at another university prior to here, the difference in facilities / clubs to join/ support available is phenomenal.
As a student nurse in ucd, i find it hard to feel like im having the college experience on placement. But when i am in campus I enjoy the atmosphere a lot more
accommodation is a waste of money but convenient. wifi needs improvement and more accommodation security needed
University is well established and very well planned student life.
I am an international student from Spain. I have been here for the past two years doing nursing and it has been nothing but perfect. I always say to my father and friends "I love UCD". Not only for the degree I’m doing but also for the amount of facilities that UCD has. I love the food that they serve in Pi Restaurant!!!
Amazing experience all and all. Great balance university living, social life and school work.
I’m in my final year of study at UCD and I love it! The societies, the gym the shops, the restaurants, the natural landscapes. They are all amazing. The only thing that has gone downhill over my 4 years is the parking. It’s always been bad. But this year, they got rid of 2 huge car parks to attempt to promote more public transport users. However, they’ve gotten rid of the car parks closest to the accommodation, making moving large amounts of luggage in and out more difficult. Also, removing carparks might only increase public transport users by a small percent - now I know people that don’t even come to college as transport from their home is not reliable or they have to drive in hours before their lectures might begin to ensure a spot. So more parking is a need. Other than that, it’s a great university with exceptional academics
Facilities and events are varied and interesting. Given the scale of students it’s hard to get specialised advice or help sometimes depending on your school.
Ucd is a great university for my course they help with arranging placement for students. The campus has multiple amenities such as a swimming pool, gym basketball court and multiple shops and restaurants and libraries.
Love UCD. Big university so meet loads of different people. Easy to get involved in societies and clubs
has been amazing so far! i really appreciate the self contained campus which always feels very safe and convenient.
It’s a good uni does the job, good course mentality
In my 5 years I’ve had at UCD it has been a great environment to learn, study and meet new people
UCD is overall a great institution. Current issues with certain buildings like Newman exist, which is outdated and underdeveloped. This leads to many problems with bad weather resulting in numerous leaks. Although new campus buildings are generally amazing, investments should be made to update existing ones too. The internet is another huge issue recently as it is never stale or reliable which can be frustrating when trying to get work done.
Have loved every minute of being in UCD, the facilities are fantastic and great social events and opportunities.
Ucd is an amazing campus with so many great facilities. Help is always available when you need it and people are friendly
I enjoy uncle and the experience in a whole
Third year on campus and it has been very good. They are constantly updating the library and have the newly renovated third floor of James Joyce library. Most seating area around campus has plugs for all the electronics
I think my experience is heavily influenced by my major and the fact that I am an international student. But what I can’t say is UCD has provided excellent amenities, and resources allow allowing everyone to excel in their respective fields. I think what could be improved is inclusion for students like myself as I found it really hard to adapt in my first years but overall I believe UCD is a strong University in terms of helping us form our characters and personalities as well as providing a good education.
WiFi has not been good recently since switching over to eduroam, just quite unreliable overall. The societies are so great and so is the campus so that’s the only complaint!
Amazing university, so many facilities and friendly students and staff!
I’ve been a student at UCD for 6 years so far (in my third degree now) and I have to say I love this university. There are great buildings, facilities, supports, the campus is wonderful and staff are very helpful in times of need. The only thing I will say is that the parking situation is terrible, they need more parking spaces.
I love UCD the facilities are amazing
I am having a lovely time and have made most of my friends through societies. The downside is that class sizes are very big. There is a disconnect between the student union and the student body.
I believe my university overall services are great:) although there is room for improvement on accommodation development for out of town students, I think that the career services are better help for certain degrees and may neglect others :(
I love the environment and the overall campus facilities. The Courses are great, the professors are very enthusiastic and are engaging. Overall, UCD provides such an enriching environment for individuals to grow and thrive!!
I like it here, it’s the largest university in Dublin. I am a transfer student here from a university in the states and the biggest difference I’ve found is there a lot less hand holding, my university experience feels very individual, quiet sometimes. Good professors, nice lectures, but very expensive to simply exist here.
My experience of studying at UCD has been very positive! The large campus surrounded by nature and great study views is definitely one of my favourite aspects of studying here. There are plenty of student supports, facilities (gym, cinema, pharmacy, shops etc.) which are very useful and as a student, it’s great to have access to free fitness classes and sports clubs/society events to attend.
Campus pricing is far too expensive. WiFi in some buildings eg Science Building can be unreliable. SU in my opinion are very different to other colleges within Irelands SU’s. Judging from peers in UL, their SU seems to much more student friendly and organises lots more events.
Excellent uni, I’m loving my stay.
UCD is amazing. I love it. I would recommend UCD to anyone.
I am an international student (more specific from Spain) my first time in UCD was amazing. The first thing that came to my mind was "it’s so green" I really love it. Choosing UCD is a decision that I will never regret. There is diversity in all aspects especially when it comes to societies, you can easily find your place and make friends quickly.
Don’t necessarily have any complaints except being on campus can be quite expensive if you need to buy food, also finding a spot in the library can get hard as we get closer to exams as people just leave their stuff at their seats for hours
From the airport on my first day arriving to date, the university has been nothing but exceptional. Big ups to the international students team that made the transition as smooth as can be.
We need more parking. We need plugs for chargers at all desks in the libraries. We need longer opening hours in the gym and libraries
UCD is a really inclusive envrironment where you are encouraged to meet new people. There are lots of clubs and societies where you can meet people from different courses you may not have otherwise met.
UCD is a vibrant global community of students from across Ireland and the world. Top class facilities and beautiful grounds that inspire students to learn and push forward.
As an international student at University College Dublin (UCD), I have found a welcoming and enriching academic environment that has greatly contributed to my personal and professional growth. The diverse range of programs available allows me to explore my interests while gaining valuable skills for my future career. The faculty members are not only knowledgeable but also incredibly approachable, making it easy for me to seek guidance and support whenever needed. The campus boasts excellent facilities,including modern libraries, gym and comfortable study spaces that enhance my learning experience. Additionally, the vibrant student life, filled with various clubs and societies, has helped me build a sense of community and make lasting friendships. UCD also provides robust resources for mental health and career advising, ensuring that international students like myself feel supported throughout our journey. Overall, my experience at UCD has been transformative, and I highly recommend it.
UCD is an amazing place to study, and I genuinely love being a student here! The campus is absolutely stunning, with beautiful green spaces and a peaceful lake that make it the perfect place to relax or catch up with friends. Whether it’s sunny or rainy, the campus always feels welcoming and vibrant. The facilities at UCD are top-notch. The libraries are spacious and well-equipped, offering a quiet place to focus and get work done. The science labs and lecture halls are modern and well-maintained, making learning an enjoyable experience. The sports facilities are fantastic, with a gym, swimming pool, and various sports fields that cater to everyone, from beginners to serious athletes. There’s truly something for everyone! One of the best things about UCD is the student life. The campus is always buzzing with activities, clubs, and societies. No matter your interests, you’ll find a group of like-minded people who share your passions. The community is incredibly diverse and welcoming,
UCD provides such a welcoming spirt! it has many facilities for everyone to use to better their experience at UCD! They have amazing lectures, staff and students!
Big campus, with nice big buildings and working on updates. Wish there was more communal sitting areas. They redid the main library recently and it’s great! Looking forward to new additions.
I love studying at UCD. Going in is always enjoyable and the facilities available for all students makes my university experience so valuable. Using the gym, low cost sports lessons, beautiful library, campus lakes… it’s a dream.
Love my uni so much it’s a dream come true to be attending. I’m the type to recommend UCD to anyone and everyone
I love the campus in UCD, they’re always improving the services and making it better for students. The staff are unbelievable, I feel as though I have gained so much knowledge from their teaching.
I love university but I find that there isn’t very good value on campus for food etc.
I’m a third year medical student in UCD. Great atmosphere, feel very supported and helped in my education.
The library is amazing. The buildings are great but some are quite outdated like Newman, Health sciences! The gym is very hard to use-it is nearly always at full capacity.
As a medical student at University College Dublin (UCD), I can confidently say that my experience has been both challenging and rewarding. The university offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on learning. The medical program is well-structured, with a solid emphasis on clinical exposure from early on. One of the standout features is the world-class teaching staff, who are not only experts in their fields but are also approachable and supportive. The blend of academic lectures, small group teaching, and clinical placements ensures a well-rounded education. The integration of cutting-edge research into the curriculum is also notable, giving students access to the latest advancements in medicine. One of the standout features is the world-class teaching staff, who are not only experts in their fields but are also approachable and supportive.
Really welcoming university always happy to help with any issues
I've lived both on campus and commuted to UCD, and I've never had a problem with campus and services. As a bigger university, it has many opportunities to get involved and lots of spaces for study and to hang out.
UCD is a great university with a high diversity rate. The environment is very friendly and welcoming. The courses are nicely challenging, but not too overwhelming. Overall, I think it’s an enjoyable time.
Ucd connection and network could be better across the whole campus, who love more affordable shops on the main campus part like near James Joyce rather than only in the village
I feel so happy and safe on campus. There is often free things being given out. Great gym and pool and science labs love ucd
Wifi cuts in and out but for the most part it’s good
Money driven campus with no regard for domestic students, unfair marking schemes compared to rest of country (A starts at 85/90% in most STEM courses compared to 70% in most other unis)
On campus accommodation is terribly expensive and aids to the housing crisis. But campus facilities are excellent.
started in september and am having a great time since then, haven’t had a single issue yet
I found a nice place to go to college, but very lonely. Could do a lot more to support integrating people into groups who aren't just who they went to school with. I also found the career guidance to be a little bit lacking. Everything feels very hands off. Facilities and labs incredible, but I feel a bit forgotten.
Over four years I grew to appreciate the staff, clubs and societies around UCD. The accommodation and shops are both very expensive, however.
Great university , needs more student life focus
I am currently in my final year and I have learned to really love my course. I wasn’t sure if it was for me at first but as the years went on I fell in love with it even more. I am currently studying Social Policy and Sociology and I have learned a lot about the history of Irish social policy and about all the different theorists and why society thinks the way it thinks and how it is always evolving but not always did the better. How our government needs to implement certain policies in order to protect individuals and make sure they fulfill peoples rights. I’ve learned how our government fails to meet social needs and what we could do to make it better. I fully want to run for president after studying my course. I truly feel that by knowing the knowledge I know now I can make a difference in this country and on this earth. I really hope people consider Social policy and sociology. It truly is an amazing course and especially in UCD
I think UCD is a wonderful college . They have state of the art facilities . They provide a lot of guidance and support for students undertaking difficult. I have availed of these services myself as a nursing student and have left each interaction feeling better than ever.
Has been a very good experience with ups and downs
Horrible internet connection throughout campus, campus is too big and spread out than you don’t feel connected to it
Great campus, good facilities and very easy to navigate. Gym open to public which can be annoying if it is busy
Good university, good teaching and good student life, expensive for day to day life though
Great university with brilliant facilities
Overall have a good experience
Currently studying radiography in the school of medicine which offers a range of support and has exceptional lecturers. Have participated in sports in UCD before which had a great balance of competitiveness and socialising. The gym and pool are absolutely great too.
Overall such a large and nice campus. Lots of buildings to study in and beautiful pool. The only thing I wish they had was more modern accommodations that were financially appropriate for students, especially international students.
Amazing uni, so many international students, great culture and very welcoming! Excellent professors and so many research opportunities.
iI love the community that lives in UCD. The facilities are second to the people you meet there. However, the facilities are excellent from the sports facilities (an array of gyms, pitches etc) to extracurriculars. There’s no end to what UCD offers and I’m very grateful to study here
I think ucd is really good uni but could do with some more clubs or societies and better student union events
UCD has provided me with so much more than just an education. I have the opportunity to learn everyday from their professional teams who provide constant support and encouragement throughout my educational journey. They also look out for my future by providing me with many career services, all available on their campus along with several other helpful facilities. The campus provides students with a lovely environment to study and thrive in, along with many extracurricular activities to partake in in order to make the most out of our time in the university.
After being in an undergraduate degree in trinity college doing biomedical sciences and now studying graduate medicine at ucd I can definitely appreciate the higher level of organisation and care for students at ucd vs trinity. I think sciences are more prioritised which was felt more chaotic at trinity even though I loved it there also in terms of atmosphere and community
Absolutely incredible school that has given me everything I needed from my education and more. Great support and resources to access.
my experience in UCD so far has been pleasing, the facilities in the compass very and offer multiple flexibilities for those who need it. They provide services of advice and academic advisory needed, especially for those who are struggling or first entered university. from my experience it has been insured that it is known about the several services, what they provide, what they can do for me and how I can navigate university in UCD with these tools.
Love my uni but wish there was a better bar on campus and more cafes / restaurants. Since it’s a campus university we’re quite far from town and it could do with more places to sit down and get cheap food.
I’ve been in UCD for nearly five years now, and there is many great parts of the campus and experience but also some bad parts (however this comes with every college experience). I’ve found the clubs and societies choice to be incredible, and am so glad I got involved with them during my time in UCD.
University College Dublin is considered one of the best universities in Ireland and Europe. I agree with this assessment. While it has flaws—as does any university—it is a highly regarded institution of higher education. Predominately, the campus and its facilities allow me to feel safe as well as have fun when not in classes. The current renovation projects across camps ensure new buildings with updated safety and aesthetic measures. It allows me to spend time on campus without any hassle of an unsafe campus. More so, the clubs and societies offer hundreds of hours of activities outside of school hours throughout the entire week. With countless options of societies and clubs, I am busy well into every evening and on weekends. I have enjoyed each club I’ve joined greatly. Some flaws of the campus are the outdated buildings that still need renovation, as well as the high cost of living while on campus (mainly accommodation). The Internet has had serious issues and needs to be solved
As soon as I started at ucd this year, I immediately felt welcome. The atmosphere is lively and opening and there are so many activities and societies to join and be a part of. There are also lots of amazing facilities, including various places to eat and 2 gyms, which we are very lucky to have.
Overall a really great university. I’m mainly based in the science and health science buildings. I think more areas for seating and kitchen facilities would be good. Really nice to walk around campus, great outdoor areas. I love it here, the staff are particularly friendly
During your time as a 4th-year general nursing student at University College Dublin (UCD), you likely had an enriching and rewarding experience. The university provided a comprehensive nursing program, blending theoretical learning with practical clinical exposure, which helped you hone your skills and deepen your understanding of nursing practice. Moreover, UCD’s collaborative and hands on environment encouraged teamwork and networking with fellow nursing students, offering opportunities for professional development. The university’s focus on research and innovation in nursing
Generally a positive experience overall. Good student life & student driven supports in particular. Administrative bureaucracy can be a bit of a problem at times.
The best university campus in Ireland. An abundance of student life.
Amazing university with a wide range of courses and facilities to enhance your third level education
studying at UCD is really satisfying. i constantly have a feeling that lecturers and professors teaching us speak of things they are passionate about and practice or research in daily life. the campus activities are really cool make for a fun balance of studying and leisure, make one feel welcome and miss home quite a bit less :)
Good university and would recommend for both irish and international students. The SU could do more to alert the student body when there are referendums on - there often seem to be surprise referendums. More parking spaces on campus are desperately needed - too much barren green land that could be used for students who commute and end up late to class due to lack of parking.
The social life here is great and the diversity of people that attend the college here. I love the campus and we’re so lucky to have a 50m pool as well as such good sports facilities
Generally - a very pleasant place to study. Good student supports and lots of fun events. A nice friendly atmosphere