Frequently Asked Questions 

1.       How do I apply for on campus accommodation?

Rooms on campus are now available in Plassey, Kilmurry, Dromroe, Thomond and Cappavilla Village for 2010/11. You can book online here or you can contact the Accommodation Service on 061-202331. If you are visiting the campus, do not hesitate to call to any of the five Village Receptions.

 2.       When can I check in? If I arrive early can I check in?

The earliest check-in date for the Academic Year 2010/11 is Sunday 29 August 2010 and for the Spring Semester 2011 is Sunday 16 January 2011. Unfortunately we are unable to facilitate an earlier check-in date.  Please click here for a list of local hotels and bed & breakfasts.

3.       Can I check in if I have not yet paid my rent?

Full pre-payment of the semester rent is required before keys will be issued

4.       Is my application fee / deposit part of my rent?

The application fee/ deposit is separate to your rent, it becomes a damage deposit once you arrive on campus and will be returned to you after your stay as long as there is no damage to the accommodation or any outstanding bills and as long as the energy allowance has not been exceeded.

5.       Who will meet me at the Village?

A Member of the management team will meet with you on arrival to the village.  For international students please check with the International office for meeting detail

6.       Where do I get my key?

Your keys can be collected from the village reception upon arrival. 

7.       What are reception opening hours?

Each Village Reception will open for check in from 12 noon on Sunday 29 August 2010. Regular service hours during the academic year are as follows: 08h30 - 23h00 Monday to Thursday. 08h30 - 19h00 on Fridays, closed on Saturdays and open from 19h00 to 23h00 on Sunday evenings.

Please advise us of late and weekend arrivals, go directly to the village and a member of the management team will check you in.

8.       How do I know where I will be living and with whom?

Your village will be confirmed on receipt of the booking deposit.  Your apartment/house and room number will be available to you on check-in. If you have requested to live with someone,we will do everything we can to fulfill your request.  However, this is not always possible.

9.       How can my parents contact me by telephone?

There are operational telephones in every house in the villages. The number will be provided at the village reception. On arrival, please check this at reception.

10.       Where will my parents & others send my mail?

11.   What should I bring for my room?

You are provided with a duvet for your bed. You should bring some bed linen and pillows. Students travelling from abroad can organise this when they arrive at local stores in the area.  For a full detail of inventory, please download the inventory list here.

12.   What is provided for in the Living/Kitchen area?

Each kitchen is equipped with crockery, utensils and cutlery for each resident. Kitchens are fully equipped with Hob, Oven & Grill, Refrigerator & Freezer. We have multi-channell TV in the living area with comfortable seating. For a full detail of inventory, please download the inventory list here. 

13.   Where can I do my laundry?

You can wash and dry your laundry in the village Launderette. Tokens can be purchased at the village reception to operate the machines. Washing detergent is not supplied and can be purchased at the village shop or a local store.

14.   What do I need to know about bringing a computer and setting it up in my room?

Students may access the University Network from their room. For your Laptop or desktop to operate, you must have a network card installed.  For further details, please refer to the Student Computing Services link on http://www.ul.ie/main/current/index.shtml or click here Mac PCs are not supported by the University network.

15.   Is Smoking allowed?

Smoking is permitted in designated houses, however, you are requested to respect non-smokers. We cannot guarantee that the residents you share with will be smokers or non-smokers.

16.   What storage will I have?

You will have ample shelving space for clothes and books, a wardrobe for hanging clothes and under-bed storage.

17.   What type of clothing would you suggest?

Many people associate Ireland with rain! Like many European countries, we do get rain so bring a raincoat and possibly an umbrella. Our winter can be cold so bring warm sweaters, scarf and hat.

18.   Who will be there in the event of an emergency?

The Village Manager resides in the village and will attend to serious emergencies such as Fire or Serious Accidents. Campus Security are on duty every night in the village for your safety.

19.   Packages – What not to do to avoid excessive charges.

Before your friends and family back home send a package to you, please ask them to check for Customs & Excise charges. We have noted in the past that some students are subjected to heavy charges, in particular when sending items such as clothes and gifts.

20.   Where is the university located in relation to the city centre? Can I walk there?

The University is located in the suburb area of Castletroy. The city centre is about 15 minutes by bus/taxi. It would take about 30 minutes to walk and this is not advisable by night.

21.   Can friends/relatives stay with me?

Only with the prior approval of the Village Manager.

22.   What if I change my mind or find alternative accommodation? Do I get my deposit back?

Unfortunately, given the high demand for on-campus accommodation, you will forfeit your deposit should you wish to cancel your booking with us.

23.   Are the rooms insured?

Insurance for personal items such as PCs, laptops, stereos & other personal belongings are not covered. However, we can direct you to a reputable Insurance Agent who has agreed a student friendly rate for Insurance on personal items in your room.

24.   When do I have to move out?

All rooms must be vacated on Friday 20 May 2011.