Bullying

Though bullying is something that we associate with the schoolyard, unfortunately it continues through college, and even into the workplace. Bullying is unwanted and unwelcome behaviour which is persistent and repeated, is offensive or threatening to the recipient, or which leaves the recipient isolated or vulnerable. Bullying can take many forms:

• Verbal: personal insults, demeaning remarks, humiliation in front of others, nicknames, ridicule, persistent picking on a person ‘as a joke’, threats
• Non-verbal or indirect: exclusion, hostile attitude, spreading malicious rumours
• Abuse of power: excessive criticism, withholding essential information.
• Physical: aggressive behaviour, physical intimidation, unwelcome physical contact up to and including assault.

The effect of bullying on an individual can be extremely destructive and have some serious consequences. If you are being bullied:

• Get support: talk to someone you trust. Contact the Welfare Officer, the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Rights Officer, your tutor, or the student counselling service.
• Make it clear to the perpetrator that the behaviour is unwelcome and unacceptable and ask them to stop.
• Keep a record of incidents that occur, witnesses, and effects on you.

Physical Violence

You don’t have to be married to be a battered woman and you don’t have to be married to seek help. Women’s Aid, which operates a number of refuges for women escaping physical, sexual or emotional abuse in the home have recently set up a telephone help line for anyone in this situation. They will be able to give you advice on the legal course of action available to you, such as how to get a Barring-Order, a Protection Order etc. They will also be able to give you information on the Battered Women’s Support Groups, Victims Support Groups and information on emergency accommodation.

Although there is often a waiting list and women with children are given a priority, Women’s Aid will do its utmost to ensure that you are given every assistance if you want to get out of an abusive situation.

Campus Accommodation

If you are reading this in October or beyond , which you probably are, it is too late to apply for accommodation in College. Oh well... Normally the closing date for applications is sometime in January or February. Don’t worry about missing the date - there will be notices up around College or alternatively you could drop into the Accommodation Office and get the information you need there. It is located at the West Chapel in Front Square. Written queries should be addressed to:

Registrar of Chambers
Accommodations Office
West Chapel
Trinity College
Dublin 2

Living in Trinity has its good and bad points. Most people just like the idea of living in the grandest University in the country, but the reality of on-campus accommodation tends to be more monastic than palatial. Residents can only bring in one guest (who must be signed in advance in the Porters office at Front Gate) before midnight.

Students in standard rooms also have to share toilet/shower facilities and more often than not, kitchen facilities. Living in Trinity twenty-four hours a day does make you feel a bit claustrophobic, but there are some who see living in College as very convenient, with the best pubs in the city a stone’s throw from your front door, and no need for a taxi at the end of the night.

Who gets rooms?

Apply here: accommodation.tcd.ie/StudentBookings

Unless you are the child of a Fellow of the College or a scholar, you will find it hard to get a room in College. They still have to pay for the rooms but they get first call for the rooms. All incoming Freshers will have received an application form for Trinity Hall with their offer of a course place, so if you haven’t said yes by now it is too late, unless some places aren’t taken up. In this event, the free places are advertised via email and you can apply.

Otherwise, campus accommodation is limited to final year students or postgrads (but not those on a one-year course). To apply for rooms you have to fill in a form stating why you deserve rooms. Basically you have to prove that you are an asset to this college through the work you do – be it in a sport, a club or a charity. Again priority is given to those from outside the greater Dublin area, with a small pool of rooms available to those from Dublin. Exceptions to this final year rule are made for students with minor disabilities or special needs. These rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Trinity Hall

Situated on Dartry Road in Rathmines, approximately 2.5 miles from College. It was originally set up to house female students of the college, for whom close proximity to large numbers of virile young men could not possibly conduce to an academic mindset. In these more enlightened times, however, boys and girls happily share in the pleasures Trinity Hall has to offer. The majority of rooms are for Freshers, but there are a few rooms reserved for scholars and postgraduate students.

Trinity Hall has a wide range of facilities including an exercise room, an indoor basketball court, a botanical garden, a canteen and a common room. The JCR committee are there to run the craic and look after students in Halls. You can see more about the JCR and halls life on the JCR facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TrinityHallJCR/?fref=ts

Rooms are primarily selected on the basis of the distance to college from your home address.

Trinity Hall, TCD Student Accommodation.

Provisional applications for incoming first years for the academic year 2018/2019 are now open to students who have selected TCD in their CAO  options.

Trinity Hall, Dartry, is recommended Trinity College student accommodation for new entrants to College. There is a vibrant sense of community with an active Junior Common Room which organises a diverse range of activities making the Hall an ideal place for first years to make friends and get acquainted.

Applicants are strongly advised to read the TCD Accommodation webpages before making their application.

To apply for Trinity Hall accommodation please click here.

For more information on student accommodation please visit www.tcd.ie/accommodation

Rooms on Campus

Without any doubt, the best On-Campus Accommodation is No.1 Grafton St., better known as the Provost’s House (The Provost is the only person allowed to live on this famous street). You are unlikely to be elected Provost unless you are a world-renowned academic, which probably won’t happen for a few weeks or thereabouts, so stop wasting time and read about normal rooms.

Apart from staff, scholars and visiting tourists, the people who usually live in rooms are final year students, post grads, students from outside Dublin.

Pearse Street rooms were built a number of years ago. They are not the best rooms on campus. They are more expensive than a standard room because each room has an en-suite bathroom, but the rooms themselves are small and the kitchen facilities are not up to the standard of some of the other facilities on campus. Other complaints include lack of ventilation, little natural light and high noise levels. The only real modern feature of these rooms is the intercoms.

The rooms in the GMB were completely refurbished a few years ago and are nice rooms. The big, high-ceilinged rooms have plenty of natural light, are well ventilated, are nicely furnished and have pristine toilet and shower facilities en suite. Only single rooms are available in the GMB but kitchen facilities are shared - there is a small kitchen with a tiny dining area for every four students. Demand for the GMB is high so getting rooms there is quite difficult.

Goldsmith Hall rooms have the dubious honour of sharing the same building as the SU Cafe . Situated beside Pearse St. DART station, there is an overhead tunnel connecting the development to the campus. A Goldsmith Hall residence has a single cubicle within an apartment consisting of 3 to 7 rooms, a shared kitchen and living room and shared toilet and showers.

Prices for rooms are roughly comparable (although by no means linked) to prices for equivalent accommodation in the city centre. The lease agreement on campus rooms ends on the 14th May. If you have exams after this date, the Accommodations Office will kindly allow you to stay there for the duration of your exams provided that you have given them notice of this and pay before May 1st. You must be out before noon the day after you have finished your exams. Staying on does cost you though - you will pay up to €25.06 per day.

The cream of the campus crop is Botany Bay. The rooms are self-contained apartments with two or three generous single bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen/living room and a small but perfectly formed bathroom. The beds are big and comfy (some are doubles), there are big desks in each room with shelves and desk lights, and there is swipe card access with an intercom. You can apply for these rooms with friends.

College Health Service

The Health Service is located in the House 47-52 block. To get there, just go to the Beckett theatre and walk through the tunnel way and it’s on your right.

You find more information on https://www.tcd.ie/collegehealth/

College Health Centre Hours

Dr. David McGrath, Dr. Mary Sheridan and Dr. Niamh Murphy are available to see students by appointment Monday to Friday. Staff are seen between the hours of 9am and 10am. The clinic closes for lunch between 1-2pm and closes for the day at 4.40pm. The telephones are manned until 5pm – the number is 01 6081556 or 01 6081591.

Outside office hours in cases of emergency, students should contact DUBDOC (6pm - 10pm) weekdays, (11am - 6pm) weekends and Bank Holidays. The telephone number for this service is 4545607. This service is based in St. James’ Hospital. The DUBDOC triage nurse will give telephone advice, arrange a house call or offer emergency consultation with a GP on duty in St. James’ Hospital. Students (with the exception of Irish medical card holders and non-Irish EU nationals) will be responsible for any fees incurred for consultation or home visits.

Sexual Health Clinic

The Student Health Centre runs a Sexual Health Clinic two mornings a week from 9.30 – 1pm. If you have exposed yourself to STIs through unsafe sex or you want to get checked out as you are starting a new relationship, you can be screened for free by a female doctor for the following:

• Chlamydia
• HIV
• Hepatitis B
• Syphilis
• Trichomoniasas

The tests are quick and simple and the staff are understanding. Your medical records from the sexual health clinic are completely confidential, are stored anonymously and are kept separate from your regular medical record. For sexual health issues outside of these please see sex and sexuality section of this site.

Medical Cards

A student is eligible if:

• He/she is financially independent of parents. They are then assessed on their own means. However if the student is paying rent then this is taken into consideration.
• Persons aged 16 to 25 who are dependent on their parents will only be entitled to a medical card if their parents hold a medical card. Hardship cases will be dealt with individually on merit so if you feel you need a medical card, apply for one.
• If a student is on a disability allowance and has no additional income besides, he/she would qualify for a medical card.

Specific hardship e.g. asthma should be mentioned on the application form, which can be picked up in the Student Health Centre.

If you receive a medical card, notification of eligibility will be accompanied by a list of doctors, from which you must select one, whose centre of practice is within seven miles of where you live. Dr. Thomas of the TCD Student Health Centre is on this list so he is usually the one that students select. The card entitles you to:

• General practitioner (GP) treatment
• Free medicine
• Dental and optical benefits
• In-patient and Out-patient optical services
• Certain medical and surgical appliances

All N.I. and GB Students are entitled to emergency GP and hospital services free of charge on production of a European Health Insurance Card. All E.U. students in possession of a European Health Insurance Card are also entitled to GP services. For more information contact the Health Centre in College, the HSE or the Student Welfare Officer.

Dental Care

Smiles dentist on Grafton Street do a student deal for 10%:

• Scale polish: €50
• Exam: €40

If you’re short on cash you can have a free checkup in the TCD Dental School at the back of campus. Call 01 6127200 to make an appointment or for more information.

Pharmacies

TCD students can avail of a discount at any of the following pharmacies with their student card.

• Lombard Pharmacy, 32 Lombard St East, Dublin 2.
• Boots, Grafton Street, Dublin 2.
• Prices Medical Hall, 26 Clare Street, Dublin 2.
• Hickey's Pharmacies, 21 Grafton Street , Dublin 2
• Trinity Pharmacy, Nassau Street, Dublin 2.

Contraception

Condoms (sheaths, rubbers, johnnys, prophylactics)

A condom is a rubber sheath rolled over the erect penis before sexual intercourse. The condom stops the semen from entering the vagina. Sperm is often emitted before intercourse; therefore any close genital contact before foreplay may permit sperm to enter the vagina. For greater protection a woman should always use a spermicide since condoms and spermicide used together are at most 95% effective and they also increase protection against HIV.

How to use a condom confidently!

• Use a new condom every time you have sex.
• Check the use-by date on the packet.
• Check for a minimum quality assurance, e.g. British standard kitemark.
• Open the packet carefully to avoid tearing the condom.
• Make sure the condom is the right way around.
• Traces of sperm can be released before a man comes so make sure that the condom is put on before the penis gets near the vagina.
• Wait until the penis is quite hard before putting on the condom, trying to put one on a flaccid penis is almost impossible.
• Put the condom over the top of the penis, and gently pull it down a little. Then pinch the air out of the teat at the top of the condom.
• With one hand holding the teat, gently roll down the condom. Be careful, condoms are strong but they can be broken by rings or sharp fingernails.
• Roll the condom completely down to the base of the penis, otherwise it can ruck up during sex and come off inside the vagina or anus.
• If you want to use additional lubrication make sure you use a water-based lubricant like KY jelly. Oil-based ones (e.g. Vaseline) can perish rubber within minutes.
• Shortly after he comes and before the penis gets too soft, grasp the penis and the condom near the base and hold firmly whilst he pulls out.
• Gently slide the condom off, being careful not to spill any semen. Remember sperm can live for up to eight hours outside the body, so dispose of it carefully.

The Female Condom

This is still relatively new, and so no major studies have been carried out on its effectiveness but it is believed to be as safe as the male condom. It consists of a polyurethane sheath with two rings that lies in the vagina during intercourse. Unlike the male condom it can be put in anytime before sex and oil-based products can be used with the female condom, as it is made of polyurethane. When using, it is important to ensure that the penis enters the condom, rather than slipping between the condom and the vagina.

The Pill

The contraceptive pill is the most reliable method of birth control known. The method consists of taking a small oral contraceptive pill for almost all of the month. Available only on prescription, the Pill is easy to take and involves the minimum of fuss and bother. Putting it simply, the Pill stops the ripening of the Women’s eggs by rearranging the balance of her hormones. Regardless of the controversy, the Pill is still a perfectly safe method of birth control for most women. If you are considering going on the Pill you should contact your doctor, the IFPA, the Well Woman Centre or the TCD Health Centre.

• Ideally no woman taking the Pill should smoke.
• Always remember the 7-day rule if you forget to take the Pill (this means that you will need another form of contraception for a week as well as taking the Pill)
• The first and last pills in the packet are very important.
• Have a check-up every six months.

The Pill is reliable, easy to use. It produces regular periods and can ease menstrual bleeding and discomfort, and it does not interrupt sex.

Disadvantages are that birth control pills do have some undesirable side effects: nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, headaches, spotting between periods and irritability are among the more or less minor ones. However moving to a different brand of pill can solve these. The Pill offers NO protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Remember: Some antibiotics and other prescribed drugs may stop the Pill from working, so do ask your doctor about this before going on medication.

Injectible Contraception

Although it sounds new, this contraceptive was actually first manufactured thirty years ago but did not pass heath regulations (It was believed that the use of the injectible contraceptive Depo-Provera increased the risk of breast cancer in women. It was re-launched in the 80s once the previous claims were seen to be inaccurate and that the medication was in fact perfectly safe.

Once you are injected with a dose of Depo-Provera once every twelve weeks, you only run a very slight risk of becoming pregnant (.3%) A dose costs ¤12 approximately and must be administered by a doctor.

It does have some minor side effects similar to the Pill but it contains only progesterone therefore it is only safe in those where oestrogen is contraindicated.

You do not need to remember to take pills every day, there is very small risk of pregnancy, and periods are very light.

However, periods can be very irregular, there is no protection against STDs, and other side effects include weight gain (about 5 pounds), back pain, some headaches.

This injectible contraceptive costs €140 for the contraceptive and €50 to have it injected by the TCD doctor.

The Mini-Pill

Contains only one hormone - progesterone. It works by preventing the passage of sperm through the cervical mucus. It makes the lining of the uterus hostile to the implantation of the egg and may prevent ovulation.

• It should be taken on the first day of your period.
• It should be taken at the same time each day. If taken more than three hours later than the usual time it will not be effective.
• The seven-day rule applies.
• The Mini-Pill is not adequate protection for those under 30 years of age - therefore condoms would still be required.
• It doesn’t control menstrual cycles as well as the combined pills, which contain both oestrogen and progesterone.
• No protection against STDs.

Spermicides

These include creams, jellies, peccaries and jars of foam; they are placed in the vagina near the cervix, usually by a syringe-like applicator and function by killing the sperm when it enters the vagina. Used alone they are unreliable. However they do greatly increase the reliability of condoms and caps. Insertion can be messy and troublesome. They are available from the Well Woman Centres and the Irish Family Planning Clinic. Remember that spermicides provide no protection against STDs.

The Diaphragm or Cap

This is a dome-like rubber device, which the woman inserts over the entrance to the uterus, up to three hours before having sex. It must always be used in conjunction with a spermicide. If used carefully and correctly it is 95% effective. The device prevents sperm from entering the womb and the spermicide kills them. The diaphragm must be left in place for at least eight hours but not longer than 24 hours after intercourse. If you lose or gain more than 3.5kgs (7lbs) you need to get the diaphragm rechecked. After use, clean the cap by washing it in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Avoid disinfectants, detergents or strongly perfumed soap, as these spoil the rubber.

The I.U.D (The Inter-Uterine Device, Loop or Coil)

The coil is a small, semi-permanent device, made of either plastic or copper that is inserted in the woman’s uterus by a doctor. It prevents pregnancy by interfering with the complex chain of events that take place before the egg can become implanted in the wall of the uterus. The coil is left in place and only removed when a woman wants to become pregnant. A doctor can only remove it.

Whilst insertion is simple and reasonably effective, it is generally not suitable for young women with no children. It has many disadvantages, including increased menstrual flow and the danger of the device slipping out unnoticed. It provides no protection against STDs.

Sterilisation

For both sexes, this involves a minor operation and is generally irreversible.

For a man it is a simple operation that can be carried out under a local anaesthetic in surgery and need only take a few minutes. For a woman the most common method involves blocking the Fallopian tubes by tying, sealing or clipping them. It is carried out under general anaesthetic and can involve a short stay in hospital. Counselling is recommended for people considering sterilisation.

The Morning-After Pill

This works by altering the hormone balance, usually preventing pregnancy and involves two sets of pills that are taken twelve hours apart and must be taken within 72 hours of intercourse to be effective. This means you should see your doctor within 60 hours of intercourse, so that both pills can be taken within the time limit. The earlier the pills are taken, the more effective they are. You may be asked to sign a form clearing the doctor of responsibility if the pill fails to be effective.

Success rate: 5% risk of pregnancy midcycle, less than 1% risk at all other times. Time of next period varies depending on time of cycle when pills are taken.

You may feel or be sick, if this happens you might need to get more pills from your doctor. Not suitable for all women, your doctor will advise you. This special dose should only be used very rarely, in emergencies. The ‘Morning After’ Pill should not be used as a form of contraception.

The pill is available from the Student Health Centre in TCD at a cost of _6, the Well Woman Centres and the Irish Family Planning Clinics.

The Post-Coital I.U.D

The I.U.D is fitted within five days of intercourse or within five days of estimated date of ovulation. Clinics may very slightly on this. It works in the same way as the normal IUD though insertion can be quite painful.

The Post-Coital IUD is very effective.

It's not suitable for all women, your doctor will advise you. It can be painful to insert the device.

It's available from the Well Woman Centres and the Irish Family Planning Clinics.

Remember that the condom is the only from of contraception that offers protection from STDs and HIV. Unless you are in a single partner monogamous relationship, where both you and your partner know that you are both free from STIs and you are using another form of birth control, always use a condom.

Trinity College Counselling Service

STUDENT COUNSELLING

Web: tcd.ie/Student_Counselling

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: (01) 896 1407

Facebook: TrinityHeadspace   

Instagram: tcd_headspace  

Twitter: @TCD_Headspace

Main Offices: 3rd Floor, 7-9 South Leinster St. (Opposite Lincoln’s Inn)

Services are also available in Trinity Hall, Dartry. 

Student Counselling Services (SCS) aim to help you succeed at Trinity by providing free, confidential and professional support services. These services are available throughout the year to all registered Trinity students. SCS is staffed by professional accredited counselling or clinical psychologists and psychotherapists, interns, assistant psychologists and trainees. 

 Services Offered:

Online Support Programmes

to help you boost your mood, reduce stress, tackle worry, improve self-esteem and body image. Take the quiz to see which programmes can help you:ie.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/tcd/

Support Groups, Workshops and Mental Health Trainings to help connect you with your peers, cope with challenges, and learn useful coping skills. Workshops and trainings cover: 

• Self-Care and Stress Management
• Resilience
• Cultivating mindfulness and compassion
• Managing difficult emotions
• Dealing with self-criticism
• Sexual Consent
• Shyness and Social Anxiety
• Perfectionism
• Self-esteem and the inner critic
• Relationships 
• Breaking bad habits and forming new ones
• Understanding mental health: Alternatives to diagnostic labels
• How to support a friend who is struggling
• Addictive Behaviours

Check out our Events Calendar: tcd.ie/Student_Counselling/whats-on/

Needs Assessments with an SCS team member to discuss any issues you are facing and to consider the best steps to take for dealing with these. 

One-to-One short-term counselling for personal issues, including a daily emergency appointment if needed. Online video appointments are also available.

After Hours Support

Niteline is an after-hours IM and telephone listening service run by students, for students. Freephone: 1800 79 37 93, every night of Term: 9pm- 2:30am.

Crisis Text Line: available 24/7 – Text 50808 when in crisis for support

How to Reach Out: 

 Visit the SCS website - tcd.ie/Student_Counselling 

 To inquire about services phone (01) 896 1407 

Opening hours:  Mon & Thurs   9 a.m. – 5.30 p.m.

Tues & Weds   9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (during teaching terms)

Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

College can be expensive, if you’re experiencing financial difficulty there are a number of avenues to explore, which I can help you navigate! 

• Short-term loan, up to €100 tax free
• T-Fund, for social transitions of transgender students
• International Fund

Check susi.ie or studentfinance.ie for eligibility information.

These funds are set aside for students in financial need. Allowances are allocated on a case-by-case basis. TAP/HEAR students should contactThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Non-TAP/HEAR students should contact their tutor or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you receive financial assistance from the college in the current academic year, you may be entitled to a Student Levy Charger Waiver. You can only claim the waiver for the current academic year and must apply before the last day of Hilary Term. More information can be found on the Senior Tutor’s website.

There are a number of benefactions, bursaries and prizes which you may be eligible for/ a list of these and their criteria is available atwww.tcd.ie/seniortutor

College costs can add up, so it’s important to budget your money. A budget is a simple exercise when you sit down and work out what income you will have over a period of time, such as the academic year, and what costs you will incur in this time. Ideally, you want your income to be greater than costs.

Top Tips:

• Know your number: be aware of how much you need to spend every month. Try to keep luxuries to a minimum, avoid unnecessary expenses and build good financial habits early on.
• Use your student discount: take full advantage of student deals and discounts - keep an eye on the SU email for exclusive TCDSU deals.
• Be prepared: make some packed lunches, plan how much money you want to spend on nights out, and make a habit of checking your bank balance regularly.
• Check outwww.mabs.ie for advice on building a budget that works for you!

Financial Assistance and Childcare

Student Assistance Fund / Student Hardship Fund / Benefactions

The financial support available in college are the Student Hardship Fund, the Student Assistance Fund and childcare bursaries. They are administered by the Senior Tutor's Office. Claure Laudet, your tutor, is away until mid-August but it would be worth giving the office a call and asking about your eligibility for one of these supports so you can plan ahead. Their office number is + 353 1 896-2551. These funds are issued internally by the Senior Tutor’s Office in TCD. The Student Assistance Fund is a European funded initiative and the Harship Fund is an internal college financial assistance fund. The application process for both forms of financial assistance is the same.

You can read more information on the funds here: http://www.tcd.ie/Senior_Tutor/Financial%20Assistance/

You can download the application form here:

https://docs.google.com/a/tcdsu.org/forms/d/1Am3URh-0AwNigHkx4F9xNSwyKDWM0K0PYjtwEvzgzgU/viewform

https://www.tcd.ie/Senior_Tutor/forms/ESF%20Budget%202014_2015.xlsx

https://www.tcd.ie/Senior_Tutor/pdf/ESF%20receipts%2012-13.pdf

It may be useful to meet with the Undergraduate Support Officer, Helen Richardson, in the Senior Tutor’s Office to discuss whether or not it would be worthwhile applying. You can contact her on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01-8961905

A number of Benefactions (bursaries/grants) are available to students in specific circumstances e.g. on the basis of course, gender, background. It may be useful to browse the available benefactions through this link:

http://www.tcd.ie/calendar/assets/pdf/archive/2012-2013/tcd-calendar-t-financial-assistance.pdf

Student Union's Childcare Assistance Fund

Every year the SU awards a financial grant to a number of student parents. This year, the grant amount is €30 over 20 weeks and is paid directly to a registered childcare provider. It is awarded to the students deemed to be in the greatest need. This will be advertised in the SU email at the start of the college year and is applied for through the welfare email address. For more information contact the Welfare and Equality Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Community Childcare Subvention

The CCS is another bursary available to parents. The TCD Nursery is a part of the scheme. When applying it is only the PPSN numbers of one parent and the child that are put on the form meaning that if you are not a lone parent, your partners benefits are not taken into account. If you currently have a medical card, especially if the child is over 6, and are receiving jobseekers or BTEA then it is likely you will be eligible for the CCS payment. Have a look at their criteria here:

http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/ecce-scheme/20140904BandsandRatesSept2014.pdf

Forms and information available from the TCD crèche on 018961938

You can contact the Department of Youth and Children’s Affairs for more information on 016473000

Community Resources

There are also community charity resources such as Saint Vincent De Paul and your local Community Development Project which can offer bursaries for childcare in college. It would be worth talking to their offices and other charity organizations in your area to see if they can offer support.

Back to Education Allowance

You may be eligible for BTEA (back to education allowance) if you are returning to education. You can find more information on your eligibility for BTEA here: http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/back_to_education/back_to_education_allowance.html

They also have a general outline of the scheme here: http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Back-to-Education-Allowance-Scheme.aspx

If you have specific questions you could call their offices at 017043000

Creche have free childcare year with the nursery. Free year that the government give & what other forms of payment do they accept.

ECCE Scheme

The free preschool year in early childcare and Education scheme offers on free year in pre-school care for ages 3-5. Call the TCD nursery for information on how to apply.

You can also find more information here http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=1143

Drugs and Alcohol - Drugaí agus Alcól

Drugs & Alcohol

College is a time of many firsts, drugs and alcohol may be some of them. TCDSU is committed to a Harm Reduction approach, which emphasises engaging directly with students who use drugs to prevent overdose and infectious disease transmission and empower students through information.

Support Services

• If you, or anyone around you, experienced negative health outcomes after drug use, contact 999 immediately. You can access healthcare services without criminal prosecution.
• The HSE runs a confidential service both as a freephone Helpline (1800 459 459) and an email support service (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you are struggling with substance-dependence. The helpline is available Mon-Fri, from 09:30-17:30.
• As a student you can book an appointment about concerns over your drug or alcohol use at Trinity’s College Health Centre. More information can be found on their websitewww.tcd.ie/collegehealth. You can book an appointment by calling 01 896 1591 or 01 896 1556.
• Alcoholics Anonymous is a free support for if you are recovering from alcoholism. Their phone number is 01 842 0700 and email isThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..www.alcoholicsanonymous.ie 
• Narcotics Anonymous is a community-based organisation for recovering addicts,www.na-ireland.org or 01 672 8000.

Information About Drugs

• For up to date information about harm reduction of different types of drugs please visit Drugs.ie atwww.drugs.ie/drugs_info/campaign/ 

Drug-Testing Kits

TCDSU provides drug-testing kits, specifically EZ Test Kits. 

We do not encourage the use of illicit substances. However, we will provide EZ Test Kits for students, who under their own volition, choose to recreationally participate in the use of drugs. Please follow the instructions included in your testing kit. These are not kits to check if you have used drugs. These kits test for the presence of a drug. Please note that the test kits can give false positives, do not state how strong the substances are, and do not protect the user from the risks of drug-taking. TCDSU does not accept any liability for students who use these kits and decide to use drugs or illicit substances.

If you’d like to enquire about these kits please contact the Welfare & Equality Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Gambling - Cearrbhachas

Gambling can be considered to be a problem in your life when it gets in the way with work, school or other activities, harms your mental health or physical health, creates financial struggles, or causes problems with your friends and family.

If you are affected by addictive behaviours, the Student Counselling Service runs an Addictive Behaviours support group. Other supports:

Extern Problem Gambling

Harm prevention and support

www.problemgambling.ie 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

089 241 5401

Gamblers Anonymous

Recovering from Gambling addiction (free) support

www.gamblersanonymous.ie 

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

01 872 1133

Homesickness

Over 70% of students experience homesickness at one point or another while attending university. Being away from home for the first time, making new friendships, keeping up with your college work and taking care of such things as doing your own laundry makes a lot of students feel overwhelmed. This especially true when you’re starting college or when you’re an international student who has to adapt to a new culture and language.

Over 70% of students experience homesickness at one point or another while attending university. Being away from home for the first time, making new friendships, keeping up with your college work and taking care of such things as doing your own laundry makes a lot of students feel overwhelmed. This especially true when you’re starting college or when you’re an international student who has to adapt to a new culture and language.

However, there are a lot of things that can be done to prevent your homesickness from getting too bad. The following is a list of 10 coping strategies, that have proven to be very helpful for students feeling homesick.

• Keep in touch with home: FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook are all good and cheap options to keep in touch with your friends and family at home. However, make sure to not be glued to your phone or laptop 24/7 as the constant keeping up with how things are at home can make you feel even worse. Remember to cherish all the new experiences you’re making here instead of trying to ‘virtually’ follow the life of your loved ones at home.
• Distract yourself: Join societies and sport clubs (remember it is never too late to join, a lot of societies do events for newcomers throughout the year). Use your time at Trinity to explore things you have never done before, such as knitting or trampolining! You can find a list of all the societies and clubs here: http://www.trinitysocieties.ie/societies/search?x=0&y=0&kw=a
• Eat food that reminds you of home: Invite some guests over and have a dinner party where you introduce them to some of the foods they might not know! Dublin also has a wide range of restaurants from all over the world, such as for example a Russian Restaurant (Admiral) on Marlborough Street and a Vietnamese Restaurant (Pho Ta) on Cope Street. Simply google the type of restaurant you are looking for, chances are high that Dublin has it.
• Talk about it: Most people experience homesickness while they are at college so don’t be afraid to talk your friends about how you are feeling. Sometimes it can also help to link in with people from the same region as you, so try joining the International Students Society to find people who come to Trinity from the same region as you. Trinity also has a variety of different services that can help you if you feel like you want to talk to a professional, so make sure to check out this list the Student Counselling Service has put together: https://www.tcd.ie/Student_Counselling/support-services/college-support/
• Find a good routine: Try and go to bed around the same time every night and set your alarm for a reasonable hour in the morning so that your body can find a healthy rhythm. It can be very tempting to stay up late every night to catch up with your friends at home, especially if they are in a different time zone, but it will leave you tired and miserable the next day. Try and arrange times that work for both you and your friends and family at home to Skype, so that neither of you have to sacrifice their sleep to talk to the other person.
• Make your room feel cosy/homely: Chances are that you will spend quite a few hours every day in your room, whether in a shared apartment or in Halls. Take the time to make the room feel a bit more homely by hanging up posters of your favourite films or photos of your family and friends.
• Move your body: Exercise can help you to take your mind off things, especially when you do it outside. Try and go for a walk for at least 15 minutes every day, whether that is walking to and college or exploring your neighbour. Yoga and other relaxing activities, such as meditation are other great ways of unwinding your mind, so why not consider joining Trinity’s very own Yoga Society.
• Find something you’re passionate about: Everyone has something they are really passionate about, whether that is the environment or gender equality. TCDSU run a number of different campaigns every year so keep your eyes peeled and feel free to email your sabbatical officers if you want to get involved with any of them.
• Explore the city: Dublin is a beautiful city with a rich cultural history. Free walking tours are the perfect way to get a feeling for the city and to get to know the main attractions. The Chester Beatty Library, the Hugh Lane or the National Museum of Modern Art are great for students as the are completely free of charge. Dublin also has the perfect location for day trips on the weekends, with Dun Laoghaire, Howth and Greystones all less than 30 minutes away on Dart.
• Immerse yourself in Irish culture: Dublin has so much more to offer than just Guinness and Leprechauns so make sure to really immerse yourself in all aspects of Irish culture. The Irish language society on Campus (Cumann Gaelach) offer free language classes at various points throughout the year, which is the perfect opportunity to pick up some Irish vocabulary to impress your friends and family at home.

Finding Accommodation

It’s very difficult to fully engage with college life if your foundations aren’t being met. The welfare officer here to help you address all of your accommodation needs. There's a housing crisis in Dublin and you're not alone in the struggle to find accommodation!

Accommodation Advisory Service

The SU operates an Accommodation Advisory Service helps you to explore your accommodation options to find what best works for you! An accommodation advisor can be reached atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..TCDSU also runs a Facebook group for students looking for accommodation: "TCDSU Accommodation Support".

Accommodation Options:

• Trinity Hall/On-Campus Accommodation
• Purpose Built Student Accommodation
• Renting a room in a share, non-owner occupied house
• Digs

Useful Websites:

• www.daft.ie

• www.rent.ie

• www.myhome.ie

• www.collegecribs.ie

• http://homes.usi.ie/

• www.tcd.ie/communications/noticeboard 

What to do & What not to do

Always always always see the place before you hand over money.

Do try and bring a parent with you.

Do borrow a mobile if you don’t already own one: it will be invaluable.

Do get a receipt for any money exchanged. Make dead certain you have this – some students in the past have lost a lot of money by forgetting this rule.

Do read your rights as outlined below before dealing with a landlord.

Bring a good map of Dublin including bus numbers with you.

Do check in with the Accommodation Advisory Service if you need any info.

Don’t admit to being a student if possible.

Don’t agree to pay out more than you know you will be able to continue to pay for the rest of the year, it will cripple you later.

Don’t get too freaked out by all the accommodation crisis reports. Yes there is a shortage of places out there but no that does not mean you should settle for a hamster cage. No matter how frustrated you get don’t be disheartened: you will not end up sleeping on the streets.

If you get stuck for somewhere to stay for a few days get in contact with the Welfare Officer. Trinity have deals with local hostels that can act as a base while you search for somewhere more permanent.

How much does college cost? Budgeting

Even before you start adding the “registration” fee to your budget for the year, it’s pretty obvious that free education isn’t exactly free.

The bad news: Dublin is one of the most expensive places in Europe to be a student. Rents have continued to climb over the last few years and travel expenses are creeping up too. The breakdown of our extremely accurate scientifically designed perfect college monthly budget (of course, it won’t match perfectly with yours) looks like:

The total without transport comes in at €1179- 1320 (see above for transport fees) if you’re living away from home, but it’s a bit less if you’re still living with the folks. You’ll need to sit down with said folks (if you haven’t already) to figure out how much you need week to week and how many hours you can work without destroying either your social life or your academic career. That said, it’s important to remember that part-time work is not as easy to come across as in past years, and that you may be looking for a while.

Here are some quick tips to save money:

• Cook with friends on a rotation
• Use your student discount
• Open a student bank account for student-friendly offers
• Bring a set amount of money on nights out
• Use Trinity FLAC (Free Legal Advice Clinic) for free advice if you run into trouble with your landlord. Visit www.trinityflac.ie for more information. 
• Freeze or refrigerate food for later in the week
• Bring your own lunch
• If you bring your own tea bags you can get hot water for 40c in the Arts Block
• Go to society events
• Get a student leap card, available at the SU shop in front square, to save on transport
• Try a cheaper phone network with a pay-as-you-go option
• Use the SU shop deal of the week and ents card deals

How can I get financial Assistance?

It’s no secret that college is expensive, if you are experiencing financial difficulty check out the below resources. Reach out to the welfare officer if you're stuck. 

SU SERVICES

Short-term, interest-free Welfare Loan of up to €100.

Childcare Assistance Fund.

SU Placement Bursary.

For more information emailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visithttps://www.tcdsu.org/welfare.

HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT

You can apply for this grant online atwww.grantsonline.ie. Check susi.ie or studentfinance.ie for eligibility information. Although the priority deadline was July 9th, applications are still being accepted until November.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE FUND/STUDENT HARDSHIP FUND

These funds are set aside for students in financial need. Allowances are allocated on a case-by-case basis. TAP/HEAR students should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Non-TAP/HEAR students should contact their tutor or the Undergraduate Student Support Officer Helen Richardson atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

BENEFACTIONS

There are a number of Benefactions/Bursaries/Prizes which you may be eligible to apply for. A list of these along with the criteria you must meet in order to apply can be found onhttps://www.tcd.ie/seniortutor/.

Mental Health

What is Mental Health?

Mental health underwrites everything we do. If we’re not mentally healthy usually straightforward things like going to lectures, making sure to eat or even getting out of bed in the morning can be difficult. To add to this college can often have times of concentrated stress such as at exam or essay periods or in the week or so before the grant comes in. Whatever it is its really helpful to know what stresses you out before it comes up (exams!!) and how you’re going to deal with it so see the tips below and explore what makes you feel good.

The most important thing to know when experiencing mental health difficulties is that you’re not alone. Anyone can have poor mental health, whether or not they have been diagnosed with a mental illness. We all have tough times. Recent research shows that 1 in 4 college students at a given time could be experiencing mental health difficulties (My World Survey 2012). In Trinity that means over 4,000 people.

Another hugely important thing to note is that help is here. When it comes to counselling services we are blessed. We are also well located in Dublin City to take advantage of any nearby services within reach which is, comparatively, a lot.

Tips for your Mental Health

The following tips top recommended coping strategies for mental health difficulties. Including these 5 a day every day can really boost your mental health. I will mix in a few of my own that helped me when I was having issues with my mental health.

1. Connect

These words shown here are the top coping strategies for young people across Ireland (My World Survey 2012). As you can see, most of these strategies have one thing in common; connecting! Connecting is good for your wellbeing. Taking time to strengthen relationships with people close to us and to broaden relationships with our wider community is important. Sharing how we feel with others helps us to feel more understood.

Connecting is not only important for emotional support but it also helps us to develop a sense of belonging, self-worth and reduces isolation.

2. Get Active

Improved self-esteem is a key benefit of physical activity. When you exercise, the body releases feel-good hormones called endorphins. Regular exercise is proven to reduce stress, ward off anxiety and feelings of depression. It also boosts self-esteem and improves sleep.

See TCD sports centre classes https://www.tcd.ie/Sport/classes/ to blow off some steam or use the gym. A good tip is to sign up to events like a 10k that require a bit of training as they get you out and about over an extended period of time.

Student sports clubs can also be a fantastic way to meet new people while getting your body moving. We have 49! http://www.ducac.tcdlife.ie/clubs/ email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on joining a club.

3. Notice

The benefits of being aware include increasing your knowledge and understanding of and improving self-awareness. So we encourage you to increase your awareness of positive mental health and let us know what you’ve learned. Some excellent websites we found useful include:

    www.jigsaw.ie
    www.reachout.com
    www.letsomeoneknow.ie
    www.yourmentalhealth.ie
    www.spunout.ie
    www.seechange.ie
    www.nosp.ie
    http://my.happify.com/

Call into community organisations and learn what you can, try to challenge the old stigma attached to mental health, or help to raise awareness about positive mental health. Headstrong and Jigsaw is committed to changing how Ireland thinks and acts around youth mental health – you can be part of that movement.

4. Get Involved

Getting involved relates to connecting. Volunteering connects you to others, it provides experience and teaches valuable skills, it also increases self-confidence and combats depression. So we ask you to get involved in something new within your local community. Join a new sports team, society, volunteer in a local organisation or join the Youth Advisory Panel at Jigsaw in 10 communities around Ireland. Trinity societies like Saint Vincent de Paul and SUAS offer a great chance to give back and do some positive work that can boost your mood. https://www.tcd.ie/Community/students/volunteering/

5. Give

Help out, carry out a good deed and donate time, money or clothes. There are numerous benefits to helping others, giving promotes positive psychological changes in the brain associated with happiness. It also brings a sense of belonging, reduces isolation and helps to keep things in perspective. An act of kindness creates positive emotions which help improve confidence, boost happiness and reduces stress. What’s not to like?

So why not give one of these Five A Day a try? And possibly integrate them into your daily routine to get maximum benefits.

Remember it takes 21 days to change a habit and 90 days to make it stick. Tog go Bóg e and Enjoy.

Tips from the Welfare Officer

Journaling: This has always been a huge help to me. Whether its finding somewhere to put those thoughts that are buzzing around your head or helping to put down some ideas on paper so you can keep track of them journaling can be a great help to feeling more in control of your mental health and seeing how your thoughts are in that moment. You don’t need to write or spend too much. Just a short page every night may be all you need. Easons on Nassau Street do a 2016 journal for 4.99 pages are just long enough.

CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a great method for people who like an active, hands approach on for good mental health. Its about challenging negative thought patterns that can contribute to low moods and can really help to break the cycle. You can find plenty of examples of CBT worksheets online but I got my examples from Melanie Fennel’s books on self-help which are great, simple and well explained. You can work CBT into your journaling time. A good trick when you notice habits of negative thoughts is to ask, ‘what would I say to a good friend who said this?’

Invest some time in your talents. This can really help you to feel productive. Whether its drawing, singing, juggling, falconry or whatever. One thing that struck me about college is that by the time I got here I had completely changed my attitude to the things that were important to me as a kid. I realised that stress about career, grades and my social life had made me feel guilty about spending time doing things I truly loved. Deliberately setting aside time for these things is a way of saying that what makes you feel good about yourself is important and that the things you love matter. Some things I do are; draw with charcoals, play my guitar, practice speaking Spanish, get outside and go for a walk, play 5-a-side soccer.

Doing things just for you: Sometimes we feel guilty for making things all about us but this is a necessary part of life. Part of being an adult is caring for yourself so every once in a while give yourself permission to be your own best friend. Take yourself to the cinema (my personal favourite), cook yourself a nice dinner, get a haircut, do your nails or just take the time to sit back and draw or play/ listen to music.

Make a two week chart of things you can do for your mental health and tick off what you do each day. This will help you notice what is most effective for you. This is one I happened upon recently and has given me a much more nuanced understanding of why my moods dip when they do. I discovered that I need exercise, time alone, time to work on my talents and to eat 3 meals a day.

Sleep – has a huge impact on your mental health. Not only does your mind work things out while your snoozing (hence the expression ‘’sleep on it’’) but sleep helps to regulate the body chemicals which make the day go more smoothly. 8 hours is recommended but don’t feel guilty its not always possible.

3 meals a day and 8 glasses of water. Not only does the routine of regular eating help to structure your day and help you feel less stressed but your brain needs certain nutrients and plenty of water to stay focused.

Mindfullness meditation: It took me a long time to understand what this was and a great many uncomfortable hours sitting (almost) cross-legged on the floor but I eventually reasoned that it is about focus. The ability to focus on a singular task makes that task easier and collectively breaking the day into small focused tasks has a sort of domino effect. Coupled with that, practicing the ability to relax and to tune out stressors can have a massively positive effect in helping us stay balance. TCD Meditation society hold classes. https://www.facebook.com/TCDMeditationSociety/?fref=ts and the counselling service have many drop in mindfulness sessions on their website.

Niteline

Life as a student can sometimes be stressful and there can be multiple pressures both in and out of college. There are many support structures in place to help students through these difficulties and Niteline is one of the most popular and durable of these.

Tel: 1800 793 793 (9pm – 2.30am every night during term-time)

What is Niteline?

Niteline is a confidential, anonymous, non-directive, and non-judgemental listening service that is run by and for the students of Trinity, NUI Maynooth and RCSI.

Niteline has been successfully running and expanding for over 7 years. During this time, the service has become and unique and valued part of life in college. The number of calls to Niteline has increased annually throughout this period –a reflection of how the service has established itself as trusted and respected in student circles.

Who runs Niteline?

Niteline is run by student volunteers from Trinity, NUIM and RCSI. Although generously supported by the Student’s Unions of both Trinity and NUIM along with the board of RCSI, Niteline is independent of outside influence. This allows it to maintain the confidentiality and non-judgemental atmosphere that are seen as its core values.

Niteline volunteers represent a broad cross section of the student community, male and female, from all three colleges. The fact that volunteers are students themselves means that they are in a position to understand the pressures of college life and to relate to the range of issues that students face. Before taking any calls, Niteline volunteers go through a rigorous screening and training programme based on the Samaritans model and run with the help of the College Counselling Services. Ongoing training and support for volunteers is also a priority.

New volunteers are recruited at the start of first term so watch out for the posters. Applications are taken only from students who have spent a year or more in college and remember; if you are thinking of volunteering, please respect Niteline’s anonymity by not telling anyone.

In addition to their phone service Niteline also operate an instant messenger type service which can be accessed on this link http://www.niteline.ie/

Peer Support

STUDENT2STUDENT

Web: student2student.tcd.ie

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone: (01) 896 2438

Facebook: TCDs2s

Instagram: tcds2s

Twitter: @TCDS2S

Main Offices: 3rd Floor, 7-9 South Leinster St. (Opposite Lincoln’s Inn)

S2S Mentors

S2S Mentors are student volunteers available to all undergraduate first year and visiting students. S2S Mentors have personal experience of what it’s like to come to Trinity for the first time or to come back to Trinity after a break from education. They are normally in your own course of study, or a similar area, and will organise regular group meet-ups for you to get to know other students on your course. They will also check-in regularly by email and will answer any questions you may have. New undergraduate and visiting students are introduced to their mentor group during orientation, but if you are unsure of who your mentors are you can find out athttps://student2student.tcd.ie/mentoring/group-query.php

Peer Supporters

Peer Supporters are students, much like you, and are trained to offer a confidential and professional safe space should you need one. No problem is ever too big or small and you don't need to be in distress or a crisis to talk to one. 

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, and in the interest of volunteer welfare, we've had to temporarily suspend the Peer Support service. However, we are committed to getting it back up and returning as soon as possible. So for updates on the programme and the service, be sure to follow us on our social media channels.

Contraception is an important part of having safe sex - it can protect against some STIs and pregnancy when used correctly. There are many ways to have safe sex! Contraception comes in many forms so it’s important to find what works best for you. For an up to date guide on the different options available check onwww.sexualwellbeing.ie!A guide on what you need to know about contraception is availablehere(including in other languages).

Common contraceptives include:

• The pill or mini pill
• Condoms or the female condom
• Diaphragm
• The IUD
• Spermicides
• The Coil
• The patch
• Injectable contraception
• The ring

The HSE provides colleges with free condoms and lubricant for students to avail of. House 6 will always have a stock if you need some!

Free Contraception

Women and people with a uterus aged 17 to 25 can get contraception for free. For more information on what costs are covered and how you can avail of free contraception visitwww.sexualwellbeing.ie.   

Emergency Contraception

There are different emergency contraception choices for different situations, depending on when you had your last period and how long it has been since you had unprotected sex or if your contraceptive method has failed. Emergency contraception is more effective the sooner you take it after having unprotected sex.

Ask a pharmacist (chemist) for a private consultation or talk to a doctor or Family Planning Clinic about the best option for you. You can also use this time to discuss regular contraception.

Information on the types of emergency contraception is availablehere. 

Consent is where there is free and voluntary agreement to engage in a sexual act with someone else. It is a crime to engage in a sexual act with someone who has not given consent. This law is set out in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 2017. 

It is important to know that even if you consent to a sexual act, you are absolutely free to change your mind before the act begins or at any time before it ends.

Remember that Consent isFRIES:

• Freely-given
• Retractable
• Informed
• Enthusiastic
• Specific

Freely Given:

Doing something sexual with someone is a decision that should be made without pressure, force, manipulation, or while drunk or high.

Retractable:

Anyone can change their mind about what they want to do, at any time. Even if you’ve done it before or are in the middle of having sex.

Informed:

Be honest. For example, if someone says they’ll use a condom and then they don’t, that’s not consent. If someone has taken a lot of alcohol or drugs, we can’t be sure we have informed consent. 

Enthusiastic:

If someone isn’t excited, or really into it, that’s not consent. 

Specific:

Saying yes to one thing (like going to the bedroom to make out) doesn’t mean they’ve said yes to others (like oral sex). Consent is applies to specific acts on specific occasions.

This is a move away from the traditional ‘no means no’ understanding of consent, and it’s important that we as first responders are familiar with this model too.

Together Consent 

Together Consent is Trinity College Dublin's sexual consent education programme. Founded in 2016, they began facilitating consent workshops that year. They are proud to be at the forefront of Consent Education in Third Level Education in Ireland. 

Information from Student Counselling Services, Trinity College Dublin. 

Porn Use

Porn can be a good think: it can be used as a way to relax, as a coping tool and to blow off steam. It can be stimulating and exciting, as well as enjoyable.

But - too much of a good thing? Excessive use of porn can also have a negative impact. It can lead to spending long periods of time online, irgnoring important tasks, retreating from other interested or finding it hard to relate to another person.

The more porn our brain consumes, the higher the response threshold becomes. What used to be satisfying now doesn’t have the same effect and a higher impact is required for a sexual response.

How Do You Engage with Porn?

Porn is a form of entertainment and it’s imporatnat that we are critical of the entertainment we consume. 

For example, we might watch a movie like ‘The Fast and the Furious’ for entertainment. We might watch it for the fantasy, a bit of fun, to share with others - but we don’t watch it to learn how to drive.

Porn is the exact same. As a form of entertainment, it’s important to be able to critique what you’re viewing and not take it literally. Ask yourself what does it get right? Representation of sexual identities, sexploring sexualitiy, validate sexual interests, ackowledigng human needs. But aso what is it missing? Conversations about consent, communication, unrealistic standards, contraception, enforcing stereotypes?

Questioning porn helps you better enjoy it. Be aware of what you’re watching and normalise talking about it.

What’s Your Porn Use Like?

Using porn is normal. It is a normal human sexual behaviour, but it’s just as important HOW we engage with it. 

Consuming porn responsibly means thinking about what porn means in your life. You engage with it in a way that is consistent with your values. Think about the values and beliefs that you hold around sexuality and sexual behaviours. How does that translate for you with the porn you consume? Ethical porn use is about responsibly and interntionally supporting ethical sexual values (David Ley, Clinical Pschologist).

Two main questions to consider for responsible porn use:

1. Am I being responsible about the behaviours I’m normalising myself to?
2. Is my porn use disturbing my daily activities or upsetting people I care about?

Concerned about your porn use? Help is availble! 

If your porn use is becoming more of a problem than a pleasure - reach out and talk about it.

Find someone you trust and share how you’re feeling with them. It might feel embarrassing or difficult but helpful to have someone who understands in your corner.

You can also find support at Addiction Recovery and Wellbeing Group:

• Every Tuesday 6pm
• Student Counselling Services
• 3rd Floor, 7-9 Leinster Streeth South

EmailThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions!

For more information on porn literacy visit: www.bewiser.ie/talk-about-porn 

Unplanned pregnancies can produce feelings of shock, and be an isolating experience especially for students. If you find yourself in this situation contact a GP at the Health Centre, the counselling service or the Welfare & Equality Officer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss your options in complete confidence. Pregnancy tests are available at all pharmacies. College Health Service also offers pregnancy tests for €10.

Here are some external supports that you may find helpful:

IRISH FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION

Sexual Health Charity

www.ifpa.ie

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

01 607 4456 

MY OPTIONS

Information including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services

www.myoptions.ie

1800 828 010

WELL WOMAN CENTRE

Range of primary health care services, family planning, counselling and sexual health services

www.wellwomancentre.ie

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

01 874 9243

College defines sexual harassment as ‘any attempt to coerce an unwilling member of the college into a sexual relationship or to subject such a person to unwanted sexual attention, or to punish a refusal to comply or to create a sexucal intimidatory, hostile or offensive environment’. It includes all forms of harassment from unpleasant remarks to sexual assault.

If you’ve had a non-consensual experience or would like to talk to someone about issues regarding consent you chat with the SU Welfare & Equality Officer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), the Student Counselling Team (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Niteline, or the College Health Team (www.tcd..ie/collegehealth). All are highly trained, confidential and non-judgemental sources of support.

The ‘What do I do now’ document gives an overview of what to do regarding disclosures of assault and rape in college. Checkbit.ly/SAdisclosuretcd for more information.

Speak Out Tool

Report an incident on the Speak Out tool anonymouslyhere.

Speak Out is an online and anonymous reporting tool for higher education institutions in Ireland.  It provides a platform for Trinity College Dublin students and staff to voluntarily and anonymously report, in a safe and secure way, incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, discrimination, hate crime, coercive behaviour or control, stalking, assault, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape that you have either experienced or witnessed.  

Speak Out is a national initiative led by the Psychological Counsellors in Higher Education Ireland (PCHEI), funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, and supported by the HEA Centre of Excellence for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Reporting anonymously using Speak Out means that you will not be asked for your name or any other personal details about you or another person and the University will not take any specific action or commence any formal complaint process. 

The Speak Out site collects information on your experiences and that information allows us to develop and deliver initiatives aimed at raising awareness of, and taking steps to eliminate, this type of behaviour in the UCC community.  Speak Out also allows the University to direct you to helpful supports and provides information relating to a range of options that can assist you in dealing with incidents of discrimination, bullying, harassment and/or sexual misconduct. 

More information regarding the Speak Out tool can be foundhere.

Trinity Student Support

https://www.tcd.ie/equality/speak-out/support/student-support/  

External supports

• DUBLIN RAPE CRISIS CENTRE

Support for Survivors

www.drcc.ie

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

1800 778 888

• ONE IN FOUR

Support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse

www.oneinfour.ie

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

01 662 4070

• SEXUAL ASSAULT TREATMENT UNIT

Information on all your care options if you have been raped or sexually assaulted

www.hse.ie/satu 

• WOMEN’S AID

Domestic violence support

www.womensaid.ie

1800 341 900

You can book a cervical check smear test or attend Sexual Health Clinics through the College Health Centre. They also run mini screens with a nurse, as well as sexual health clinics with a doctor or nurse. 

For more info check the College Health website (https://www.tcd.ie/collegehealth/service/specialised.php) or call them on 01 896 1591 or 01 896 1556.

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection that is passed on through sexual contact with someone who is infected. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the human immune system and weakens its ability to fight infection and disease. 

How to prevent STIs:

• Use a condom
• Use a dental dam
• Do not share sex toys
• Get vaccinated
• Use PEP is you may have been exposed to HIV
• PrEP if you are HIV negative

Trinity College Chaplaincy

Welcome to Trinity! There’s a lot more to college life than spending four years studying a particular academic discipline. University provides a unique opportunity to meet people from a wide variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds and to explore a whole world of ideas and interests. Ultimately, it’s an invitation to share in the search for truth and greater understanding, which is central to the mission of all communities of learning.

The College Chaplains, representing the four main Christian Churches in Ireland, work as a team to foster such shared exploration and to promote in College the vision of a caring Christian community. We have offices in House 27, Botany Bay, where we are available to meet students and to offer a confidential listening ear, particularly in times of difficulty. There is also a coffee room on the first floor, where you are welcome to drop in and help yourself to tea/coffee at any time of the day. Each Tuesday there’s a free lunch from 12.30-2.00pm. They do a lovely cheese sandwich and soup if I do say so myself.

Along with the other student services in College, the Chaplains are committed to improving the quality of student life. Each year we facilitate a bereavement support group, which is open to students of all religious traditions and of none. Check out our web site at www.tcd.ie/Chaplaincy for details of seminars, retreats, trips, prayer and faith discussion groups, voluntary work opportunities and other events organised by the Chaplaincy, or e-mail us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Do get involved in some of the clubs and societies, and we hope you have a great year in College!

Catholic

Peter J Sexton

• SJ House 27 (1st floor)
• Tel: 608 1260
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alan O’ Sullivan

• OP House 27 (1st floor)
• Tel: 608 1260
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Church of Ireland

Bernie Daly

• House 27 (2nd floor)
• Tel: 608 1402
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Presbyterian & Methodist

Rev. Julian Hamilton

• House 27 (1st floor)
• Tel: 608 1901
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

THE HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT

If you’re really stuck for money you can see if you qualify for a grant from your local authority. The closing date this year was August 31st, but if you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to ring your local authority and ask if they can accept a late application – some authorities are more lenient than others in accepting late applicants.

There are a couple of criteria you have to fill to be considered eligible to apply for a maintenance grant: you have to be at least 17 years old, and you have to be either an EU national, have official refugee status, or have official humanitarian leave to stay in the country.

The grant is means tested, and it’s based on your parents’ income, unless you’re over 23 (in which case it’s based on your own). The grant comes in five increments: you can get 100%, 75%, 50%, or 25% of the grant along with having your registration fee paid, or you can get 50% of your registration fee paid. This all depends on how much you or your parents earn per year, and also on the number of children in the family attending college. It also depends on how far your family home is from college. Confusing? Don’t worry, it’s not as bizarre as it sounds.

In some cases where two or more children or a candidate’s parent are pursuing an approved course of study in third level education, the income limits may be increased in variable increments from €4670-4830 (€4980 PG). These terms are subject to change and may change.

Now the important stuff: how much are you entitled to? If your family home is more than 45km from the college, you qualify for the non-adjacent rate: this rate is designed to make up for the fact that it costs more to live away from home. It’s still not very generous, though…and if you live less than 45km from the college, you qualify for the adjacent rate, which is a good deal less.

Maintenance is paid three times a year, once each term or can some monthly in smaller sums. The Student Records Office are responsible for handing out the cheques to students: you can contact the students union or Academic Registry directly to find out if you’re grant application has been sent through. Some arrive earlier than others, so if yours hasn’t arrived yet, call into the office and I can help you figure out whats going on. It may be a backlog with Academic Registry. If it’s really late, you can ring them up and demand to know why it isn’t here yet, or you can call into my office and I’ll ring them and demand on your behalf. 

The Legal Stuff

The Lease

Any tenancy agreement you make with your landlord is valid in law whether it is made verbally or in writing. Written agreements are of benefit to both sides. Always read the lease carefully. Never sign a twelve-month lease if you only intend staying for the College year. If you break the lease you may be liable for damages as well as risk losing your deposit (unless you can find someone to take over the flat for you). Ask the Accommodation Advisory Service for advice.

Rent Book

Every tenant, paying for a house which includes an apartment, flat etc. is legally entitled to have a rent book supplied by the landlord. This applies to houses rented by private landlords as well as voluntary bodies, local authorities or employers, if a rent is payable.

Basically, a rent book is a record of rent and other payments made to the landlord. However by law, a rent book must also contain other information related to the tenancy. This information must include:

• the name and address of the rented dwelling
• b) the name and address of the landlord and his agent if any
• c) the name of the tenant
• d) the terms of tenancy, whether it be 6, 9 or twelve months or whatever.
• e) the amount of rent and when and how it is to be paid
• f) the particulars of any other payments to be made to the landlord for services e.g. heating or piped TV
• g) the amount and purpose of any deposit paid and the conditions under which it will be refunded
• h) an inventory of contents
• i) a statement of information which informs the tenant of their rights
• j) the date of commencement of tenancy

Your landlord must enter the details of tenancy in the rent book. Any changes to this agreement must be entered into the rent book within one month of the change (e.g. a direct increase) If you pay your rent money directly to your landlord (or his agent) your landlord must then either: a) record the payment and sign for it in your rent book or b) give you a signed receipt which contains full details of the payments.

If you pay by standing order or by bank giro, then your landlord must, within three months either: a) record and sign for the payment in the rent book or b) give you a written statement of the payment.

It is essential that you keep your rent book in safe place because you will need it if any dispute arises with your landlord. Rent books are prepared by Threshold and are available from all Threshold offices or the SU offices in House Six.

Deposits

Most landlords will demand a deposit of usually a month rent and is used as security against breaking the tenancy agreement. You may forfeit some or all of the deposit:

• If you don’t give proper notice or you leave before the end of your tenancy (i.e. if you vanish mysteriously into the night at the end of the year).
• For damage to the landlord’s property above normal wear and tear (i.e. if you have a wild party/carnival of the grotesque/drug-fuelled orgy and end up trashing the place).
• For unpaid bills and rent.

If you do not get your full deposit back because of repairs or replacement of items, ask to see all the relevant receipts.

Rent Increase

Rent increase is a confusing subject, but it’s important to know your rights. If you’re living under a periodic tenancy agreement, your landlord can up the rent once every two years as long as he/she gives you four weeks’ notice. But if you have a written lease, your rent cannot be increased unless there’s provision in the agreement for it or there has been significant improvement to the property (new bathroom facilities for example). If your landlord tries it, tell him he’s breaking the law unless your contract allows it.

Insurance

It is up to you to insure your own belongings. However, this can be very expensive and it pays to shop around. Call into me in the SU Welfare Office for advice if you need it.

Privacy

Basically, this means you have the right not to be disturbed; your landlord is only allowed to enter with your permission. If the landlord needs to carry out repairs or to inspect the premises, it should be by prior arrangement. You are entitled to have overnight guests, unless specifically forbidden in the lease. (However this does not extend to another person moving in!)

Leaving a Property (Abdicating your Tenancy)

Under Irish law you are allowed to break the terms of your lease and leave the tenancy as long as you can find someone to move in to take your place. This is, however, done at the discretion of the landlord but if you have a reasonable relationship with them it is an option if you need to move out unexpectantly, are having roommate troubles or simply don’t like the place. The landlord can charge out of the deposit for any fees incurred through lost rent or re-advertising the property but shouldn’t keep the full deposit.

The Trinity Communications noticeboard is a good place to find someone to take over your tenancy. You can find this in the how do I find accommodation section.

Minimum Legal Standards

Since 1994 landlords have had a statutory duty to ensure that the accommodation that they rent complies with certain minimum physical standards. These standards are set out in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993.

In summary, they require a landlord to:

• ensure that the house is in a proper state of structural repair.
• provide a sink with hot and cold-water facilities in each dwelling.
• provide toilet and bath or shower facilities in each dwelling.
• provide toilet, bath or shower facilities, either in the flat itself or in a flat not more than one floor above or below the rented dwelling. Usually, there should be no more than two flats to each shower and toilet, but up to four flats may share one toilet or bath/shower if each flat has only one tenant.
• provide adequate means for heating, for installing cooking equipment and for storing food.
• maintain installations for the supply of electricity or gas in good repair and safe working order.
• provide proper ventilation and lighting to each room.
• maintain common facilities for cooking, food storage, lighting and heating in good repair and safe working order.
• maintain common sinks, toilets, baths and showers and other common areas in good repair and a clean condition.
• provide a secure handrail for any common staircase.

The landlord is not responsible for anything the tenant is entitled to remove, or for repairing glass breakage in windows in any part of the building of which a tenant has exclusive use.

Issues with your Landlord

Getting kicked out

A landlord can remove a tenant for the following reasons:

1) If you do not comply with the obligations of the tenancy (http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/housing/renting_a_home/if_your_landlord_wants_you_to_leave.html)

2) If the property is no longer suited to your needs (for example, if it is overcrowded)

3) If the landlord intends to sell the property within 3 months

or for the following specific purposes:

1) If the landlord needs the property for him/herself or for an immediate family member

2) If the landlord intends to refurbish the property substantially

3) If the landlord plans to change the business use of the property (for example, convert it to office use)

Unless you have security of tenure or a tenancy agreement that says otherwise a landlord can give you notice to leave at any time. Before 6 months living in a property your entitled to 28 days notice. After 6 months this is a 35 day notice period. This stretches to 42 days after 1 year and 56 days after 2 years.

This notice must be in writing. Once notice to quit has expired your tenancy is legally over. If you don’t have an appointed day and have not reached an agreement with your landlord then the landlord may go to court for an eviction order, which, if granted will be carried out by the sheriff. This could prove to be expensive for the tenant, as he/she might be liable for the landlord’s legal costs. An eviction by the landlord without a court order would however be unlawful and you should seek advice from the Students’ Union (either the Welfare Officer or Alan, the Employment and Accommodation Officer).

A landlord is prohibited from seizing a tenant’s goods as a means of enforcing payment of rent due on a premises let solely as a dwelling (Section 19 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992. In other words, a landlord cannot keep your stuff and sell it off if you owe them money. If you discover that your landlord had taken something it is theft, not payment in kind. Call into us and we’ll jump on them for it, or get in touch with the Free Legal Advice Centre at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Last Resort

The small claims court deals with landlord disputes although you may want to seek advice from the Private Residential Tenancies Board for some free advice. You can reach them at O'Connell Bridge House, D'Olier Street, Dublin but are better calling their service line on 0818 30 30 37 between 9:00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Threshold are a housing charity who can also offer advice. You can find them at 21 Stoneybatter, Dublin or call (01) 678 6096. If all this fails contact the Welfare Officer or go through the small claims court. You can find procedures for the latter here:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/justice/courts_system/small_claims_court.html

A few tricks and tips to help

If your landlord is not fulfilling his/her legal obligations with regards to minimum standards and a rentbook, they can be prosecuted and fined up to €1270 plus an additional €127 penalty for every day of a continuing offence. The local authority (the County Council or Dublin Corporation) is responsible for enforcing these legal requirements, so if you think that your landlord is breaking the law do get in touch with your local authority, or the Welfare Officer, or both.

Your landlord must also register you as a tenant within 30 days of your move in date. If they do not they could be subject to a hefty fine.

Booking an Event

Simple events/talks etc.   
To book a room for your event contact the Enquiries Office
The Atrium, Front Square
Trinity College
Dublin 2

Telephone: +353-1-896-1724/896-1897
Fax: +353-1-6710037
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Larger or more complicated events/ stunts

You will need to contact the junior Dean 10 working days prior to the event and fill in the request forms, both of which can be found here
https://www.tcd.ie/Junior_Dean/events/

It may speed things along you may also fill out an event management and safety plan and email it to Mr Tom Merriman, College Safety Officer (email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) and TCD Insurance (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) with a copy to the Junior Dean’s Office (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). You can see a copy below or mail the email addresses given or the Junior Dean for a copy.

Event Safety Management Plan
(Small Events not involving unusual activities, installations or equipment)

Note:
An Event Safety Management Plan should be drawn up for all events outside of the normal teaching/research activities in  Schools and Research Institutes, outside of the normal activities of societies and clubs and any event involving members of the public outside the College Community.
College society activities are covered under College insurance. However, all outside service suppliers, hirers, contractors and the like must have adequate insurances and these must be presented to the Director of Buildings

Office for verification in advance of the event.

Many events including all events in external areas of College require the Permission of the Junior Dean – for such events the Event Management Plan must be agreed in advance by the College Safety Officer or the Facilities Officer.

Event Risk Assessment

H = High, M = Medium, L= Low
*some sample hazards to consider
 
Fire Prevention
Overcrowding / Crowd control
College Emergency Procedures
Fire Safety / Evacuation procedures
Safety announcements
Communication with College Authorities
Stages/Structures/Drapes/stage furniture
Lighting/Sound equipment
Audience Seating
Security/theft
Confined Spaces   
Heavy Loads/Manual Handling
Hazardous Substances
Compressed gases
Food Handling
Hot work/Naked Flame/Candles
Vehicles/Traffic Management
Special needs / children / elderly / disabled
Electrical Risks/Generators
Working at Height
Working near water
Illness/Injury
Noise
Lone working

Pregnancy Advice

Cherish, 2 Pembroke Road, Dublin 2. Tel: 6629212

Barnardo’s Adoption Counselling Service, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8 Tel: 4546388

Single Parents

Cherish (Association of one-parent families), 2 Pembroke Rd, Dublin 2. Tel: 6629212

Gingerbread, 29 Dame St., Dublin 2. Tel: 6710291

Treoir (Federation of services for unmarried parents and their children) National Information Centre, 36 Upper Rathmines Road, Dublin 6. Tel: 4964155. Free information packs.

Sexual Abuse / Rape

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, 70 Lr. Leeson St. Tel: 6614911. Helpline, Freephone 1800 778888

Childline (for children) Freephone 1800 666 666

Women’s Aid Helpline Tel: 1800 341900

Rotunda hospital, Tel: 87730700 (Ask to be put through to the Sexual Assault Unit)

CARI (anyone affected by child sexual abuse) Helpline: 1890-924567

Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholics Anonymous, Service Office, 109 South Circular Road, Dublin 8. Tel: 4538998

AA after hours phone service, Tel: 6795967 (6.30pm-10pm, Monday-Friday, 10am-10pm weekends and bank holidays)

Mental Health

If every day feels like Monday Morning, you could be suffering from a mental health illness. Whatever the case, you never need to suffer in silence. 300,000 people in Ireland suffer with depression, 10,000 are hospitalised each year because of depression.

Contact Aware: 1890 303 302 (Available Monday – Sunday, 10am to 10pm.)

Samaratins: 01 116123 (Available 24 hours)

Niteline (student run service): 1800793793

Social Welfare

For information on maternity benefits, Tel: 7043475

For information on social, community and family affairs, Tel: 8748444

Drugs

Narcotics Anonymous, Friends Meeting House, Eustace St., Temple Bar, Dublin 2. Tel: 8300944 ext: 486.

Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health, Hawkins House, Dublin 2.Tel: 671 4711

Drug Squad, Harcourt Sq., Harcourt St., Dublin 2. Tel: 8732222

STDs / HIV / Aids

Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, St. James’ Hospital, 1 James St., Dublin 8. Tel: 4535245 (Walk in clinic for STD patients, Mon. 9.30-11am. Thurs.1.30-3pm).

HIV Ireland – 70 Eccles Street, Dublin 7, Tel:(0)1 873 3799 (10am-5.30pm Monday-Friday)

Cancer

Irish Cancer Society, 5 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4.Tel: 6681233. Helpline: 1800 200 700.

Legal Aid Centre

Free Legal Advice Centres,13 Lower Dorset Street,Dublin 1, Legal Information & Referral Lines: 1890 350 250 / 01-874 5690

Full time 10am - 12.30pm and 2pm - 4pm Monday - Friday

45 Lower Gardiner St., Dublin 1. Tel: 8745440

9, Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1. Tel: 8724133

47 Upper Mount St., Dublin 2. Tel: 6623655

44/49 Main Street, Finglas, Dublin 11 Tel: 8640314

Tower Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Tel: 4576011

Village Green, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Tel: 4511519.

Eatign Disorders

Eating disorders are a way of coping with painful feelings which are difficult to talk about. They are an unconscious attempt to avoid these feelings or keep them under control. Eating disorders are: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder.

Bodywhys provide help, support and understanding for these eating disorders.

Bodywhys operate a helpline manned by trained volunteers. Helpline: 01 283 5126

Operating hours: Mon 7.30 – 9.30 pm, Tues 12.30 – 2.30 pm, Wed 7.30 – 9.30 pm, Thurs 10.00 – 12am, Fri 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or ring 01 283 4963