Immerse yourself in the rich world of Irish literature, history, art, and society by signing up to the innovative Semester Start-Up Programme (SSP) which runs for three weeks in September before the start of the first academic semester. The SSP gives you the best possible foundation for settling into Trinity life. While undertaking the academic programme you will meet other international students and academic staff, receive your student card, take library tours and get to know the campus and the city – all before the semester begins!

We realise that moving to a different country can be an exciting and challenging experience.  The unique SSP is designed to give international students time to settle into life in Dublin and properly familiarise themselves with the University and the city before the start of the academic term.  The combination of lectures, tutorials, field trips and campus tours ensures students are ready to focus on their course once the semester begins.

The core SSP module is entitled Understanding Ireland. This module consists of three interlinking strands which include Irish History: 1000-2000; Archaeology, Art and Architecture, and Irish Writers through the Ages. The programme is taught by full-time academic staff, facilitated by the School of Histories and Humanities. Courses ensure students have a solid background in Irish culture and society and the programme provides the perfect introduction to Ireland for international students from all disciplinary backgrounds.

If you are a visiting student or planning on coming to Trinity for the first semester or for a full academic year, the three week SSP also covers the first one-sixth of your semester work commitment at Trinity (5 ECTs) with the remainder being covered by the other undergraduate courses you choose for that semester. If you are planning to come to Trinity for the second semester, a one week SSP orientation programme runs in January before the start of the second academic semester. Students attending the one week programme do not receive ECT credits.

Housing is available for participants in Trinity Hall an apartment-style complex near the main campus. Trinity Hall is an ideal place to make friends and perfect for settling into Dublin life. Students can apply for rooms online with a modern single ensuite bedroom within an apartment costing approximately €22 per night. Those who take up residence at Trinity Hall benefit from many features including recreational facilities, TV lounges, quite reading space, games areas, bookable group-use facilities, music practice areas and study areas at exams times along with 24 hour security and Internet access in every room.

Further information on the SSP, including learning outcomes, reading list and assignment topics, is available online Interested students should email international@tcd.ie to find out more.