I believe it is fair to say Trinity students like to work hard and play hard. Every course at Trinity College Dublin is hard at times (or most of the time). So, when everything starts building up, it is important to take reading week to recharge for the upcoming exam season.
Yes, professors still assign students midterms, readings, or assignments during this week. However, having no lectures do frees up some time. The question is: how should you spend this free time?
Travel Outside of Ireland
It is extremely common for Trinity students to interpret reading week as holidays—and they have good reason for it! The Dublin airport is home to beloved Ryanair, which provides the cheapest flights around Europe. Many students enjoy going home or to a sunnier place to write their essays, do their maths, etc.
Traveling with friends (or solo) is a nice way to recharge for the upcoming final push because it allows students to get out of their environment for a bit, which may feel overly stressful. Exploring a different culture, eating different cuisines, and having fun experiences is part of why we work! So do enjoy these opportunities to travel.
If you feel you have loads of work to do during reading week, I recommend taking a weekend trip so you can balance both. It is extremely important to take a break, even if it is shorter, because after reading week the work only intensifies. It is possible to leave on a Friday morning/afternoon and return for Sunday evening! Ryanair charges more for travelers with luggage, so you’ll be able to travel fortravel even cheaper with only a backpack for the weekend.
Travel in Ireland
While traveling to see other cultures is very fun, Ireland also
has its own culture to explore and enjoy! Dublin is a nice city
but does not compare to the cliffs on the west coast or the
colorful buildings of Cobh in Cork.
Things to do or explore in Ireland include:
- Sea swimming at Vico Baths, the Forty Foot,
Greystones, etc. - Hike beautiful trails on a good day (check Alltrails for
trail ideas!) - Visit Galway, a lively and gorgeous bigger town.
- Go to the west coast to experience Irish trad music.
And so much more! Traveling within Ireland allows students to
recharge and experience a change of scenery while also
making the logistics of travel a bit simpler.
Movie Nights
While in university, many students fall out of watching movies at the cinema. With Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and all these subscriptions, students usually sit down to watch a movie or show on their personal devices. I understand this as it is a way to relax after the social happenings of college.
However, when lectures aren’t happening, how will you see your friends?
As we all know, 2023 had massive movies such as Barbie, Oppenheimer, Saltburn, Foe, and more. There is no better way to experience these immersive films than in the movie theatre, which not only provides a better experience you can share with your friends but also supports the theatres after many that struggled during the pandemic.
Here is a list of some movie theatres I recommend depending on the experience you’re looking for:
- Stella – comfortable chairs with in-dining experience in Rathgar, Dublin.
- Odeon – classic movie theatre with an amazing monthly student deal if you want to watch more films.
- Irish Film Institute – a local movie theatre with historic relevance which features alternative films.
Pubs, Quizzes, and Live Gigs
There is no doubt that Dublin is Ireland’s hub for live music and pub culture. If you wish to recharge by having a little fun in the nighttime, then these are great ways to socialise and laugh or be mesmerised by the talent here in Dublin.
Great pubs for pub quizzes:
- Chaplain’s in city centre.
- Mary’s in city centre.
- Dropping Well in Rathmines.
- The Woolshed in city centre.
Great venues for live music:
- Fibber Magees for rock.
- Wigwam for dance.
- Academy for concerts.
Trinity bands to see:
- Blazer band
- Moontalk
- Trinity Belles & Trinitones
- Irish trad society
- Child of Prague Band
Go out to any of these places or see any of these bands and you will be recharged from the positive energy surrounding you!
A Day to Relax
Sometimes recharging doesn’t mean doing anything extravagant. Sometimes it is taking a step back to relax and recharge to maintain your health and well-being. This can be cooking and baking a nice meal for yourself, organising your space, taking yourself out for a coffee and a walk, going for a run or to the gym, or putting on a face mask.
Life often moves very fast, so it is also important to take the time out for yourself to enjoy all the good things that are here and that are coming. If you feel put under pressure by the many things happening around you, journal all the emotions out, reach out to some friends, or visit the Trinity Health Service which provides group therapy and can be booked through their website.
Whatever you decide to embark on during reading week, I hope you take the time to have some fun, take a break, and recharge. It is important to take care of yourself, share some laughs, and have some experiences that go alongside the workload. So enjoy this time without lectures!
