As an international student at Trinity, I know how overwhelming it can be to adapt to a completely new environment. There is so much to learn and figure out, and sometimes it can feel very lonely and scary.
Trinity Global Room exists solely for the purpose of helping students out with problems they might have as a part of Trinity.
It is a student friendly space for international students. It offers assistance in answering any questions related to student life in Dublin from navigating the administration system, to sorting out legal documents; or hosting student centric events, the Global Room is always there to provide support.
1. Global Ambassadors
When entering the Global Room, which is situated in the Hamilton Building (next to the academic registry), you will always be greeted by some super friendly faces from multicultural backgrounds and multidisciplinary fields.
These Global Ambassadors are fellow students that have been living in Ireland and can provide personalised information based on their own student experiences. They can assist in filling out application forms, helping to figure out how to go about things in college and outside of it, and referring you to other services.
The global ambassadors are also just happy to be there and chat if you ever need someone to talk to!
2. New 2 Dublin Info sessions – Global Room events
These are sessions that are run by experienced ambassadors who guide on admin processes to get yourself all set up when you first move to Dublin.
They answer all questions from how to make use of the public transport system in Dublin using the TFI Leap Card, what the best places to eat are, how to get a PPSN, and how to find accommodation if you are struggling.
They also offer information about the Trinity experience, which revolves around clubs and societies, study trips, health and well-being etc.
It is very helpful for new students who feel anxious or left behind or just need more clarity in figuring things out. Either way the ambassadors are always there ready to give you the support you need!
3. Speed Friending – Global Room Events
This is a fun session that usually runs during the start of the year/semester. It is aimed at providing an opportunity for students to get to know each other and make friends.
It is a quick way of meeting people from all the different educational fields and cultural backgrounds.
Some of them might also end up being the best people you will ever meet in college! I still keep in touch with friends I made this way in my first year!
4. Immigration Clinic
It is an information session that is usually held by the immigration officer here in the Global Room at Trinity.
The aim of this session is to provide support to students with any questions they might have related to their residence permits, visa applications, work permits, registration and other legal requirements in Dublin.
It is run by a member of professional staff who can provide a more foolproof assistance on what is needed and what should be done.
5. Cultural Events
Global Room is a diverse and inclusive space for all students from various different cultural and social backgrounds. It is not just a space that provides support and guidance related to international queries, but they also serve to organise events for students to enjoy and meet other people.
Almost all the festivals represent a plethora of different traditions and festivities from around the world. They have events ranging from Easter, Chinese New Year, Diwali, Holi, Hanukkah and many more. The events are ticketed at a price of 0 € (so free!!) ,but make sure to book your place because of limitations on room capacity (these events tend to run out SUPER FAST!!)
It is a wonderful way of exploring other cultures and also feeling represented in a part of a global community by celebrating your own festival far from home.
BONUS! They have a LOT of free food during these different events so it is a great chance to explore new culinary traditions or fill some of those cravings for good food!!
Visit the Global Room!
Global Room is a diverse and fun place for students. For me, it is much like a home away from home and a great way of getting to know people and getting involved in the college community.
They have 300+ events all year round and fun meet-up sessions like a movie night, pizza night, games night, all for free.
It is not only a place to relax and socialise but also a place where you can feel understood, heard, and represented as an international student living and studying in Ireland.
For more advice on life at university check out our blog on How to have the best university student experience.
