University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIVING IN IRELAND.................................................................................................................................. 2
GEOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................................ 3
LANDSCAPE .............................................................................................................................................. 3
CLIMATE .................................................................................................................................................. 3
TIME ZONE .............................................................................................................................................. 3
CURRENCY ............................................................................................................................................... 3
BANKING .................................................................................................................................................. 3
CREDIT CARDS......................................................................................................................................... 3
POSTAL SERVICE ..................................................................................................................................... 3
RELIGION ................................................................................................................................................. 3
SAFETY ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
ELECTRICITY ........................................................................................................................................... 4
TELEPHONE.............................................................................................................................................. 4
RADIO AND TELEVISION .......................................................................................................................... 4
NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES ............................................................................................................... 4
DRIVING IN IRELAND ............................................................................................................................... 4
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ................................................................................................................................... 4
LIMERICK CITY ........................................................................................................................................ 5
LIMERICK AT A GLANCE ......................................................................................................................... 5
ENTERTAINMENT ..................................................................................................................................... 5
SPORT ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
SHOPPING ................................................................................................................................................. 6
EATING OUT ............................................................................................................................................ 6
CINEMA .................................................................................................................................................... 6
GETTING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK .......................................................................... 7
BY AIR ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
BY TRAIN ................................................................................................................................................. 7
BY BUS ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK ............................................................................................................ 8
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION DIVISION ................................................................................... 8
VISA AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS............................................................................... 9
VISA APPLICATIONS ................................................................................................................................ 9
IMMIGRATION .......................................................................................................................................... 9
HEALTH INSURANCE ...................................................................................................................... 10
MEDICAL FORMS …………………………………………………………………………………… .. .25
WORKING IN IRELAND ................................................................................................................... 10
ACCOMMODATION .......................................................................................................................... 10
ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION ........................................................................................................... 10
OFF-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION ...................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
LODGINGS/DIGS ..................................................................................................................................... 13
ACADEMIC CALENDAR .................................................................................................................. 13
ORIENTATION PROGRAMME ....................................................................................................... 13
ENROLMENT AND REGISTRATION ............................................................................................ 13
ENROLMENT .......................................................................................................................................... 13
REGISTRATION....................................................................................................................................... 14
CLASS TIMETABLE .......................................................................................................................... 14
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................... 14
COST OF LIVING ............................................................................................................................... 14
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
FACILITIES ON CAMPUS ................................................................................................................ 14
BUILDINGS ON CAMPUS ......................................................................................................................... 14
LIBRARY ................................................................................................................................................. 15
COMPUTER FACILITIES ......................................................................................................................... 16
EMAIL..................................................................................................................................................... 16
SPORTS ................................................................................................................................................... 16
UNIVERSITY RESTAURANTS .................................................................................................................. 16
CAMPUS BARS ........................................................................................................................................ 16
BANKING ................................................................................................................................................ 17
CRÈCHE.................................................................................................................................................. 17
USIT TRAVEL OFFICE........................................................................................................................... 17
BOOKSHOP ............................................................................................................................................. 17
SMALL FOODSTORE ............................................................................................................................... 17
OTHER FACILITIES ................................................................................................................................ 17
STUDENTS UNION ........................................................................................................................... 177
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES......................................................................................................................... 177
Clubs............................................................................................................................................. 177
Societies ........................................................................................................................................ 187
SUPPORT SERVICES ...................................................................................................................... 188
STUDENT PERSONNEL SERVICES......................................................................................................... 188
Student Counselling ...................................................................................................................... 188
Chaplaincy.................................................................................................................................... 188
Student Health Centre .................................................................................................................. 188
FACILITIES FOR DISABLED STUDENTS ................................................................................................ 199
UL ACADEMIC COORDINATOR ........................................................................................................... 199
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION................................................................................................ 199
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ......................... 20ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX 2: USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ...................................................................... 211
APPENDIX 3: MAP OF REGION ................................................................................................... 232
APPENDIX 4: UL CAMPUS MAP…………………………………………………………………..23
APPENDIX 5: CAMPUS RESIDENCES MAP …………………………………………………….24
APPENDIX 6: MEDICAL FORM ……………………………………………………….………25/26
APPENDIX 7: BED & BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION ....................................................... 287
APPENDIX 8: ADMINISTRATION AND DEPARTMENT OFFICES ....................................... 298
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University of Limerick
LIVING IN IRELAND
Geography
Ireland is the most westerly country of the
European Union, separated from Great Britain
by the North Channel on the northeast and the
Irish Sea on the east. Ireland is an island of
84,430 sq. km (32,598 square miles). Its
greatest length is 485 km (302 miles), its
greatest width 304 km (189 miles), and its
coastline extends for over 5,631 km (3,500
miles). The highest mountain Carrantuohill
(1,040 metres/3,414 feet) is part of the
Macgillacuddy Reeks range near Killarney in
County Kerry.
The longest river is the
Shannon (370 km/230 miles).
The largest
lake is Lough Neagh (396 sq. km/153 square
miles) in Northern Ireland.
The country is divided into four historic
provinces; Ulster (9counties) in the north;
Munster (6 counties) in the south; Leinster (12
counties) in the east; and Connacht (5
counties) in the west. The population of the 32
counties of Ireland is approximately 6.3
million.
Landscape
The landscape varies from bogs and lakes in
the central lowlands to mountains and rocky
islands in the west. Between these two
extremes, the island has abundant lush, green
pastureland but little natural woodland.
Climate
Winters in Ireland are mild and summers
temperate due to the prevailing south- westerly
winds and the influence of the warm waters of
the North Atlantic Drift. Ireland has a mild
climate all year-averaging 2°- 7°C (35°- 45°F)
in winter and 18°- 24°C (65°- 75°F) in
summer. May and June are the sunniest
months with an average of over 7 hours of
sunshine per day.
Time Zone
Ireland is in the same time zone as Great
Britain, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). The
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
clocks change twice yearly for summer time.
The summer time period starts the last Sunday
in March at 1.00am GMT, i.e. the clock goes
forward one hour. The summertime period
ends the last Sunday in October at 1.00am
GMT, i.e. the clock goes back one hour.
Currency
The currency of the Republic of Ireland is the
Euro (€).
Euro notes come in seven
denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500
Euro. There is 100 cent to the Euro and coins
are in eight denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and
50 cent, and 1 and 2 Euro. As Northern
Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, the
pound sterling (£) is in use and denominations
are similar to that of the Euro.
Banking
There are four retail banks in Ireland, the Bank
of Ireland (BOI), the Allied Irish Bank (AIB),
the Ulster Bank and Permanent TSB Bank.
The bank on campus is the Ulster Bank. Most
banks are open from Monday to Friday from
10h00 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 16h00, with
some branches open through lunch. There is
extended opening until 17h00 on one day per
week (the choice varying from place to place).
ATM facilities are available is most towns and
villages.
Credit Cards
All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and
Euro Card) are accepted in the majority of
services and retail outlets. Some outlets may
accept Diners Club and American Express
cards. Most credit cards can be used in ATMs,
especially the Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish
Bank ATMs.
Postal Service
Post Offices are open from 09h00 to 17h30
during the week and from 09h00 to 13h00 on
Saturdays. They offer full postal services to all
countries and often offer banking facilities.
The closest Post Office to the University is
situated at Castletroy Shopping Centre.
Religion
Ireland is a predominantly Christian state with
approximately 84% of the population
professing to the Roman Catholic faith. In
addition there are Church of Ireland,
Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist Churches,
as well as Eastern Orthodox.
In addition to
the Christian denominations there are centres
for Buddhists, Hindus, Bahais. There are also
Mosques and Synagogues catering for those of
the Islamic and Jewish faiths.
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University of Limerick
Safety
In the Republic of Ireland the Police are called
the Gardaí (Guards). In the case of an
emergency dial 999 or 112 to contact the
Gardaí, Ambulance or Fire Brigade services.
Ireland is a relatively safe place to live,
however it is advisable to take suitable
precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit or back
streets in the cities and larger towns at night.
If you feel intimated or frightened in an area, it
is best to avoid eye contact and leave the scene
as quickly as possible.
Always remember to lock your room and
windows before you go out. Always be careful
with your personal belongings and don’t leave
valuables unattended.
Electricity
In Ireland, the standard electricity voltage is
between 220 – 240 volts, and frequency is 50
Hertz the same as in most parts of Europe. If
your electrical items are not suited to work
under these conditions you should equip
yourself with a transformer. Buildings in
Ireland have sockets for 13 amp square pin
fused plugs. Adaptors can be bought in most
hardware shops to adapt your plugs to fit 3 pin
sockets.
Telephone
Public telephones in Ireland are coin, phone
card or credit card operated. Card operated
telephones take a telephone card that can be
bought from newsagents and can be used for
several calls until the credit runs out.
International phone cards can also be bought
from most newsagents. The international
dialling code for Ireland is +353 and the area
code for Limerick is (0) 61.
Public telephones have become less common
in Ireland in recent years. Most people in
Ireland have a mobile phone and students are
advised to purchase a mobile phone on arrival
in Ireland. A cheaper option is to purchase a
SIM card to use in your own phone. There are
four mobile phone companies in Ireland,
Vodafone (www.vodafone.ie), O2 (www.o2.ie)
Meteor (www.meteor.ie) and 3 (www.three.ie)
offering these services.
Radio and Television
Ireland has three state controlled television
channels, RTE1, RTE2 and the Irish language
TG4 Teilifís na Gaeilge, and one privately run
channel, TV3, which also has a sister channel
3E. There are six national radio stations and
many local ones. British TV channels can be
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
picked up in most parts of Ireland on Cable TV
and satellite.
Newspapers and Magazines
Popular national daily newspapers include the
Irish Times, Irish Independent and the Irish
Examiner.
There are also daily tabloid
newspapers. Most towns have a local or
regional paper. The local paper for Limerick is
the Limerick Leader. The Limerick Post is a
free newspaper which is published weekly and
is a good source of information for services
and entertainment. All good newsagents sell a
wide variety of special interest magazines,
from sport to business.
Driving in Ireland
In Ireland, cars are driven on the left-hand side
of the road. In towns and cities the speed limit
is normally 50 kilometres per hour but on
certain roads higher limits may apply. A
general speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour
applies on all roads except for motorways
where a speed limit of 120 kilometres per hour
applies.
The laws regarding speeding, drink-driving
and wearing seatbelts in Ireland are very strict.
There is a penalty point system in operation,
whereby points will be added to your driving
licence for road safety offences. Full details
on all road safety offences can be found at
www.penaltypoints.ie
Public Holidays 2014/2015
October Bank Holiday
27th October
2014
Christmas Day
25th December
2014
St. Stephen’s Day:
26th December
Bank Holiday
2014
New Year’s Day
1st January 2015
St. Patrick’s Day
17th March 2015
Good Friday
3rd April 2015
Easter Monday
6th April 2015
May Bank Holiday
4th May 2015
June Bank Holiday
1st June 2015
August Bank Holiday
3rd August 2015
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
St. Mary’s Cathedral
LIMERICK CITY
Limerick at a Glance
The Vikings founded Limerick over a
thousand years ago. The third largest city in
the Republic of Ireland, Limerick City
(population 90,000) is a lively, interesting and
attractive place to live and study. The city is
magnificently sited on one of Europe’s finest
rivers, the Shannon.
Limerick is a city of many contrasts, illustrated
in the form of a medieval core with a later
Georgian addition. Of particular importance
are:
•
th
King John’s Castle, built in the 12
Century, built to defend the river frontier
between the Gaelic West and Norman
Munster and Leinster. It is open daily
from 10h00 to 17h00.
The Hunt Museum houses one of the greatest
collections of antiquities in Ireland. Collected
by John Hunt and Gertrude Hunt, the paintings
and artefacts were originally housed in the
University of Limerick before moving to their
new home in the old Customs house in
Limerick City. The Museum is open Monday
to Saturday from 10h00 to 17h00, on Sunday
from 14h00 to 17h00.
The Hunt Museum from the river Shannon
The recent pioneering programme of urban
renewal has transformed Limerick, into a
thriving, energetic and all-embracing modern
city. The Mid West Region, which comprises
the greater Limerick/Shannon area, is one of
the leading growth centres of the country. The
proximity of Shannon International Airport
ensures that the Region’s important trade links
with the global market place are maintained.
Limerick offers an unequalled base from which
to explore the Southwest and West of Ireland.
King John’s Castle
St. Mary’s
Cathedral, built
c.1172. Originally
the seat of Donal
Mór O’Brien, King
of Munster, the
palace was later
donated to the
church. It is still in
use today as a
place of worship.
It is open daily
from 09h00 to 17h00.
Poulnabrone Dolmen, Burren, Co. Clare
Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Adare, Lough
Gur, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren,
Killarney, and the lakes and mountains of
Galway and Kerry, are all within easy driving
distance.
Entertainment
Limerick has long enjoyed a reputation as a
major cultural and artistic centre, having
contributed to the world of entertainment
through its many achievements in theatre,
music and the visual arts. Every year the city
is home to the EV+A arts festival. Information
about this event can be obtained from
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
www.eva.ie. The Belltable Theatre usually
hosts a variety of artistic events all year round,
including theatre, film, exhibitions, poetry
readings and music but is temporary closed
until 2014 for restructuring. Limerick city is
host to a wide variety of internationally
acclaimed groups and organisations, including
the Irish World Music Centre, the Irish
Concert Orchestra, Daghdha Dance Company,
and the Island Theatre Group. The Lime Tree
Theatre, situated on the grounds of Mary
Immaculate College in Limerick City, plays
host to a wide range of performances,
including theatre, music, comedy, traditional
arts, schools’ performances. More information
about upcoming events can be found at
www.limetreetheatre.ie.
At night the city comes alive with music and
entertainment, and during the summer months
an almost continental atmosphere is generated
among the diners at the many street-side cafes,
bars and restaurants.
By night, old-world pubs ring to the sound of
traditional Irish music, or to the sounds of
rock, folk and jazz. The many wonderful pubs
include Dolan’s, Nancy Blake’s, The Locke,
Mickey Martin’s, The White House and Tom
Collins.
Sport
For a city of its size, Limerick can take pride in
its sporting achievements. New students
arriving in the city will have a wide range of
sporting outlets for women and men, with all
the mainstream sports well represented.
Rugby Union is
a major sport in
the area, with
Limerick now
universally
acknowledged
as Ireland’s
unofficial
“Rugby
Capital.”
Thomond Park is the home of Munster Rugby
in Limerick.
The Limerick hurling team is always a
powerful force in the national game and Gaelic
football is gaining in stature. Horseracing is
well catered for with a new racecourse nearby.
There are four top-class golf courses within a
six-mile radius of the city centre.
Tennis and
hockey facilities
are also well
developed, and
the river Shannon
provides a
permanent
backdrop for
many rowing and
angling clubs
with a long
tradition of
successful
activities.
Shopping
Shopping in Limerick offers a wide variety of
choice and caters for all tastes and ages. The
city has a reputation for its fashion design and
is renowned for its lace industry. There are
several shopping malls in Limerick city and
surrounding suburbs as well as many outlets
offering all sorts of items from jewellery to the
latest fashion, sports gear and games to
antiquities and handmade crafts.
Main
shopping hours in Limerick city are Monday to
Saturday from 09h30 to 17h30 with some
department stores staying open late at midweek
and weekends.
There are plenty of supermarkets and grocery
stores in the city, and include many
multinational companies such as Aldi, Dunnes
Stores, Tesco, Debenhams, Lidl and Centra.
There is a lively farmers market on Saturday
mornings in the Milk Market. Fresh
vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, and gourmet foods
along with many other items can be purchased
at reasonable prices. International food stores
are located throughout the city centre. These
cater for the growing multicultural population
that is now a welcome aspect of modern
Ireland. These include Afro/Caribbean, Eastern
European, and Asian Stores offering a wide
variety of produce and regional specialities
Eating Out
There are several places in Limerick where
you can dine, with various price ranges to suit
6
University of Limerick
depending on your choice of venue.
Restaurants in hotels can be more expensive
and offer classic French cuisine to international
contemporary dishes. Casual dining in pubs is
very popular in Ireland. Lots of pubs in
Limerick have restaurants that offer either à la
Carte or fixed menus. Limerick is well catered
for by numerous fast food outlets offering a
range of foods that mirrors its ethnic diversity.
All have seating arrangements and many are
open throughout the day till late in the evening.
Cinema
There are three cinema theatres situated in
Limerick.
The closest one, to the university, Odeon
Cinema, is located in the Castletroy Shopping
Centre complex. The second, The Omniplex, is
located in Dooradoyle adjacent to the Crescent
Shopping Centre. There is a third cinema,
Showtime, located on the Ennis Road outside
of the city at the Jetland Shopping Centre.
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
GETTING TO THE UNIVERSITY
OF LIMERICK
By Air
Shannon International Airport (SNN) is the
nearest airport to Limerick City. With only
one terminal servicing arrivals and departures,
it is very small by international standards. The
airport staffs are friendly and helpful. Before
leaving the airport ensure you have enough
Euro (€) with you until more permanent
banking arrangements have been made. There
is a bank and an ATM in the Arrivals terminal
at Shannon Airport. This bank is open to cater
for international flights and is open outside
normal banking hours. Make sure you have
'change' for phone calls etc., on arrival.
There are taxis available from the airport to the
campus. The average cost is approximately
€40-€60.PlasseyCabs
((http://www.plasseycabs.ie/) a local taxi
service will collect from the airport and bring
to student accommodation do a special student
rate of €40 per car.
There is a regular bus service from Shannon
Airport to Limerick City and the bus stop is
directly outside the Arrivals terminal. Fares
cost approximately €5.00 and the journey takes
45-50 minutes. Stay on the bus until it reaches
Limerick Railway Station. There are taxis at
the station and they will take you to the
University campus, which will cost
approximately €10.00. A regular bus service
runs between the city centre and the University
campus. A single fare costs €1.80. The City
Centre-University Bus departs from lower
William Street.
By Train
Colbert Station is Limerick’s only train station
and trains arrive regularly from Dublin and
Cork. Train timetables can be checked on the
Irish Rail website: www.irishrail.ie
Taxis are available outside the station for
transfer to the University, which will cost
approximately €10.00. See Appendix 2 for
taxi telephone numbers.
By Bus
The national bus company, Bus Éireann,
operates daily services from all the major cities
to Limerick. Bus timetables can be checked on
the Bus Éireann website: www.buseireann.ie
Dublin Coach is a very reasonably priced and
comfortable bus service to the University from
Dublin Airport. The N7 Service will bring you
to the Red Cow LUAS stop. Change here and
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
join to M7 Express Service which will bring
you directly to the University. Please see
www.dublincoach.ie
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
The University of Limerick is an independent
university established as the National Institute
for Higher Education by the Government of
Ireland in 1972. It is located in the 600-acre
National Technological Park on the banks of
the river Shannon, 4km east of the medieval
city of Limerick. A map of the region can be
found in Appendix 3.
The university
was developed
to help meet the
rapidly
changing
economic and
social needs that
emerged
on
Ireland’s
accession to the
European Union
in 1973.
It is a dynamic
institution,
which
has
played a pivotal
role
in
the
economic development of the Mid-West region
of Ireland.
The university has also become a focus for a
wide range of artistic activity and is home to
the Irish Chamber Orchestra and the Irish
World Music Centre. Some fine collections of
Irish Art are also housed in various locations
on campus. The compact nature of the campus
and the university’s size foster a close sense of
community. The University believes strongly
that the creation of a friendly, caring and
cooperative atmosphere is essential to the
successful pursuit of any study programme.
The University of Limerick undertakes
programmes of education and research in its 4
constituent colleges: Kemmy Business School,
Faculty of Education and Health Sciences,
Faculty of Arts Humanities & Social Sciences
and Faculty of Science & Engineering
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
DIVISION
The International Education Division (IED) at
UL was first established in 2001 and is
responsible for:
• The
European
Union’s
exchange
programmes
under
LIFELONG
LEARNING: ERASMUS
• The Study Abroad Programme which
attracts students for one study semester or
for a full academic year from the USA and
other countries.
• The recruitment of international students
from Non-EU countries on full-time
undergraduate
and
postgraduate
programmes at the University of Limerick.
• 3 week Summer Schools in Irish Studies
and Engineering Studies.
• International Student Exchanges with
countries outside of the European Union.
IED
provides
information and
assistance to all
international
students
and
University
of
Limerick students
undertaking
a
study placement
abroad through
Erasmus
or
International Exchange. It also provides an
orientation programme to give all incoming
students further information, advice and
support. Members of staff are available to
assist students with any queries.
Office
Hours: Monday to Friday from 09h30 to
12h30 and 14h30 to 16h30.
8
University of Limerick
LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME:
ERASMUS Contacts
Dr. Patricia O’Flaherty
LLP Erasmus Institutional Coordinator
International Education Division
Room E0-030
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 202304
Fax: +353 61 213062
Email: patricia.oflaherty@ul.ie
Web: www.ul.ie/international
Ms. Katherine Martin
Administrator International Education
(Europe)
International Education Division
Room E0-030
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 234654
Fax: +353 61 213062
Email: incoming.erasmus@ul.ie
Web: www.ul.ie/international
Ms. Maria Neville
Senior Administrator – Erasmus Mundus
International Education
International Education Division
Room E0-030
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 234654
Fax: +353 61 213062
Email: maria.neville@ul.ie
Web: www.ul.ie/international
Ms. Herveline Roche
Administrator International Education
(Europe)
International Education Division
Room E0-030
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 202353
Fax: +353 61 213062
Email: outgoing.erasmus@ul.ie
Web: www.ul.ie/international
VISA AND IMMIGRATION
REQUIREMENTS
Visa Applications
Information about VISA requirements is
available at the following website:
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
http://www.educationinireland.com/en/howdo-i-apply-/get-your-student-visa/for-highereducation/registration-gnib-.html
If you are an EU citizen, there are no visa
requirements when entering Ireland.
International students who are citizens of a
Non-EU country are advised to contact their
local Irish Diplomatic Mission. Those who do
not have an Irish Diplomatic Mission in their
home country should apply directly for a visa
application form, well in advance of their
departure, to:
Visa Section
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
13-14 Burgh Quay
Dublin 2
Ireland
Tel: + 353 1 6167700
(From 14h30 to 16h00 Monday to Friday)
Fax: +353 1 4751201
Email: visamail@justice.ie
Further information on student visa
requirements for individual countries is
available on the following web site:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Students
Immigration
All Non-EU students must register with the
Immigration Authorities in Limerick within 10
days of arrival in Ireland. The International
Education Division will organise an
appointment with the Immigration Officer,
details of which will be given to you during
Orientation Week. At this meeting you will be
required to provide the following:
•
•
•
•
Registration Certificate Fee of €300
(payable by credit card or bank giro)
Valid passport
Recent passport photographs (4).
Proof of medical insurance.
9
University of Limerick
•
•
Proof of financial security to cover your
stay in Ireland. This can consist of a bank
statement, letter from a parent or the home
university guaranteeing financial support.
Completed UL immigration letter
(provided at orientation by the
International Education Division).
Non-EU students who wish to travel within
Europe while on Erasmus in Ireland will be
required to obtain a re-entry visa or multipleentry visa. A letter of support can be requested
from the International Education Division and
should be submitted to The Irish Naturalisation
and Immigration Service Office in Dublin
accompanied by an application form, relevant
documents and the appropriate fee (Re-Entry
Visa: €60; Multiple Entry Visa: €100).
It is not necessary for students from the
EU/EEA to register with the immigration
authorities.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All EU nationals are eligible to avail of full
medical services in Ireland. However, in order
to do so, it will be necessary to bring a
European Health Insurance Card from your
home country. Please contact the Health
Authorities in your home country for
information.
Further information can be
obtained from the following website:
http://www.ehic.ie/ under Visitors to Ireland.
It is emphasised that the card provides
entitlement to public health care only.
Non-EU nationals are required to hold
medical insurance for the duration of their
stay in Ireland. This is an immigration
requirement and the immigration authorities
will require proof of medical insurance.
Students may extend medical policies from
their home countries to cover the period of
study in Ireland or, alternatively, policies are
available from the following Irish health
insurance companies;
Voluntary Health Insurance:
www.vhi.ie
Aviva: www.avivahealth.ie
Laya Healthcare: www.layahealthcare.ie
The International Education Division at the
University of Limerick has negotiated special
medical insurance discounted rates for
international students. Please see our website
at
http://www.ul.ie/international/en/home/quickli
nks/visa-and-immigration/
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
Medical Forms
Students are asked to complete a confidential
medical questionnaire (Appendix 6) and return
it to:
Student Health Centre
Room CM-060
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Complete and accurate information must be
provided.
WORKING IN IRELAND
EU/EEA students are allowed to work in
Ireland without restriction on the number of
hours or on the type of work. Non-EU/EEA
students are not permitted to work during the
course of their stay in Ireland.
Before starting employment, it is necessary to
obtain a PPS number from the Social Welfare
Office in Limerick.
Social Welfare Office
Dominic Street
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 414799
Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 09h15
to 12h00, 14h00 to 16h00
Applicants will need to present the following
documents in person, fill out an application
form and return to the office two weeks later to
pick up the PPS number card.
•
•
•
Passport + one other form of
identification
Proof of address in Limerick
Support letter from the University of
Limerick which can requested from
the International Education Division
ACCOMMODATION
On-Campus Accommodation
A number of single rooms have been reserved
for ERASMUS students in the five student
villages
on
campus.
On-Campus
Accommodation at UL consists of 4 and 6
bedroom apartments in Thomond Village, 8
and 4 bedroom houses in Plassey Village, 6
bedroom houses in Kilmurry Village, mainly 6
bedroom apartments in Dromroe Village and 6
bedroom apartments in Cappavilla. These
residences are of a very high standard.
10
University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
students their first preference. Enquiries and
applications should be submitted to:
Plassey Student Village
Ms. Deirdre Ryan
International Bookings
Accommodation Office
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 202433
Email: Deirdre.ryan@ul.ie
The cost of on-campus accommodation per
semester for 2013/2014 is:
Plassey
Kilmurry Student Village
Kilmurry
Dromroe
Thomond
Village
Cappavilla
Village
Dromroe Student Village
All houses, unless otherwise requested, are
mixed, with Irish and non-Irish students. The
shared amenities of each house are a fully
equipped kitchen/living room with cable TV
and two shower/WCs. Houses also contain a
card-phone, credit for which can be bought in
the village reception.
All bedrooms in
Dromroe, Thomond and Cappavilla Villages
are ensuite.
Individual study-bedrooms
contain a bed, desk, wardrobe and washbasin.
Duvets are supplied. However, bed linen and
pillows are required. Please be aware that
there is no Mac IT- support services at the
university. The Village Centre also has a minisupermarket,
hairdressing
salon
and
launderette.
Please note that on-campus accommodation is
very limited and is allocated on a ‘first come
first served’ basis. Furthermore, priority is
given to full-year students. There are various
off-campus residences as an alternative: for
example Brookfield Hall and Parkview Hall.
The on-campus online accommodation
application must be accompanied by a €250.00
booking deposit to confirm the reservation.
Students requiring on-campus accommodation
should select more than one option in order of
choice. Every effort will be made to allocate
8 Bedroom
House
4 Bedroom
House
6 Bedroom
House
6 Bedroom
Apartment
6 Bedroom
Apartment
6 Bedroom
Apartment
€1,755.00
€2,015.00
€2,015.00
€2,275.00
€2,275.00
€2,275.00
Prices are for the semester (15 weeks), and are
inclusive of an estimate of heating and
electricity and a service charge.
If you secure a room on-campus, you are
advised to arrive during office hours Monday
to Friday from 09h00 to 17h00. If this is not
possible, arrangements can be made to have
your keys left at the University’s Main
Reception, which is open 24 hours a day. You
will need to inform the Village Manager of
your date and time of arrival approximately a
week in advance in order to avail of this
facility. The student villages will be open to
students from 1st September 2013. The earliest
move in date for spring semester students is
19th January 2013.
Please note:
•
•
•
•
All payments must be made payable to
Plassey Trust Co. Ltd.
The total rent for one semester plus the
deposit must be paid on or before arrival.
Students will not have access to their
accommodation until full payment has
been made.
It is not possible to pay by instalments.
Payment can be made by Credit Card,
where a surcharge of 2% will be added, or
by
Bank
Wire
Transfer.
See
11
University of Limerick
•
•
•
•
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
accommodation
form
for
more
information.
International Postal Money Orders are not
accepted.
Euro cheques and Personal cheques are
not accepted.
Once village accommodation has been
assigned, living arrangements may not be
changed upon arrival at the University.
Students may remain in village
accommodation during holiday breaks.
If you are in one of the villages, your address
while at the University will be:
Your Name
House No., Room No.
Plassey Village
Plassey Park Road
Castletroy
Limerick
Ireland
Your Name
House No., Room No.
Kilmurry Village
Castletroy
Limerick
Ireland
Your Name
Apt. No., Room No.
Dromroe Village
Castletroy
Limerick
Ireland
Your Name
Apt. No., Room No.
Thomond Village
Castletroy
Limerick
Ireland
Your Name
Apt. No., Room No.
Cappavilla Village
Castletroy
Limerick
Ireland
(For a full map of on-campus accommodation
refer to Appendix 5)
Temporary Accommodation
Students who prefer accommodation in the
private sector are advised to arrive several
weeks prior to orientation to view off-campus
accommodation. Students are advised to book
a room in temporary accommodation (bed &
breakfast) in order to look for suitable
accommodation on arrival. A list of bed &
breakfast accommodation is available in
Appendix 7. Alternatively, call any Irish
Tourist Board Office or visit the following
website:
http://www.shannondevelopment.ie/Tourism/
Off Campus Accommodation:
2 lists of suitable off-campus private housing,
available within walking distance of the
campus, are attached with this email. It is
inadvisable to book this without viewing. If
possible, students may consider spending a few
days in Limerick in advance of their
placement, in order to view and reserve this
type of accommodation.
In addition, a number of new designated offcampus student villages have come on stream
affording students a wider range of
accommodation possibilities. It is advisable to
reserve in advance.
Off-Campus Student Village Contact Details:
Parkview Hall www.parkviewhall.com email:
info@parkviewhall.com Phone & Fax: 353
(0)61 446714
Brookfield
Hall,
http://www.brookfieldhall.com Phone 353
(0)61 333825 Fax 353 (0)61 333824 Email:
info@brookfieldhall.com
Courtyard Student Village http://www.studentlettings.ie/ Email: info@student-lettings.ie
Phone 353 (0)61 332836
Groody
Student
Village
www.groodyvillage.com Phone 353 (0)61
334884 Fax: +353 (0)61 334886 Email:
info@groodystudentpark.com
In addition, private accommodation is
available within walking distance of the
campus, but it is inadvisable to book this
without viewing.4
Students are advised not to book off-campus
accommodation prior to their arrival in
Limerick.
Private sector accommodation
should always be viewed before reservation.
The best is often taken well before the start of
the semester. The accommodation office will
provide a list of suitable off-campus
accommodation.
Accommodation Office
Room D0-035
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 202331
Fax: +353 61 202827
Email: accommodation@ul.ie
Web: www.ul.ie/~accommodation/
Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 9h00 to
13h00, 14h15 to 17h00.
Rooms in the self-catering sector are of a
varying standard, but are generally clean and
comfortable. They are usually in houses with
non-resident landlords. Duvets and bed linen
12
University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
are not provided and study desks are not
always available. Students share all other
facilities.
Kitchens are normally fully
equipped. Weekly or monthly terms as agreed
with the landlord, are currently approximately
€200.00-€280.00 per month.
Electricity,
heating and refuse collection charges are
additional to rent.
•
•
•
•
A deposit of one month’s rent and an
electricity deposit are generally required.
Students who opt for self-catering
accommodation or lodgings must find
their own accommodation upon arrival in
Limerick.
Do not book off-campus accommodation
before arrival.
Inspect a number of properties carefully
before you take a room.
Students may remain in self-catering
accommodation during holiday breaks.
Lodgings/Digs
Students interested in living with an Irish
family may be interested in lodgings ‘digs’.
This type of accommodation may be culturally
rewarding in terms of integrating into Irish
family life, and improving language
competence. Bedrooms can be shared or
single. The cost is approximately €90.00€120.00 per week which includes all expenses,
including breakfast and evening meals. The
accommodation office will assist you in
finding lodgings ‘digs’.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The University of Limerick operates a
semesterised academic year. Students are
advised to arrive at least a week before classes
commence to allow time to settle in and
prepare for courses.
The dates for the
academic year 2013/2014 are:
Autumn Semester
Orientation
Classes
Examinations
Christmas Break*
Orientation
Classes
Easter Break*
Examinations
Please note:
•
Spring Semester
4th and 5th September
2014
8th September – 5th
December 2014
6th – 19th December
2014 inclusive
20th December 2014 –
2nd January 2015
22nd and 23rd January
2015
26th January – 1st
May 2015
30th March – 06th
April 2015
5th – 18th May 2015
inclusive
* Students may remain in their accommodation
during holiday breaks.
Please note:
• Do not plan to leave Limerick before
18h00 on Friday 19th December 2014 for
Autumn Semester and 18h00 on
Monday 18th May 2015 for Spring
Semester.
ORIENTATION PROGRAMME
An Orientation Programme, organised by the
International Education Division, introduces
students to the various services and systems in
operation at the University of Limerick, e.g.
academic issues such as regulations, enrolment
and module registration and issues such as
health services, sports facilities, arts and
entertainment. The Orientation Programme for
autumn, full year and Spring ERASMUS
students takes place over a two-day period on
the Thursday and Friday before the beginning
of each semester.
Orientation is compulsory for ERASMUS
students.
ENROLMENT AND
REGISTRATION
Enrolment
Prior to your arrival at the University of
Limerick, you will enrol online using your
student ID number. The link and procedure for
online enrolment will be emailed to you some
weeks prior to Orientation. Once the online
enrolment has been completed you will receive
an email confirmation which should be printed
and signed by you. This confirmation must be
brought with you and presented during
Orientation, along with your passport, to
receive your University of Limerick Student
Identity Card.
Midterm Break 2nd –26th January 2015
13
University of Limerick
Registration
Every ERASMUS student must register for the
modules they wish to study at the University of
Limerick. A Module Registration Form will
be given to you at Orientation. ERASMUS
students are required to take a minimum of 3
modules and a maximum of 5 modules per
semester. Each module is awarded 6 ECTS
credits (There may be some rare exceptions).
Registration must be completed by the end of
week 2 of each semester. Every ERASMUS
student is assigned an Academic Coordinator
who will assist students on their module
selection and sign their Module Registration
Form. During the first week of the semester
you will have an opportunity to meet with an
Academic Coordinator from your subject area.
Failure to submit the Module Registration
Form to the International Education
Division by the end of Week 2 will result in
a €20 fine. Please note that all students are
expected to sit examinations in all subjects
for which they have registered.
CLASS TIMETABLE
The class timetable, which will be available
during Orientation and contains the lecture,
tutorial and laboratory times for each module.
The number of teaching hours per module
varies from module to module, depending on
the subject being covered and the size of the
class. Lectures and tutorials are usually of 50
minutes duration, with laboratory classes
lasting for 2-3 hours.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
REQUIREMENTS
As ERASMUS students are required to possess
sufficient language skills to attend lectures and
sit examinations at the University of Limerick,
students should be competent to communicate
through the medium of English prior to their
arrival.
Intensive language courses are available at a
cost of €250.00 for 3 days during the week
prior to the start of the Autumn Semester and
they are run only if numbers are sufficient to
cover the company's costs. These courses are
run by the University of Limerick Language
Centre an affiliate company of the University.
The courses are optional and are not regarded
as part of the ERASMUS programme. For
further information refer to the website:
www.ul.ie/languagecentre
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
COST OF LIVING
The estimated cost of living for students in
Ireland is estimated at approximately €800.00
per month.
Estimated Semester and Annual Living Costs
for Students 2014/15
Item
On-Campus
Accommodation*
Kilmurry Village
(6 Bed House)
Semester
Year
€2000
€3999
€1742
€3483
Dromroe Village
(6 Bed Apartment):
€2258
€4515
Thomond Village (6
Bed Apartment)
€2258
€4515
Cappavilla Student
Village (6 Bed
Apartment)
Books and other
Academic Requisites
Medical Insurance
Food (self catering)
Clothes, Laundry etc.
€2258
€4515
€194
€388
€190
€1142
€351.50
€380
€2284
€703
Total**
€3877.50
€7754
Other options:
Plassey Village
(8 Bed House)
* On-campus accommodation includes
electricity and heating charges.
** Based on cheapest accommodation option.
This does not include travel within Ireland or
social expenses.
FACILITIES ON CAMPUS
Buildings on Campus
There are sixteen buildings on campus: Main
Building, Foundation Building, Glucksman
Building (Library), Lonsdale Building,
Schrödinger Building, Schumann Building,
Physical
Education
Building
(PESS),
Languages Building, Computer Science
Building, Kemmy Business School, Health
Sciences, Engineering Research, Irish World
Academy, Medical School, Millstream and the
University Sports Arena. The administrative
14
University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
services (Admissions, Student Academic
Administration,
International
Education
Division, etc.) are all located in the Main
Building. The Foundation Building houses a
1,000-seat concert hall. For a full list of
administration and department offices refer to
Appendix 7.
BUILDINGS
Main Building
Block designation:
A, B, C, D, E
Foundation Building
Block designation: F
Glucksman Building
Block designation: G
Lonsdale Building
Block designation: L
Schrödinger Building
Block designation:
SR
Schuman Building
Block designation: S
Physical Education
Building
Block designation: P
Computer Science
Building
Block designation:
CS
Engineering
Research Building
Block designation
ER
Health Sciences
Building
Block designation
HS
Irish World Academy
Block designation
IW
Millstream Building
Medical School
Block designation
GEMS
SERVICES
Admissions, Student
Academic
Administration, Fees,
International
Education Division,
Student Health
Centre, Restaurants,
Computers,
Laboratories,
Classrooms
Concert Hall,
Restaurant/Café,
Classrooms
Library,
Restaurant/Café,
Computers
Chemistry/Physics
Laboratories,
Classrooms
Life-Science
Laboratories,
Computers,
Classrooms
Computers,
Restaurant/Café,
Classrooms
Restaurant/Café,
Classrooms
Languages Building
Block designation
LC
Kemmy Business
School
Block designation
KB
University Sports
Arena
Computers,
Café
Classrooms,
Language Resource
Area
Restaurant/ Café
Classroom, Lecture
Theatres, Simulated
Trading Floor,
Computer Labs
50m Swimming Pool,
Gym, Sports Hall,
Sports Bar/Café
Classrooms in the university are designated by
letters and numbers e.g. if Chemistry 1 is
timetabled to be in classroom A1-050, the
room can be found as follows:
Building designation: Block A, Main Building
Floor designation: Level 1
Classroom number: 050
(For a full map of University Buildings refer to
Appendix 4)
Library
The University Library, which is fully
computerised, is a designated European
Documentation Centre and receives all official
publications of the European Union.
Restaurant/Café,
Computers,
Classrooms
Classrooms,
Research areas
Restaurant/Café,
Computers,
Classrooms
Restaurant/ café,
Music rooms,
Classrooms,
Practice rooms,
Performance spaces
Restaurant,
Staff Common Room
Classrooms,
GEMS
Administration,
The current collections in the library number
200,000 books and 7,250 audio-visual items.
There are subscriptions to approximately 5,500
journals and periodicals and seating for 1,450
people. The library building is open:
Monday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
to
Building
Service
Desks
8.30 – 23.00
9.00 – 21.00
10.00 – 19.00
10.00
16.30
Closed
11.00 – 18.00
–
15
University of Limerick
Computer Facilities
The Information Technology Department
(ITD) provides computer facilities for all
University of Limerick staff and students. PCs
are available to students on an open-access
basis, except when they are booked for classes.
Most PCs are heavily booked between 09h00
and 17h00 during the semester. However, the
biggest PC cluster (Room A0-060) is not block
booked, and is open 24 hours a day on a ‘firstcome, first-served’ basis. ITD PC clusters are
open from 09h00-22h00 during the semester.
The software applications available to students
are based on Microsoft Windows. Students do
not require their own software copies as all
software is centrally maintained on file savers.
The same group of applications is available in
all PC clusters. Some familiar Windows
software applications available are: MS Word,
Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SPSS, CD-ROM
database access, etc.
More specialised
applications on offer are outlined on the ITD
website: www.ul.ie/ITD. Network connections
are available in all on-campus accommodation
at a charge of €68.00 per semester.
Email
ITD issue all students with a personal email
account which you can set up after online
enrolment. Instructions will be emailed to you
after successfully enrolling online. This is the
email account to be used by students for the
duration of their stay at the University of
Limerick.
Sports
The University of Limerick offers extensive
and first class on-campus sport facilities. The
diverse range of facilities is unmatched
anywhere else in Ireland.
People from
Olympic class athletes to staff and students can
avail of all facilities, which include the
following:
Olympic size 50m indoor swimming pool
Indoor diving pool
Steam room
Sauna
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
Four full sized indoor courts
Cardio-fitness suite
Elite training facility
Aerobics studio
60m six-lane indoor sprint track
225m suspended three lane indoor jogging
track
2 squash courts
Indoor climbing wall
4 outdoor tennis courts
8 lane 400m outdoor athletics track
Over 40 acres of playing fields
Floodlit astro turf
Extensive changing facilities
A detailed description of all sport facilities is
available at: www.universityarena.com.
In addition, students can enjoy horse riding,
orienteering, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing
at the University of Limerick Activity Centre
in Killaloe, Co. Clare.
University Restaurants
There is a wide
choice of
restaurants and
bars on
campus, The
student centre
complex has
the Stables bar
and The
Paddocks
restaurant, two restaurants are located in the
Main Building and a further six in other
buildings on campus. These restaurants are
open all day with a basic meal costing
approximately €5.00 - €6.00.
Campus
Bars
16
University of Limerick
There are three bars on campus: the Stables
Club, the Sports Club and Java’s. Each bar
provides hot food daily, there is free
entertainment nightly in the Stables bar, in the
form of live music, comedy, table quizzes etc.
Banking
The University has one bank on campus;
Ulster Bank (UB). Ulster Bank offers free
student banking, Bureau de Change and ATM
facilities. AIB only offers cash free
transactions and an ATM. Ulster Bank is
located at the student centre courtyard and has
two ATMs outside the bank. There is one
ATM in the Canteen in the Main Building and
another located outside the University Sports
Arena.
Crèche
Silver Apples is a custom-built crèche situated
on the university campus. The crèche has been
built to comply with the relevant childcare
regulations in Ireland. The crèche caters for
children in a happy, relaxed environment. A
number of places are available to students with
families each year. For further information
contact:
Oliver Moloney
Silver Apples Crèche
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 213468
Email: silverapplescreche@ul.ie
Web: www.ul.ie/creche
USIT Travel Office
If you don’t have an International Student
Identity Card, you can get one at the USIT
travel office, which is located at the student
centre courtyard on the university campus. To
receive up to 50% discount on trains and buses
in Ireland, you will need to purchase a Travel
save Stamp. This stamp entitles you to
discounts on Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Irish
Ferries. When applying for the USIT Student
Identity Card and the Travel save Stamp, you
will need to bring your UL student identity
card, one photograph and €13.00. A colour
passport photograph machine is located in the
travel office. The USIT travel office is open
Monday to Friday from 10h00 to 17h00.
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
Bookshop
O’Mahony’s Bookshop is located in the
student centre complex on campus. It stocks
all academic course titles, novels, stationery,
newspapers and magazines. The bookshop is
open Monday to Friday from 08h30 to 17h00.
Small Foodstore
Spar Foodstore is located in the Student Centre
Complex. The store sells fruit, vegetables,
frozen foods, dairy, and also has a delicatessen
section where sandwiches and rolls are made
to order, along with hot food. The foodstore is
open: 8am –9pm Monday to Thursday and
8am –5pm, Friday
Academic Semester
Monday to Thursday from 08h30 - 18h00
Fridays from 08h30 - 17h00
Saturdays from 10h30 - 14h00
Other Facilities
Other facilities on campus include:
•
•
•
Laundrette
Farmers Market every Tuesday 12-5pm
Snap Printing
STUDENTS UNION
All students of the University of Limerick
automatically become members of the students
union on enrolment. The purpose of the union
is to represent students’ views within the
university and on local and national issues. It
is also responsible for providing a variety of
services to students, such as entertainment
events, clubs and societies. The union is run
by students for students, independent of the
university. The Student Union Offices are
located in the Student Centre. For further
information
refer
to
the
website:
www.ulsu.ul.ie
Clubs and Societies
The Clubs and Societies Office is located in
the Student Centre and is fully equipped to
facilitate exclusively the development of
student activities by its students. Clubs and
societies are administered by the Students
Union and their full time Clubs and Societies
Development Officer. There is a wide variety
of clubs and societies on campus such as the
Drama Society, GAA Club etc. Students can
join during weeks 1 and 2 of each semester and
there is a small fee for membership.
17
University of Limerick
Clubs
American
Football
Aikido
Athletics
Archery
Badminton
Basketball
Camogie
Dance
Equestrian
Gaelic Football
Golf
Handball
Hockey (field)
Hurling
Judo
Karate
Kayak
Kickboxing
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
Student Counselling
Lifesaving
Mountain bike
Outdoor Pursuits
Pool & Darts
Rugby
Rowing
Soccer
Softball
Sailing
Sub-aqua
Tae-kwon-do
Tang Soo Do
Tennis
Trampoline
Volleyball
Water polo
Windsurfing
Societies
Aeronautical
Celtic Supporters
Christian Union
Computer
Dance
Debating Union
Drama
Environmental
Folk Group
French
Formula 1
Political Parties
Games
History
International Society
Irish Peace
Lego
Music
Outreach
Photo
Radio
Racing
Spraoí
(Irish
Speaking)
Ten Forward
Traditional Music
The International Society offers international
students an opportunity to meet and
participate
in
cultural
events,
e.g.
International Food Fairs, and organises
weekend excursions to various parts of
Ireland.
The society is open to both
international and Irish students, with the aim
of encouraging integration and creating an
atmosphere from which students will benefit.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Student Personnel Services
Student Personnel Services is a student-centred
unit concerned with the health, welfare and
personal development of the university’s
students. It offers the following services.
Student counsellors provide a confidential
counselling service, free of charge. The
service can help students deal with the wide
range of problems common to student
populations.
The service also offers a range of modules for
students, including Stress Management,
Personal Development and Study Skills.
Students, particularly first year students, are
encouraged to attend a Life-Skills module
offered by the College of Education and
Professional Studies.
Chaplaincy
Roman Catholic and Church of Ireland
Chaplains are available to provide help and
support to students of all denominations.
Various activities, including a Community
Outreach Programme, are organised to foster
student interest in both spiritual and personal
development.
Wide ranges of religious
services are provided on campus on a
scheduled basis. The courtyard area of the
Student Centre houses a contemplative space.
This area is designed for quiet contemplation
and prayer.
Both Chaplains are located near the Student
Health Centre on campus.
Roman Catholic Chaplain
Fr. John Campion
Room CM-071
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 202180
Email: john.campion@ul.ie
Web: www.ul.ie/chaplain
Church of Ireland Chaplain
Rev. Patricia Hanna
Room CM-068
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 213635
Email: Patricia.Hanna@ul.ie
Student Health Centre
An acute care advisory service is provided to
all registered students. This service includes a
full time nursing service and daily attendance
by doctors. A consultant psychiatrist and
chartered physiotherapist are available through
18
University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
internal referral.
All students are
recommended to register with a local General
Practitioner to cover minor ailments and ‘nonoffice’ hours/emergencies. The Student Health
Centre is open Monday to Friday from 09h00
to 16h00.
Fees for attendance at the Student Health
Centre are as follows:
Doctor Consultation
Psychiatrist
Consultation
Physiotherapist
Consultation
Contraceptive Advice
Clinic
STI Clinic
Nurse Consultation
Blood Test
€25
€25
€30
€10
€30
€10
€10
For further information contact:
Student Health Centre
Room CM-060
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 202534
Web: www.ul.ie/medical
Facilities for Disabled Students
The Disability Services Office welcomes
students with disabilities. The Office provides
support for students with learning, physical,
sensory and other disabilities.
Various
facilities have been put in place to assist and
enable students with disabilities. Students with
a disability who require assistance during their
period of study at the University of Limerick
should notify the Disability Services Office
before their arrival.
•
•
You will have an opportunity to meet with
your Academic Coordinator during the first
week of the semester. Details of your meeting
will be given to you at Orientation.
PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTATION
Before you leave home there are many things
to prepare. Please read the following points
carefully and make sure you bring the
necessary documentation with you to Ireland.
Below is a checklist of what you need to bring
with you.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Brenda Shinners-Kennedy
Disability Officer
Room GL0036
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 202346
Email: Brenda.Shinners-Kennedy@ul.ie
UL Academic Coordinator
Every ERASMUS student is assigned an
Academic Coordinator. Your academic
coordinator will:
• Give a more detailed overview of modules
• Assist in module selection
Sign the Module Registration Form and
Learning Agreement
Assist in academic matters
•
Passport
Passport photographs
International student ID and travel card
(ISIC)
Phone number of the University of
Limerick main reception (+353 61
202700)
Phone number of the International
Education Division (+353 61 202414)
Other relevant phone numbers and email
addresses
Money to pay for accommodation in
student village or self-catering
Personal money
European Health Insurance Card
and/or private health insurance.
It is essential to obtain the European
Health Insurance Card, which will provide
cover for emergency treatment in the case
of illness or accident. In addition, students
are strongly advised to take out private
insurance, in order to cover medical
expenses which may be incurred during
the period of academic placement at the
University of Limerick. This insurance
should cover medical expenses and
possible repatriation if necessary. Students
registered at UL are covered for liability
insurance by the University Insurance
Policy. Private Health Insurers in Ireland
are Laya Healthcare, VHI and Aviva.
Non-EU Students only
Documentation indicating the source of
funding to cover your stay in Ireland
(Non-EU students only)
All Non-EU students must present proof
of comprehensive medical insurance when
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University of Limerick
registering with the Garda National
Immigration Bureau (GNIB) after they
arrive in Ireland and complete their
student registration. The International
Office will arrange appointments with
GNIB for all non-EU students.
The GNIB will accept evidence of private
health insurance from your home country
which must include hospitalisation cover.
You must provide the original policy
document in English and the policy
document should cite your name. Your
policy should clearly state the precise start
and finish dates of the insurance cover.
You should therefore ensure that you are
covered for the full length of time you
intend to stay in Ireland i.e. either for the
academic year or the semester as
appropriate. If you have an insurance card
for your policy you should bring it with
you to the GNIB office.
A credit/debit card for payment of €300
fee or Bank Giro obtainable from the
GNIB office. This fee cannot be paid in
cash
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
passport and documentation indicating your
home address and address in Limerick which
you will receive at Orientation.
Q: Is there a society for international
students?
A: Yes there is a society for international
students. Representatives will speak with you
and give you details of how to join up at
Orientation.
Q: Where can I get information on the modules
on offer at the University of Limerick?
A: The modules on offer for each semester are
available on the International Education
Division website: www.ul.ie/international
Go to the ERASMUS Exchange Programme
and click on ECTS Information Package.
Q: Where can I receive a copy of the class
timetable?
A: You will receive this during the Orientation
Programme.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Q: Does Ireland use a different electrical
power point?
A: The regular Irish electricity point will take
220 – 240 volts. Plugs most commonly used
in Ireland are 3-pin flat. It may be advisable to
purchase electrical appliances in Ireland, as the
electrical current here (240 volts) may differ to
your home country. If you do take your own
appliances, remember to take an adaptor with
you or purchase one when you arrive in
Ireland.
Q: How should I handle my money?
A: Please ensure that you have enough €
(Euro) in cash on arrival to pay for transport,
meals and groceries, while you sort out more
permanent financial arrangements for your
stay.
Q: Will I be able to open a bank account in
Ireland?
A: Yes, to open a bank account in Ireland is an
easy process. Banking for students is free and
the only documentation required is your
Q: How long do I have to finalise my module
selection?
A: You have until the end of Week 2 of each
semester to register for your modules. Failure
to submit the Module Registration Form by
the end of Week 2 will result in a €20 fine.
Q: When will I receive my exam results?
A: An official exam transcript will be sent
directly to your home address 6-8 weeks after
sitting examinations.
Q: What happens I am sick and cannot sit an
exam?
A: Students can apply for an I grade in cases
where the student has not completed all of the
requirements for a module due to medical
and/or psychological illness or family
bereavement.
Q: What happens if I fail a module?
A: You will be sent a letter from Student
Academic Administration with instructions on
how to repeat your examinations (please ignore
the section on progression; this refers to UL
full degree students only). Please check with
your home university if you are required to
take the repeats. Please be aware all repeats
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University of Limerick
examinations are capped at a C3 (with the
exception of I grades which remain uncapped).
Q: Does the International Office arrange
internships?
A: No the international Office is only engaged
in academic affairs and does not arrange either
paid or unpaid internships.
Q: What clothes should I pack?
A: Students are advised to pack clothes that
can be worn in layers, for example thermal
underwear, jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts and
sweaters. You may also wish to consider
taking the following with you, bearing in mind
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
your airline luggage allowance and what you
can realistically carry:
•
Warm waterproof coat or jacket
•
ski jacket (for colder weather)
•
comfortable walking shoes or
sneakers
•
hat, scarf and gloves
An umbrella and an electric blanket are highly
recommended, and both can be purchased in
Limerick after you arrive. Sheets and towels
can also be bought in Limerick
______________________
APPENDIX 2: USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
NOTE: The code for the Limerick area is 061. To ring a Limerick number from outside Ireland the
code is +353 61 (plus the local number).
Aer Lingus (National Airline)
0818 365000
Bus Eireann
061 313333
Car Hire:
Avis
Budget
Hertz
061 715600
061 471361
061 471369
Castletroy Golf Club
061 335261
Rathbane Golf Club (Public)
061 313655
Directory Enquiries
11811
Emerald Appliances (Bicycle Hire)
061 416983
Emergency-Police/Fire Brigade/Ambulance
999 or 112
Ferry Companies:
Brittany Ferries
Irish Ferries
Stena Sealink
Irish Council for International Students (ICOS)
021 4277801
01 6610743
01 2047777
01 6605233
Limerick Hospitals:
Midwestern Regional Hospital
St. Johns Hospital
061 301111
061 415822
Limerick Tourist Office
061 317522
Limerick Train Station
061 315555
Taxi Numbers:
Plassey Cabs
Castletroy Taxis
Economy Taxis
061 336336
061332266
061411422
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
Shannon International Airport
061 471444
University of Limerick Main Reception
061 202700
University of Limerick International Education Division
061 202414
University of Limerick On-Campus Accommodation
Plassey Village
Kilmurry Village
Dromroe Village
Thomond Village
Visa Office, Department of Foreign Affairs
061 202347
061 202081
061 202977
061 237000
01 4780822
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
APPENDIX 3: MAP OF REGION
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
APPENDIX 4: CAMPUS MAP
24
University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
APPENDIX 5: CAMPUS
RESIDENCES MAP
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
APPENDIX 6: MEDICAL FORM
Dear Student
We are glad to hear that you are considering taking up an overseas placement here at U.L. I am writing
to you now as a preventative measure, to ensure that you take care of all the necessary pre-requisites
regarding your health before you travel.
In particular I want to draw attention to the level of
psychological services available to you here and what to expect. Also, I want you to realise the level of
re-adjustment that overseas placement can require.
Specifically I wish to point out to those of you who are already attending a professional for
psychological or stress related matters, it is imperative that you consult with this person regarding the
appropriateness of your travelling, taking into account that you may not be able to avail of the same
level of support as you are used to in your own home country.
We require that all students obtain a clean bill of health, both mental and physical, from their own
health professional before travel. We do not recommend that students with severe mental illness take
up an overseas placement, due to the stress likely to be generated by the transition and the fact that
there is no comprehensive psychiatric service attached to the University, to ensure adequate support
and care. Our experience in the past has been that for such students, what was hoped would be an
enjoyable and rewarding trip to Ireland ends up being one of unhappiness and isolation.
Should you arrive in Ireland and discover that you are not able to cope with the situation, and then of
course we will be only too happy to meet with you and provide whatever level of psychological
counselling you require.
Yours sincerely
Dr. Declan Aherne
Head of Counselling
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
NOTE: Below is a copy of the Medical Form you will have to fill out before arrival at
the University if Limerick. Please complete this form and return it to the Student
Health Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK
MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
ANSWERS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE
ID no.
___________________
Date of Birth________________
Surname__________________
Forename(s)_________________
Home Address_____________
_________________________
_________________________
Name and Address of Family
Doctor_____________________
___________________________
Status____________________
Medical Card No.
No of children_____________
__________________________
Previous Medical History
1.
Do you suffer from any physical disability? If so please state its nature.
___________________________________________________________________________________
2.
In particular, do you suffer or have you suffered from any of the following disorders?
___________________________________________________________________________________
(a) Diabetics
(b) Epilepsy
(c) Asthma
(d) Tuberculosis
(e) Skin Rash or Disease
3.
Are you receiving any long-term treatment with drugs or medicines for chronic illness or
psychological upsets? If so, what are they?
4.
Have you any other condition which you think might be troublesome while at UL, emotional
or psychological upsets are particularly important if they have ever affected study or exams.
___________________________________________________________________________________
5.
Please specify any allergies, or drug sensitivity
___________________________________________________________________________________
6.
Immunisation, date of most recent inoculations
Diphtheria
_______________________
Polio
_______________________
Rubella
_______________________
Tetanus _________________________
B.C.G. _________________________
Others _________________________
7.
Have you any other comments to make on your health or medical needs?
___________________________________________________________________________________
Medical Certificate
Date___________________________________________
I hereby certify that
Mr/Mrs/Ms ____________________________________
Is in good health and fit to attend the University of Limerick
Signed____________________________________________________________________________
Medical Officer Official Stamp
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University of Limerick
Incoming Erasmus Handbook 2014-2015
APPENDIX 7: HOTELS AND BED & BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION
Name
Address
Email
Telephone No.
+ 353 61 (INT)
061 (LOCAL)
Travelodge
Park Point
Castletroy
Dublin Road
Limerick
http://www.travelodge.ie/h
otels/406/LimerickCastletroy-hotel
00 353 6 160
3500
Castletroy
Park Hotel
Dublin Road, Limerick, Co.
Limerick, Ireland.
http://www.castletroypark.
ie/en/
61 335566
Kilmurray
Lodge Hotel
Castletroy,
Limerick,
Ireland.
http://www.kilmurrylodge.
com/home.html
61 331133
Annville
Newtown, Castletroy
(1st turn right after Chawkes Petrol
Station, Dublin Road, 350 yards on
Right)
annville@hotmail.com
330023
Blackberry
Way
Hawthorns, Newtown
(1st turn right after Chawkes Petrol
Station, 350 yards on Left)
blackberry@irish-bnb.com
336262
Castlemoor
Rivers, Castletroy
After Kilmurry Roundabout, 2nd
last house on right before
Annacotty Roundabout. Bus Stop
outside gate
330789
Castletroy Inn
Dublin Road, Castletroy
338385
Castletroy
Lodge
Cregans
Dublin Road, Castletroy
331167
Dublin Road, Castletroy
cregansbandb@eircom.net
331347
Sandvilla
Monaleen Road, Castletroy
sandvilla@indigo.ie
336484
Twin Oaks
Dublin Road, Castletroy
311663
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APPENDIX 8: ADMINISTRATION AND DEPARTMENT OFFICES
The following office numbers may be useful to you during your stay at the University of Limerick
Room No.
Department Office
E0-001
D0-035
E0-005
E0-001A
E0-030
GLG-020
D0-033
E1-006
CM-060
E0-001
Admissions Office
Accommodation Office
Co-operative Education
Fees Office
International Education Division
Information Technology
Plassey Campus Centre - Student Village Accommodation
Print Room
Student Health Centre
Student Academic Administration
Administration
Kemmy Business School
KB3-022
KB3-22A
KB3-018
KB3-035
Accounting and Finance
Economics
Marketing and Management
Personnel & Employment Relations
Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
C1076
MC1-002
FG0-13
F1-018
F1-003
History
Languages, Literature, Culture and Communications
Law
Politics & Public Administration
Sociology
Faculty of Science & Engineering
SR3-025
B3-046
CO-064
LRG-008
SR2-038
B3-046
L1-034
ER3-015
Manufacturing & Operations Engineering
Chemical & Environmental Science
Electronic & Computer Engineering
Mathematics & Statistics
Physics
Computer Science & Information Systems
Life Sciences
Materials & Operations Engineering
Mechanical & Aeronautical Engineering
Architecture
Faculty of Education & Health Sciences
CM082c
HSG-004
PESS
E1-026
GEMS3-010
HS2-027
HS2-027
HS2-027
Education and Professional Studies
Nursing & Midwifery
Physical Education & Sport Science
Psychology
Medicine
Occupational Therapy
Physiotherapy
Speech & Language Therapy
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