Trinity College Dublin

Academics

Perhaps Ireland's most famous university, Trinity College Dublin is an idyllic, world famous institution that has carried on a 400-year-old tradition of scholarship on the Emerald Isle. This "beautiful and prestigious university" boasts a lot on offer, both academically and socially, and the degree graduates receive is highly respected internationally. "Personal development is available for those who pursue it," says a student. "You grow up to be an adult here, one that has diverse life experience and a broad exposure to classical and modern study."

Professors in general are "pleasant and fluid," "bring their passion and enthusiasm for their subject to every lecture." "A professor of mine has cried during a lecture when explaining why Kant's attempt at revising metaphysics was so important," says a sophomore. The school "really holds you to a higher standard" so self-motivation is key, and "the teachers don't baby [students]. You are expected to be responsible for your own study." "Your job is to be a university student and to do it well," says another student. However, if help is needed then teachers are "extremely good at helping you outside class hours. Just email them and they will arrange a time to meet." The scene here is "more like a master's program in the states, but with [student] societies that are given millions of euros to make sure you have fun and opportunities." There is always room for discussion in lectures, and "classes tend to be really interactive so students aren't just sitting there passively learning." Many do feel that there could "be a slicker process administratively," particularly with regard to registration and exams. The libraries "own an incredibly broad selection of works between them," and are "absolutely incredible both in selection of books, and space to study." On top of the very active clubs and societies, a great strength is the "small tutorials that correspond with lectures," as well the "great speakers giving talks on a weekly basis."

Student Body

This "self-motivated, tightly knit intellectual community of a huge variety of students" is composed of "bright inquisitive minds" who tend to be "trendy and intelligent and well-travelled and somewhat well-off." The vast majority come from Ireland, and since "there's literally a niche or society for everyone to fit in, all varieties of personality interact agreeably." "There are a lot of sociable societies which are easy to join and they generally welcome you with open arms," says a biochemistry major. Ireland is a small country, so "often students know each other from school before coming to Trinity."

Campus Life

It's "a self-contained university world, bang-smack in Dublin's city centre," acting as "an island all to itself." The legendary front entrance "looks damn good" to all ye who enter here, and passing through the gothic arches "[is] like [entering] a calm academic hub within a busy city." In fact, those who live on campus "practically have their own world if they so desire, as it is so selfcontained." In general, people are "fairly studious and interested in their course, [but] they make room in their schedule for partying though as well." Students have great choice for meeting people and fitting in with a large number of societies, which "are inclusive and social, [and] all are catered for in the vast smorgasbord of college life." The annual Trinity ball is "an amazing event, Europe's largest private party." Alcohol forms part of college life (there is even a college bar, the Pav, "overlooking the cricket pitch"), and "outside of society events it is by far the most common social activity." However, by the time exams roll around in May, everyone is "all about cramming into the library and getting to work."