Trinity Halls

Adam44

I live in Wexford and am hoping to go to trinity next year to do engineering with management. I was wondering what the chances of being accepted for accomodation in Trinity halls were? how many get rejected, as travelling from wexford would be too hard.
I rang and they said it was not a lottery or first come first served, so could someone tell me what criteria they use. Points? ect?
Thanks for any replies.

I am scared they will give preference to high point courses like Medicine ect :-(

You fill out a form detailing why you'd be a good person to stay there. Basically you mention things like activities you were involved in with school. They want to have a community there.

You don't have to worry about this until August at any rate, plus there's plenty of accommodation in Dublin these days..

mardybumbum

The applications for single rooms (modern accomodation) are based on a lottery. It is unlikely that your personal statement will even be read.
No preference is given to high points courses.

Cantab.

How does Trinity Hall compare to private accommodation in the vicinity?

I imagine students could do without trips to the JD's office, STD clinic and emergency contraception service.

R.D. aka MR.D

You should look around for other accom even if you think you might get Trinity Hall.

When I applied they didn't tell me at all!! until I rang 3 weeks before I was due to start which resulted in a mad panic by me to find somewhere.

Darty is also kinda far out.

The best places are portobello, ranelagh or rathmines. People will be gaureenteed to come back to yours for the party!;)

t0mm

Cantab. wrote: »

I imagine students could do without trips to the JD's office, STD clinic and emergency contraception service.

Emmmmmm, no, it's not like that at all. In fact I have no idea where this notion may have come from. Halls isn't like that.

Back on topic:

When you apply for Halls they give you a sheet where you fill in a bit about yourself, your acheivements, and why you think you would be a good member in the halls community. All you need to say is that you are sporty, social, outgoing, etc, basically making you out to be someone that will be heavily involved in the halls social scene. The social scene in Halls involves not just going out, but plenty of other trips, eg paintballing, as well as in Halls activities, eg LAN parties, sleepovers, even a sports day in May.

The people they want to see in Halls are people who will be involved in all these activities, and will add something to the community. Saying something like "I have no friends and want to live in Halls so I can make some" will NOT help you into Halls. However, saying "I have millions of friends and want to make MORE because I LOVE PEOPLE! EVERYONE!" will.
You've really go to say something alone the lines of wanting to and knowing that you can make the most of the Hall experience and want to be part of and involved in the Halls community.

Also, Halls rooms are slightly affected by your location. They apparently give preference to those who live furthest away, with this preference declining the closer to Dublin you get. However, I know people who live in Wexford who got into Halls, while some people who live in Cork, Galway, etc didn't, though this would be more to do with applying after the deadline than anything else. (You can apply after the deadline, but you go on the end of the LONG waiting list, so make sure you apply on time!)

Though Halls may be more expensive than private accommodation, it is well worth the money IMHO, the social scene is amazing, you meet millions of new people, and the facilities are pretty damn good (TV room with sky, table tennis, pool and snooker tables, computer room, gym hall, etc.)

You've also got Will Courtney as your ENTS officer for next year so expect some savage nights out .

dog_pig

When do we apply for accommodation?

t0mm

AFAI can remember, it was around July sometime, with offers being given in late August. Check http://www.wardentrinityhall.tcdlife.ie/, and if it's not there then best email the accommodation office.

karlr42

I'd still rather go for private accommodation, you can find places within actual walking distance of college with relative ease, which to me is the main advantage of not living at home- cutting out as much commute as possible.

t0mm

The commute from Halls to College isn't too bad at all. 50 minute walk, 20 minute bus journey (but can be 40 with rush our traffic) and Luas is 30 minute from Halls to Front Arch including the walk. Bike depends on how fast you cycle, I have done it in 12 but its usually 15-20. But Halls is far, far more than just accommodation. The social side, not just going out but going over to chill with mates in other appartments makes it far, far more desirable for first years than private accommodation. Everyone, and I mean every single first year trinners student I know who didn't live in Halls last year wished they did. Even the ones who lived in Dublin like yourself.

OneArt

t0mm wrote: »

Emmmmmm, no, it's not like that at all. In fact I have no idea where this notion may have come from. Halls isn't like that.

Back on topic:

When you apply for Halls they give you a sheet where you fill in a bit about yourself, your acheivements, and why you think you would be a good member in the halls community. All you need to say is that you are sporty, social, outgoing, etc, basically making you out to be someone that will be heavily involved in the halls social scene. The social scene in Halls involves not just going out, but plenty of other trips, eg paintballing, as well as in Halls activities, eg LAN parties, sleepovers, even a sports day in May.

The people they want to see in Halls are people who will be involved in all these activities, and will add something to the community. Saying something like "I have no friends and want to live in Halls so I can make some" will NOT help you into Halls. However, saying "I have millions of friends and want to make MORE because I LOVE PEOPLE! EVERYONE!" will.
You've really go to say something alone the lines of wanting to and knowing that you can make the most of the Hall experience and want to be part of and involved in the Halls community.

Also, Halls rooms are slightly affected by your location. They apparently give preference to those who live furthest away, with this preference declining the closer to Dublin you get. However, I know people who live in Wexford who got into Halls, while some people who live in Cork, Galway, etc didn't, though this would be more to do with applying after the deadline than anything else. (You can apply after the deadline, but you go on the end of the LONG waiting list, so make sure you apply on time!)

Though Halls may be more expensive than private accommodation, it is well worth the money IMHO, the social scene is amazing, you meet millions of new people, and the facilities are pretty damn good (TV room with sky, table tennis, pool and snooker tables, computer room, gym hall, etc.)

You've also got Will Courtney as your ENTS officer for next year so expect some savage nights out .

Good Buddha. All I'd be looking for is to live somewhere nice and close to Trinity if I was going there. All that stuff about "community spirit" seems a bit... Extreme.

Of course nights out, no problem But sports? Paintballing? You're having a laugh :P

t0mm

OneArt wrote:

Good Buddha. All I'd be looking for is to live somewhere nice and close to Trinity if I was going there. All that stuff about "community spirit" seems a bit... Extreme.

Of course nights out, no problem But sports? Paintballing? You're having a laugh :P

Like I said, every single first year I know who didn't live in Halls wished they did. You don't have to take part in everything, just say you will.

illiop

t0mm wrote: »

Like I said, every single first year I know who didn't live in Halls wished they did. You don't have to take part in everything, just say you will.

+1 I definatley wished I lived there. I dropped out but am going back and if I don't get in then I'll be upset (honestly, it's sounds silly I know). It just makes having a social life so much easier.

karlr42

Academic work is more important than social life, and living closer to college makes it easier to motivate oneself to stay late and come in on time, I find. Anyway, thread going off topic.

JC 2K3

I don't agree. They're both equally important. Work hard, play hard and all that.

Halls does seem like a pretty awesome place to live in first year.

deedee100

halls is the BEST place to live in first year, they dont take into consideration your pts or course really, just babble on about all the activities that you hope to get involved in and the ones u are already "involved" in.make it ALL up if you have to!!!you dont have to do any of the stuff once you get there. halls is the best way to meet loads and loads of people from outside your course, and you will have an epic freshers week because you will actually know people!!!! had the best year of college there!!!!!!!!!! though the dont tell you until really late that you got in so keep an eye out for other accomidation. but if you get rejected the first time re apply cos loads f ppl gt n in 2nd go. also sharing a room helps u gt in too! hope this helps!

JumAPond

Anyone get their accommadation offer into the Halls? I did this morning, my time, (afternoon Dublin time) and have until 24 July to accept. I know its my first year here (Ill be in an MSc program) but I think I ended up there partly because of age...only 21.

Also, its my guess TCD doesn't run a bus/shuttle between halls and campus? I just would like NOT to have to pay everyime time it isn't possible to walk/late nights on campus. But that may just me bit**ing a little.

Liquorice

I didn't realise they put postgrads in halls... Just be warned that it's mostly first years and 17/18-year-olds' behaviour is generally on a different plane to a postgrad's.

There's no Trinity shuttle but there's a tram and buses into town. You can get monthly student tickets which work out slightly cheaper but not by much; it depends on how often you'll be using public transport.

You many be better off financially finding a place in town, as rent will be cheaper & there'll be no transport to pay for, but if it's your first time in Dublin it could be a comfort to live on university residences.

JumAPond

Beh, I just wanted to know if its a good time and if transport was easy. I've dealt with living far 'off-campus' and sometimes I felt the so-called freedoms afforded by it didn't offset the ability to be close to the things I needed. Is Datry a good/fun/eventful area? I'll prob just get my hands on a bike or scooter should I choose to take me place.

As for the pricing, I see. It looks like I could budget 500EU for a place and that would be close to what I'd pay for TH.

As for age, I'm not far removed (actually...not removed at all) for those activities...its line of knowing when I can and can't which to date has proved successful so far. My offer just said single room in TH Apartments (any thoughts) so I may venture to guess my apartment may be comprised of grads, dont know though.

macgowan

JumAPond wrote: »

Beh, I just wanted to know if its a good time and if transport was easy. I've dealt with living far 'off-campus' and sometimes I felt the so-called freedoms afforded by it didn't offset the ability to be close to the things I needed. Is Datry a good/fun/eventful area? I'll prob just get my hands on a bike or scooter should I choose to take me place.

As for the pricing, I see. It looks like I could budget 500EU for a place and that would be close to what I'd pay for TH.

As for age, I'm not far removed (actually...not removed at all) for those activities...its line of knowing when I can and can't which to date has proved successful so far. My offer just said single room in TH Apartments (any thoughts) so I may venture to guess my apartment may be comprised of grads, dont know though.

There is a whole block of apartments specifically designated for post-grads and they get special *perks* like a balcony as far as I'm aware.

Dartry is hardly a fun/eventful area - it's hardly even an "area", more of a residential road. Nearby Rathmines is good though with plenty of pubs and well known shops.

PrinceMax

I lived in Trinity Halls in 2005/06 and in Goldsmith Hall in 2008/09. Trinity Halls was absolute sh*te. It cost the same amount as Goldsmith for the same quality of a room, a few km from the city centre. The accommodation office handles applications for both really badly. In 2005, I applied and I didn't get accepted, but I only found this out when I rang them a few days before University started. 2005 was a bad year to look for accommodation so I ended up on sleeping on the couch at a friend's house. I was sort of desparte so I went to ask the SU welfare officer for advice. She asked if I'd be interested in Trinity Halls. She said there were lots of vacancies. So she rang Trinity Hall and it was organised that day.
The last year I applied for on campus and I got goldsmith. My friend who applied with me was refused, but yet there was a vacant room in my appartment all year. Goldsmith was great location wise, and the security staff are friendly and helpful. Also, the bed seemed bigger than the one in halls. There was never much going on in either Halls or Goldsmith, but that doesn't really matter in Goldsmith as you're so close to college. If Trinity are still charging the same amount for halls as they were four years ago I think you should look elsewhere. There are lots of apartments and rooms available in Dublin right now.
Another thing about halls...,there was rarely hot water at 7am. That really annoyed me

t0mm

PrinceMax wrote: »

I lived in Trinity Halls in 2005/06 and in Goldsmith Hall in 2008/09. Trinity Halls was absolute sh*te. It cost the same amount as Goldsmith for the same quality of a room, a few km from the city centre. The accommodation office handles applications for both really badly. In 2005, I applied and I didn't get accepted, but I only found this out when I rang them a few days before University started. 2005 was a bad year to look for accommodation so I ended up on sleeping on the couch at a friend's house. I was sort of desparte so I went to ask the SU welfare officer for advice. She asked if I'd be interested in Trinity Halls. She said there were lots of vacancies. So she rang Trinity Hall and it was organised that day.
The last year I applied for on campus and I got goldsmith. My friend who applied with me was refused, but yet there was a vacant room in my appartment all year. Goldsmith was great location wise, and the security staff are friendly and helpful. Also, the bed seemed bigger than the one in halls. There was never much going on in either Halls or Goldsmith, but that doesn't really matter in Goldsmith as you're so close to college. If Trinity are still charging the same amount for halls as they were four years ago I think you should look elsewhere. There are lots of apartments and rooms available in Dublin right now.
Another thing about halls...,there was rarely hot water at 7am. That really annoyed me

AFAIK 2005 was the first year Halls was open (the Modern accommodation part). Yes, it is expensive. Yes, the accommodation office are far from accommodating (:pac:). But they have fixed the hot water problem (comes on at 6). Also, the JCR have become highly involved in the Halls social scene, meaning these days there is alwas something going on. This the point I keep trying to get accross to people, the thing that makes Halls so great is the ease with which you will meet new people and the fact that you are living with a whole load of other people also new to Dublin and college makes life so so much easier.

PrinceMax

t0mm wrote: »

AFAIK 2005 was the first year Halls was open (the Modern accommodation part). Yes, it is expensive. Yes, the accommodation office are far from accommodating (:pac:). But they have fixed the hot water problem (comes on at 6). Also, the JCR have become highly involved in the Halls social scene, meaning these days there is alwas something going on. This the point I keep trying to get accross to people, the thing that makes Halls so great is the ease with which you will meet new people and the fact that you are living with a whole load of other people also new to Dublin and college makes life so so much easier.

Yeah, I'm sure it is a great place to meet people if that's what you want. IF you're not living in student accommodation you can easily meet people through societies and have as good a time - especially if you find an appartment in town. I do admit however that whatyou state is a selling point. Unfortunately it is its only selling point.