UCD bound 2011

bubbleking

hey everyone,

This thread is for those heading to UCD in September 2011. I started it because getting UCD was a massive shock for me - I went to the open day but didnt really pay any attention because I always thought it was out of reach. Iv researched banks and accomodation in UCC and UL but not UCD. So maybe someone could answer these questions

Best bank to get a loan from?
Best place for accomodation?
I dont think its serviced by the dart/luas

I have lots more Im just a little sleep depraved right now so cant think of any so feel free to add your own

kermicrzy

Congrats, I guess Ill be seeing you in a few weeks!

Applied as non-EU so found out awhile back. I might be 160k poorer but I think its going to we well worth it
FYI

http://www.ucd.ie/incomingstudents/timetable/DN401%20Graduate%20Entry%20MedicineVer1.pdf

https://sisweb.ucd.ie/usis/w_sm_web_inf_viewer_banner.show_major?p_term_code=201100&p_cao_code=DN401&p_major_code=MDS9

PS:
AIB in UCD or BOI across at Montrose would have info on loans. I would def try to live in Stillorgan area (alot cheaper than other parts of town) and easy access to college. Try Stillogran, Dundrum, Sandyford, Goatstown...

bubbleking

just some other useful info

http://www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/gv.html

http://www.ucd.ie/medicine/undergraduateprogrammes/gemloansinformation/

pollypigwash

bubbleking wrote: »

hey everyone,

This thread is for those heading to UCD in September 2011. I started it because getting UCD was a massive shock for me - I went to the open day but didnt really pay any attention because I always thought it was out of reach. Iv researched banks and accomodation in UCC and UL but not UCD. So maybe someone could answer these questions

Best bank to get a loan from?
Best place for accomodation?
I dont think its serviced by the dart/luas

I have lots more Im just a little sleep depraved right now so cant think of any so feel free to add your own

There's a bucket load of info on this thread including some sample timetables from a year or two ago...
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055627622

The UCD website is actually very good when you have a root around particularly the page below. Gives a summary of all the modules the time spent on each and the method of testing.
https://sisweb.ucd.ie/usis/w_sm_web_inf_viewer_banner.show_major?p_term_code=201100&p_cao_code=DN401&p_major_code=MDS9

I've checked out the loan situations for UCD see below.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=73558683&postcount=1
I got an email off the guy from BoI on Tuesday with the updated offer for this year. They've reduced the interest rate after we finish to 7.5~% percent and increased the length of time over which you can pay it to 10years.

best place to move is in with a shower of other spongers in the course for the laugh. I want to get a house with some classmates, I reckon it'd be the best idea plus I couldn't hack living with my mates as they'll be loaded, while we're all skint. Anyone else who's interested in getting a house let me know. I'm easy breezy.

Can't wait to start!


Forgot to mention the Luas doesn't come near it and the nearest DART is Sydney Parade I think which is a fair trek, could be a good idea to set yourself within walking distance, a Dublin Bus student 30 day travel ticket will set you back €82.... that's 20 pints in my language.

kermicrzy

Cheers
Anyway let me know if anyone decides to setup a FB group (dont think there is GEM 2015 one yet). Might be easier to organize stuff, etc than over boards.

figs86

Hey guys, congrats!

I'm a 2nd year GEM living in Windy Arbour (between Bird Ave and Dundrum).

Have a room in the house I'm renting with a final med available.

PM me for details

Zagato

kermicrzy wrote: »

Cheers
Anyway let me know if anyone decides to setup a FB group (dont think there is GEP 2015 one yet). Might be easier to organize stuff, etc than over boards.

I thought that you guys are GEMs, not GEPs

kermicrzy

Zagato wrote: »

I thought that you guys are GEMs, not GEPs

Haha, god I wouldnt want to rock the boat..
Thanks for the catch

Yillan

pollypigwash wrote: »

a Dublin Bus student 30 day travel ticket will set you back €82.... that's 20 pints in my language.

Prepare to learn a completely new language in Dublin.

Just want to start now. I wonder what the gender divide and age range is in the class is.

I'm 23 and male. Did law originally

pollypigwash

26 Male and I have 6 days left as a Civil Engineer. Woot!!


Oh and I made a class page on facebook. join at your peril

http://www.facebook.com/groups/266102766736777/

Tradesmann

27 and male, ag engineer here. handing in my notice tomorrow...any tips for easing the boss through the shock?!

Bonnieaurstomp

Congratulation to everybody heading to UCD. I'm 30 (ya I'm old, but I look a lot younger, so maybe I'll just lie about my age:D), and currently working in a lab for an evil pharmaceutical company.

I really don't know how some of you guys made it through the last few weeks of waiting (you all have my upmost respect). It wasn't something i really had to worry about, but even the shock of accepting a place, handing in my notice at work today, giving my landlord notice on tuesday, has me shaking like a leaf right now.

Roll on September, can't wait to meet you all. Those that I have met briefly (Yillan, PollyP) seem like really great people and I'm sure we'll all have a blast.

Haha, someone just joined the Facebook page who went to the same secondary school as me in the beautiful, scenic town of Tuam in North County Galway. Small world, just got smaller.

Ramble over, i need a drink.

pollypigwash

Bonnieaurstomp wrote: »

Congratulation to everybody heading to UCD. I'm 30 (ya I'm old, but I look a lot younger, so maybe I'll just lie about my age:D), and currently working in a lab for an evil pharmaceutical company.

I really don't know how some of you guys made it through the last few weeks of waiting (you all have my upmost respect). It wasn't something i really had to worry about, but even the shock of accepting a place, handing in my notice at work today, giving my landlord notice on tuesday, has me shaking like a leaf right now.

Roll on September, can't wait to meet you all. Those that I have met briefly (Yillan, PollyP) seem like really great people and I'm sure we'll all have a blast.

Haha, someone just joined the Facebook page who went to the same secondary school as me in the beautiful, scenic town of Tuam in North County Galway. Small world, just got smaller.

Ramble over, i need a drink.

My mother's from Tuam as well... good god there I said it!

bubbleking

24 Male just finishing a research MSc after my original degree in Athletic therapy and training in DCU

kermicrzy

God am I the only girl so far? Ah well life could be worse

Im 27, did biotech, and now just finishing my PhD in pharmacology.

After living here for 8 years, Ive almost gotten rid of that American accent... Four more years should do it

Wilhelmet

I'm a 30 year old Male, and an architect (well, ex-architect now I guess), looking forward to meeting you all. From Galway, but have lived in London for past few years....so entirely possible that I'll be the one with the mutant accent, but hopefully it's all in my mind...

Exciting days indeed...I just did a big 'gulp' at the Term 1 and Term 2 itinerary info from that link above. Amazing how quickly your brain can move from one source of anxiety (will I get a place???) to another (will I be able to keep up??!?!) in the space of a few hours... ; )

pollypigwash

Tradesmann wrote: »

27 and male, ag engineer here. handing in my notice tomorrow...any tips for easing the boss through the shock?!

cake and a smile

pollypigwash

Wilhelmet wrote: »

I'm a 30 year old Male, and an architect (well, ex-architect now I guess), looking forward to meeting you all. From Galway, but have lived in London for past few years....so entirely possible that I'll be the one with the mutant accent, but hopefully it's all in my mind...

Exciting days indeed...I just did a big 'gulp' at the Term 1 and Term 2 itinerary info from that link above. Amazing how quickly your brain can move from one source of anxiety (will I get a place???) to another (will I be able to keep up??!?!) in the space of a few hours... ; )

wow strange how four of the lads are from Galway... most be what we put in the water.

I'm very excited to get going and to meeting everyone.

welcome one and all to our odd little club.

Wilhelmet

pollypigwash wrote: »

wow strange how for of the lads are from Galway... most be what we put in the water.

I'm very excited to get going and to meeting everyone.

welcome one and all to our odd little club.

Must be all that cryptosporidium!!!

Great stuff, really looking forward to meeting you all....and not a bad odd little club to be part of at all..

bubbleking

Things are moving very fast - have to go in Tuesday to get the loan sorted out so might go for a sneaky spin around the health science building.

does anyone know if we have to register online or do we do it during orientation week?

pollypigwash

bubbleking wrote: »

Things are moving very fast - have to go in Tuesday to get the loan sorted out so might go for a sneaky spin around the health science building.

does anyone know if we have to register online or do we do it during orientation week?

Not a clue about registration. I assume we get some form registration pack in the post in the next week or so. Holy sheet you're onto the loan already.... nice work. Who are you thinking of goin with?

bubbleking

Iv done a small bit of research and AIB seem to be the bank to go with. I was talking to Georgina from the branch on campus and she said everything should be fine just call in Tueday morning with my acceptance letter and a passport and she'll sort it out (I was looking at new medicine media too and she has a reputation of being super helpfull). Iv been a customer of AIB for the last 5 years so I presume new customers may need more documents such as proof of address etc.

Some points of the loan

Base lending rate is 4.9% (I think I didnt write this figure down)
at the moment the variable rate on top of that is 1.7%
so that would total 6.6%
This changes when we graduate - I have to talk to her about this when I go in on tuesday
its usually paid back between 5 and 7 years
Life cover is now mandatory (not from AIB) but has to be over 100k because in the end thats what the total loan will cost

pollypigwash

bubbleking wrote: »

Some points of the loan

Base lending rate is 4.9% (I think I didnt write this figure down)
at the moment the variable rate on top of that is 1.7%
so that would total 6.6%
This changes when we graduate - I have to talk to her about this when I go in on tuesday
its usually paid back between 5 and 7 years
Life cover is now mandatory (not from AIB) but has to be over 100k because in the end thats what the total loan will cost

I emailed all the branches alright and I thought they were really helpful. I've been with AIB forever.

I was talking to Georgina a few weeks back and the rates were inclusive and the overall rate is 4.05% have a look here.
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showp...83&postcount=1
I got an email off the guy from BoI on Tuesday with the updated offer for this year. Starting rate was 4.06%. They've reduced their interest rate after we finish to 7.5~% percent and increased the length of time over which you can pay it to 10years.
I was just wondering what it's like when you actually go to sit down to get things sorted and how long it takes.

I guess I better ring them and sort it out. I'd prefer to stay with AIB if they are both the same as it would just be easier and I've always found them good.

sparrow3

30 year old male , worked last 5 years as a management consultant with a degree in business and law.

Dont think there is anything more satisfying as walking into your boss and saying - "we need to talk" !!!

Know a few people who are going into second year in ucd and love it so think we have all made the right decision - looking forward to meeting you all

pollypigwash

sparrow3 wrote: »

30 year old male , worked last 5 years as a management consultant with a degree in business and law.

Dont think there is anything more satisfying as walking into your boss and saying - "we need to talk" !!!

Know a few people who are going into second year in ucd and love it so think we have all made the right decision - looking forward to meeting you all

Ha excellent! For those of you not on the facebook group above yet. Here's our timetable for registration week.

http://www.ucd.ie/incomingstudents/timetable/DN401%20Graduate%20Entry%20MedicineVer1.pdf

bubbleking

so we have to pick 1 of these electives for semester 1;

Food Diet and Health
Basic Principles of Cell Biology
Molecules in Medicine
A Social History of Irish Healthcare
Physics in Medicine
Introduction to Psychology
Social Anthropology

anybody have any ideas which one they will go for?

Yillan

bubbleking wrote: »

so we have to pick 1 of these electives for semester 1;

Food Diet and Health
Basic Principles of Cell Biology
Molecules in Medicine
A Social History of Irish Healthcare
Physics in Medicine
Introduction to Psychology
Social Anthropology

anybody have any ideas which one they will go for?

If I'd sense, as a non-science grad, I'd go for Cell Biology, but I'm more inclined towards the food diet and health. I'd have a look at the physics module aswell, provided it doesn't require any prior physics knowledge. I would be interested in the psychology, but it does sound like a type of module where they keep saying, 'you'll learn more about that in a later module', and then that module never comes.

The others wouldn't really interest me

pollypigwash

GradMed did a nice little synopsis of all the modules iirc in the original UCD thread with the programme description. Could be helpful. I'll avoid anything that involves an essay or project work, not a fan even though I wouldn't mind re anthropology. I've done chemistry so that's molecules etc out. Molecular bio is probably the smart money although I wouldn't mind food health purely for myself and it'd be interestin to know definitively how diet affects your health as opposed to all the cabbage they write in papers and magazines.

SpiderP

Social history of Irish healthcare is a little dreamboat.
You go to two lectures a week that are basically an engaging lecturer telling stories about days gone by and at the end of it your exit exam is a one hour MCQ with no negative marking that anyone with a bit of common sense and some knowledge of Irish history could pass without having ever attended a lecture.
No brainer if you've got a good grounding in natural sciences.
All electives carry same amount of credits but some have a lot more exams than others. Pay close attention to this in the course description!!

GradMed

Don't worry about credits and exams at this stage, just pick an elective you think you'll enjoy.
The very best of luck to all of you starting in UCD and if you have any questions just pm me and I'll try to answer them.

P.s social history, or storytime as we called it, was wonderful.

getleft

Social history any day of the week if you have life sciences background. Did 2 hours readthrough of notes before the final exam = 92.5% result. Highly recommended.

caz_von

oh glory- I think I definitely the oldest so far. 34 Female currently Export Manager for Diagnostic company.

Never thought I'd make UCD-happy days!

Yillan

Why are there so few people in our facebook group? What's wrong with us???

Lbgem

Yillan wrote: »

Why are there so few people in our facebook group? What's wrong with us???

Nothing , just slow going. For me personally I don't have a FB account but will set up one at some point.

Not to mention there's so many Irish names on there :eek: (yes totally gave away I'm American) and while I was a Celtic Studies major in college, I am excited/nervous about being completely immersed in Irish culture. Not to mention everyone is going to have accents!

Yillan

Lbgem wrote: »

Not to mention everyone is going to have accents!

You're the one with the accent buddy. We speak pure normal like

Lbgem

Yillan wrote: »

You're the one with the accent buddy. We speak pure normal like

Psh. I have no accent. Only time I sound different from the East Coasters (I'm in Boston) is when a little too much Californian slips into my speech and I overuse the dude and totally.

Not to mention there are some weird words on these boards that I've never heard before - that's cabbage? O_o for example

Accent analysis: Brits sound wayyyy too proper and I start to mind my manners more when I'm listening to one. Irish is probably one of my favorites, though is it bad if I think leprechuans when I hear it (keep in mind what we hear of Irish accents in America is mostly this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp3Dt1Nk3WE)?

I did take Irish Gaelic at one point though the pronunciation was tough because my prof didn't correct us at all - she said no matter how we said the word, it would sound like an accent in Ireland somewhere.

I'm not quite sure how I'm going to feel when I'm one of the few normal speaking ones in the class.... (No offense intended by this post btw). Though um...I think I have to refigure out cereals to eat over there, does Ireland even have Lucky Charms? Or Cinnamon Toast Crunch? I've had 'Irish oatmeal' over here and uh, how do you guys stand cooking breakfast for 30 minutes? O_o. I don't even spend that long making lunch.

bubbleking

Lbgem wrote: »

Nothing , just slow going. For me personally I don't have a FB account but will set up one at some point.

Not to mention there's so many Irish names on there :eek: (yes totally gave away I'm American) and while I was a Celtic Studies major in college, I am excited/nervous about being completely immersed in Irish culture. Not to mention everyone is going to have accents!

if you really want to be immersed in Irish culture a trip to Copper Face Jacks will be on the cards

bubbleking

got the loan sorted today too - they said it would take 3/4 weeks processing time and that after its approved it wont be available to be drawn on until October so save up a bit now to get you through the first month.

Also they said the registry would be grand with it just tell them the campus branch is looking after the fees and they'll send them over when they are ready.

All very stress free actually

Yillan

What's the total number of people in the course?

Bonnieaurstomp

Yillan wrote: »

What's the total number of people in the course?

I think it's 77 EU students, and I've no idea about the international student numbers. Only 22 in our little Facebook group so far

Yillan

According to TiredCity's epic post, it was half and half last year, North Americans to Irish. There was only an increase in EU places this year so that's 55.

77+55= 132. And then there's the Malaysians to think about, if they weren't included in TiredCity's half and half comment. So there could be upwards of 150 people in the lecture theatre next month. Our graduation class will then contain the 90 undergrads minus the malaysians who leave after the first 2 years. 222 students in our class in 3rd and 4th year.

Think what it'll do for our facebook friends lists. Bonus

kermicrzy

Coming from a final graduating class of about 15, this will be a nice change. At least there will be no lack of social activities. Not like we'll have any free time to go, but still nice to know!

bubbleking

Does anybody know if we can rent a locker and are there shower facilities in the med building? I'll be biking it in every day once I find my feet and Id rather not be soaked in sweat to start the day

kermicrzy

Yep we have lockers. As for the showers there are some in the sports centre which is nearby.

getleft

Yillan wrote: »

77+55= 132. And then there's the Malaysians to think about, if they weren't included in TiredCity's half and half comment.

Hi. The Malaysians are in the undergrad stream so you guys won't have much contact with them apart from the First Aid course you do for the GP module and the Principles of Infection lectures and tutorials. 132 sounds big regardless, great social life in prospect for you guys.

GradMed

kermicrzy wrote: »

Yep we have lockers. As for the showers there are some in the sports centre which is nearby.

there are showers in the Health Sciences building. 1st or 2nd floor near the main computer lab. You'll get some better directions from the front desk.

Sophievdp

Hey all!

Seriously confused right now. I accepted a place in UCC at Round Zero but just got a call from UCD admin office offering me a place! :eek: Seriously did NOT expect that. I was surprised when I got Cork, I didn't think I had the points for there let alone UCD.

I really do not know what to do. UCD was always higher on my list but I've grown to really like Cork and the campus and the course is amazing. I've also put down a deposit on accommodation. On the other hand, being from Galway, Dublin would be sooo much handier and the course seems really great too. I never got a chance to go to any of the open days, but from reading the old threads here the course seems fantastic.

:eek::eek:
I need to email them tomorrow to let them know which way I'm thinking. either way, the offer is coming next monday.

anybody have any advice? I realise I am incredibly lucky having been given offers for 2 fantastic courses, but I don't know I can choose between them!

melanie87

Sophievdp wrote: »

Hey all!

Seriously confused right now. I accepted a place in UCC at Round Zero but just got a call from UCD admin office offering me a place! :eek: Seriously did NOT expect that. I was surprised when I got Cork, I didn't think I had the points for there let alone UCD.

I really do not know what to do. UCD was always higher on my list but I've grown to really like Cork and the campus and the course is amazing. I've also put down a deposit on accommodation. On the other hand, being from Galway, Dublin would be sooo much handier and the course seems really great too. I never got a chance to go to any of the open days, but from reading the old threads here the course seems fantastic.

:eek::eek:
I need to email them tomorrow to let them know which way I'm thinking. either way, the offer is coming next monday.

anybody have any advice? I realise I am incredibly lucky having been given offers for 2 fantastic courses, but I don't know I can choose between them!

whats your gamsat score? 58?
I really don't know what i'd do in this situation lol? Maybe Cork because the cost of living is lower since you have to move out anyway? Both are great courses so good luck deciding!

Sophievdp

yeah it was 58. Never thought UCD was within my reach, so it was a bit of shock when I got the call! At the minute my gut instinct is to accept the place in Dublin. It is more expensive to live there, but I think I'd end up saving a lot more on travel expenses, especially if I manage to get a place near UCD. Also the place I was going to live in Cork was a bit pricey, so I might even get a cheaper place in Dublin.

kermicrzy

Congrats! Thats fantastic news. Well maybe you would feel better with a look around UCD to get a picture. Im around all week if you want someone to show you around. To be honest, I fell in love with UCD program at the open day. The prospect of doing forensic medicine module in 3rd year is something that really sealed it for me.

Anyway you should have a look around, it might make or break it for you:)

Best of luck!!!

Tradesmann

Hi Guys

Did anyone who accepted an offer from UCD at round 0 stage get their information packs from the college yet or what's the story? Got nothin here yet and just wondering : /

Cheers