UCC Students’ Union President Mark Stanton has the lowdown on surviving life in University College Cork.
Introduce your university.
University College Cork
What’s the best thing about your college/university?
Student Organisations. There’s always so much going on on campus, with 99 socs, 67 clubs and a full time dedicated Students’ Union organising events daily, you have no excuse just get out there.
What’s the worst?
While UCC is a beautiful campus with an excellent vibe, one or two buildings need a face lift.
What’s the local area like?
Cork City is fantastic! There is always loads going on but its not so big that you would get lost! UCC is a ten minute walk from the city centre.
What about accommodation? Is it expensive?
Accommodation is reasonable if you are willing to shop around. Don’t settle on the first place you find. We don’t have the crisis for spots that you have in Dublin but I wouldn’t be complacent about looking for a place either.
What’s the cost of living like?
If you’re smart about it it’s very reasonable! Don’t leave things plugged in all day, plan your shopping trips in advance, don’t go out every week, or if you do want to blow off some steam join a club or soc for free! We have a budgetary adviser on campus who can help you with all of the above-just ask in the SU.
Is part-time work easy to come by?
Yes. There are plenty of on-campus jobs and jobs in the area. It takes a bit of effort but if you are clever about your CV and don’t mind trying a few places you should have no problem. Call into the careers service to get a hand with your CV!
What are the campus facilities like?
Top notch! The sporting facilities are the best in Ireland, the student experience office are really dedicated to making your time here as easy as possible and the Student Centre is a brilliant venue for all students.
What’s the food like? Is there a good variety? Is it expensive?
There is a wide range of restaurants and bars in and around campus with student deals and very good food and Cork City is only a short walk away.
What kind of sports facilities are there?
The best in Ireland no matter what the folks in UL claim! The Mardyke is a fantastic facility with all weather
pitches, indoor and outdoor running tracks, a pool, a fully kitted gym and dedicated sports science team behind it! We also have additional training pitches just outside the city and links to Cork venues like The National Rowing Centre.
Are there a broad range of clubs and societies?
Massively! 99 Socs and 67 clubs and if out of all those you can’t find one you like just set up your own-it’s really easy! UCC’s skull and crossbones are infamous because of results on the pitch and societies break records and win awards year in year out.
What’s the story with the college/local bar? Is there a good atmosphere? Is it cheap?
We have two on campus bars and plenty of locals in the surrounding area with different vibes to suit any mood! We also work closely with clubs in the city to make sure our students get the best entertainment possible.
What advice would you offer to new students? For example, what’s the worst thing a new student can do? What’s the best?
Get involved! Join a club or society, run for class rep, throw a party on campus, set up a fundraiser, go on an adventure, try out a few competitions! It’s the one time in your life you’ll have very little tying you down and the time and energy to try all of these new things-don’t waste that time on a couch watching Netflix! It’s not going anywhere.
Visit www.uccsu.ie and click on “Get Involved” to find out more!