University Language Centre

General Information About UCC and Cork

NEW OFFICE OPENING TIMES Mon- Fri 09.15 to 13.00 (Closed for lunch 12 - 14.10) 14.10 - 16.00

On this page you can find general information about living in Cork, and studying at our Language Centre at UCC.We hope that this information will help you to make the most of your time here with us. Click on these links for the relevant information.

For all information on festivals and events in Cork, click here. 

Cork is known as Corcaigh in Irish, and is sometimes called "Ireland's Venice" because of its many bridges over channels of the River Lee. It is the third largest city in Ireland. It is a vibrant place with a young population. Cork offers much to its visitors. The city has many fine restaurants (nearby Kinsale is known as the gourmet capital of Ireland), cinemas, theatres, art galleries, and shopping centres. Here is a great guide to what is happening around Cork each month. 

It is just 20 minutes away from some of the most spectacular scenery in Western Europe. Only 20 minutes away you can visit the heritage town of Cobh (pronounced Cove) where the Titanic made its last port of call. This year is the centinary year of the sinking of the Titanic, there are plenty of activities throughout the year in the town of Cobh, you can log on to www.titanic100.ie.

In Ireland sports are very important, and nowhere more than in Cork. We are very proud in Cork of the many great sports stars we have produced; Roy Keane, Sonia O' Sullivan, Seán Óg Ó h-Ailpín and Colin Carroll, to name but a few. In the Irish sports of hurling and football, Cork have won more All-Ireland championships than any other county in Ireland. Each weekend it is possible to see live sports in one of the many sporting venues around Cork city. So, why not go to see the magnificent game of hurling when in Cork.

Click here for a newcomers guide to Cork.

UCC (formerly University College, Cork) is the National University of Ireland for the Province of Munster. It was founded in 1845, and has more than 17,000 students in eight schools. The University has extensive facilities for study. Its main campus, crossed by a branch of the river, has elegant buildings surrounded by gardens, but is only a few minutes' walk from the city centre. Click here for a map of the campus - we are located in the O'Rahilly Building on the lower right of the map. More UCC visitors information can be found here.

Click here for information on airlines flying into Cork. To see an interactive map of Cork, click here. To get to and from Cork Airport there is a bus. Click here for details.

The university has excellent facilities, many of which are available to you. Our centre is fully accessible to disabled students. For a full list see the Facilities page.

University College Cork is Ireland's first 5-star university and is ranked 181 worldwide. Read more about this here. 

Whether you are coming to stay for a long or short period you will need accommodation. UCC has fine campus accommodation. To visit the campus accommodation click here. We can also help to arrange accommodation for you. Email for further information - info@langcent.ucc.ie.

It is of great benefit to students to establish a banking connection as soon as they arrive on campus. The staff in the Bank of Ireland understands students' financial requirements and can offer financial advice suitable to students' needs. In order to open a bank account you will need your passport or another proof of identity. Click here to email BOI. There is also an Allied Irish Bank near the university campus on College Rd. It can be contacted at +353 21 427 6226.

If there is a delay in receiving money from abroad or if some unexpected event occurs, the advice of the International Student Officer should be sought. To visit the UCC international student website click here.

In Ireland, art is very important. You will hear music everywhere. The visual arts are also very important. On the University campus there is a world famous art gallery - The Glucksman Gallery, which hosts many exhibitions each year. In the city centre there is The Crawford Art Gallery. Another very good gallery is Buckley Fine Art on Fenn's Quay in the city centre.

The Language Centre has an excellent resource centre where you can study independently or supervised by one of your teachers. For information please contact 021 4903248. It is also possible to use the internet on campus.

The university cafes and restaurants provide good quality meals at reasonable prices. There are also two bars on the college campus, and many cafes and bars within a short walk of the university. Remember smoking is banned in Irish pubs, restaurants, and all places of work. If you want to learn more about Irish food, click here.

During the academic year, October to June, there are many clubs and societies that are open to the students of the university. Click here for more details.

During the Summer School a full programme of social activities is organised. These include lectures on Irish culture and life, excursions to local beauty spots, and social and cultural events. The excursions allow students to get to know what is Ireland's premier tourist region. The social and cultural programme ranges from theatre visits to seeing how some of the area's typical products are made, but also informal social gatherings.

If you do not have health and travel insurance already, it is advisable to get it.

You should keep your valuables (purse, passport, camera) with you at all times. Don't carry large amounts of cash with you.

In the Republic of Ireland to consume alcohol in bars, and to purchase it in supermarkets, you must be over 18. Remember smoking is banned in Irish pubs, restaurants, and all places of work. Don't be surprised to see groups of people outside pubs smoking cigarettes.

Possessing or buying drugs such as cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, and heroin is illegal in the Republic of Ireland.

Remember DRIVE ON THE LEFT and BE CAREFUL CROSSING THE ROAD!!!

In Ireland we say we get the four seasons in one day! Click here to see what the weather is like today! So, don't be surprised at wet and windy weather in summer. But when we do get good, sunny weather Cork is a very beautiful place, and it only takes 25 minutes to get to one of the many nearby beaches.

For information on visas and immigration visit the Official Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Website for Visa Information.

For information on all the services and support offered by The International Education Office of U.C.C, click here.