FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ Index
How do I apply as an EU student?
EU applicants are processed online through the CAO and this is outlined on our website at http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/how/.
What costs are incurred when attending UCC?
The following figures serve as an indication of the overall expenses per month. This is a guide only.
Cost of living per month:
Accommodation - Room | €300 - €650 |
Security Deposit | €300* |
Food (eating on campus) | €375 |
Heat and Light (based on three sharing) | €60 |
Textbooks and Stationery (depending on course) | €75 |
Personal Expenses (social functions, sport, phone) | €250 |
Total per month | €1000 - €1350 |
* Refundable
Extra costs can incur such as printing, photocopying and course-specific books depending on your course.
Possible additional costs (depending on course): Field trips, Coaching Costs, Lab Equipment, Placement Costs, Immunisations, Dental Kits.
Please note that some accommodation is payable in two instalments, usually in September and December.
For advice on living expenses, make an appointment to speak with:
Student Budgetary Advisor
What are the points for 2023 entry?
We cannot confirm at this stage points required for 2023 entry. This will not be known until CAO offers are issued for 2023 entry. Points required for 2022 entry can be found on our website here.
Is there an orientation programme for first year students?
There is a university-wide orientation programme, which will form part of your registration for your programme. All undergraduate students must attend Orientation.
Further information on Orientation can be found here: Orientation
University College Cork is committed to you. We will provide you with the best opportunities to ensure that you make a successful transition to university life.
We will schedule an online orientation that will offer you a huge range of opportunities to:
- meet the academic community and learn more about the structure of your degree programme
- get to know your class mates and your peer support leaders
- hear from current students who have completed first year already
- learn how to access all resources
- meet members of the Students’ Union and representative from Clubs and Societies
- participate in virtual interactive tours
- meet professional student support staff
The biggest benefit of online orientation is that you will be able to transition at your own pace in a number of activities.
You are not alone and you won’t be alone in your first year. We are very excited and can’t wait to welcome you to campus.
Is Registration/Orientation compulsory?
Orientation and Registration are compulsory for all first year students.
I don't have the points for the course I want, what can I do?
If you are not offered a place on a degree course, you can
- choose to repeat your Leaving Certificate. Applicants are considered on points attained at a single sitting. However, matriculation requirements can be attained over several sittings except in the case of Medicine (CK701).
- choose a QQI (FE) course. There are 26 links from QQI (FE) courses into degree courses at UCC. Further information is available at QQI (FE)
If I don't accept my 1st preference, will I get offered my 2nd?
Unfortunately, no. When you receive an offer through the CAO, you will not receive an offer for a lower preference in subsequent rounds.
I just received an offer, can I defer my place?
Yes, you can make an application for a deferral. Please do not accept your place and your deferred entry request should be made within 3 days of receiving the offer. The deferral policy and application form are available on our website at http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/admissionspolicies/
What can I do if I discover I don't like the course I'm on?
Advice should be first sought through your tutor/mentor and/or Department/Faculty or School office.
You should also speak to the First Year Experience Coordinator, Nóirín Deady. Nóirín will give you support and guidance and will discuss the option to change course with you.
It is also useful to be aware of the financial implications if you decide to withdraw from your degree programme. If you wish to return to third level education at a later date, eligibility for State funding will be affected by the date of withdrawal.
Please note Withdrawal Dates and Fees:
- The 2022 withdrawal dates are Mid-October (Date TBC) and the 31st January 2023
- The university will claim 50% of tuition fees if student withdraws after Mid-October and on or before 31st January
- The university will refund 100% of the student contribution fee up to Mid-October 2022. The Student Contribution Fee for the 2022/23 academic year is €2,000
- After Mid-October and up to 31 January a refund of 50% of any amount paid will be made
- The capitation fee of €138 is non-refundable.
For further information on fees.
Can I change from one course to another?
Can I change from one course to another?
Registered students may apply to change course if they:
- achieved the Leaving Certificate points or equivalent for the course they want to change to
- meet the matriculation requirements
In addition to the above requirements, a space must be available in the class students want to join.
The Change of Course Application facility is now open; to make an enquiry, please visit https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/admissionspolicies/#d.en.1219995.
After one year in UCC can I transfer to a different programme?
There may be an option for some internal transfers but the majority of the cases would require an applicant to make an application through the CAO and to compete for a first year place. Further queries on this can be directed to the Admissions Office.
I registered in UCC, can I change my subjects?
If you visit Student Records and Examinations website, all the information is available there on changing subjects.
Is Mathematics a requirement for UCC?
Matriculation requirements vary for each programme and a full list of our matriculation requirements is available on our website: http://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/.
Where do I get a letter for SUSI confirming my offer?
Once you are a registered student you will need to request a letter from the Student Central Desk, Ground Floor, Student HUB, UCC Main Campus.
You may also request a letter of attendance online through your UCC Student Admin account.
More information is available here
Where can I find information on accommodation?
Visit Campus Accommodation or http://accommodation.ucc.ie for private lettings and house shares.
What is the age requirement to attend UCC?
CAO applicants for full-time degrees must normally have reached 17 years of age by 15th January of the year following entry to UCC. If you are below this age, a special application for exemption from the age requirement must be made in writing to the Admissions Officer, and should preferably be accompanied by a letter of support from the School Principal and a parent.
What opportunities are there to study abroad?
Each year an increasing number of students take advantage of the opportunity to participate in work and study abroad programmes.
Whether it is through the Erasmus programmes in Language and Cultural Studies, the BComm (International) degree, European Studies, Law with French, Law with Irish or enrolling in American or Canadian institutions for a term or a year, UCC students are gaining invaluable experience and a broader perspective. Most degree courses offer work placement opportunities both abroad and at home.
The UCC Internship programme is a fanstastic opportunity for you to gain valuable work experience.
Does UCC offer services for students with disabilities?
The Disability Support Services Office assists students with disabilities to achieve their academic goals and make a successful transition to employment and independence. Students registered with the service include those with visual impairment, those who are deaf or hearing impaired, wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties as well as students with specific learning disabilities, including dyslexia, students with mental health difficulties and students with significant ongoing illness.
Visit Disability Support Service and DARE
- alternative examination arrangements
- assessment and training in assistive technologies
- career support and work placement
- tutor support programme
- dyslexia support programme
- access to educational resources in alternative media formats for blind and visually impaired students
- Irish sign language interpreters are contracted where possible
- note-takers are contracted where possible
- assistance with funding applications to support individual education needs
- on-campus transport services
How safe is the UCC campus?
UCC is located in a mostly residential area off the Western Road in the south side of Cork city.
It is an open campus, with 24-hour security personnel. Security are actively involved in maintaining a safe and friendly environment.
It is important for all, both students and staff, to be vigilant about their surroundings and not compromise safety.
Further information on safety
What clubs and societies are there in UCC?
There are many clubs and societies which offer something for everyone whether your interests lie in athletics, martial arts, field sports, yoga or dance among others. Further information on Clubs and Societies
Where can I get a form stamped for a J1?
All forms confirming your registration in UCC can be stamped by the Student Central Team who are located in the Ground Floor, Student Hub, UCC Main Campus.
Where do I get a children's welfare form stamped?
All forms confirming your registration in UCC can be stamped by the Student Central Team who are located in the Ground Floor, Student Hub, UCC Main Campus.
What are the catering facilities on campus?
The main student restaurant (known popularly as the 'rest') is centrally situated near the Quad.
However, there are tons of other places where you can eat.
Outlet | Location |
UCC Central | Near the Boole Library |
Café Express | Above UCC Central |
Elements Café | Ground floor Kane Science Building |
Bio Café | Ground floor Bio-Science Building |
Old College Bar | Above UCC Central on the 1st floor |
The Coffee Dock | O'Rahilly Building - ground floor |
Leeside Restaurant | Tyndall Building, opposite Mercy Hospital |
Brookfield Café | Brookfield Health Sciences Complex |
Enterprise Café | Enterprise Centre |
Pharmacy Café | Cavanagh Pharmacy Building - ground floor |
Western Gateway Café | Western Gateway IT Building, Western Rd. |
Nosh+Coffee | Mardyke Sports Arena |
Café Oasis | Student Centre - ground floor |
Café Panorama | Student Centre - first floor |
The Bagel Box | Castlewhite Complex |
Student Services Operating on Campus
Please check their individual websites for specific information regarding the service.
UCC Library buildings are currently open for UCC students and staff. Library staff are contactable at library@ucc.ie and all up-to-date information is available on the UCC Library website.
Service Name |
Service Information |
---|---|
Chaplaincy |
https://www.ucc.ie/en/chaplaincy/ Email: chaplaincy@ucc.ie |
First Year Experience Coordinator |
https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/orientation/ |
Peer Support |
Email: peersupport@ucc.ie |
Niteline |
https://www.ucc.ie/en/peersupport/niteline/ The service is open Sunday - Thursday, 9pm-1am and is available HERE Instant messaging service is open |
Disability Support Service |
Email: dssinfo@ucc.ie |
Mature Student Office |
Email: mso@ucc.ie |
|
https://www.ucc.ie/en/uccplus/ Email: uccplus@ucc.ie |
Student Budgeting Advice Service |
|
Student Assistance Fund |
Email: studentassistancefund@ucc.ie |
Career Services |
https://www.ucc.ie/en/careers/ See their specific FAQs |
Accommodation & Community Life |
https://www.ucc.ie/en/accommodation Email: resservices@ucc.ie |
StudentPad |
Email: studentpad@ucc.ie |
Campus Watch |
https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentexperience/campuswatch/ Email: campuswatch@ucc.ie |
Students’ Union |
Email: |
Student Societies |
Email: president@uccsocieties.ie |
Student Health |
https://www.ucc.ie/en/studenthealth/ Currently we provide a blended service consisting of telephone, video and on-site consultations. The consulting hours are 9.30am – 12.15pm and 2.15pm – 4.15pm. For COVID related queries, students are asked to download and use one of our COVID apps. Outside these hours a voice message will direct you to sources of help. |
Student Counselling & Development | https://www.ucc.ie/en/studentcounselling/ To arrange an appointment please email counselling@ucc.ie from 9.15am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday. Please check the website for further supports. |