Former NCISU President Jenny McCullagh gives you a detailed, all-in-one look at life as a National College of Ireland student. It sounds pretty good to us...

What's Dublin like?
Fortunately, NCI was relocated last September to a brand new campus in the IFSC, right in the heart of Dublin City. This means we pretty much have all that the capital has to offer right on our doorstep. With Busaras just a stone's throw away also, NCI students can avail of public transport that'll get them out of the city, whether it be home to 'da sticks' with a bag of clothes for washing or just as a speedy escape route out of the city. Connolly and Heuston station and most Dublin Bus routes are nearby also, so it's pretty easy to get around, especially when you're wizzin' through heavy traffic in the bus lanes.

Overall, Dublin's a pretty lively but laid-back city that has something for every student whether you're partial to a chat over coffee, a pint, a good meal, a decent night's entertainment or a de-stressing workout... there's so much to choose from.

Like most capitals and cities, there are some parts of Dublin which are to be avoided after nightfall otherwise just stay aware, stick to the main roads, with your mates where possible and you'll be ok.

What are campus facilities like?
The library is run very well in NCI and students will find the online database and staff helpful if they keep the munching and chatting to a minimum and remember their student cards! The photocopiers are located in the library as well and you should try and use them at quiet times to avoid queuing. There are a number of computer labs in the college where students can access information and type up projects, which is better than the library as computers there tend to get busy during the day and many of them are strictly for looking up the online database.

AIB in the IFSC is just opposite NCI and Bank of Ireland is at the entrance to the IFSC itself so there's a number of hole-in-the-walls to choose from. The medical centre in the IFSC is a great service for students as it only costs €5 per visit with your student card. The crèche or childcare centre is also due to open in September which is great for those full and part-time students who prefer to have their kids nearby - it also may become a very appealing spot for some students getting in touch with their inner child!

What is the college bar like?
There isn't an on-campus bar for students though the Excise bar is as local as you can get for NCI students, offering them a 10% discount on most drinks. It's a good spot for catching up on all the latest and many of our student nights are held upstairs in the Excise as well as in The Vaults under Connolly station.

What about the canteen at NCI?
It's a restaurant, not a canteen (!). Scholars restaurant is grand for some good nosh though it can be a little pricey as it isn't subsidised. One thing the IFSC can definitely boast is its wide range of eateries to choose from. Seven Wonders, our most local eatery of smoothies, juices, coffee and bagels has developed a bit of a cult following from NCI and the surrounding IFSC businesses with 15% discount offered to students as well. Many others such as O'Brien's, Spar, Mace, Munchies, The Bagel Factory, Gloria Jean's, Marks & Spencers (coming soon) mean that we really are spoilt for choice!!

What kind of sports facilities are there?
The gym at NCI is set to open in October this year and will be offering really good rates to students for membership... Jacuzzi, sauna, tvs... a bit of a change from your regular student gym! Students may also like to go for membership with Sanovitae under the Clarion Hotel right next door where the swimming is an extra option to avail of. There really isn't too much in the way of grass (to walk/play sports on) in the IFSC, though students and clubs can make use of Sportsco which offers good discounts also.

What kind of clubs and societies can students join?
The number of Clubs and Societies this year has really grown, where students can do anything from mingling with other international students in the Socrates/Erasmus Society to Swimming for free on Wednesdays after college. Our basketball clubs and Mixed Hockey clubs did very well last year as did many other clubs and societies. Overall, there are many to choose from with something for everyone. Getting involved even in just a few that you might be interested in will really help you settle into NCI.

What are the perks of living in Dublin?
Dublin is probably the best city at the moment to find such a diverse range of bars and restaurants which cater for all tastes. Milano's is only across the way from NCI with some mean garlic dough balls and pizza while The Szechwan Wok does great stirfried chicken in pittas with salad and chips... all a bit too mouth-watering really. UGC, The Savoy and many more cinemas are located only minutes away in the city from the IFSC and most offer student discounts.

Is accommodation expensive?
Dublin's pretty expensive when it comes to accommodation these days - approximately €90-120 per week in most cases. Our on-campus residence is comfortable enough though electricity is extra. Basically, wherever students choose to live, they should be aware of their rights as tenants.

Is it easy to find a part-time job?
Schuh in O'Connell Street has been great for hiring students in the past as are many clothes shops and bars, cafes and restaurants, like the Excise Bar, our local.

What's the worst thing a new student at your college can do?
The worst thing, though a it's a tad cliché at this stage, would be to not get involved in college as it's one time in your life when you can really learn a lot socially not just academically.

What's the best?
The best thing new students can do is to be yourself. You should have the freedom to be yourself and if anyone says otherwise, we'll send the boys around!