What might it be like to attend a world-famous university that is also a main tourist destination attracting over two million visitors annually? The 22,000 students who attend this private liberal arts university - Trinity College - in Dublin, Ireland share their campus with visitors daily. Many tourists come to visit the famed Book of Kells and Old Library, to tour the historic campus on student-led tours (called Trinity Trails), or to simply walk around campus on their own to take in the beautiful architecture and historic vibe.
As an Educational Consultant, I visit many colleges and universities to learn more about their programs, offerings, and campuses so that I can share the information with my clients. When I visited Trinity College in Dublin I overheard many different languages and witnessed a vibrant diversity of people. Generally, I found students going about their day without overly much regard for these tourists. Perhaps after an initial adjustment, student life there goes on not much differently than at other urban campuses.
Trinity College is old, really old, as it was formed in 1592 by a Royal Charter (when Ireland was under British rule) and still has a few buildings which date back to the 1700s (the Rubrics, the Old Library, and the Campanile). The college occupies 40+ acres in central Dublin, including an expansive College Green, playing fields, and impressive architecturally famous buildings, all enclosed by high walls and fences - though there is easy access through a variety of gates.
Trinity students pursue a wide variety of degrees in the arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, and health sciences. International students make up 39% of the student body and there is a 23:1 student-to-staff ratio. The university offers a world-class education in a collaborative research-centered environment that provides students with connections to global leaders in their field. Trinity is also the only Irish member of the prestigious League of 23 European Research Universities (LERU).
Students have the opportunity to be involved in some of the 50 sports clubs and more than 120 student organizations (known as societies) or perhaps to even work on campus as a Welcome Ambassador (working with those many tourists). The admissions process is selective, as is the availability of merit scholarships such as the USA Undergraduate Scholarship and the Global Excellence Undergraduate Scholarship.
Some of Trinity’s traditions include a formal attire Trinity Ball marking the end of the academic year, a signing of the Charter and Standing Rules in Trinity Chapel upon enrolling in the college, and the superstition that if a student walks through the arch of the Campanile bell tower, they will fail their summer exams or never graduate.
If you visit Trinity College as a tourist, you will learn more about the Campanile. This bell tower was constructed in 1853 and the bell chimes for exams, meals, and degree ceremonies. The bell tower's four sides represent the four main schools of medicine, law, science, and divinity.
The Book of Kells exhibit is another attraction to visit as it explains this transcription of the four books of the New Testament portrayed in a most intricate style. The tour will also take you to the impressive Long Room of the Old Library which houses 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books (currently undergoing a process of preservation and digitization). The Long Room also contains one of the last remaining copies of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic and the Brian Boru harp (an important Irish symbol). Perhaps you’ll also visit the Science Gallery of Dublin or the Zoological Museum; both on Trinity’s campus as well.
Everywhere I go, I learn about interesting and unique programs which may be of interest to students in their college planning, depending on their interests and career goals. Confident College Planning helps families uncover a variety of new options they may not have heard of and guides students all throughout the application process. Contact me at nancy@confidentcollegeplanning.com for assistance – I would love to help you on your college planning journey!

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