Starting college is one of life's biggest milestones and if you're heading to Dublin for your studies, you're in for an absolutely brilliant experience. Dublin Fresher's week is legendary among Irish universities, offering an incredible blend of academic orientation, social events and cultural experiences that will set the tone for the rest of your university journey.
Whether you're coming from Belfast, Cork, elsewhere across the island of Ireland or even elsewhere in the world, we understand navigating transportation to a new city can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already juggling the excitement and nerves of starting college life.
To help you on your way, we've put together this guide with all the information we think you might need for your first week in Dublin, based on all our years spent as Ireland's favourite coach operator. Throughout this time we've helped thousands of students make their way to Dublin for Freshers week and throughout their university years. With our affordable prices, discounted fares for students and airport & intercity connections, we'll make sure you get to Dublin relaxed, within budget and ready to embrace everything this city has to offer.
From intercity connections that bring you straight from your hometown to convenient Dublin city centre stops, we're here to make your journey as smooth as your transition into college life.
How Many Universities Are In Dublin?
There are 4 major universities and higher education institutions in Dublin City, making it one of Europe's leading cities for students. Each university or institution has its own unique offering and together they make up Dublin's dynamic student culture.
Arguably the most famed university in Dublin is Trinity College. Founded in 1592, it stands as Ireland's oldest university and consistently ranks among the world's top institutions. It's located in the heart of the city centre and hundreds of students, academics and tourists alike visit it each day to get a look into its hallowed halls, particularly the latter recently, as the university shot to fame again when it served as the backdrop to the much loved 'Normal People' TV series.
There is also University College Dublin (UCD), located in Belfield. It's Ireland's largest university and offers comprehensive programmes across virtually every academic discipline.
Dublin City University (DCU) is a much younger institution but it has quickly established itself as a leader in innovation and enterprise, while Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) represents one of Europe's largest technological universities.
While each university organises its own version of Freshers week, many of the events are collaborative, so you have the opportunity to meet students from across the different universities and hopefully make friendships that extend beyond campus boundaries.
What is Dublin Freshers Week?
Dublin Freshers week is far more than just an orientation programme, it's your introduction to university life and the city of Dublin itself. It is typically a week-long event that combines essential academic preparation with social activities designed to help you settle into your university community, meet fellow new students and overall just prepare you for the year ahead.
The week normally includes campus tours, academic registration, society and club fairs, welcome lectures and a whole host of social events ranging from casual meet-and-greets to themed parties and cultural excursions. Colleges coordinate with local businesses, cultural institutions and entertainment venues to create experiences that showcase the best of Dublin whilst helping you start to feel at home in your new environment.
When is Freshers Week in Dublin?
Dublin Freshers week usually takes place in the beginning to mid September, though specific dates can vary slightly between institutions. Most universities schedule their Freshers activities for the week before the official start of lectures, usually running from Monday through to the following Sunday.
For 2025, Dublin Freshers week is expected to run any time between the 1st - 20th September (depending on your college of choice), but we recommend checking with your specific college for exact dates and schedules. For example, TUD Freshers week often includes additional orientation activities that extend beyond a 1 week period, particularly for international students who understandably might need extra support with practical arrangements and settling into a new country.
What Does Dublin Freshers Week Typically Look Like?
Your Dublin Freshers week will be what you make of it, and it can look completely different depending on what college you're going to, what course you're taking, what your interests are and much more.
But there are a few key things that will remain the same for everyone. For example, academic registration, campus tours, library orientations and meetings with your lecturers or academic advisors who'll help you navigate your course requirements and university systems.
The afternoon and evening hours are then left to you, but there will be plenty of social activities to choose from!
Freshers fairs are always a staple of Fresher week. Each college will put on their own fair where you will get the chance to explore the different clubs and societies on offer, as well as pick up freebies, vouchers and promotions from local businesses - including us! You can find us at UCD Fresher's Fair on the 4th and 5th of September, come visit us to find out how to access your 50% discount when travelling with Aircoach.
It also wouldn't be Dublin Freshers week without a few nights out. There will be plenty of welcome parties, themed club nights, live music events and pub crawls to choose from. Most of the colleges coordinate with Dublin's most popular venues to host exclusive student nights and help introduce you to Dublin's iconic nightlife.
Dublin Freshers 2025 Events
The line up for Dublin Freshers 2025 is still to be finalised but based on previous years you can expect a host of unforgettable events. Expect student union nights, organised pub crawls, club and society showcases, welcome parties at iconic Dublin venues and night club and even Freshers balls!
Many of these events will require wristbands for or pre-bought tickets for entry, which you can buy in advance. Keep an eye on Your Freshers Guide for up to date information closer to the time.
What Do You Need to Bring With You?
There are a few things you'll need to bring with you to make the most out of your Dublin Freshers week. You'll need some essential documents, including valid ID, any required medical documentation and financial information for registration processes. Most colleges will now handle this digitally, but it's always worth double checking beforehand.
If you're moving into student halls, you'll need to bring a mix of practical and home comfort items. Don't forget about some basic cooking and kitchen utensils (because the free pizza vouchers will run out eventually). You'll also need things like bedding, toiletries, etc. It's also a good idea to bring extensions leads (as student rooms often have limited plugs), as well as a door stop so that you can catch your new flatmates!
Clothing-wise, Dublin's September weather can be unpredictable. The start of the month is likely to cling onto summer, there's sometimes even a last minute heat wave if we're lucky. But as the month goes on, the weather will start to cool down, reaching Autumn temperatures by late month. So, packing layers is your best bet.
Most student nights out will be fairly casual but if you're planning on attending any of the Freshers balls, you may need to bring something more formal with you. Comfortable walking shoes are absolutely essential, as you'll be exploring campus and city centre locations throughout the week. Lastly, don't forget a waterproof jacket - Dublin's reputation for rainy weather is well-earned!
Lastly, you'll need a few other bits and pieces - chargers, your laptop (if you have one), a first aid kit, prescription medications and cold & fly remedies to save you from that post Freshers flu!
How to Get to Dublin Freshers
Now that you know all that, the only thing left to do is figure out how you're going to get to Dublin's Freshers week. Luckily, that's where we come in!
Whether you're travelling from Belfast, Cork, Derry or Dublin Airport, we provide affordable, comfortable and reliable connections that deliver you directly to Dublin's city centre, ready to begin your college adventure. See our travel options below:
- Belfast/(L)Derry to Dublin: take our 705X service which connects you from city centre to city centre with ease
- Cork to Dublin: take our 704X service which will get you from Cork City centre to Dublin City centre in record time
- Dublin Airport to City: if you're flying into Ireland for Dublin Fresher's, both our 700 and 700X picks you up directly outside of Terminal 1 and 2 and drops you off in Dublin City centre
The best part about travelling with us as a student are our Student Leap and Young Adult card fares which give you 50% off standard fares when you travel with your Student Leap or Young Adult card. Meaning you can save your money for what really matters and enjoy Freshers week and settling into your new Dublin life.
Our comfortable coaches feature WIFI, air conditioning, plenty of luggage space and flexible ticket options as well as toilets on board our Belfast, Cork and (L)Derry services - perfect for travelling with all your belongings and adapting to your new busy student schedule.
So, whether you're booking for your first time at Dublin Freshers or for visiting home throughout your time at college, you can trust us to get you there on time and on budget. Book your journey today and take the first step towards an unforgettable Dublin Freshers week experience.