Health & Welfare

  • Mental wellbeing plays a key role in ensuring that you have a positive and fulfilling student experience. While college can be the best time of your life where the craic is better than ever, it can also be a challenging time. It’s important that you keep an eye on yourself and your friends throughout your time in UCD.

    Remember, you are not alone, and your mental wellbeing matters. Here is a list of supports that are available to you, should you need them:

  • UCD Student Health services have 5 doctors on hand to help with your physical health. You’ll find them upstairs in the Old Student Centre, just above the SU offices. Ring them on 01 716 3134 to make an appointment.

    Out of hours GP: DubDoc GP (01) 454 5607

    Local Urgent and Emergency Care (A&E): St Vincent’s University Hospital

    If possible, try to contact your GP before attending an A&E Department and get a referral. If you attend A&E without a GP referral, you will need to pay a €100 government levy for use of the service.

  • Condoms and lube are available for free at the SU Help Desk. If you’re having sex you should be testing for sexually transmitted infections(STI) if:

    • you have a new sexual partner

    • you have more than one sexual partner

    • you have any symptoms which suggest an STI

    • your partner has an STI

    STI Testing

    • Free HSE Home Test Kits: SH24.ie (Order free online and with discreet delivery.)

    • STI Testing in UCD Health Service: 01 716 3134 (€60 symptomatic or €40 for non-symptomatic)

    • STI Clinics: St James’ Hospital, HIV Ireland, Beaumont Hospital.

    Queer spaces providing rapid HIV testing:

    • George Bar

    • Pantibar

    • The Boilerhouse,

    • Outhouse

    (Details on dates that these are available are their websites)

  • HSE freephone line with information and support on all of your options: 1800 828 010

    Continuing a Pregnancy and Adoption

    Adoption

    Abortion

    Abortions are available free of cost through the HSE if you live in the Republic of Ireland. More information HERE

    Abortion in the UK - More information HERE

    Free and confidential advice:

    MyOptions. Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 21:00; Saturdays 10:00 to 14:00.

    Contact number: 1800 828 010

    For more information on your options or a friendly chat, your Welfare Officer, Jill, is here to guide you to the professional services you may need.

  • Consent is an ongoing, mutual and freely-given agreement to take part in sexual activity (not just sex itself).

    UCD’s ‘Bystander Intervention’ training course on Brightspace: short course to learn about your role in preventing sexual assault.

    Active* Consent workshops: consenthub.ie

  • If you are a survivor, the DRCC National 24-Hour Helpline is 1800 77 88 88.

    The text service is available 8am-6.30pm, Mon-Fri on 086823 8443

    Rape Crisis Centres, such as the DRCC provide support services to all victims of sexual violence, including accompaniment to the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. https://www.drcc.ie/support/

    The Dublin SATU (Sexual Assault Treatment Unit) is in the Rotunda Hospital and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

    It can be contacted at:

    01 817 1736 9:00 - 16:30 on Weekdays

    and at

    01 817 1700 outside of those hours.

  • The Dignity & Respect Policy underpins the entirety of your university experience— from your lecture halls and class group chats, to society trips away and sporting events. You’re expected to treat all members with kindness, compassion and respect, and deserve to receive the same respect in return. There’s zero tolerance for bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

    To learn more about the anonymous ‘Report and Support’ tool, the Dignity & Respect Complaint Process, and information for making a formal complaint, check out their website HERE

  • Always Start Low, Go Slow

    Not taking drugs is always the safest bet. If you do decide to take drugs, it’s important to start low and go slow. You can always redose later in the night, but you can never take less. Don’t risk an overdose or potential death for the session.

    HSE Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459.

    In an emergency, such as a suspected overdose, ring emergency services immediately. You won’t get in trouble, so be sound & you could save someone’s life.

  • Free pads & tampons are now available across campus for anyone who needs them.

    Find your nearest location HERE