here to support you
Welcome to IADT and congratulations on starting a wonderful journey. Settling into college life can be daunting, which is why the First Year Focus team is here to support you! We know the transition to third-level education is a big step in your life, but we can assure you that this year will be one to remember. We’ll see you in September 2023!
TIMETABLES FYF SCHEDULES
IADTSU and our First Year Focus Team have put together a series of wonderful and informative events for incoming students, spread across the first three weeks of term. Further information and timetables for these events are listed below. All schedules are subject to change, new dates may be added, all events are weather permitting.
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HEAR/DARE Orientation
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Week 1: Induction Week
Induction week is designed to welcome incoming IADT students and assist with the transition to university life. Held on the first week of term, students will be introduced to the IADT Campus and Facilities and even have the opportunity to meet with lecturers, academic instructors, First Year Focus Leaders, Student Union Staff, and the IADT Support Staff.
This is a great opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with all aspects of IADT and find answers to any questions they may have as they begin their learning journey.
View Schedule -
Week 2: Freshers Week
Freshers Week is a fantastic week of events and workshops put together by the Student’s Union and First Year Focus Leaders, designed to help incoming students get to know each other and our campus through a wide rage of exciting events and workshops.
The SU and FYF Leaders have been working hard to ensure that there is something to suit all taste at Freshers Week, as there is sure to be something for everyone! Students will have the opportunity to participate in lots of fun activities to help them integrate into the IADT community and kick off the college year!
View Fresher Week Events -
Week 3: Welfare Week
IADT will host Welfare Week in the third week of term to provide information on Welfare Services at IADT and answer any questions that incoming students may have about the supports available to them. Students will also find out where exactly they need to go should they require access to various IADT Welfare Services throughout the academic year.
View Welfare Week Events -
Week 4: Education Week
IADT’s Education Week will take place in the fourth week of term, and is designed to help students get to grips with the different aspects of education involved in university life, such as academic writing, time management, goal orientation and study skills, among others.
Many new students can struggle with the transition from second to third level education, however by attending Education Week students will have an opportunity to ask important questions, learn new skills and take charge of their personal academic journey.
View Education Week Events -
Mature Students
We will be holding a welcome and information session where students can get to know each other and IADT, as well as meeting the Student Experience Team and Students Union. In addition to this, we will be hosting a series of informative workshops for Mature Students to prepare you for the term ahead, on topics such as time management, goal setting, maintaining motivation and academic writing, amongst others.
View Schedule -
International + European Students
The International Officer, Sonya Hogan will be in attendance at the Week One First Year Focus sessions to support any students who have recently moved to Ireland. If you have any queries in advance of coming to Ireland, please email international@iadt.ie.
DOWNLOAD SCHEDULE
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SU President's Welcome
Welcome to IADT! My name is Seán Kelly and I'm a recent graduate of the BA (Hons) Photography Degree. This year I will be your Students' Union President and I can't wait to get stuck into the job!
Firstly, I want to welcome you all to IADT, you're about to discover and become a part of a wonderful, vibrant, diverse and creative community here on our lovely campus in Dún Laoghaire. I'm sure many of you are nervous (I know I was!) but I can assure you that you'll fit right in here! The First Year Focus programme is an amazing introduction to our college, and I still have fond memories of my first few weeks here, I even met some of my closest friends during FYF!
I would encourage everyone to throw themselves into college life and get as involved as possible, it’s the best way to get to know people. The Students' Union, our friendly First Year Focus Leaders and the Student Experience team can't wait to meet you all and we'll be around to help you settle in and make the most of your time studying here in Dún Laoghaire!
Seán Kelly
Seán Kelly is your Student Union President for the 2023/24 academic year. He is recent graduate of the BA (Hons) Photography degree and is excited to represent the fantastic & unique students of IADT. If you need a hand with anything or even just want to chat, pop by the SU office at the back of the Chapel or you can contact him by email at president@iadtsu.com.
IADT President's Welcome
I’m delighted to welcome you to IADT and to introduce you to First Year Focus (FYF) – our programme of supports and activities dedicated to you, our incoming class of 2023. Making the transition to third-level education is a significant step, and at IADT, we pride ourselves on being a supportive, friendly, and accessible community. We want you to experience a safe, unique, and memorable first year; the FYF programme has all the information and support you need to familiarise yourself with IADT’s inclusive culture and our campus environment.
The IADT staff and faculty look forward to supporting you and watching you thrive on campus. So I encourage you to engage fully with FYF, support each other and enjoy the start of your IADT journey.
David Smith
David Smith was appointed President of IADT in 2020. He is the former Head of Faculty of Film, Art and Creative Technologies at IADT. He has extensive experience in higher education and professional practice. He is principal of the widely acclaimed design studio Atelier and was Programme Chair and Senior Lecturer in Visual Communications Design at IADT until 2015.
Your Campus
Get to know our campus by clicking on the icons below. In this section we have gathered a list of useful info which will help you navigate the website, find on-campus services, get yourself registered as an IADT student and where to get your morning coffee.
Blackboard
Campus Tour
Student Card
Clubs & Societies
Consent
Student Guides
Info Point
Student Services
Parking
Printing
Wifi
FYF LEADERS
At the centre of this programme are the First Year Student Leaders, a group of amazing IADT students whose role it is to help all new students find their feet and enjoy student life at IADT. Keep an eye out for your leaders on campus and feel free to approach them for support.
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Samira Sikder
Hi, my name is Samira, and I am a second year Animation student. When I visited IADT on the open day, I loved the atmosphere of the place and the animation course was very appealing to me. I love meeting new people from all the different courses. Getting to know people and involving myself in their projects is so much fun. I love how we can all get along together. I feel like I have had a great experience in the first year and would like to share this experience with the incoming first years.
Ethan Taylor
Hi, my name’s Ethan and I’m a second year Graphic Design student. I love the IADT campus because of its community feeling, due to us having a smaller campus it gives us fantastic opportunities to collaborate with students from other disciplines and make friends. My first year here was incredible, even though I was a little nervous, it’s a place where you can grow in so many ways and I hope that every incoming student manages to truly embrace the IADT community during their time here. If you see me around, feel free to come over and we can chat.
Erasmuns Adjei
Hi my name is Erasmuns and I am a second year student studying Business and Entrepreneurship. My favourite thing about IADT is the football team as I’ve played for them for the last 2 years and it’s a great family to be in within the college. What motivated me to become a First Year Focus Leader is that I know what it is like to come into first year with guidance and it’s the best feeling. I want to be there for the first years to give them guidance and support to make them feel welcomed within the college.
Michelle Higgins
Hi there, my name is Michelle Higgins. I decided to study here because of the strong connections I made with students and lecturers prior to my arrival at IADT. This will be my first year as an FYF Leader and my final as an animation student with IADT. As long as I graduate. I have really enjoyed my time here at IADT and I've made the most of it. The lecturers are welcoming and they push you to be your best here. You're welcome to study with aspiring collaborators and become an independent creator with so much software at your fingertips.
Caoimhe Lawless
My name is Caoimhe and I'm about to go into my second year of Animation at IADT! I've found the campus to be an incredibly welcoming and friendly place, and I think it has really brought me out of my shell and given me more confidence in myself. I've made some of the most amazing friends in my short time here! Making the transition from secondary school to college can be exciting but daunting, and I hope that as an FYF Leader I can help new students out the way the leaders helped us last year.
Christopher Mc Cormac
Hi, I'm Chris. I am a Mature student going into 4th year Art. I chose IADT as I felt it was contemporary and it was somewhere that I could explore my areas of interest freely. IADT is a great creative space with a warm community who are approachable and helpful. If you ever need anything or just want a chat then get in touch and I will do what I can.
Nicole Crowley
Hi! My name is Nicole Crowley and I'm currently in 3rd year of TV and a first time FYF leader. I've lived in Ireland my whole life in Dublin. I'm looking forward to meeting you all & showing you around. I remember the nerves and struggles I had at the start of first year and I just want to help make you guys feel as comfortable as possible with this transition into IADT. The campus is creative, friendly and collaborative, you'll soon recognise all our familiar faces! If you see me on campus, are lost or just want someone to chat to, say hi!
Jazz Lobos
Hi! I am Jazz, a TV Production student and a first-time FYF leader. I grew up in a very academic setting, so the college’s friendly environment really allowed me to focus on nurturing my creativity. This is my second year living in Ireland, so I understand how out of place a lot of people feel at first. However, students here are very passionate, so asking people what they love doing comes naturally, making conversations easier, even for shy people like me. If you ever need help or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to ask :)
Casey O'Kelly
My name's Casey (they / them) and I'm a third year Film student at the NFS in IADT. I've lived in Ireland my whole life. I chose IADT for two reasons - one, there isn't another college in the country that provides a filmmaking course as practical and industry-standard as IADT, and two, most importantly, I knew that IADT had and continues to have an open, inclusive atmosphere and a strong sense of community among students, across the campus and across different courses.
Jessica Dunne
Hi, I’m Jessica Dunne and I am studying Art at IADT. I have lived in Ireland my whole life. I came to IADT for its supportive learning environment and sense of community. My favourite thing about IADT is the focus on collaboration and inter-disciplinary learning. The FYF Leaders allowed me to find my footing when I first entered IADT, allowing me to get used to this unfamiliar environment. I hope to do the same for this year’s first years. I hope to uphold the supportive community we have in the college for the incoming first years students.
Orla Engstfeld
Hey there, I am Orla and a 3rd year TV student and second time FYF leader. I grew up in Germany and moved over to Dublin for college. I can completely relate to the initial anxiety but you will learn pretty soon we are all just as awkward! The college is a very welcoming and creative space and loads of chances to collaborate and get an insight into all the different areas. If you see me around, feel free to come up to me any time for a chat:)
Nina Kristlova
Hi, I am Nina and I will be a 2nd year Arts Management student. I moved to Ireland last year in September, right before I was about to start my first year of college. Starting in a new environment in a new country is always going to be scary. The reason why I love IADT so much is thanks to its friendly study environment filled with people who always want to move forward and are ready to support you when needed that made me feel like I belong here. As an FYF Leader, I would love to welcome our new students and make them part of the community.
Ana Milicevic
Hi, I’m Ana and I’m an animation student going into second year, this is my first time as an FYF Leader. I’ve studied animation previously at Stillorgan College, and Ballyfermot before attending IADT, so I’ve got a great set of knowledge on the academic courses and experience meeting people in the industry! I've grown up all my life in Ireland and come from a family mixed of Irish and Croatian. I chose IADT for its creative environment and well-known animation course, as it is my biggest passion!
Wren Petkov
Hi! I'm Wren and I'm currently in fourth year animation here at IADT. I grew up in Bulgaria and moved here to study animation. I chose IADT because of its amazing community! My favourite thing about the college is everyone's creative attitude! It's super inspiring to be able to walk around the college and see all the amazing projects everyone is working on! When I was first starting here I found the first couple weeks almost magical, and so I want to be an FYF leader so I can help others have the same experience!
Sarah Hannigan
Hi! My name is Sarah, I am a second year student in Art and this is my first year as an FYF leader! I just finished my first year of Art and I am so excited for second year! I have loved the IADT campus, the atmosphere of the college and how welcoming the people are here. My experience with first year was incredibly positive and I really enjoyed the open days, events, the people I met, and the projects. As an FYF leader I am happy to answer any questions new students may have, to help them settle in and have a great introduction to first year.
Conor Larkin
Hi, my name is Conor, I'm a mature student in New Media Studies, going into my final year. I chose IADT because of its small campus and thanks to the great Student Ambassador team who answered everything I wanted to know about the college and course. I wanted to be a FYF leader this year as I found them very helpful when I started. I want to make sure new students get the same welcoming atmosphere I did.
Michelle Brehhova
Hi! My name is Michelle and I'm an animation student here at IADT. I've always been creative and decided to study animation here after I visited the college at Open Day and spoke to some students about the course. I was really excited by all the cool things the students did and I wanted to be a part of the studio. My favourite thing about IADT is how welcoming everyone is - staff and students. Everyone is so helpful and that made my college experience really positive, I hope that I can do the same for other people.
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MEET THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE TEAM
A wonderful Student Experience team awaits you at IADT to provide a positive environment for your teaching and learning needs. The Student Experience team urges students to seek support as soon as difficulties arise, no matter how small, so we can help you in any way we can. We are here to empower and support students as they begin their learning endeavours and strive to achieve their maximum potential. We look forward to welcoming you and promise to make it the best possible experience for you.
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STUDENTS’ UNION
IADT Students’ Union represents and supports all students. It’s run by students with elected representatives from each class on Union Council. Its functions include representing the student body at an academic level, offering advice on welfare, finances and education. IADTSU organises awareness campaigns, charity, entertainment and social events. It also facilitates the running of clubs and societies on campus.
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Seán Kelly
Hello! My name is Seán Kelly and I am your Students' Union President! I'm a recent graduate of the BA (Hons) Photography degree here and I'm very excited to spend the year representing the fantastic and unique students of IADT. As President, my role is to make sure your college experience is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible to ensure that you make the most of your time studying here. If you need a hand with anything or just want to chat, pop by our office in the Chapel. You can contact me on 0830177580 or president@iadtsu.com.
Tiernan Mason
Hi my name is Tiernan Mason and I'm your Vice President of Welfare and Equality in the Students Union. I'm a recent graduate of Creative Music Production. I'm very excited to be working with the Union and on behalf of all IADT students this year! Feel free to pop into my office on campus in the Chapel, or contact me at 083 017 7025 or welfare@iadtsu.com.
Crow Mullen
Hello! My name is Crow, and I am your Education Officer. Before starting in the student union, I was an EMCS student. My job is to help you with issues regarding your education and experience. I will be around to monitor what is in your course content and to help with academic hardships that might come up during your year. I am a part of all committees regarding education, and I am always willing to help any student and I look forward to the year ahead with all of you, you can contact me on 0830176994 or education@iadtsu.com.