Sir, – As a recent UCD graduate, I read Carl O’Brien’s article “UCD’s first female president” (Education, May 1st). The new UCD president, Prof Órla Feely, speaks of enhancing the student experience.
Much to my disappointment, talk of “woodland walks” and spaces to “boost the sense of community on campus” direct one’s attention away from what most expect to be the student experience.
Although such amenities are welcome, one bar operates in UCD, with few others within walking distance of the campus. One bar to serve 35,000 students and which closes at 10pm.
As a current postgraduate student at another well-known university which boasts river walks and a sense of community, it is interesting to note that there are 18,000 students with three pubs on campus, none of which closes at 10pm. – Yours, etc,
GEARÓID DARDIS,
Summerhill,
Co Meath.