Update from Head of Accommodation and Registrar of Chambers to student residents on campus

20 January 2021

Dear students,

As you conclude your assessments and examinations from last term we hope that you will pause for a moment and take some pride in having completed what was a very trying semester. We want to commend you especially on your hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

For some students, most or all of your classes in Semester 2 may be online. Together with the current public health context, this may mean that living in College accommodation will not be necessary for you in Semester 2. However, even if you have no in-person teaching we will understand if, for other reasons you will need to be in College accommodation. For example, you may need access to broadband or a suitable place to study, or access to the College Library. We would like to reassure you that College Accommodation remains open for you in these instances.

At this time it is important to consider carefully whether you need to live in College accommodation. The fewer people there are in residence the lower the likelihood of transmission of the virus and the better we will be able to care for those who may become unwell while in residence. If you have already returned to Trinity Hall or Campus accommodation or if you are about to do so, you may of course stay in residence. If you wish to engage in your course from home for Semester 2 and give up your College accommodation then we also understand that decision and will support it.

Students due to travel from outside Ireland, in particular, should contact the Global Relations Office before travelling if you have any questions, email: international@tcd.ie.

Under normal situations, early termination of your Licence to Reside in College Accommodation is covered by Section 5.2 of the Conditions of Occupancy. However, in light of the current situation, we are adopting a more flexible approach until 28 February 2021, as follows:

• If you are due to arrive in Trinity Hall or Campus for the first time but you have decided not to travel, you will be released without penalty from your licence. However, you must communicate this in writing (email) to the Accommodation Office prior to the date of your expected arrival.

• If you have arrived in College accommodation already but you now wish to return home, you may terminate your licence and you will only be charged to the date you vacate your room (including removal of your possessions). Please note, this applies for all permanent departures between dates from 24 January – 28 February inclusive.

• If you are departing prior to 23rd January, you will remain liable for charges until 23rd January.

• If you returned home during Semester 1 and left your possessions in your room with a view to returning during Semester 2 but no longer need to, please contact the Accommodation Office to discuss your options as additional costs will apply.

• No administration fees will be charged for early termination of license agreements before 28 February 2021.

• After 1 March 2021, early termination of licenses will be subject to existing Section 5.2 whereby you will be liable up to the end of your existing licence agreement.

Please contact Trinity.Hall@tcd.ie or residences@tcd.ie if you wish to apply for early termination of your license agreement.

Whatever you decide to do over the coming weeks, please stay safe and well. We wish you all the best for the Semester to come.

Regards

Neal Murphy, Head of Accommodation

Philip Coleman, Registrar of Chambers