UCD Christmas Day traditionally takes place on the last Thursday in November, which this year falls on November 28.
UCD Estates will temporarily suspend the guest policy for all UCD residences for the duration of UCD Christmas Day, which takes place on Thursday November 28. The suspension of the guest policy will mean that only students who reside in UCD residences will be permitted to enter accommodation blocks, even temporarily, and no guests will be allowed to stay overnight.
The Guest Policy states that “Guest times are a privilege that may be changed by UCD Residences in response to inappropriate behaviour or for operational requirements (e.g. exam periods, large events etc).” It further states that unauthorised overnight or extended visitation violations may result in a resident being asked to move off campus, and breaching its terms and conditions will result in an automatic fine of €100.
Fencing has also been placed around the Clubhouse bar today in preparation for the crowds expected tomorrow.
An email sent to all UCD residents stated that these measures were in response to “dangerous behaviour on campus in previous years, particularly around alcohol consumption and anti-social behaviour.”
UCD Estates said in a statement to the University Observer that “UCD Residences will be operating as normal, with adherence encouraged to regulations currently in place, with one exception being a temporary suspension of the guest policy. The safety of all students and other members of our campus community is the primary concern in any decisions taken by Estate Services and we will continue to communicate directly with students in this regard.”
In 2023, hundreds of students gathered on campus for the traditional UCD Christmas Day, and attended large parties in primarily the Glenomena and Village residences. Students generally leave campus at around 4pm or 5pm to head into city centre venues. This year, UCDSU have organised an all-day-party in Dicey’s from 12pm to 8pm, and UCD DJ Society will host sets in the Grand Social.