Extracurricular Activities

Student life in both Dublin and New York city extends beyond the classroom and students in the Dual BA Program have the option to pursue a wide range of activities on campus and in the larger communities at both Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University.

Located in the heart of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin’s 47-acre campus sits at the very center of everything the city has to offer. Student life at Trinity is extremely diverse and exciting, mainly due to the daily assortment of events and activities organized by students for students.

Student Societies

At Trinity, there are more than 120 student societies. These cover everything you can think of from the Knitting Society to the Yoga Society to the Animation Society to the Zoological Society. It is home to the world’s oldest student debating societies, the 'Hist,' or Historical Society, founded in 1770, and the ‘Phil’ which is the oldest debating society in the world, founded in 1683.

Sports Center at Trinity

The Trinity sports center is the hub of all sports and fitness activity on campus. With an on-site gym and swimming pool, along with activities like Operation Transformation, Intra Mural Sports, Sports Volunteering Programme, and Campus Runs we have an inclusive and friendly environment where you will instantly feel part of the Trinity sport family. The sports center offers a number of classes and courses including: Spinning, Pilates, Rip 60, Core Strength, Bootcamp, Tai Chi, Power Pump, Step & Core, Kettlebells, Yoga, Box Fit, Ballet Sculpt, H.I.I.T. (High Intensity Interval Training).

The qualified staff are available to offer help and provide guidance. There are additional costs per class or an annual class pass is available to buy for the fitness class enthusiasts. The diverse sports facilities spread across three locations include:

  • 25m swimming pool, sauna, and steam room
  • Gym, fitness studio, and spinning studio
  • Three multi-purpose sports halls
  • Island bridge Boat House
  • Climbing wall
  • Three tennis courts
  • Futsal court
  • One international standard water-based hockey pitch
  • One rifle range
  • Keiser Room
  • Three 5-a-side all weather pitches
  • Two changing pavilions
  • Full size floodlit GAA pitch
  • Three soccer pitches
  • Two rugby pitches

Sports Clubs

Sporting life in Trinity kicks off in Freshers’ Week when all students are encouraged to join some of the 49 official sports clubs currently on offer at Trinity, including: Aikido, American F.C., Badminton, Basketball, Boat, Boxing, Camogie, Climbing, Cricket, Croquet, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Gaelic Football, Golf, Handball, Harriers, Hockey, Hurling, Judo, Karate, Kayak, Lawn Tennis, Netball, Orienteers, Rifle, Rugby, Sailing, Snow Sports, Soccer, Squash, Sub Aqua, Surfing and Bodyboarding, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tae Kwon Do, Trampoline, Ultimate Frisbee, Triathlon, Volleyball, and Windsurfing. 

Sports clubs are supported at a recreational, competitive, and elite level catering to 7,000 student club members annually. There is something to suit everybody.

Our student sport clubs are run by students for students where lifelong friendships are formed and they offer something for everyone regardless of level or availability. Courses and workshops are organized so that you can learn to run a sports club, building many additional practical skills as a captain, secretary, treasurer, or committee member.

Since learning continues beyond the classroom, Columbia University encourages students to become involved in extracurricular programs and activities that enhance their educational experience and personal growth. A wide range of student organizations address both personal and professional interests in the arts, politics, identity, culture, sports and recreation, and religion, all of which provide opportunities to enrich student life, the Columbia community, and Columbia's New York neighbors.

Student Organizations

More than 500 student organizations are open to Dual BA Program students. Students are encouraged to attend the annual Activities Day event held at the beginning of each fall semester on Low Plaza, which provides an opportunity to find out more about campus organizations and meet with representatives.

Student activities at Columbia are primarily created and managed by students. In addition, the GS Office of the Dean of Students hosts a number of events and programs each semester to foster campus involvement and community. Student events are hosted both on and off campus and Lerner Hall, the Columbia University Student Center, is the venue for many student activities. Any student interested in forming a new organization is encouraged to contact the Office of the Dean of Students.

The Peter J. Awn Lounge, on the 3rd floor of Lewisohn Hall, serves as a gathering place for student events. The Lounge, which contains six computer terminals and printers, also provides GS students with a space to study and socialize.

Student Government

Every spring the undergraduate population of GS elects members to represent them in the General Studies Student Council (GSSC). The GSSC pursues academic, political, social, and administrative initiatives, and serves as a liaison between the student body and the GS administration as well as other University offices and student organizations.

Mentorship and Peer Advising

In addition to the comprehensive advising offered by their GS academic advisors through all four years of the program, Dual BA students in years three and four also have access to the GS Peer Advisors. Peer Advisors are undergraduate students who wish to provide support and advice for other GS undergrads about the opportunities and challenges at Columbia. Peer Advisors are available to discuss academics, campus resources, personal concerns, and the transition to the School of General Studies.

Peer Advisors are available to meet with students by appointment, and they also hold weekly walk-in hours in the GS Lounge. 

Students also have access to the GS Mentor Program, which pairs specially-trained continuing undergraduate and Postbac Premed students with incoming students on the basis of several criteria including majors or premedical tracks, interests, and backgrounds. Mentors meet with their mentees at regular intervals throughout their first semester.

Dual BA Program students may apply to become Peer Advisors or Mentors in advance of their fourth year.

Greek Life

Greek life has been part of Columbia for more than 160 years. Today, more than 20 single-sex and coed Greek chapters can be found on campus, most of which are affiliated with national organizations. Sororities and fraternities at Columbia are open to every full-time undergraduate in any division of the University. Students have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with various chapters on campus during each organization's recruiting program.

Athletics and Fitness

Dodge Physical Fitness Center serves the recreational, instructional, and competitive interests and needs of the Columbia community. It includes a tri-level cardiovascular and strength training center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment; a 0.1 mile indoor track; two gymnasiums suitable for basketball, volleyball, badminton, indoor soccer, and floor hockey; an 8-lane, 25-yard pool and diving area; squash and handball courts; two tennis courts; and locker and sauna facilities. A staff of qualified personal trainers can help students design and implement an individualized exercise program.

Physical Education courses are offered every semester and students may elect to take up to two points of physical education for academic credit.

Dual BA Program students may be eligible for intercollegiate sports teams, as well as club sports, including rugby, lacrosse, water polo, and sailing, among many others.