With the reform of the student visa process, many of the most niggling and frustrating aspects of an international student’s journey to Trinity will be drastically simplified. Previously forced to queue for several hours, non-EU and non-EEA students will now be able to complete the process in around 60 minutes. While this is beneficial to students on an individual level, it also represents an advantage to Trinity as a university. Simple processes for students will streamline their way into a Trinity education and make Trinity a more attractive place to study.
Trinity has made substantial steps to attract students internationally and nationally in recent years, as evidenced by the Provost’s strategies for global marketing. These appear to be effective: international student numbers are steadily increasing, as are the number of domestic students giving Trinity their first preference on the CAO with new efforts being made by the college.
Such strategies are commendable, forward-thinking and completely necessary in a sector that relies so heavily on reputation and on demand – the CAO system itself is evidence of this. However, many of the efforts of Trinity’s administration to attract students are derailed not by their own incapacity, but instead by outside forces beyond their control. Whether it is the interruption of Trinity’s plans to increase student accommodation while other institutions have been given the green light, or the issues with upgrading facilities due to space and, of course, funding issues, other universities may prove more attractive to prospective students.
Many of the challenges that will most deter students, and thus eat into Trinity’s potential as a powerful international university, are not challenges that the university has created or exacerbated. Indeed, recent emails from the Dean of Students, asking that the College community consider renting a room to a student to help alleviate the accommodation crisis, suggest that College is responding to hurdles in new and innovative ways.
However, Trinity’s best efforts will not be enough if other international universities can offer hassle-free and cheaper accommodation, better facilities, and a smoother process for those coming from abroad. The challenges may be external, but the consequences will be felt internally if Trinity cannot reach its potential as a university of global renown.
