College has confirmed that student residents will be able to sign in overnight guests at any time of day or night, abolishing its longstanding policy.
In a statement to Trinity News, a spokesperson for College confirmed: “While students in Trinity accommodation still have to register overnight guests, they may now do this online at any time of the day or night (without a cut-off time of 11/12 pm, as applied in the past).”
Until this morning, College had maintained its right to enforce a cut-off time for guest registration, a stance it has now stood down on.
Before now, campus residents had to register guests online before midnight, while Trinity Hall guest registration closed at 11pm.
In November 2024, the Residential Tenancy Board (RTB) ruled that College was in violation of the “peaceful occupation” clause of the Residential Tenancies Act, after a case was brought by then-students’ union president László Molnárfi.
Yesterday, the RTB upheld this decision in the face of an appeal from College, ruling that its overnight guest policy was “impermissible” under the law.
Molnárfi, who is a current investigative reporter on Trinity News staff, called College’s decision “a victory for student housing rights and is a testament to grassroots power”.
“The overnight guest policy was a paternalistic system that stripped students of their rights. This landmark case will also enable students across Ireland to take on their student accommodations, whether public or private, in regards to similar antiquated policies. Get riding!”
Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) President Jenny Maguire also welcomed the announcement as a “win for all residents”.
“Peaceful occupancy belongs to us all. This a win not just for us, but those in student accommodation across the country… and for lovers of one night stands everywhere.”
Maguire added: “I would also remind all residents that free condoms and lube are available from teach 6. Free STI tests can also be ordered from sh24.ie. Stay safe, practice active consent, and don’t be greedy lovers.”
