Months later, school has finished and Connell arrives at Trinity College, Dublin. He has found a room in a house-share and meets his new housemate Niall. Despite his efforts, he feels out of place and struggles to articulate himself when surrounded by his eloquent and wealthy peers.

Connell joins Marianne's social circle but doesn't fit in. He apologises for how he treated her; she reconsiders her relationship with her new boyfriend, Gareth.

Connell and Marianne are back together. Connell has gained confidence in college; giving presentations in class and getting good grades but is reluctant to show Marianne affection in front of her friends. Will the two be able to admit that they are together?

Marianne and Connell are seeing other people and realise (too late) that their break-up was due to a misunderstanding.

Connell visits Marianne at her family's summer home in Italy, where tensions between her and Jamie are at an all-time high.