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 and Marianne start socializing as friends in Dublin. She introduces Connell to her group and one of her friends, Teresa is interested in him. Marianne is still dating Gareth. but her interest in the relationship is starting to fade. Marianne eventually finishes things with Gareth and makes a drunken pass at Connell.