Last Night in Ireland and Reflection

Today is my last night in Ireland. I dropped off my friends at the airport and am now having dinner with the last of us before we all go our separate ways. This experience and even this day don’t feel real. I have gotten to experience so much, such as going to the Aran Islands, the Ring of Kerry, and Dingle. I feel sad about leaving, especially now that I’ve only just begun to understand the surface of its culture.

My eyes have been opened to Irish culture and the way people here experience life. The Irish are warm and welcoming, embracing life while carrying a deep-rooted awareness of death and history. Through class lectures and spontaneous adventures, I have gotten to learn so much of the morals and values across this landscape. Within the campus, I'm going to miss walking across the Living Bridge over the River Shannon and spending time in the sunlit courtyard of the library.

Through traditions like keening and communal grieving, many people I met shared a deep connection to both life and loss, something reflected in their culture and daily habits. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie across the island as well, where it feels like everyone is connected. People are proud of their heritage, and it shows as it echoes through the land and its stories. There is still so much more for me to explore. The rural towns hold folklore deep in their roots, and I have barely scratched the surface. This experience has shaped me in ways I may never fully understand. The University of Limerick and the people I met have made Ireland what it is for me, and I crave going back every day. A part of me will always remain scattered across its green landscape.

So, thanks a million, Ireland you were great craic.

Advice for Future Study Abroad Students

Orientation:

Orientation week is the most important. There you will learn how to register for class, see various events, and get a tour of the whole campus. There you will see many people and maybe make some friends. One thing to note is they do give out SIM cards at orientation and if you don’t get one at the airport or get an eSim don’t fret, they will provide one.

Academics

The academics at UL are great, but there are some key differences to be aware of:

1. To register for classes, you’ll need to email professors directly. They will add you to Brightspace (their version of Blackboard). Be sure to follow through by confirming the class on your portal if you don’t complete the process; it’s as if you never took the class.

2. Most classes rely heavily on one or two major assignments at the end of the semester, often worth your entire grade. Feedback can be limited, and you may not receive it until final grading.

3. The grading scale is different: a 75% is considered an A. Scores above 80% are rare, so don’t panic if your percentages seem lower than what you’re used to.

The University of Limerick Stone Entrance

Join Clubs

I met many of my closest friends during Welcome Week and through clubs. Try everything! The Outdoor Pursuits Club is an amazing way to explore the Irish countryside while building a strong community. I also did UL tag rugby and that was super fun. Also, sign up for a UL Buddy; mine was incredible. If you get Philip, tell him I said hi!

Events

UL Global organizes events specifically for exchange students, like making Tayto sandwiches or painting mugs, as well as trips to places like Dingle and Killarney. UL Student Life often hosts similar events, so check both and see what fits your schedule. Follow their Instagram pages to stay up to date.

The Blarney Castle, a trip taken through UL

Munster Rugby Match, they train on campus!

Housing

There is a housing lottery at UL, so once the applications come out, I would apply sooner rather than later. While you’re not guaranteed housing, I know people who lived on and off campus and made it work. I lived personally at Troy student village while considered off campus I think it was amazing. I had my own room and bathroom, and a Polish mart right in front of the building. The staff was super nice and accommodating as well.

Going Out

The University of Limerick is somewhat of a “backpack school,” meaning many students go home on weekends. As a result, bars and clubs aren’t always busy on Fridays and Saturdays. The busiest nights are Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The on-campus pub, Stables, is lively at the beginning of the semester as they hold international night on Fridays, but quiets down later.

One major event to look out for is College Christmas, when everyone dresses up and goes out during the week before finals. It’s a must-experience night.

Galway during the open market

Transit

Public transportation in Ireland is reliable and easy to use. Buses are convenient and getting a Leap Card will save you money and make travel easier. Trains are straightforward to book, and Uber operates more like taxis in the area. For trips to Dublin or the airport, buses leaving from Stables make travel simple and accessible.

Food

There are no meal plans in Limerick, so if you want food, there are many cafes and restaurants located on campus, including the on-campus pub known as Stables. There are very convenient ways to get to stores. While I lived in Troy, I was able to walk to an Aldi close by, about a 10 min walk. The parkway shopping area is a quick buy ride away as well so groceries are always nearby.

Here are some Restaurants I recommend:

• Dolans Pub- Good food and Music

• The Locke Bar- cheap, good food

• Boojum- Good. Cheap food, similar to that of Chipotle

• Viko Viko- solid Asian food and good aesthetic.