One of my largest stressors while completing the study abroad application process was finding out where I could and should live abroad. I am fortunate to have lived on campus at the University of South Carolina for the past three years. I have not had to venture off campus or experience many different environments. Considering this, I had no idea what to expect when applying for housing at the University of Limerick.
I was most worried about how long it took for the housing application to be available to me. Then, I did not find out whether or not I got a spot for the spring semester until November 20. While this is unusual compared to the housing system at USC, it seems common in other countries after speaking to some of my other friends who are studying abroad. Before I knew if I could live on campus, UL sent out many warnings about off-campus housing scams around Ireland. They did, however, provide a link with different options they recommend. I decided to wait until I found out about on-campus housing availability before looking at these options.
My UL housing application prompted me to rank my top six housing options. The prices were all in euros, as with everything else here, so I made sure to check the exchange rates. On average, the housing options were cheaper than the ones I am used to at USC, which made ranking them easier. All of the options were apartment-style dorms with four to eight people, shared or private bathrooms, and kitchen availability. All of the dorms are in buildings that make up villages. I was fortunate enough to receive my top option, Thomond Village. In researching, I had to make sure I was looking at the correct village because there is another apartment complex with the same name a 30-minute drive away in downtown Limerick.
In Thomond Village, I have my own room and bathroom. My room has a bed with a duvet, sheets, pillows, and pillowcases provided. There is also a large built-in wooden desk with shelves, a wardrobe, and storage drawers under my bed. Thomond Village provides a heating unit, trashcan, and toilet brush in my room. Hangers, towels, and outlet adapters are not provided. My bathroom has a toilet, sink, mirror, mirror shelf, shower with glass door, and towel racks. There is also a large window that I can use for a light and a breeze since there is no AC.
I share my co-ed apartment with five roommates: three men and two other women. Our rooms are isolated along a long hallway that also has doors to the kitchen and living space. This closed-off layout makes everything feel more private.
The kitchen has a fridge, oven with stovetop, microwave, freezer, cabinets, counter space, a single-basin sink, and various cooking supplies that the university provides. I did not have to buy any cooking utensils since UL provides pretty much everything, even cleaning tools. For example, plates, bowls, cutlery, pots, pans, cutting boards, and more come with the dorm. My roommates and I have only had to buy products like dish soap, trash bags, cleaning sprays, and other similar items. The living space has a few loveseats, a television, a heating unit, and a coffee table. There is also a balcony and plenty of windows.
I really enjoy my living situation! In hindsight, I may have chosen a cheaper option to have more money for travel, but my accommodations are super comfortable and private. I enjoy my roommates and am close with a couple of them, but if I did not like them, they would be easy to avoid.
Some of the differences between UL and USC housing are that at UL hot water is on a timer, there is no AC, there are no room inspections, I use a key card to access my dorm, the floor plan is closed, and I pay rent monthly.
Thomond Village is about a 15-minute walk from the center of campus, where most of my classes are. I usually live at 650 Lincoln at USC, so this is not much different for me. The walk is also gorgeous because you have to cross a long bridge over the Shannon River. However, the university bus stop is around a 20-minute walk away, which can sometimes be inconvenient.
I enjoy living on campus at UL, and I hope these descriptions help you make decisions and prepare for your housing abroad!
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