Deep in study abroad research and looking for a reason to choose the University of Limerick? Nishita, our Indian Ambassador, has plenty…
My name is Nishita and I’m studying International Tourism (yes, it is a legitimate topic, no does not mean I’m a tour guide) at the University of Limerick. Now if you’re anything like me or like my family, I know you’re probably here researching your options. Trying to find out if UL is the right fit? What does it offer? And most importantly, what do I get from UL?
I’ve been there, and I know how important this decision is and how incredibly difficult it is as well. After all, we’re talking about something that has a significant impact on your future. Before I decided on UL, I had applied to lots of different universities (and received acceptance letters), in a lot of different countries. However, the minute I read about and saw the University of Limerick website, I think my heart was set but that’s not enough to decide, is it? There are a lot of other factors as well that you must think of, especially when you’re pursuing your degree on a subject as vast and as relevant as Tourism. So, to help you, here are my top reasons for choosing UL…
Left: Events at UL Right: Tuesday Farmer’s Market
Student support
It’s no surprise that Irish people are super-human nice, especially when you look like Bambi when you’re lost or confused! UL welcomes more than 11,000 students and over 2,000 international students, so you can be assured that they have a good support system for students in place. Students can benefit from the ‘UL First Seven Weeks’ programme which helps students away from home transition. They have different themes for every week and FREEBIES!!! (word of advice: never say no to freebies!).
UL also offers counselling services, student advisors and the UL chaplaincy – all there to help you out. To be fair though, you can pretty much talk to anyone when the going gets tough or because you feel like talking. Everybody listens because everyone cares.
And some courses even organise a dinner for the whole class, so you can get to know your classmates better! We went to Castletroy Park for our class dinner and it was fantastic to see students and professors letting their hair down a little and just getting to know each other!
The campus
Okay. So, let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter if I shout from the mountains about how beautiful the campus is, you’re not going to believe me if you can’t see it. I have looked at all of these treasures all around me and have never wondered what they’re worth! (if you got that reference, good for you; if you didn’t, I’m sorry!) It’s not just the UL campus that’s amazing, but Limerick in general. It’s not crowded but it’s not empty either. It’s perfect!
My very first Halloween
The people
It’s natural to feel nervous about many things any time you start a new phase of your life, but one of the main things you could be looking forward to or be apprehensive about is making new friends. There are so many people here and it’s pretty easy to make friends, even if you’re socially awkward or introverted. You don’t have to go out every night but just talk to a few people or your flatmates if you have any. The best people I’ve met are my flatmates and I absolutely ADORE them! They understand that I’m not into the party scene as much, but I do enjoy spending time with them, so they don’t push me to go out with them to parties. That’s us (above) celebrating my first Halloween together along with other friends!
Facilities
What do you call a place that has a gym, a superstore, multiple restaurants and cafes? A city? Well UL is a mini city! You have everything here! There is a gym with has world class facilities – a swimming pool and classes throughout the day which includes Zumba and yoga. Also, if you live on campus like I do, gym membership is free. There are also the arena or sports ground on campus where they sometimes have special events wherein they teach you about traditional Irish sports like hurling.
There is also SPAR on campus, so you don’t really have to go far to buy groceries. Which is very useful if you ask me. The food you get at the cafés and restaurants here is to die for and let’s not forget our on-campus bar, Stables, where you will find students throughout the day enjoying a pint (or two) after a particularly long day of classes or just to celebrate the fact that their assignments are done!
Limerick beauty
The wildlife
My favourite part of this whole blog. Now I’ve already explained how big UL is and the fact that Ireland is so green (my pictures make it quite obvious I guess), open and just plain beautiful – so be prepared to see a lot of animals around. People who live nearby walk their dogs around the scenic route and lets us not forget the abundance of my feathered friends who wake me up early morning. And if you love animals as much as I do (I cried after I got to pet a dog and a cat!), you will make lots of furry friends here!
Events
There is always something going on here!! Every Friday is International Night at Stables which is essentially a party with a different theme every week organised in association with the International Society (who are amazing! Just saying). Last month we had the UL Soul Arts Fest, which was crazy fun because you had all the societies do something for the whole week. There were Irish dance lessons, storytelling and the UL greyhound societies got some retired greyhounds to do a stroll through the campus (YAY!). We’ve celebrated Diwali (a festival from India) with candles and Rangoli painting. It’s well worth getting involved with a club – the start of the semester is when all the societies represent what they stand for and you can choose which one to join.
There’s also the Farmer’s Market every Tuesday where local vendors sell things – from bagels and pies to salads to sushi. It’s tasty and absolutely worth spending your lunch money on!
I hope this helps all of you searching right now. And just in case you need to ask me more about UL, on campus accommodation, my course or just UL and Ireland in general, just ask why. Hit me up in the comments below. I’ll try to answer your queries the best that I can or put you in touch with someone who can.
So, there is only one question left – when are you coming to UL?