Xin Yi Joyce Lee completed her BA in Music at Maynooth University following a transfer request and loved it so much she is now studying for her Master’s in this Kildare-based university, just 30 mins from Dublin’s city-centre. In this blog, she shares her experience as a transfer student and tells us why Maynooth University was the perfect fit for her…

I have recently obtained my Bachelor of Honours Degree in Music from Maynooth University, and because of the high quality education I have received throughout my years here, pursuing my Master’s Degree was an obvious decision.

I have previously studied music at another third-level institution in Ireland, however due to an unsatisfactory experience, I decided to apply for a transfer to Maynooth University. The process was a difficult and stressful one, not only the admission was competitive, the amount of effort I had to put in to go through entrance exams, auditions and interviews were immense. It was also difficult because back then I had only been in Ireland for less than a year, and dealing with a transfer process on your own without any support from education agencies or your parents was incredibly daunting. I had to find my own way to attend the university’s open day, look for help, prepare my application and travel to Maynooth multiple times for entrance tests, auditions and interviews.

“My remaining undergraduate years in Maynooth University were incredibly fruitful and honestly the best years I have ever had. I matured both personally and professionally all due to things I learned and challenges I overcame. I have never felt more proud of myself for making the right decision and hard efforts to get here.”

On how I came across Maynooth University: I had previously spoken to many people about this university, and only received positive feedback in return. After looking up the biographies of the staff members in the music department (which is crucial for every transfer/prospective students because you will need at least one lecturer that specialises in your area of interest), I decided that Maynooth University was the place for me. Not only the modules were compatible to my interest, I also get to receive quality education from the most established academics in this department. During the open day, I was able to speak to member of staffs and also current students, toured around the beautiful campus and visited the brand new and well-stocked library, as well as the ample facilities the department has to offer – all of which were truly impressive! Likewise, due to the competitive nature of the application process, I was assured of learning among high-standard applicants, thus enabled me a more enriching and challenging learning environment.

I remember the moment when I received a ‘yes’ on my application; I wept with joy because the acceptance would make a life-changing difference in the pursuit of my passion, and the journey to get into the university itself was emotionally strenuous, to receive such an affirmation provided an inconceivable relief to my future. A string of good fortunes happened right after: I found a suitable accommodation, and a few days later I packed up, bid goodbyes and journeyed to a new and better start in Maynooth. I settled well to the town and the university and everyone was incredibly kind and helpful upon my arrival. The lecturers too welcomed my first day into my second year with generous support. My remaining undergraduate years in Maynooth University were incredibly fruitful and honestly the best years I have ever had. I matured both personally and professionally all due to things I learned and challenges I overcame. I have never felt more proud of myself for making the right decision and hard efforts to get here.

Today, I am pursuing my Master’s Degree in Performance and Musicology in the very same university I have obtained my degree from. I am blessed to be under the supervision of the an admirable and established scholar in one of the best universities in Ireland, and from this I hope to contribute my effort and research to the music scholarship around Ireland and the world.

Interested in studying abroad in Ireland? Visit the Education in Ireland website for more information.