Renee's Exchange to University of Limerick | Ireland
My name is Renee and in semester 1, 2019 I went on exchange to Ireland.
As a student studying Tourism and Events, Media and Global Communications at Murdoch
University, studying abroad was always a dream. I have been fortunate enough to do it twice, and if I could do it again I would! My exchange was luckily helped by the Murdoch scholarship which made it possible for me to afford to study abroad again after travelling for so long.
I also used personal savings from part time work ( and my tax return) to be able to take on this crazy adventure. This time I chose to study abroad at Limerick University in Ireland. This decision was made after becoming so close with an Irish student, whilst studying abroad in California (the first time). After visiting her and her friends on campus I knew I had to study there.
Although it wasn't my first time in Ireland, nothing could have prepared me for the incredible
memories I made during my semester. The country itself is so beautiful, full of rolling green hills and jagged cliffs…. And lots of sheep.
Limerick University is the perfect campus for international students, with a well set up program, enthusiastic coordinators and endless activities. There is a huge range of clubs and not just your usual clubs, they have hurling, rockclimbing, irish dancing and Gaelic lessons. Limerick immerses you deep into the Irish culture and traditions, more so
than I ever expected.
A little about the city I lived in, Limerick...
Limerick University itself is a 20 minute bus ride away from campus, it will cost you 2.4 euro but with a student card (like a smartrider) its cheaper. Or you can take a scenic walk along the river (if its not raining) which takes about an hour.
There are a few different housing villages. I lived in Dromroe which is right on campus only a 2 minute walk from the library and dangerously next door to a pizza place and convenience store. I had my own bathroom and double bed with balcony views over the river.
My friends all lived in Plassey Village or Kilmurry which is also nice
but a 10-15 minute walk from campus. When choosing housing I would recommend paying that little extra for a quicker walk and your own bathroom!
Make sure to sign up for the international society trips each weekend taking you to all the
stunning landscapes and nearby towns. I visited The Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and Dingle which were all so beautiful and not accessible by public transport.
There is also a weekly International student event at the campus tavern which you won't want to miss out on.
Almost every weekend I was away with friends I had made exploring a new part of Europe, flights are so cheap you’d be crazy not to!
Within the first week of studying I booked trips away with my new friends to Copenhagen, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Switzerland, Barcelona, London, Nice and I visited Iceland with my mum when she visited. After my semester was over I travelled to Krakow (Poland), Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia with my Canadian best friend and it was the best experience of my life.
A little about University of Limerick, classes, the teaching system and contact hours...
Of course, a major part of studying abroad is the education part. Limerick offers a huge range of classes which are diverse and well developed. They have a good balance of practical learning and lecture material, much like classes at Murdoch.
I had more contact hours than I would at Murdoch, meaning I had classes four days a week (approximately 2 hours contact per week per class). They also present opportunities to network and as an exchange student you can be a part of multiple disciplines, which really broadens your learning opportunities. I took a journalism, sociology, communication and economics class.
My advice for incoming exchange students is spend as much time as possible outside your
apartment. I didn't meet my friends through classes I met them by getting out on campus and saying yes to every opportunity that came my way. Don't be afraid to walk up to a group of strangers and say hi, and if you really want to go somewhere just do it on your own! Your
exchange will go by in the blink of an eye so make the most of every moment (as cheesy as it sounds). Through my experiences I have realised my passions and what really matters in life.
When I started my degree I had no clear vision of where I saw my future. Through the people I have met, places I have seen and things I've experienced I can now say I will graduate excited to pursue a future in what truly makes me happy.
- Renee completed an Exchange Semester at University of Limerick, Ireland.
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