ERAMUS experience in Coleraine, Ireland

Why did you go to Coleraine?

For different reasons.

First, I have made a previous trip in Ireland to see an ERASMUS friend in Dublin, and it gave me the desire to come back to visit the island (and I will spend my bachelor internship in Dublin).

Secondly, I had very positives feedbacks from UBO students who have been in Coleraine.

Then, the urge to discover a part of the United Kingdom that I didn’t know.

I also wanted to go in an English-speaking country.

How long did your trip last? How much aides have you received?

It lasts one semester, from September 12th (including integration week) to December 16th. Exams session lasts from January 10th to 19th (I had two exams the 19th)

I received around 1000€ from ERASMUS program. It’s combinable with others aides so don’t hesitate to look for others.

How is the student atmosphere?

At the beginning of the semester, international student are often together thanks to trips and events specially organized for them. We live the same experience and learn to know each other, it’s awesome. Northern Irish are very kind and open-minded, the atmosphere is really nice!

Would you recommend the city and the University to other student?

Be ERASMUS student at Ulster University or elsewhere doesn’t restrict you to the city where the university is. Coleraine is small but I loved spend time in, alone at the beginning and with my international friends after.

How is food?

Everyone can cook anything

or nearly everything, but I liked the food we can find there. There is the traditional Northern-Irish breakfast called “The Ulster fry”, the Iris Christmas Dinner if you are there in December. You will find also English food like pies, scones…

Did you have problem to find an accommodation?

Not at all, thanks to Spareroom. I had contacted private landlords directly and, at the end of August, I visited 2 houses in Portstewart. The one I have chosen (£180 per month without charges) was not available right now, so I was able to live in the campus 2 weeks before the main part of the students come to the University.

University rental is really expensive! It’s an insurance to find an accommodation and live with other student but I have no regrets.

How is the cost of living in Coleraine?

More expensive compared to France, especially with currency conversion rate. But, being an international student make that you are often invited to eat. It is possible to eat and accommodate at reasonable prices. Compared to Brest (France), public transport services are expensive.

How it was to learn the language? Have you been to language courses organized by University?

I followed 2 CELT modules (Centre for English Language Teaching): “Cultural awareness” with Francis Kane (country culture, focused on “The Troubles”, best course I had) and “Accuracy in Writing” to develop our knowledge of the language. There were 5 courses, all of them in English (except the others language courses like Spanish, German…) and, of course, we practiced every day.

Which was the most affordable way to go to Coleraine from where you come from?

From Brest, I first went to Nantes by car then take a flight to Belfast (sometimes it’s cheaper to go to Dublin and then take a 2h train to Belfast). Sometimes, there is a connection…

You can take bus shuttle from one of Belfast airport (International Airport or George Best City Airport) to reach a train station to Coleraine (1h30 with Translink). From Coleraine train station, there are buses to Ulster University and Portstewart. You also have buses and train to Portrush if you live there.

Which places would you recommend to party?

The University student association called “Student Union” organized parties. There are pubs/bars/clubs in Portstewart and Portrush. Students also organize parties at home. The Old Mill Grange area is always active. I lived 5 min from the area, easy to go at night but quiet the rest of the time.

And to eat in Coleraine? Do you have favorite spots?

In Portstewart, you can find a lot of coffe shop and small restaurants on the Promenade. I didn’t eat in Coleraine. If you want more options, Derry and Belfast are not far. But you really have to try the Ulster Fry!

Do you have cultural visit you would recommend?

The entire Causaway Coast is awesome, take a bus or go hiking and enjoy! The Giant’s Causeway is an unavoidable place, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne are beautiful, you also have Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges (for Game of Thrones fans, do the road trip of filming places), Ballintoy, Derry-Londonderry city and Belfast…

You also have to visit harbors on the coast, starting at Portstewart and Portrush (where you can try surfing…)

Any advices to future Coleraine students?

Don’t be depressed by the weather, it’s really not as bad as you can think, I promise! Enjoy any opportunity appearing to you and do as much things as you can, without forgetting courses and exams. A semester go really fast…