My Experience in Galway, Ireland - by Marta Urzainqui López

Why did you choose to go to Galway, Ireland?

My first reason for choosing Galway was for the English I would learn while there. I didn´t know anything about the city and to be honest, I went there with no expectations, which I think was best since I couldn´t have left Galway being more in love with it. I wouldn´t hesitate to go back again.

The city is tiny but it has everything - it´s super easy to navigate, the people are lovely and the Irish atmosphere of pubs and live music is incredible. It´s actually a really pretty country too, and there´s lots to see. For me, Ireland was a big question mark, as I think it is for the majority of people.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

In my case, since I came from the University of Zaragoza my scholarship was minimal, and there were other people who received more money since they had been awarded extra scholarships. I received some 200 euros per month, which more or less paid for my accommodation. Over the nine months I spent there, I received a total of 2, 000 euros.

What´s the student life like in Galway?

The student atmosphere is incredible since Galway has two universities, and there´s something going on practically every day of the week. Irish culture and the bad weather ensure that the bars are always full to bursting!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Galway to other students?

I would definitely recommend Galway to anyone. It was the perfect city for me, it´s really easy to navigate around and it´s also very well connected to the main cities on the island by the bus service ´Citylink`. I explored nearly the whole of Ireland, and for me Galway was still the most charming city - although I´m biased of course... :)

What´s the food like in Ireland?

The food is very European. Ireland has little traditional food, and the majority of what they do have is very similar to British food: fish and chips, mashed potatoes, oysters, etc.

For those who have problems with the food there, don´t worry, you can find everything you possibly want in the supermarkets.

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Galway?

It wasn´t hard for me at all, the international office at my university sorted everything out for me, and I ended up very happy with everything. The house I lived in was brilliant, very well situated (five minutes away from the university) and in good condition. My friends who lived in the surrounding areas and had sorted their own accommodation out also didn´t have any major problems.

Mind you, I lived in a private house in Lurgan Park, and the truth is that I had much more freedom there than the people who lived in the Student Villas (Glasan or Glen Na Ri). Both are very nice, but you don´t have the same freedom in student halls as you do in your own house. We also had a washing and drying machine, which they didn´t have.

How expensive is everyday life in Galway?

It all depends on how much you want to spend. It´s true that Ireland´s not a cheap place to live if you compare it with Spain, but more or less I ended up spending about 500 euros a month, including food, rent, light, gas and transport, but without accounting for any travelling or leisure activities.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

I got on fantastically with the language, and I learned a huge amount. That being said, I recommend trying to forget your embarrassment right at the beginning and talking English with everyone. The Spaniards tend to stick with other Spaniards and this is a big mistake to make. In my group of friends we were all from different countries and this helped us to speak English the whole time.

What´s the cheapest way of getting to Galway form your home city?

In my case it was a bit chaotic, since there are hardly any flights to Ireland from Zaragoza. We had to travel to Madrid by bus or plane (bus being cheaper), and from there get a flight to Dublin, and once landed get the bus to Galway. I have to admit though that there are lots of buses to Galway from Dublin airport at all hours of the day run by Citylink.

What are the best places for partying in Galway?

Galway Centre, and in Shop Street and the surrounding area there are lots of nightclubs and pubs for you to enjoy.

What about eating out in Galway? What are your favourite places?

There are various places, the most famous being the fish and chips shop in Shop Street which is almost at the end of the road, before you arrive at the Spanish Arc. McDonaghs is famous in Galway and a visit with friends or family is a must. My friends and I went to Cellar several times in the city centre, and we really liked it. I´d also recommend those 60s style American restaurants, since they often have student offers.

If you study at the GMIT, I recommend the culinary school restaurant, which is where the students practise and you can get a starter, main and dessert for just 5 euros. It´s super tasty, good quality and cheaper than going to the university bar. You have to book a place in advance, but it´s not problem - 10/10 any day!

What does Galway have to offer in terms of culture?

The truth is that although Galway is beautiful, you can see all it has to offer in a day. The places surrounding Galway are more interesting and attractive. Must-sees are the cliffs of Moher and Connemara Abbey.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Galway?

Above all, go with a very open mind, use and enjoy every moment, since although sometimes you´ll feel too lazy to go out or go travelling because of the weather, do it anyway! The time will go very quickly and later you won´t remember getting wet, just that you had a good time. Try and make friends everywhere you go, and take a positive attitude and good vibe along with you. Travel and see other places with other Erasmus students. You´ll never forget these experiences.

There´s time for everything, for studying and learning English, too!