At the University of Limerick

Why did you choose Limerick, Ireland?

Honestly, it wasn’t my first choice. When I was assigned I didn't know where it was. I liked that it was in the West of Ireland, but I didn't know much more about it until I arrived to the city.

How long was your scholarship for? How much maintenance money did you receive?

My scholarship was for 9 months and I was given the minimum of 100 euros per month. This is almost nothing, but other students received more cash. It depends on your family's situation. I was working in Limerick during the scholarship.

Fuente

What is the student life like in Limerick?

It is very good. The university is an American-style campus that is separated from the city. So most of the students live together. Sports play a very important role at this university so it has very good facilities and access to them. There are 2 or 3 bars on the campus and the Student’s Union is always organising things. I think that the atmosphere at the university is second to none.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Limerick to others students?

I would recommend this university without having to think twice. It is a pity that the city of Limerick is so shabby- The cultural and social offering is quite limited, although I believe they are doing a lot to improve the city. However, this shouldn’t be too important given that the majority of the student life is on campus and not in the city. There is always a chance to travel to others parts of the island at the weekends.

How was the country’s food?

Monotonous. Potatoes and chicken, sandwiches and junk food is what you will mostly find. It’s better if you cook. If you go to the restaurants you can always try more traditional foods like the Irish stew (It’s normally pork), mussels, Bacon and cabbage (it sounds awful but it is actually good), shepherd’s pie...

Fuente

How did you find accommodation?

Through an Irish girl I had met the previous year. The university has four student residences that are good (above all the more expensive ones, of course! But the two cheaper ones are good too), and if you don’t want to live on campus they help you to look for accommodation in a shared house with other students. There are a lot of houses in the surrounding areas of the University where posters advertising bedrooms to rent are hung. One option is to go over without accommodation and have a stroll around the area to see what is for rent. It is much cheaper than the residences and you can live with Irish people.

What is the price of accommodation like?

The residences are expensive, but renting a bedroom is usually quite a bit cheaper (although the bills are often not included). Ireland is, in general, an expensive country, but if you search around, you can find good offers on many things.

How was the language? Did you go to a language course at the University?

At the beginning Irish accent is hard to understand, especially those from Dublin and Cork, but at the end of the month you get used to it. In the University there was an obligatory course but it gave us free election credits. There were English classes that we had with other Erasmus students from other countries.

What is the cheapest way to get to Limerick from where you live?

With Ryanair, to Shannon or Dublin and then a bus to Limerick city. There are many bus services that will leave you at the University. If you already have accommodation reserved you can get a taxi from the bus station so you don’t have to carry the bags, or to your B&B, if you don’t know where you are staying yet.

Fuente

What places would you recommend to go out in Limerick?

The two pubs on campus are good, there is always some party. Near the campus there is a club called “Lodge”, it is world famous and unmissable. It is a bit of a “meatmarket”. If that doesn’t suit you, the only option is to go to the city (bus in, taxi back out, so it is more expensive); there are places like Trinity Rooms or the Icon. There was also a latino bar (Duffys) near the gay club (Globe).

Where were your favourite places to eat there?

Well, for a more or less decent dinner, there is an Italian restaurant in the centre, Luigi Malones. If you want junk food Domino's or Eddie Rockets are good. Near the campus there is an Italian takeaway that is nice, I think it was called La Cucina.

What about cultural activities?

The area of the castle and the river is in the city and it's nice. Between Limerick and Shannon there is a castle you can visit. If you head further north there is the Burren (very pretty), and Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran islands and Connemara. If you head south of Limerick, there is Tralee, Dingle (a very pretty peninsula where Irish is spoken) and further down, Kerry is stunning, the location of Ireland’s highest mountain.

Do you have any advice for future students in Limerick?

It is a good idea to join the student organizations in the University. There are clubs and societies. The clubs are more for sports. You sign up and for very little money they give you the equipment to do the sport. There are all sorts of clubs: Surfing, Kayaking, Hiking, boxing, dancing... The societies are calmer. There are societies to learn languages, for international students, etc. If you sign up for two or three clubs or societies you can have hobbies as well as get to now Irish people.