Erasmus Experience in Limerick, Ireland by Marta

Why did you choose to go to Limerick, Ireland?

I had to go to an English-speaking country, and I have always wanted to visit Ireland. It really appealed to me due to the green fields and the national holiday St. Patricks day (which I couldn't experience as I was only there the first semester), etc.

How long was the grant? How much financial aid did you receive?

In my case, it lasted 3 months, from September to the beginning of December, during the first semester, which in reality was 3 and a half months. I don't know if it differs depending on your university, but in my case, I received about 480 euros a month. In reality, this was basically nothing to live on, but at least it helped a bit.

What is the student lifestyle like in Limerick?

It is the best student atmosphere that I've experienced in my whole life, without a doubt. There are so many international students aside from the Irish ones, and I felt enriched by everyone's cultures. The people are very nice and kind and if they see you struggling they will help you. Here you study (of course, who studies :D) but at the same time, you do enjoy yourself with all the parties and events that are organised by the university, the halls, and even by the students themselves. It is easy to feel at home here due to the student atmosphere.

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

Of course. The university and the student atmosphere is the best. The campus is exceptional, it's like living in a mini-city, it has everything really close-by, such as pubs, cinemas and shopping centres (a 15 minute walk from campus) or shops that are on campus. The city centre is quite near and there are buses that take you there.

Limerick isn't exactly a massive city, but there are museums, a castle and lots of places which organise events which I really recommend going to. One of my favourite things to do is the visit the Milk Market on Saturday mornings to buy local produce (fruit, veg, artesan pastries, honey, fast food like kebabs, etc. ) but you can also buy some little things like books, crafts made from wood and more.

The best things are the landscapes surrounding the university and the centre. Here the climate and temperature isn't horrendous like people say. You can see some photos of the scenery and the climate that I've added.

Do you like the food?

To be honest, the food is not their strong point. Also, its true that I made my own food most of the time, but the best food is the mashed potato, the beef, the milk and the butter. I think that Limerick's star foods are the mashed potatoes and the fillets which they cook really well. Everything is really tasty. But of course, it is technically junk food. The other option is to buy food in Aldi and Lidl and cook it yourself, more than buying prepackaged or junk food. These supermarkets usually have deals and it is easy to make some beans and fried eggs.

In terms of drink, Guiness is a good beer and is a typical Irish beer, I'm not sure about any others as I haven't tried them.

Did it cost you to find accommodation in Limerick?

No, because I reserved accommodation through the university, on campus. I did it as soon as they opened the application. I asked a girl who had studied before me at the same university about accommodation, and she advised me to reserve it as soon as possible (especially if I was thinking of not living on campus, so if I didn't want to get accommodation through the university). In this case, it is better to look as soon as possible, if you are thinking of going on Erasmus in September, start looking from January or as soon as you have semi-made your decision to go there. A good place to live outside of campus which is near to the university (basically next door) is a street called Elm Park. The houses are good and they are a bit cheaper than halls.

Still, I don't regret my decision at all. I think it's more expensive to live on campus, but it is slightly worthwile as you have access to lots of activities, events (such as cooking demonstrations, parties, film viewings, etc. ) and trips which the accommodation organises (not just yours but you can go on other halls' trips too) and you also have free access to the gym and to renting a bike. Aside from the fact that you don't need to take a bus everyday to go to university, which is the case for people who rent accommodation in the city centre.

Still, the houses or apartments both on and off-campus are really good and they come with everything you could need. The only bad thing is that they don't come with microwaves or a washing machine. To use the microwaves you have to go to the student union to heat up a tupperware or something, or you could agree with your flatmates to buy one between you all which is quite a viable option and happens a lot in the residences. There is a shared launderette in all of the residences (with a washer and dryer). Here's some practical advice, don't use the dryer because the majority of the time it doesn't manage to dry your clothes and if you leave them for a bit in your room on the radiator they will dry.

How much does it cost to live in Limerick?

Living in Limerick is generally quite expensive, with the accommodation costing the most (about £620 a month in one of the universities halls, but it is the most central option, modern and with an en-suite bathroom). The transport is also expensive (costing just under £2 for a single journey, but you always have the option to get a Leap Card which offers you discounts (about 20-30p and you also have discounts at other shops), travel by bike or use the green spaces (walking or via bike) to travel to the city.

Was it easy to get to grips with the language? Did you do a language course with the university?

The language is great, everyone helps you a lot, and you can learn loads if you participate in the voluntary activities. I took part in language exchanges with the Irish and I also did an English course that the university offers you at the start of the semester

What is the cheapest way to get to Limerick from your city?

Plane and bus. A plane from Sevilla to Dublin and from there you can take a bus (if I remember it's the Dublin Coach M7) which you can catch directly from the airport (although it does stop off at Red Cow Luas) to the university.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Limerick?

I have so many recommendations of places to go on a night out. The first is the Stables on a Friday night, although during the week it is still good there and it is on campus. In the city I recommend Icon, Angel Lane, Nancy Blake's and the tennis club on Thursday evenings, because they organise dance classes and events where you can dance salsa, bachata and all of that. Definitely bare in mind that in some place they can ask you for your ID to get in.

Do you recommend eating out in Limerick? Can you tell us your favourite places?

I don't have any favourite place to tell you except for my apartment where I cook my own food! I've eaten in the Stables and the Eden. In the Stables for example, the menu is quite expensive and the food is average, except for sometimes when it can be quite good (the mashed potato and the fillets). In the Eden, the food is good but I still wouldn't rave about it, but I can't really make assumptions because I always ordered the same thing (chicken curry and rice), so I don't know if their other dishes are good or not.

My advice is to do your food shopping in Aldi and Lidl and cook your own meals. You can always put it in tupperware and re-heat it in the Student Union, or eat at home if you live on campus.

Do you have any recommendations of cultural attractions?

The Hunt Museum, King Castle, the Cathedral and the surroundings. You always have the option of taking a bus and going on a trip to other "nearby" cities such as Ennis, Galway, Kilaloe or even Dublin. I recommend the Cliffs of Moher, the Tower of Nenagh Castle, the Guiness Brewery and Trinity College (of which the last two are located in Dublin).

Is there any advice that you would like to give future students heading to Limerick?

Yes...

1) Join some societies and clubs

2) Make your own international family. Go to the Stables and get to know new people. Don't just get to know Spanish people. Make contact, create a WhatsApp group and meeting up with them is good, but have friends from all places and corners of the world.

3) Enjoy yourself to the fullest, make the most of every moment and experience everything you possibly can.