Embracing the Irish culture

I had the chance to spend two semesters as an Erasmus student at the University of Limerick in Ireland. This experience was so enriching and great that I've decided to share some facts about Ireland!

1. It is really easy to travel around the country if you're studying in UL. Indeed, the International Society is organising weekly trips to the main places to visit, at a very cheap price. During my stay, I had the opportunity to go to the Cliffs of Moher, Cork and Killarney National Park, but also to smaller but really typical places such as Lahinch (surfers are gonna love this village!) or to Lisdoonvarna for the famous Matchmaking Festival.

2. TGIF - International Party every Friday! Again, this is organised by the International Society, itself composed of both Irish and international students, always here to answer your questions and bring the fun on campus. There is an event every night at the main bar of the campus, but Friday is YOUR night if you're from abroad! Every week, the International Party has a new theme (from the classic Halloween to Mamma Mia and Beach party) and you're more than welcomed to bring your craziest costume.

3. Have a lot of craic! Craic (pronounced "crack") is the Irish word for "fun" and has nothing to do with drugs ;). With 70 Clubs & Societies, you can never get bored in UL! From the DJ society to the Archery Club, you will find your favourite hobby for sure.

4. Enjoy the great quality of teaching and a variety of classes. In UL, you will have both Lecture and Tutorial classes (and Laboratory-based classes according to your field of study), each of them taught by amazing academics. It is really easy to feel at ease in the classes, as the teachers always invite students to participate and to ask them any question in case of doubt.

5. Feel at home in your new student accommodation. I was staying in Groody Student Park, a student residence located 20min away from the campus and I had a wonderful stay. The rooms were big and quite cheap compared to other residences and there were a lot of rooms available. It was relatively easy to find accommodation thanks to the university, which helps International Students a lot and provides them with a lot of useful resources. They also offer on-campus accommodation for any student willing to apply.

6. Guinness and Bulmers will be like water to you. Yeah, it is true... Irish people drink a lot. But apart from this stereotype, Irish sure know how to party and you will meet dozens of new friends every day!

7. Irish people are as warm as the Irish weather is cold. On the very first day of my stay, I got off the bus at the wrong stop and I was lost in the middle of nowhere with my 20kg suitcase, getting soaked under the pouring rain. I saw a man getting in his car and I ran to him, asking for directions to the university... and he immediately offered to drive me there! Irish people bring the sun in a rainy country, their heart is warm and they are always here to help.

8. Limerick, "stab city"? No way! If you've heard of Limerick before you've probably heard about its bad reputation and sad appearance due to the grey stones used on every building. Well, I've always felt safe in the streets, no matter how late I was coming home. Limerick is also a really nice city with a lot of unexpected and typically-Irish cafés or vintage shops. Go have a walk in the city centre and let yourself forget about the stereotypes that you've heard!

9. Forget about football and support your County hurling team! Apart from rugby, Irish people are really proud of their national sport: hurling. It is a mix of various disciplines and will not leave you indifferent if you go watch a game. There is no apparent rules and it is quite violent, but you do not want to miss the chance to witness another aspect of the Irish culture. So grab your pint and get to the pub!

10. Don't be afraid of the weather.When I arrived in Ireland, I was surprised to see that the weather was not that bad. Yes, it rained on my very first day, but afterwards it was mostly sunny throughout September. It is true though that the weather changes very quickly (as the Irish say: "four seasons a day"), and that it is mostly raining during the year, but this should not stop you from enjoying your Erasmus adventure and search for the "Luck of the Irish" in this wonderful country :).