Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Dominika, an Erasmus student from Poland, shares her advice on showing up and trying new things to get the most out of your college experience:

Moving abroad from everything you know a a perfect opportunity to focus on yourself and try all the different things that you have always wanted to try, but was afraid of.

Studying Abroad

Since High School, I’ve dreamed about studying abroad, but when I went to college and I could finally make my dream come true, suddenly I got second thoughts and was afraid to do so. I even waited until the very last day to apply for the Erasmus program, because I realized that I would have to leave everything behind and be on my own. I’m so glad that I overcame my fear and did it, because studying abroad has been an amazing experience! I know that sometimes, in order to try new things, you have to get out of your comfort zone – which can be scary, but let me tell you that it will pass, and at the end it’s totally worth it! Since coming to University of Limerick, I have tried so many new things, that I want to share my experience with you, and hopefully inspire you to do the same!

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an influencer? 

If your answer is “yes”, then UL Global Ambassador’s program is perfect for you. When I first heard about this program, I was so excited to apply – but then it got me thinking that maybe it wasn’t for me, maybe I’m not creative enough, and the list goes on… Looking back now, I see that I was just afraid to try new things. And I’m really glad that I stuck through it, despite my fear, because I got the chance to meet many creative, ambitious and inspiring people, with whom I am now creating content for our university. Joining the program opened so many doors for me regarding taking part in events, and I got experience in making and editing videos and writing blogs. University of Limerick has many programs that are waiting for you to apply for them!

Looking for a friend?

I know from experience that moving abroad and going to a new University without all your friends can be overwhelming. Getting to know people takes a couple of days, and you may have so many questions on how the University works, what tutorials are and what’s the weather like… Lucky for you, UL has an amazing buddy program, which I take part in, and deeply encourage you to do the same! When you join the program, you will be matched with a UL student, based on your interests, what you like, etc. Your new friend will write to you right before your arrival, so you can get to know each other, and you can ask all the questions! Thanks to the Buddy program, I was less scared about going to UL, because I had this feeling that I had someone I could count on. Overall, I had an amazing experience with the program, and a few months later, I’m still in touch with my buddy!

Should I join a club?

At the beginning of the semester, I’ve joined the UL boxing club. And let me tell you, I was so stressed, because being a beginner is always hard for me. I was afraid of people judging me for not knowing the basics. At that time it seemed like an issue big enough for me to just not go. Now, when I’m writing this, I see how silly it was for me to be so afraid of other people’s opinions, and almost resigning from my desire only because of something that I thought might happen. To be fair, after a few months I’m still learning the basics and no one is laughing at me. Not only I’ve had an amazing time at the club and tried something new, but I’ve met so many people, who I now call friends! UL has over 70 different clubs and societies to offer, so please even if you are scared of meeting new people and doing something you have never done, just try and see what happens. Worst case scenario, you will leave club with ten new friends. 

You tell me that being volunteer is fun?

Absolutely yes! In University of Limerick, you have plenty occasions to be a volunteer and help with events, cleaning or taking part in UL’s programs. For me, volunteering was an excellent opportunity to do something good, gain experience and meet new people! If you are going to be at UL for the spring semester, I highly recommend being a volunteer for the St. Patrick’s parade. Then you can fully experience Irish culture and feel that you are being a part of something important. While volunteering, not only are you doing a good deed, but you can also work towards the President’s Volunteer Award (PVA), and who doesn’t like getting awards?

P.S Volunteering with your friends makes it so much better!

Should I go to this event that I have no idea about?

Since coming to UL I have tried more new things than for the past year. In University of Limerick there is always something going on! Every week there is a new event to attend and every one is different. Charity week, UL Global festival, trivia night and so many more. Of course, many times I was too tired or just thought that maybe it was not for me, but then I thought to myself that this was probably a once in a lifetime experience since I will be here only for one semester. So I went to as many events as I could, and I’m not regretting a thing! This includes events regarding topics that I had no idea about like a LinkedIn course, cooking demo or pottery. At every event I learnt something new, met people from different fields and backgrounds and had so much fun!

P.S : If that’s not convincing enough, at almost every event, there is free food!