Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Read Soucie’s blog about university differences they noticed after coming to study their Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology at the University of Limerick!

Coming from the United States, my college experience at UL has vastly differed from that of my family and friends. I am from Lincoln, Nebraska, home of one of the most iconic schools in the Midwest: The University of Nebraska, Lincoln (UNL). Having such a strong presence in everyday life in Lincoln, my expectations for a college experience were very influenced by UNL. Overall, there’s a list of things I wish I had known (or at least expected) before coming to UL as an American who only knew the US College Traditions.  

Moving In 

At UNL, which will be my point of reference, there is a massive tradition of completely outfitting your room with anything and everything imaginable. A friend of mine brought in a 60-inch flatscreen TV, a minifridge, and a gaming PC. His roommate brought a full-sized sofa, a PS5, and an abundance of LEGO sets. While this is a right of passage for many students in the US, it was not feasible (to my mother’s dismay) for a move abroad. Between the difference in dorm culture and the luggage weight capacity for travel, packing for move-in day must be exact and calculated.  

Part of the tradition of “Move-in Day” is a fast-paced and chaotic whirlwind of thousands of students all moving in with multiple cars worth of their dorm decor and necessities. Expecting a similar storm, my family and I prepared by scouting out parking spots around campus that were unlikely to be commonly used (to avoid traffic and get parking). So, when we arrived at Kilmurry Village on September 1st to an empty neighbourhood, we were astounded. Luckily, the signage assured us that we were in the right place, but the absence of hundreds of families rushing around was eerie to us. In a more personal sense, I was so happy with that difference in tradition, as I was able to move in and explore without the pressure of rush. My family and I were able to get all of my things in order and unpacked over a few hours at our own pace.  

All this to say, the students coming from countries with similar traditions of move-in day rush should be prepared for a much calmer and less structured event. 

Necessary Preparations and Expectations 

In general, three orders of business are incredibly important for international students (planning to be at UL for more than a semester) to have on their checklist. Briefly, I will detail some helpful tips that I learned from my own experiences of obtaining these things.  

1. Cell Phone Plan 

There are many options for a phone plan in the city of Limerick. Personally, for convenience, I use Vodafone as my service (thus, I will only speak to this provider). There are ultimately three options for how to have cell phone access in Ireland as a student from abroad. The first is to continue on an abroad plan from your home country (this ended up being about $10 per day through my provider, thus not a viable option for me). The second is to disable your phone plan through your home country’s service and replace it with an Irish service using a SIM card and a provider. Finally, the third option (and the option I went through with), is to have a second phone with an Irish service (this may be more convenient for those who are staying for more than two years in their program but plan to return to their home country over the winter and summer holidays).  

For the second, most common, pathway, this process is generally pretty self-explanatory. First, you remove your SIM card from your device (for Apple devices, it’s the small oval with the hole in the side of your phone) and then replace it with the free Vodafone card from UL. Then, KEEP THE PACKAGE, go on wifi, and get the Vodafone app. You will register for a new account with your phone number (the number on the packaging of the SIM card). Some advice for non-Europeans: make sure to include a zero before the 87… part of the number (ex. 087 123 4567). Then you can either set up an automatic withdrawal or you can set up a monthly ‘top-up’ manual payment plan. Through Vodafone, there are both €20 and €30 plans, and at that point, you can make your choice. 

For the third option, which was the choice I made, be prepared for the extra expense. I used my high school graduation money to purchase a secondary cell phone, which I permanently have an Irish SIM card in. Through this method, I have my USA phone on a temporary vacation-hold at a reduced price for the months I am away for school. At the end of the second semester, I intend to return back to the US for summer work and to live at home in Nebraska until the beginning of the next academic term. At that point, I will reactivate my USA phone and will not re-top my Vodafone account. As I intend to stay in Ireland for the full four years of my Bachelor’s programme, this was a choice I made to ensure constant access to cellular data and calls.  

I would recommend getting a cell phone plan, regardless of which method you go about it. I have needed it for miscellaneous directions around the city and for communicating with people while not having access to WiFi.  

2. Bank Account 

A bank account is by no means a necessity, however it is convenient for a myriad of reasons. While one could easily live with only cash and a credit card from their home country, if you were to lose the card or if it were to get frozen, you’ve suddenly lost access to reliable funds. Second, international debit cards tend to have extra charges, so if you wish to continue on a debit-type account or at some point begin to work in Ireland, a bank account is necessary. To set up a bank account, you must have funds (cash, cheque, or wired). I travelled with two different sets of Euro, one with the sole intention of deposit, and the other for casual spending.  

Due to its proximity to campus, I have my account through the Bank of Ireland (BOI). This process was not possible to complete until after I had fully moved onto campus. To start a checking account, you (as an international student) must take a photograph of your passport through their website, have proof of address, and have an official address for your card to be sent to. On account of the system used by the university accommodation system, you will not have access to the exact address of your residence on campus until you get your keys. Only at this point can you go to the Village Reception to get a proof of address printed. Then you will need to use both of these documents and follow the directions on their website to open an account.  

After this, in 1-5 business days, you will receive your IBN (Bank Number) and you can deposit physical cash or cheques immediately. If you wish to wait, you can also do this at an ATM after you receive your card and PIN number.  

3. Abroad Voting Registration 

Much like your bank account, this process can only be started once you gain your official address on move-in day. For American students, this is through the website www.FVAP.gov, and for other international students, this can be done through separate government agencies. Frankly, it’s unnecessarily complicated and requires a lot of printing, mailing, and other such things. I believe that everyone should vote, but it’s completely understandable if the whole process doesn’t feel worth it. Do your best and give it a shot! 

Food and Dining 

Unlike universities in America, UL does not have buffet-style dining halls. On campus, there are a few coffee shops, pubs, and restaurants, but none of them are large cafeteria-style dining on par with that in the states. This is, of course, because all campus accommodation has a full-size kitchen with appliances such as an induction stove, refrigerator, freezer, oven, and microwave. Cooking is encouraged, as it is a life skill for post-college life, and it also aids in a cheaper college experience. Eating on campus isn’t cheap by any stretch, and while the food is convenient upon occasion, it shouldn’t really be relied on as a sole source of one’s meals. I used this opportunity to build life skills such as grocery shopping, budgeting, and meal prepping/planning.  

As an enjoyer of ethnic cuisine while in America (Vietnamese, Chinese, Mexican, Thai, and Middle Eastern), I must issue a kind warning to my kindred spirits: there are one or two options for each cuisine with authentic ethnic food/recipes in Limerick. Some good spots around town include: Camile for Thai cuisine, Achari for Indian cuisine (make sure to request the ‘Indian’ menu), and Mejana for Lebanese cuisines. Chinese/Asian restaurants are very common, and often you’ll find a mix of East Asian dishes on the menu. I found that Lana has a few gems on their menu, while there is a location in Castletroy, the city centre one is my favourite! Have your fill of all those delicious foods you’re used to while in the States and begin to learn recipes of your favourites (because it’s highly unlikely you’ll get the same experience here!!!). When visiting Dublin for your immigration appointment, take the opportunity to explore some of the restaurants there as well.