Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Hello, everyone. My name is Thuy Quynh Nguyen, a Vietnamese student who is pursuing a master’s program at “Functional foods and product development” at the University of Limerick (UL). In this post, I will share what has impressed me since arriving in UL.  

1. Smile and smile, hospitality 

     I came to Limerick on a sunny summer afternoon. Everything in Ireland and Limerick made me curious and nervous because I had been fostered in Southeast Asia culture, where everything in my home country- Vietnam is so different from there. Moreover, this is the first time I had left my comfort zone to follow my dream in a foreign country. But the smiles and hospitality of local people enhance my inner strength. I had a short time to live in Cappavilla village, this is one of the most beautiful on campus in my eyes at UL. Back to the time that I had struggled with my luggage to transport to Capavilla village , an Irish man with a beautiful smile on his face approached me and helped me to pull my luggage to the accommodation. As I also remembered that while I was walking on the Living Bridge, I came across the local people who were hanging out on the bridge and always said “Hello” with smiles on their faces. I had used to have a poker face, but everything has changed since I have stayed in Limerick, Ireland. I have learned to smile more than in the past. It made me change gradually so I can learn how to keep the peace in my mind because of smiles and hospitality.   

2. Green: Nature to your mind.  

As a person who loves the beauty of nature. UL is a great destination which is not only a destination to study but also provides me with “green” spaces to immerse myself in the breath of nature. It is easy to see birds walking around campus. I love the feeling of standing on the Living Bridge, where I can look out into the distance and observe the swans that are swimming in the River Shannon. It can help me balance my mind. Sometimes, I can meet some local people who can elaborate on the history of Limerick.  

     If you are a huge fan of outdoor activities, UL is a great destination where you can find more spaces to practice your favorite sports. The atmosphere as the facilities in UL Arena Sport or UL clubs will offer many chances that you can embark yourself in new experiences.  

3. Library  

Of course, the library is my favorite location  where I can spend my time studying or reading books. The Glucksman library is named after Lewis and Loretta Brennan Glucksman who donated to the library in the 20th century. The library provides thousands of books and documents along with an online document base, which can assist me enhance my knowledge easily. Furthermore, the architecture of the library is so unique and modern but designed to blend into nature, utilizing the most natural light to make users feel relaxed.

4. Rainbow 

Rain is the main feature of Ireland’s weather but it can be stopped in a short time so I can admire the appearance of rainbows on a sunny day. Rainbow is an indispensable part of summer at UL. It evoked magical moments that I had read in fair stories that derived from  Europe.