Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Hello, it’s Thuy Quynh Nguyen. Now I am a master student at “Functional foods and product development” in University of Limerick (UL). Studying abroad is a novel  experience, most of us would like to find the connection between the new and old things. In this post, I will share some tips that help you to adapt in the new environment in Limerick. Most of it relates to food and drink! It sounds great?  

1. Fresh food around University of Limerick 

      Did you know there are some Irish butchers near the University of Limerick where you can find fresh food? Opposite the UL Flagpole, there’s a butcher shop called Tom’s that always offers a 10% discount to students on the total receipt. The other is Jim Flavin Butchers, which has been established for over 25 years. It’s located on Dublin Road, about a 15-minute walk from UL’s East Gate. You can find some special offers regularly in this store.                                                  

        However, every Tuesday, a farmers’ market takes place in the UL Courtyard, where you can find a variety of seasonal items. From drink to fresh foods or bicycle repair, it can be found in this farm market. There’s also the Milk Market in town which has fresh produce on Saturday mornings. 

2. Shopping in Asia supermarkets 

The best way to make a new friend is through someone’s stomach. We can cook some Vietnamese food to invite new friends and make their connection. Most Vietnamese ingredients could  be found easily in Asian supermarkets. However, you need to go straight ahead in the  direction of the city centre to pick up some items. There are my three top list Asian supermarkets in Limerick, which are Yong Xing, Cheong Heng Hong and Carnival Asia Supermarket. 

3. Bubble teas! Or Matcha latte 

Most Vietnamese students will miss the taste of bubble teas when they study abroad. Fortunately, there are some bubble tea shops with an impressive taste in Limerick. My favourite  is Nana’s Tea and Spice Guys and the other is Chatime, which is a germ store in Crescent Shopping Centre. Take the bus 304 or 304A in the UL Student centre bus stop and grab for bubble teas.  

If you are in the class and crave for matcha latte. Drop in Scholar Clubs at University  to pick up a cup of matcha. It will help you diminish your stress when immersing themself in matcha flavor in University.  

4.  Discount/Voucher  

One of the concerns about financial management for students is how to save as much money in a sustainable way. I have some tips for shopping in the supermarket. There are some famous supermarkets around UL, like Lidl, Supervalu. You can download the app to keep up with the updated promotion to save your budget. You can select optimal offers which are fabulous for your pocket.