If you are like me, Ireland may have caught your eye due to its gorgeous scenery and climate.
I am from Michigan and have met many new friends from other Midwest states, including Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and more! I found that the climate here has been warmer than what we are used to, especially with our cold, snowy winters. In our terms, the lowest it has been is in the 40s (Fahrenheit), and even as we approach Halloween, it is not freezing yet. Layers have been the best thing for me, because they can really go from windy, rainy, and cold, to sunny and warm all in the same day. It is nice to always have my rain jacket, maybe a sweater than a t-shirt, so I can adjust for what will come.
Something that made me sad to leave home was the fear of missing out on Fall. Like the rest of us, we are used to leaves falling, temperatures dropping, pumpkin spice and apple flavours, and Halloween, of course. Thankfully, all of those experiences you can find here at UL. Ireland does have an Autumn, and it has been beautiful to watch how the trees have changed here. They also celebrate Halloween; there are multiple different activities and events throughout campus, just look for them to get in the spirit of things. In the city, stores such as Pennys, Flying Tiger, and even Halloween HQ will have decorations, costumes, and more for sale.
Another thing you might be considering is football. It might feel hard to miss out on a big season away from your team or school, missing tailgates and other things, but at UL, there are so many opportunities. Here, they even have an American Football Club you can join if you play, and many other sports to go and enjoy a game such as Rugby, Soccer, and Hurling. You can find almost anything here, with so many different Clubs and Societies that they offer. If sports are not your thing (me), you can find a space in arts, history, music, science, gaming, and pretty much anything you love.
Altogether, deciding to study abroad may feel like a big step, which is completely normal, but if you are from the Midwest, you may find the adjustment quite easy. With a climate that is similar, a predominantly English-speaking country, and similar holidays, UL can soon be your home away from home. Just know that you will not be alone, and many other people here are from the Midwest, so it is nice to find friends that you can connect with based on your region!
Study Ireland - Stories & Guides from International Students 
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