Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

As semester one is ending, I fully understand why UL is coined ‘The Home of Firsts.’  Throughout the last few months, I auditioned and performed in my first proper musical theatre production, and I got hired to make social media content for the first time, both of which have been goals of mine for years. Also, my MA Journalism and Digital Communications course taught me many new skills, ranging from how to use the equipment in a recording studio, to how to write a breaking news article. I’m ending this year feeling proud of all I’ve accomplished. 

Through the process of stepping out of my comfort zone time and time again, I stumbled upon some challenges along the way. Here is what I wish I was told before I started my chapter as a master’s student. 

A master’s degree may require a different academic approach compared to a Bachelors 

The first half of the semester, before midterms, everything was smooth sailing. I had signed up for a few clubs and societies, I had loads of free time on my hands, and I felt content. Overall, my course load was very manageable. I was almost looking for things to do. 

Then, the midterms hit. My schedule got extremely busy and stayed that way until the end of the semester. My usual academic routines and habits that previously worked for me in my bachelor’s programme were proving to not be as sufficient.  

I didn’t fully realise that even if I love the topic I am studying, the programme will be substantially more time-consuming and demanding than my previous degree. The postgraduate programme expectations are much higher, and rightfully so.  

Some school-related lessons I learned along the way 

• Time management is key to a Master’s programme. Make a list of all the assignments, projects, and exams for the whole semester so nothing creeps up on you. Then, each week identify your priorities, allowing any other tasks to wait. Slowly chip away at the bigger projects each week to help them feel less daunting.  

• As long as you are doing your best, there is nothing more you can do. I learned it’s beneficial to detach myself from the letter grade I receive on a project, knowing that I am always putting my best foot forward, and the grades I receive are out of my control.  

• If your classmates are submitting their work early, that does not mean you are behind. Work at whatever pace suits you and try not to compare your process or your end results to those around you.  

• You will find your rhythm eventually. There is a whole lot of ‘newness’ happening at once, and that can be challenging to navigate. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to the novelty of it all.  

Meeting new friends takes time 

One of the biggest things I was looking forward to about returning to campus life was the high concentration of people my age, all in one place. With constant activities to partake in, how could I not meet just one person that I could spend time with, outside of school?  

I did all the “right” things; I signed up for clubs and societies, I went out to social events, I talked to people in my classes. But, as the weeks passed, I found myself feeling like I was lacking a genuine community. Nostalgia encompassed me as I longed for the high-quality friends I had back home.  

I then was reminded that there’s a bit of a dance required in forming friendships. Trust needs to be built, and comfortability needs to be fostered. Realistically (and somewhat annoyingly), forming meaningful relationships cannot be rushed. When I shifted my focus from finding friends to simply being my authentic self in all of my daily interactions, I was feeling way more compatible with those around me. Completely letting go of the search to find my community is what eventually lead me to finally making high quality connections, just by being myself.  

Schedule in time for breaks 

Balance is so important in the life of a student. All work and no play is no way to live at all! Looking back on semester one, I wish I would have been as serious about scheduling in fun activities as I was about sitting in the library for seven hours straight to finish a project. I learned that to do my work well, I also need to, well, spend time not working. 

Ideas to add more balance into the life of a master’s student 

• Change your environment to remind yourself that a whole world exists outside of the campus. Go to a new cafe in the city centre. Take a bus to a nearby town and explore their local shops. Go for a hike. Allow yourself to have an identity outside of being a student.  

• If you’re feeling drained from your schoolwork, ask yourself, honestly, what you really need that day. Maybe you need to move your body, or do some art, or talk to a loved one. Maybe you need to take a nap or eat a really comforting meal. It’s easy to neglect self-care when you’re caught up in the busyness of school. But these small actions go a very long way to maintaining your well-being. 

• Sometimes what you really need to do is less. Taking a day off is not lazy; it is a necessity. Even though at times I felt guilty for lying in bed and watching YouTube videos, I felt so much better afterwards, because it allowed my brain to quiet down during a hectic week. It is okay to not always be productive!  

All in all, it is an immense privilege to be a master’s student on the stunning University of Limerick campus. I have had amazing opportunities come my way every week that I am beyond grateful to have experienced. And, navigating the nuances of studying in a new country while pushing through academic challenges has built up my resilience, and shown me what my limits are.  

I hope this post gives you some helpful insights if you are considering enrolling in a Master’s programme, or are currently a master’s student. I could not recommend UL enough, as the possibilities of trying new things are endless. I’m looking forward to seeing what ‘firsts’ I collect next semester, at ‘The Home of Firsts.’ 

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