Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Going on Erasmus means a personal challenge. You discover a new country, meet people from all over the world, and explore new cultures. In a way, you also discover yourself along this journey. When that journey began for me, I had two suitcases full of clothes, one power adapter, and no idea what I was doing. But I did have a notebook. The objective is not only to remember it in ten years, but to understand myself, my journey right now and be grateful for it. That’s how my diary was born.  

Why I started writing  

I’ve always liked taking notes on my phone, but the idea of having a real paper notebook sounded more appealing. Knowing that I can carrying a cute notebook where I could draw, add colour, and make it truly mine is so fun. Since I arrived here, it became a ritual. Whenever I felt something was worth noting down, even just a single sentence, I’d write it.  

Writing helped me capture those first emotions. It helps me to describe the little adventures that I experience. For example, the excitement of meeting other international students, cooking for the first time in a new kitchen or also constantly hearing the fire alarm that went off (those in Kilmurry know what I mean…).  

Writing also helped me to convey feelings like joy. My roommates and I’ve got into this reality TV show called Love Is Blind, the French version. We turned it into a little game: we cover the screen, take notes on the candidates, and try to guess who will end up together. I even have a whole “board” dedicated to it in my notebook. Later, when I read it, I can recall all those evenings spent on the couch, analysing, debating, and laughing way too hard over a one-hour episode… It’s a simple ritual, but it’s become one of those small memories that define why I want to keep them written forever. 

Why it is important to me  

Writing is significant to me. For example, to realize that I was accepted as an ambassador and to be able to write about it. That was an incredible day, filled with happiness and inspiring people. Writing helps me visualize what truly motivates me and makes me consider what I might want to do in the future, based on the feelings that this experience brought up. I know I haven’t lost my memory yet; you could tell that I just need to remember the emotions. But writing is special in a way that when I go back to what I wrote, I can reimagine the whole scene. Memories turn into something that I can relive, not just recall. 

Sometimes, it brings me to real personal reflection. How lucky I am to meet so many different people, to live in a great environment and to attend classes that genuinely interest me. I hope when I come back, I’ll see how I’ve evolved, how my thoughts were, how I’ve grown. Witnessing that process is fascinating for me, not just for myself, but also because of the people around me. It’s a reminder to feel grateful for those who have been part of my life since that day or that moment for example. 

Your turn to write a journal! 

Writing a diary is a benefit you give yourself. Grab any notebook, your notes app, or any paper, but write. It’s not a duty; it’s only for you. One day, you’ll be glad to read it again, to find this version of yourself. You’ll see, it’s like chocolate: you start, you can’t stop. 

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