Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Have you ever wondered how A students get perfect scores and how backbenchers get lower grades? Well, it all comes down to two extremes: the good and the bad. But there’s a balance where you can be an A student and still have fun. How? Read through the next few paragraphs to get the best tips! 

You want to be an A student, and you also want to have fun just like me. Then, you have to put in more work than the A student who does nothing but study, or the backbencher who says no to studying and yes to fun only. 

TIPS: 

1. Attend all classes and LISTEN: You must pay more attention in class than anyone else, because while you want to have fun afterward, it will help you when studying for tests and exams later. Take note: you must be an ACTIVE listener in class, not a passive one. This means putting away distractions (e.g., your phone) and paying full attention. 

2. Collaborate with coursemates: Apart from your lecturers, your coursemates are your next source of help. In project groups or regular class sessions, learn to actively participate, communicate, and contribute. 

3. Study: Try to study for at least one (1) hour each day. As the saying goes, “A little drop of water makes a mighty ocean”—just with time. Start studying 5-6 weeks before exam week so that no subject catches you unprepared. 

4. Have fun: Fun can mean different things to different people. For me, it’s playing volleyball, tennis, being part of the student ambassador community, and enjoying comedy. Make sure to have fun because studying for long periods can lead to boredom, and your brain will switch off after a few hours. Even a short jog is great for brain function. 

5. Be confident: You need to be confident and positive about your abilities. As a Christian, I always speak into my day, saying, “I’m excellent today!” Find your positive mantra and stick to it. 

WHAT CAN A STUDENT DO FOR FUN? 

As I mentioned earlier, it depends on your personal likes and dislikes, but here are some fun activities you can explore: 

1. Join the UL Student Ambassador Programme: This programme gives you the opportunity to network, pick up new skills, contribute to the UL community, and even become eligible for the President’s Volunteer Award. Follow @ulglobal on social media. 

2. Join a Club or Society: I joined the volleyball club, and it has been a great source of friendship and physical training for me. You can find a club that interests you at https://ulwolves.ie. 

3. Go to fun parties: There are events at Stables or around UL. Keep an eye out for them. 

4. Explore Limerick: Limerick has beautiful tourist spots that you can visit. Through the student ambassador program, I got to see Bunratty Park, which was amazing, and I made new friends. Even though I’m afraid of heights, I climbed up the castle and took a picture!