My last month at the University of Limerick is a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s exam time, everyone’s studying and the library is packed. As an Erasmus student, you can feel the end approaching. You’re also already seeing the end of many events, especially those that welcomed us, like the international night at the Stables… or the weekly Globe events that introduced us to creative activities, languages, and various food tastings…
And on the other hand, it’s because the end is approaching that you want to do everything, and anything, all at once.
Right now, with a month to go, I feel overwhelmed. Between writing my essays, studying for exams, and listening to that little voice inside me that says: “Come on, take that path you’ve never taken before, go have a coffee at that place you’ve never been to, otherwise you might regret it.” And honestly, I do it. Because I tell myself it’s now or never.
Even if it seems trivial and not very important, I think we need to explore every corner we haven’t yet been to…
I also notice that everyone is in the same frame of mind. We’re motivating
ourselves for exams, but we always find time for one last quiz in a pub, a walk along the Shannon, one last night out at The Stables. We know that these “last moments” will add up quickly, so we have to make the most of them.
What I learned and what I recommend to future Erasmus students
Enjoy the campus and the city:
Even if you think you have plenty of time, a month is indeed a long time, but you’ll quickly realize how fast the year has flown by. So, take that little path you’ve never taken before, especially in Limerick. While Ireland is beautiful, a common theme in student testimony is that they didn’t fully experience their Erasmus host city. So, go to the Milk Market one last time, visit that park or museum you said you’d go to… now is the time!
Balance exams and experiences:
Studying is important, but you’re also here for the experience. Organize study groups with
your friends and help each other out. These are also memories to be made and moments
spent together that are part of your Erasmus life.
Write down your favourite moments:
Use a notebook, or even write down notes on your phone about every moment, even the smallest ones. You’ll be happy to re-read them when you get home. Take even more photos! You can make an album and remember your Erasmus experience for a lifetime.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself:
There’s no such thing as “success” in an Erasmus experience. Just because you didn’t go to a certain place or do a certain activity doesn’t mean you failed at Erasmus. What makes this experience one you’ll remember are the people you met and the moments you shared. It’s about having the courage to study in a foreign country and appreciating every moment you experienced.
This past month feels a bit like a retrospective. I’m starting to reflect of what I’ve experienced, and it allows me to savour these last moments even more. I know I’ll be going home soon, but I already feel that this version of myself, the one I’ve discovered here, is going home with me.
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