A simple student guide to settling into life at the University of Limerick
Hi, I’m Meryem, a second-year Law Plus student at the University of Limerick. Starting university can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time, especially during the first few weeks. From finding your way around campus to getting organised with your timetable, a few small steps early on can make a big difference. Here are five simple tips that can help new UL students settle in with more confidence.
Get to Know the Campus
One of the best things you can do in your first week is take time to walk around campus and get familiar with the main buildings. Finding your lecture rooms, the library, key student spaces, and practical facilities early on can make your first few days feel much less stressful.
The UL campus maps page is especially useful because it includes more than just the main campus layout. You can also find maps for water refill stations, gender neutral bathrooms, and main building wayfinding. You can view it here: Campus Maps | University of Limerick.
Room names can also start to make more sense once you know the logic. In many teaching buildings, the first part refers to the building, the second to the floor, and the final number to the room. For example, DG016 means Main Building, Block D, Ground floor, Room 016. Learning that system early can save a lot of time when moving between classes.
Learn Your Way Around the Library
The library quickly becomes one of the most useful places on campus, so it is worth getting to know it as early as possible. It is not just for borrowing books. It is also a great place for quiet study, group work, printing, finding academic support, and borrowing useful equipment.
A good starting point is the Use the Library page, which brings together the main services and practical information in one place.
As you settle in, it is helpful to take note of the study spaces that suit you best, bookable rooms for group work, and services such as laptop lending and book returns. I also suggest the Makerspace, which introduces students to creative and practical tools in a very accessible way.
Explore Clubs and Societies
Joining a club or society is one of the easiest ways to meet people and feel part of campus life outside the classroom. Whether you are interested in sport, culture, volunteering, hobbies, debating, or simply meeting new people, there is usually something for everyone.
If you are not sure where to begin, the UL Wolves website is the easiest place to explore what is available and sign up. Browse clubs and societies on UL Wolves.
Even joining one or two groups can make a big difference in helping you build friendships, feel more comfortable on campus, and create a routine outside lectures.
Get Familiar with Your Timetable
Your timetable is one of the most important things to understand at the start of term. Checking it early helps you know where you need to be, when your classes take place, and how to plan your week in a way that feels manageable.
The UL timetable site is the best place to start, and the timetable explanation section is especially worth reading because it helps make the layout and terminology much clearer for new students.
Once you get used to checking your timetable regularly, it becomes much easier to stay organised, avoid confusion, and feel prepared for each day.
Download the MyUL App
The MyUL app is a really useful tool because it brings key university services together in one place. It is designed to support students on the go and can make everyday university life much easier.
As highlighted in Fiona’s notes, the app includes real-time access to important features such as your timetable, library access pass, an interactive campus map, and access to key student supports. Having these services on your phone means you do not need to search for everything separately.
If you are new to UL, downloading the app early is a simple step that can help you stay organised and connected from the beginning.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Everyone is new at some point, and no issue is too small or too great to ask about. If you are experiencing any kind of difficulty, whether it is academic, personal, financial, emotional, spiritual, or practical, there are support services at UL that can help.
• EO-020 / UL Global Reception – A helpful first point of contact for international student support and general guidance.
• Student Support Services – A central place to explore the supports available to students across university life.
• globalengagement@ul.ie – A dedicated team for International Student Engagement.
• Learning Centres – Useful for study skills, writing support, and developing academic confidence.
• Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service – Support for emotional wellbeing, mental health, and personal challenges.
• Chaplaincy – A welcoming support space for conversation, reflection, and spiritual support.
Starting university is a big change, but you do not have to figure everything out alone. Reaching out early can make your experience much easier, and UL has a wide range of supports in place to help students settle in and thrive.
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