Pupil Ambassador Hailey Soucie shares her sincere tackle what it’s actually like to start out a semester overseas on the College of Limerick. From housing and transport to campus tradition, she’s obtained suggestions each worldwide pupil ought to know.
If I had been to have a do-over of my first semester of college overseas, there’s not a lot I’d change. Nonetheless, there are some things I want I’d identified forward of time. There’s a lot consolation in feeling in management, educated, and assured on the subject of faculty. Sadly, I didn’t really feel all of these issues till the top of my first semester, as there have been quite a few absences and gaps in my information. Fortuitously for you (the reader), I’ve some recommendation that I want I’d obtained a lot earlier.
My dad and mom are the kind who should know what is occurring, when, the place, and who’s concerned always. Sending their first youngster the world over was no straightforward feat. In an effort to keep away from a broad generalisation of all Irish universities, I’ll slender it right down to my establishment, the College of Limerick (in Limerick, Eire). They do issues in a really completely different means (a mixture of constructive and damaging) in contrast with any college in my house nation (the USA).
1. Urgency and Preparedness
In my expertise, the largest education-based divide is the sense of urgency within the provision of knowledge. For my household, this was extremely nerve-racking. Stateside, your semester’s schedule is given (usually) a minimum of one month earlier than the beginning of your semester. At UL, our lecture schedule is given not more than two weeks earlier than lessons start. The remainder of your lessons (tutorials and labs) are sometimes allotted after the primary week of lectures. There’s little or no room for changing into snug with a schedule earlier than the semester begins, for higher or worse.
One other cultural divide is the minimal communication relating to lodging and housemates. In March, I obtained discover that I had secured my most popular ‘village’, and I shortly paid the deposit. Nonetheless, the one communications after that had been purely to inform us of cost dates. I used to be not capable of finding out who my housemates had been or what home I used to be in till the day I obtained my keys. Coming from a university tradition the place it was widespread to fulfill your roommate(s) earlier than the semester begins, coming into a home the place I knew none of my 5 flatmates was a serious shock.
Total, none of this was notably damaging, however there was positively a component of unpreparedness for that tradition shock on my half. If you’re coming from a tradition just like the US (preparedness and early info), bear in mind that your info can and will come a lot later than you anticipate. Nonetheless, trust that the whole lot will work out. Even with my household’s stress and large emotions of underpreparedness, all of us turned extra snug with my scenario in time. Be affected person, however by no means hesitate to succeed in out for assist.
2. Lodging 
One thing to concentrate on is the restricted lodging accessible on most Irish campuses. With the large inhabitants inflow and the rising costs of land and constructing, universities can not sustain with demand. In case you intend to stay on campus, you should take the initiative and safe your home within the ‘lottery’ system as quickly as attainable. For UL, the housing lottery opens in March or April they usually shortly let whether or not or not you’ve secured lodging.
If you’re coming from far-off, that is probably the second most essential step to attending an Irish college (second solely to gaining admission). Bear in mind that lodging is an expensive endeavour. In preparation, attempt to save up anyplace from €2,000–€6,000 per semester (relying on the situation of your college). Don’t delay in arranging lodging, as discovering off-campus choices is time-consuming and requires sufficient time to view properties and signal your lease.
3. Public Transport 
That is simply probably the most accessible type of transportation round your metropolis and the nation. There are many bus routes and providers operating at many hours of the day, so positively make the most of them. Nonetheless (Irish locals will agree), you need to count on delays or irregular arrival occasions. When travelling to Dublin from many western cities, you need to permit round 30–45 minutes (on prime of the bus experience) for stops, delays, and climate. Don’t anticipate perfection, because it tends to be unlikely.
Getting a LEAP card is a necessity for those who don’t have a automotive or bicycle. Fares are cheaper for college college students, and this lets you have full entry to the town extra shortly than strolling or biking. Ask your college if they provide LEAP printing providers on campus, as this may can help you shortly obtain your card.
4. ‘Additional time’
Between college students and lecturers, when the category ends, it ends. All however one lecture I’ve attended has ended early or proper on time. Equally, campus providers will strictly adhere to their opening hours, and these usually differ. Pay attention to opening hours and make use of your providers whereas they final.
For college kids, some campus workplaces have various opening hours which can be at considerably irregular or illogical occasions. All the time verify, and bear in mind that even your lodging reception won’t at all times be open. This was a serious tradition shock for me, as I used to be used to close 24-hour service in lodging receptions and a constant 9:00–17:00 opening time for college providers. Whereas not inherently damaging, it was positively surprising.
Total, no matter the place you find yourself for school, there will probably be a good quantity of distinction between your expectations and actuality. These will probably be a mixture of constructive and damaging, however total, persistence and communication will strongly assist your journey in the direction of consolation.
Hailey Soucie is learning at College of Limerick by way of Training in Eire.
