Excellence, Opportunities, Welfare

Coming from the Catholic University of Paris, I have studied one semester (september-december 2015) at DCU.
Overall this semester was a fantastic experience for me. This might sound too general but I better grasp the plurality of the world in which I am living today thanks to this experience. And this is not the case of all my fellow students in Paris. I am not meaning that they are not open to the world, but the experience abroad is a much better way of understanding our world.

In that matter, DCU is a great University. I have been warmly welcomed with a pre-semester week specifically organized for foreign students. I was assisted during the choice of the modules and during the whole semester by a very competent and available International Office.

Regarding accomodations, DCU must be one of the most modern University in Europe. Welfare and after-school activities are a significant part of DCU's policies. The Helix building welcomes films, conferences and drinks party. The huge library grants students with thousands of textbooks and articles in each academic field. Those crucial resources are available on DCU's website. It is very convenient to borrow a book or to download an article. Sports are also encouraged in DCU. Football, rugby grounds, tennis courts, swimming pool and gym rooms are available and included in tuition fees. I have been delighted to take part in a well-organized five-a-side football league that gathers students from all other the world. The spirit was amazing.

Finally, a part from the excellence of modules granted, the most amazing experience for me was the impetus laid on student life. This student life is really prompted by DCU's administration. I can not count how many events I have been to, how many societies exist. The most amazing thing for me was to discover that student life had a proper building -the HUB. The Student Union is working all day long to help students register to events, pay their Leap card for Dublin Buses, basically give information on societies etc. Every week there is a theme such as mental health or Sexual Health Awareness & Guidance that grant students with interest and knowledge on the subject. I took part in 3 different societies (International relations society, DCU astro league, DCU Surf'n Sail society, Esoc) but I could have taken part in far more if I wanted to. In deed the subscription to each society costs 4€. In concrete terms, I enjoyed great "craics" (real Irish world) on campus events, attended conferences with the Palestianian Ambassador in Ireland and went surfing in Bundoran in October !

From a French point of view, it was a real pleasure to meet appreciated Dubliners, to discover Dublin - its joyful atmosphere and typical weather, and to study in an open University.

A sincere thank you