Best decision of my life - Studying at UL

Studying abroad at the University of Limerick was the single best experience of my life. Studying here provided the experience of an Irish college campus as well as experiencing an Irish city (just a 7-10 min drive to downtown Limerick). The university itself is stunning and full of opportunities for student involvement. Countless clubs and activities for everyone. The support international students receive from UL is overwhelmingly helpful. Because of the large percentage of international students I was able to make friends with Irish students as well as friends from all over the world. My classes were interesting, but were not overwhelming (which was good for the specific experience I was looking for). I recommend taking Introduction to traditional Irish music and dance. It was so much fun, and I learned a lot about the Irish culture. Limerick city is also amazing. They have a milk market every weekend that has amazing food and trinkets. Many stores (my FAVORITE was Penny's). Great restaurants and pubs. The city is also home to two other universities so it has a lot of night life catering to the college ages. The nightlife was so much fun! The campus bar, Stables, always had events going on. Every Friday they host international night which is SO much fun! If you want a crazier night out Limerick city has many clubs and pubs that I am sure will fulfill what your looking for. The food was really good. I had a kitchen so I cooked for myself and all the food was great quality. The food when I went out to eat whether on campus or in the city was always good. Unfortunately for coffee drinkers, the coffee does not even compare to the coffee in the states. Also, iced coffee doesn't exist. Living accommodations weren't bad. Back in the states I always shared a dorm room, but at UL everyone gets their own room and shares a kitchen with roommates. Depending on which student housing you are put in you could get your own bathroom. I lived in Plassy village (an older village) I shared a bathroom with three other girls and shared my house with seven others. Although it was not the best living accommodations I loved my roommates and wouldn't have wanted to live anywhere else. If you are looking to travel within Ireland, UL is great. The International club has trips all over Ireland that you can sign up for. As for traveling Europe you usually have to take a bus to Dublin Airport (Cheaper flights than Shannon airport). The bus ride is about 3 hours but the buses have free wifi and run on every hour. It really is not that bad. I recommend traveling the UK while your in Ireland. The flights are cheap and I was able to see a lot of cities I would have never gone to otherwise (Edinburgh, Scotland -Liverpool, England - London, England - Chester, England - Essex, England - Conwy, Wales - Lllandundo, Wales). I absolutely recommend this university, this city, this Country, it was life changing.