My home away from home!

I studied abroad at UL in the spring of 2019. My second week of the program, my grandmother (my best friend) passed away from a sudden heart attack. I wanted to go back home immediately but I decided to stay and it is hands down the best decision I have ever made, second only to my decision to attend college in the first place. I knew it was going to be difficult to be away from my family, friends, and home university for a semester, but my grandmother's passing made it even harder to be away from the familiar and comforting.

I will never forget the willingness the Study Abroad staff showed to support me before and after my grandmother's passing. There were countless afternoon conversations over tea, walks around campus, and helpful nudges in the right direction in the weeks following my arrival in Ireland. I truly do not think I would have stayed if it hadn't been for them.

My flatmates and the other friends I had already made in my first week of the program were also a major reason why I decided to stay. They are also the reason that my time was so enjoyable, even when it was hard. Without hesitation, they scooped me up and reminded me what it felt like to be happy again. I will never forget the nights spent at home watching bad movies, the takeout we ate by the river, and every single Friday night at Stables.

Above all, my time at UL gave me relationships that I will have for the rest of my life. The friends I made in Limerick are friends I still have today. We talk or video chat at least once a month despite all of the different timezones! I truly could not have asked for a better experience and I am grateful each and every day that I went to Ireland and most of all, that I decided to stay. Thank you, UL!