At University College Dublin, my academic journey is characterized by a blend of challenging yet fulfilling experiences. Competent lecturers foster a stimulating environment through engaging lectures and discussions. The institution offers an array of opportunities for students to partake in extracurricular activities, internships, and research projects.

As an international student at UCD, I can confidently say that it has been a transformative and enriching experience. UCD provided me with the opportunity to pursue my dream course and study at a world-renowned university with highly esteemed professors and a diverse student community. The moment I was awarded the 100% Global Excellence Scholarship and admitted to UCD was one of the most emotional and heartening days of my life.

One of the aspects I appreciate the most about UCD is its vibrant and inclusive environment. Interacting with students from diverse backgrounds allowed me to develop a holistic understanding of different perspectives and outlooks. The university encourages intermingling with people from various cultures, fostering a welcoming and cosmopolitan atmosphere. As the International Campaign Co-ordinator for UCD Students’ Union, I had the privilege to work closely with international students, gaining unique insights and experiences that broadened my horizons.

Dublin, as a city, offers a student-friendly and multicultural hub for innovation and change. The people here genuinely care about democratic rights and the well-being of citizens, regardless of their backgrounds. This sense of care and inclusivity makes it easier for international students to settle in. However, the high cost of living and rent can be a challenge for some students. Nevertheless, Dublin and UCD present ample part-time job opportunities, providing financial relief and valuable work experience.

UCD’s diverse clubs, societies, and events add vibrancy to campus life. Cultural societies celebrating various countries’ traditions promote engagement and awareness, making students feel at home and fostering connections to their roots. Active participation in these activities enhances the college experience for international students and enables them to make the most of the opportunities presented by UCD.

Overall, I highly recommend UCD to prospective international students. The university not only offers an exceptional education but also provides a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and academic excellence. The experiences I have had at UCD have been invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me. If you are looking for a university that values diversity, encourages academic exploration, and offers a rich student life, UCD is the perfect choice.

For me, University College Dublin ticked all the boxes I needed to tick at the time. A large, sprawling campus with a diverse student population from all over the world is located in the capital city, far from the rural backroads of my hometown. Because of its outward-looking approach, I feel I received an education in both an academic and social sense. Academically, lecturers come from all over the world and are spearheading research in their respective fields and impart not only their knowledge but their enthusiasm for their research. Moreover, sharing such a diverse space with people from all over the world gave me the chance to develop and put the work into learning about myself, which is just as integral as any academic training one can receive.
Were I to offer advice for a room for improvement it would pertain to student welfare. Specifically, housing, cost of living, and student activism. The University does not offer enough support to those from disadvantaged backgrounds and where it does I feel it neglects those from rural backgrounds in favour of those from the Dublin area. Management earns too much money for the little investment government funnels to third-level institutions, student activists are disempowered and the student population lacking in morale as a result of the seemingly insurmountable slew of problems faced by students living in the big city.

Studying at UCD for Masters’s is very rewarding. The student life is amazing as are the programs. Most of the courses are for one year only and are in three trimesters. The subjects are very quintessential for the field of study and are up to date with the external world.
Apart from studies, there are a lot of student clubs where one can be a part of and meet people from many different countries.