Details

• Ireland
• BaWiSo-19
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I had to think of how to plan my semester in WU right, so that I would not have any exams taking place at the time of my exchange semester. I did my research on the city, university, places to visit etc. Also, I had to do a lot of research for Visa purposes as I am not an EU citizen. I travelled to Dublin on the plane. I have not prepared much else, just packed everything I needed and flew to Dublin.

2. Accommodation

Accomodation search was quite stressful as I wanted to live on campus and you only find out if you got a room a month before the start of semester. I did not search for anything else and I can also say there are not that many options. I lived in Village Halls D, student residence. Honestly, I was quite disappointed as I paid a lot (1500 euros) for a tiny room, but thinking that it will be great as it is basically the most expensive dorm. I had problems with heating and my radiator was cold most of the time (btw it officially only works like 6-8h a day, but in my case it was cold 24/7). I had to by a heater because I literally could not handle how cold it was. I texted the reception and went there multiple times, a few times a technician came but nothing has changed except that it could now be barely warm at the lowest part of radiator, which was still really really BAD. I asked some people from the Block C and they did not have the same problem. Our floor kitchen was also freezing. After 10 times that I asked to fix this, basically nothing has changes. Also, the water pressure from the shower was a joke, I felt like I was in a 2star hotel. Of course, nothing has changed in this case as well, despite my requests. Same thing, people from Block C said it was fine. Speaking of location, it was great, very close to the uni, safe and great neighborhood. I wish I knew that I should not have lived in Village Halls.

3. Academic life at host university

Campus was great, there are restaurants, coffee places, everything is nice. It is very green, there are gyms and a lot of things a student might need, even a bar. Academically I would say UCD is easier than WU. I also like the teaching in WU more, lecturers especially. Unfortunately, I can not highly recommend any cources that I took.

5. Every day life in the host country

Dublin bus is the public transport that is mostly being used. Sometimes it is very unpredictable and unreliable, you have to keep that in mind. The cost of one trip is 2 euros coins or with a regular Leap card. There is also a student Leap card that you should order in advance as with it the cost of the trip is 1 euro. Safety in Dublin, in my opinion, is great, I never really felt unsafe. There is a big pub culture obviously, a lot of bars. There are some nice clubs and I felt like there is enough to do in the city. There are a lot of beautiful places around Ireland that you should definetely check out. Do not be scared to rent a car and drive on the other side as it is not scary at all and I now regret not doing it earlier. There are a lot of sports options on campus, but I do not advise ever choosing tennis as you will basically never have a training, because they are always outside and always being cancelled due to the courts being flooded (90% of the time). Speaking of events on campus, I took part in everything on the orientation week and I really advise evrybody to be there as it is THE time when you become friend with somebody, so I think it is really important to be there during this time. Other events that were happening throughout the semester were not my cup of tea, they were boring. Also, I was expecting WAAAY more events by the ESN as there were only idk...three??? It was very disappointing for me as I was really counting on meeting people there.

6. Testimonial

It was a nice change of sceenery, of the usual lifestyle. I think it is a great experience for everybody. I loved the nature of Ireland, the people were very nice, helpful and open (something I really miss), I have never met such genuinely nice people before. I had some great talks, met great people and saw beautiful places.