Details

• Ireland
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

I had visited Ireland before to take an English language course, and I originally wanted to study there before choosing to do my degree at WU. Because of this, I thought the exchange program at UCC would be a great chance to study at an Irish university and experience life in a small town, because I felt a need to take a break from the city pace of life. My biggest tip, especially for students from non-EU countries, is to prepare your visa documents as early as possible. Some documents needed for the visa are different from the university requirements. For example, UCC did not require proof of English level, but it was still needed for the visa application. However, there is no need to worry too much, because UCC is always ready to support students and usually replies very quickly to questions. I also recommend using the Goin app, which can help you connect with other students before arriving and make the transition easier. Be aware of the city size. Cork is quite a small town, and for me it was difficult to adjust to living in a place with fewer activities and less public transportation compared to a bigger city. Living there can be more convenient if you have a car, especially for getting around more easily and exploring places outside the city center. Checking UCC student clubs and societies before arriving can also be helpful. There are many options, and looking at them in advance can help you save time and join activities smoothly. Another useful tip is to follow the university’s Instagram page. They share a lot of information about events, activities, and important deadlines, so it helps you stay updated and not miss anything important. Almost every registration is made on that platform. Also, be prepared for the weather. It was difficult for me at first to live in a place where it rains almost every day, so bringing suitable clothes and being mentally prepared for the rainy climate can really help, because the weather is really extremely bad sometimes.

2. Accommodation

There are not many accommodation options in Cork, especially for exchange students. Most rooms in student residences are rented for a minimum of one year, which can make it difficult to find housing for only one semester. I chose Yugo Melbourn Point because it was easy to book for one semester. It is located in the west of Cork. It took me around 40 minutes to walk to the college, or about 20 minutes by bus. The residence was quite far from grocery stores, and there were not many good food options nearby. Cork is generally a safe city, so I personally did not have any problems regarding safety. One tip I wish I had known before is not to rush too much when choosing accommodation. I wanted to secure a place as early as possible, but later I received an offer from the UCC accommodation office about one month before moving. Even though it was a bit more expensive, it would have allowed me to live much closer to the campus and the city centre, it would save me lots of time.

3. Academic life at host university

The campus is huge compared to WU, so getting from one part of the campus to another can sometimes take quite a long time. One thing I especially noticed compared to WU was the lecture structure. Classes were usually much shorter, often taking place twice a week for only one hour each and without breaks, which felt very different from the longer lecture format at WU. The academic culture is generally very relaxed and there is no pressure on students at all. The friendliness of the Irish is not a stereotype, they actually are very nice and always ready to help. I also noticed differences in teaching style. Students use electronic devices much less frequently during lectures and often take notes on paper instead. Some professors do not allow laptops or tablets during class, which I personally found difficult because I sometimes needed to translate certain terms or concepts. I would especially recommend the Ancient Ireland course because it included a free field trip to several places that are not very touristy but still extremely interesting to visit. These were locations I probably would not have discovered on my own. I would also recommend the Economics and Labour Market course, especially for students who would like to travel around the country during the semester, because the course is clearly structured, all requirements were clear and lectures were recorded. Attendance was generally not mandatory (as for all modules I made). Some professors tracked attendance informally, but mostly just to see who attended classes rather than as a strict requirement. There are many food options available on campus, although most of them are fast food. It is still possible to find healthier meals such as salads, but overall the selection is not really good. One aspect I really appreciated is the university’s strong focus on sustainability. For example, takeaway coffee is only served in reusable cups. Overall, the campus environment is very pleasant. The university is located close to the city centre and offers a lot of green and natural spaces. However, the facilities are not as modern as those at WU Vienna. For example, the library felt rather stuffy, but had many zones (creative, calm, podcast room etc). One thing that surprised me was that students were allowed to enter the library wearing outdoor clothes and sometimes even bring food inside. Also you can easily print and scan documents there.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transport in Cork mainly consists of buses. Waiting times can sometimes be quite long, and on buses only coins or a Leap Card are accepted for payment. I mostly used trains when travelling to other cities in Ireland. In my experience, trains were punctual and relatively affordable, especially with a Student Leap Card. Regarding safety, Cork is generally considered a safe city according to UCC staff. However, I personally noticed quite a large number of homeless people and sometimes people behaving strangely on the streets. I also rarely saw police officers in public, and some of my Irish friends mentioned that they felt there was a lack of police presence in the city centre. In terms of social and leisure activities, Cork is a rather small city, so there are naturally fewer options compared to larger cities. Nevertheless, it is usually still possible to find activities, cafés, pubs, or events to enjoy with friends. A lot of events and activities are organized by different communities in college, they take place every weekend. Saint Patrick´s Day is celebrated during the spring semester, the most important holiday in Ireland. I attended the Saint Patrick's Day parade in Cork, but personally I found it a bit disappointing. For me, it felt more focused on drinking and politics than on Irish culture itself. Still, the atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming, even if it was not really my type of event. For sports, students can join a wide variety of sports clubs at UCC, and there are also gyms available around the city. Since I already had my own personal training program, I mainly trained in the gym at my student residence. Running is also very popular in Cork, and the city offers many good running routes. However, because of the rainy and windy weather, I personally found running there less enjoyable than in Vienna, even though I usually enjoy running regularly at home.

6. Testimonial

My exchange in Cork was special because it immersed me not only in academics, but also deeply in modern Irish culture through my relationship with an Irish partner. During this semester, I grew not only as a student but also as a person, becoming more self-aware through the many challenges I successfully overcame and learning more about my strengths and weaknesses. I also appreciated the study system at UCC the most out of all the universities I have experienced so far, shorter lectures helped me stay focused and motivated, and content of each module was well-structured. At the same time, I noticed the contrast between Ireland’s high living standard and the unhappiness that many people seemed to experience despite their friendliness, which gave me a more nuanced perspective on lifestyle and wellbeing.