Mobility specification

Country:Ireland

Institution:University College Dublin

City:Dublin

Program:Erasmus+ for study

Activity type:Study

Academic year:2024/2025

MU faculty/department:Faculty of Arts / Department of Classical Studies

Study level abroad:Bachelor

🎓Hit the books! How do you rate the university experience?

Can you enroll in a course where you can learn the local language?yes

Does the university offer enough courses in English?they have tons

Was there anything in the teaching methods that surprised you?Honestly, I was surprised by how early we started on midterms/finals. During the first week of classes, I was already told what the midterms would be about and was given the assignment specifications. This helped me a lot since I had over a month to write the essays. I was very intrigued by the whole concept of midterms and I find it better than what MUNI offers in my course. I felt like I had more control over my grades and my studying. Thirdly, most of my classes were 50-minute ones. Even when I had a double class (50 minutes teaching, a 10-minute break and 50 minutes again), the teacher always insisted on a break. It helped me to be a lot more focused.

Does the university offer international students' programs and activities outside of lectures and seminars to help them integrate more quickly?It offers a ton of activities, but a lot of them are overwhelming. Orientation week was a great start, but some of the activities I felt were underprepared. I got to know Erasmus or Study Abroad students during my stay. I did not feel like UCD tried to intermingle us with their Irish student body in UCD Global's events. I was honestly intrigued by the idea of Refresher's Day, which meant I could sign up for clubs and societies in the spring semester.

In which areas does the university offer support for students with special needs and strive to be inclusive?Psychological counseling
Barrier-free access to classrooms and dormitories
Special aids and technologies (e.g., text-to-speech software, hearing aids)
Special examination conditions (e.g., extended time, quiet rooms)
Support for LGBTQ+ students (e.g., safe spaces, counseling services)

💸Did you have to rob the bank?

Try to take a guess at what your monthly expenditures were:30000 CZK/month

Did you stay in dorms?no

Do you have any tips on how to find private accommodation?I found my accommodation through College Cribs. UCD provided a great list of sites with accommodation outside the university as well as what to be aware of and how not to get scammed. I joined a Facebook group for Czech people in Dublin and saw a few listings there too.

What about unexpected expenses? Did anything surprise you?Just how expensive Ireland is compared to the Czech Republic.

Do you have any tips on how to save money?Thrift in local charity shops for clothing, shoes and others. I also shopped only in Lidl, since I knew that buying only there would give me more discounts in the mobile app. Also, do try to find activities that are free, which there are many in Dublin.

🗺 Learn the ropes in a new city

How well did you manage to communicate in English?perfectly

How does public transport work in the city?neutral

And what about transport outside the city?mostly fine

Where to find connections? How to buy a ticket?For connections, I mostly used Google Maps, Transit or TFI. The ticket situation is a little bit more confusing. You can get a Leap card which you top-up using a mobile app. There are different types of Leap cards, but the student one is by far better than the adult one. You tap your card every time you go on a bus/tram/... Instead of counting bus routes, when you tap a 90-minute fare starts and you can switch up buses how you like and only pay once.

Did you deal with any health issues during your stay?no

🤠Help create the perfect bucket list

What is a must-see in the city?I mostly visited places that have something to do with my degree. Dublin Castle has a beautiful display of neo-classicist art. The archaeological museum is magical and also free. Phoenix Park, the Dublin Zoo, and The Museum of Oscar Wilde. I also really do recommend just wandering around.

What are the must-visit trip destinations?Howth cliffs.

Share your best experience:Just sitting with my friends by the Liffey and talking. I know it sounds a little bit boring, but when you meet friends so great as I did, they make everything memorable.

💅A nugget of wisdom to make the life easier

Did you need to handle a visa?no

How did you get to the place?Plane
Bus

Is there anything to watch out for before the trip?No.

Can you pay by card?everywhere

What not to forget when packing?A raincoat, since an umbrella will be destroyed by the wind.

🥳Summary

Whew, what a ride! 😮‍💨 Thanks so much for taking the time to complete our survey and for sharing your unique experience. Just one last thing. 🙏 How would you summarize your trip in one or two sentences?Somewhere between the city and the sea, I found a part of me.