My exchange university was University College Dublin (UCD) and it is the most beautiful campus I have ever been to. It is located a little far from Dublin's city center, about a 20 minute bus ride. The entire campus is very clean and peaceful. I lived in Merville Residence, where it was literally a 5 minute walk to Quinn's Business School. Below are some of the photos I took of my hostel on the first day I arrived (2nd Sept).
Yes the room is a little small, but really cozy due to its powerful heater.
The campus has two beautiful lakes and some really awesome facilities. There are two auditorium-size gyms for students, at least 5 football fields (too many to count), two indoor sports halls, and several beautiful residents for students (just a little ex!).
Due to some peer influences, I bought a second-hand bicycle on my second week there. It did not result in much cost savings eventually but it was really worth it. As I did not really know other people in UCD and was skipping lectures most of the times, I had plenty of free time everyday (when I wasn't travelling). I would use some of these free times to cycle around outside the campus. Here are some of the scenery I took during some of my rides.
Beautiful city isn't it
Random cycling routes behind campus, look at the view
Dublin city center is a happening place, like most Europe countries capitals. I did not go there very often as it is a 30 minute cycle from school (20 minute bus ride). The city center has absolutely everything you need. Fast food, Chinese restaurants, pubs, river, cheap apparel shops, you name it.
Spire of Dublin, marks the city center
Speaking of cycling, it is one of the things I missed most about my stay in Dublin. During my long bike rides, I often took the opportunity to listen to some music, reflect, and relax my soul (although exchange is already very relaxed). I cycled to several great landmarks during my stay. The photos below are Dublin Castle and Phoenix Park.
One interesting festival I managed to experience during my stay was Halloween. Halloween is held on last day of October every year (I think). Due to my budget, I only spent 11 euros on a cheap vampire cape. With the help of some make-up and the cape, I thought I looked quite like a vampire. Instead of calling it Halloween, it was essentially clubbing in Halloween costumes. The pub culture of Dublin is way too strong and everything evolves around it.
4 months fly by real fast, guess that I can't be playing forever. Reflecting on my stay here, I would really have to say that Irish people are really friendly people. Although I did not manage to make any close Irish friends, it was a wonderful experience interacting with them through projects and school trips. Exchange is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am glad that I have the privilege to spend it in Dublin.
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