First Impressions in Dublin

Hiya everybody!!

Let me first introduce myself…. my name is Steven, I’m already 23 year old, and since 6 weeks I am a proud citizen of Dublin. To explain why I ended up here…. my reasons to go on this exchange adventure were quite simple, in Tilburg I have so many friends that went abroad and their stories were too good to be true. So after long consideration (because it would take me an extra year of my study) I decided to explore it myself.

The choice for Dublin however was less difficult. Firstly, I really wanted to improve my English, secondly, I don’t believe you have to go outside Europe to find beautiful places and people, and lastly I heard Trinity College is amazing and one of the most beautiful universities in the world. I was really happy to hear that I got the chance to study at Trinity college for 5 months.

Before I went on the exchange I really had the following expectations of going on exchange and Ireland:

- People on exchange party a lot

- Irish people are very social and great storytellers

- People in Ireland drink a lot

- The level of universities in other countries is lower than in the Netherlands

- When I’m on exchange I’m going to meet people from all over the world and experience some great differences in culture and habits

To find out whether these expectations are really true you should follow my blog the upcoming months.

Until now I can say that I have not regret any moment that I choose Dublin. It is an amazing city and there is always something happening over here. Big studentprotests, priests screaming in microphones to love Jesus and awesome streetbands, this city definitely has a spirit I love! And Trinity college is indeed so amazing as everybody described and is unique as a campus in the middle of the city centre. You won’t find a better looking university in the Netherlands for sure.

There are a lot of International students over here what makes it easy to feel yourself at home. In the beginning of your introduction you have the chance to get in contact with each other with a drink of the university and almost everybody joins the International Society. 

Unlike Tilburg, Trinity has a lot of societies (more than 100 I believe) for pretty much everything. For example you have a fishing society and a painting ball society. It is pretty hard to find a hobby where there is not a society for. The International Society which I joined organizes a lot of activities for International students. By going to these activities I really got to know a lot of new international friends. Especially during the weekendtrips I really had craic (Irish word for having fun.) I’ve already seen so much beautiful places in Ireland and I can really support the opinions that Ireland has the most beautiful nature in Europe.

Next few months I’ll be staying in Dublin I’ll keep you updated about my adventures in the green country and also describe many cultural differences I encounter. Next time I’ll write about my college life over here. It definitely different from the Netherlands, so stay tuned;)

See ya,

Steven