Limerick
Selina Albrecht, WS 2024/25
University
The campus of the University of Limerick is very different from what I am used to in Innsbruck. It is located about 20 minutes outside the city centre and encompasses a large area with lots of greenery in between the buildings. Moreover, the Shannon River runs through the university campus (a really nice spot to take a walk). The university buildings are dispersed over the whole campus and depending on which building my courses were in, I had to walk 5-10 min to the next building. One of my favourite spots, apart from the River Shannon, was the library. It offers plenty of space to study, and the library café provides you with food and drinks during your study sessions. There are several other food options on campus and also a little Spar shop. However, food can be quite expensive in some places. The people I met on campus were very friendly and open to conversations, which made it a lot easier in the beginning.
Limerick
Limerick is a small city located in the southwest of Ireland. As mentioned before, it is about 20 minutes away from campus. I can recommend going to the Milk Market on Saturdays. The market is mostly focused on food, but you can also buy some nice souvenirs there. If you are interested in the history of Limerick, I would suggest visiting King John’s castle. Limerick also offers some nice shops and pubs.
Accommodation
There are different options for accommodation in Limerick. You can search for off-campus accommodation or apply for on-campus accommodation. If you get the possibility to stay on campus, I would recommend doing so. The university is within walking distance and the campus accommodation provides special events for their residents. I stayed in one of the on-campus villages and was very lucky with my flatmates. They were all international students as well. However, depending on which village you are allocated to, on-campus accommodation can be quite expensive.
Social Life and Events
The University of Limerick has several clubs and societies you can try out. I would definitely recommend doing that, as it is a great way of meeting new people. Many clubs and societies offer sports, but there are also societies that have nothing to do with sports, such as the fashion society or the music society. Besides this, there are lots of events during the week. UL Global provides events especially for international students. The staff in UL Global was also very friendly and helpful to me when I experienced some homesickness. They provided me with the opportunity to talk to somebody about my situation and to handle my homesickness in a way that did not affect my experience abroad negatively. On most evenings during the week, there are events in the Stables Club on campus. In short, there is always a possibility to engage and meet new people.
Trips
Limerick is a great place to explore Ireland from. The university offers planned trips on weekends, especially in the beginning of the semester. Some of my favourite places to visit were the Aran Islands, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, Cork and Galway. There are also lots of possibilities to plan trips yourself by bus or by train. Dublin is a 2:30h bus drive away from Limerick. If you are planning to go on a trip for longer than one day, I can recommend visiting Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway!
Limerick
Carina Prantl, WS 2024/25
Why Limerick?
When choosing my Erasmus destination, I was particularly drawn to Limerick because of Ireland’s stunning natural landscapes. The country is known for its breathtaking cliffs and coastlines, all of which I was excited to explore. Additionally, I wanted to study in an English-speaking country to improve my language skills and immerse myself in the culture. Ireland felt like the perfect balance between adventure and academic opportunity.
My Courses
During my semester at the University of Limerick, I enrolled in courses in English and American Literature as well as Mathematics. The combination of humanities and sciences made my academic experience both interesting and diverse. The courses were well-structured and easy to follow, with a mix of midterm assignments/exams and final assessment/exams. This allowed for steady progress throughout the semester, rather than having all the pressure at the end. The professors were approachable, and the university provided plenty of resources for students, including study spaces and academic support.
University
The University of Limerick has a large and beautiful campus, offering a mix of modern and traditional architecture. However, one of the biggest challenges was the distance between buildings—getting from one side of the university to the other often required a lot of walking. Despite this, the university itself was very welcoming, especially towards international students. From the very beginning, there were plenty of welcome events and social activities designed to help students settle in. Even throughout the semester, there were regular events, making it easy to get involved and meet new people.
Accommodation
Finding student accommodation in Limerick can be difficult because the allocation process is based on a lottery system. This means that even if you apply early, there is no guarantee of securing a spot in student housing. I was fortunate enough to get a place in Cappavilla Village, which is located across the river from the main campus. While this meant a bit of a walk every day, it was a peaceful and modern place to live. One of the best parts of my accommodation was my roommates—we were all Erasmus students, which made it easier to connect and share the experience of studying abroad. From what I gathered, Erasmus students are often housed together, which helps in building friendships and finding a sense of community.
Clubs and Societies
The University of Limerick offers a wide range of clubs and societies, which I found to be one of the best ways to meet new people. Joining clubs helped me integrate into student life and get to know both local and international students. I personally joined three clubs: Taekwondo, Powerlifting, and Running. The university has a strong focus on sports, and the facilities are excellent, so there were plenty of opportunities to train and compete. Even if you are not into sports, there are many different societies for various interests, from cultural and academic groups to music clubs. I highly recommend joining at least one, as it makes settling in much easier and adds a lot to the Erasmus experience.
People
The people in Limerick were incredibly friendly and welcoming, but I noticed that they usually would not approach you first. You have to take the initiative in social situations, especially at the beginning. However, once you start talking to people, they are very open and easy to get along with. One of the initial challenges I faced was understanding the Irish accent, which can be quite strong depending on where someone is from. However, after a few weeks, I got used to it, and it was no longer an issue.
Final Thoughts
Looking back, my Erasmus experience in Limerick was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. At first, I was a bit nervous about moving to a new country and adapting to a different university system, but it turned out to be an amazing adventure. I met so many wonderful people, explored a beautiful part of the world, and gained confidence in myself. If anyone is considering studying abroad, I would highly recommend choosing Limerick. Erasmus is not just about studying—it is about personal growth, making unforgettable memories, and stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Limerick
Johanna Griesser, SS 2024
I chose Limerick for my Erasmus semester because I’ve always had a soft spot for Ireland. It seemed like the perfect place to study, given its rich culture and welcoming environment.
During my time there, I attended the University of Limerick. My main courses were in Literary Studies and Academic Writing, but I also took some interesting classes in Irish Folklore and History. The academic environment was similar to what I was used to, but I found the workload more evenly spread throughout the semester, which made things a bit less stressful compared to Innsbruck.
One thing that stood out to me in Ireland was how friendly people are. It’s easy to strike up conversations with locals, which made settling in and meeting new people a lot easier.
The beginning of the semester was challenging, especially since I had to manage finishing the previous semester back home while starting a new one in Limerick. It wasn’t easy, but with a bit of planning, I got through it.
Outside of my studies, I joined the music society on campus, which was a lot of fun. There were open mic nights, choir sessions, and jam sessions every week. It was a great way to relax and meet people with similar interests. The university also had a lot of other clubs and societies, though I didn’t get the chance to try them all.
While the semester was financially tough, it was definitely worth it. I made great friends and learned how to handle living in another country on my own. Some of my favourite memories are from exploring the campus and taking trips to other cities with my friends.
Overall, this Erasmus experience has left me thinking about returning to Limerick for my master’s degree. It gave me a new perspective on studying abroad, and I’d love to build on that in the future.
University of Limerick
Tobias Lenz
Limerick City
Limerick might not immediately stand out as the most beautiful city in Ireland, but it definitely has its hidden gems. There are lovely spots around the city, from picturesque riverside views to quaint little cafes that give it a certain charm. One of the best things about Limerick, though, is its central location—it’s perfect for weekend trips to explore the rest of Ireland. Whether it’s a trip to the scenic Cliffs of Moher, the vibrant city of Galway, or even Dublin, you’re just a few hours away by bus or train. If you’re staying on campus, I would absolutely recommend getting a bike. The campus is a bit outside the city center, and while there are buses, biking is the most convenient way to get around. (But make sure to bring a good rain jacket haha) Plus, it gives you a bit more freedom to explore on your own terms. Living on campus comes at a cost, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. The convenience of being close to your classes, sports facilities, and social events is unbeatable, and it really enhances the overall experience.
The University
One of the things that struck me most about the University of Limerick is how different it is compared to our home university. The campus is enormous even though there are way less students, and everything you need is right there in one place. It almost feels like something out of an American movie, with large green spaces, modern buildings, and even its own river running through it! UL is particularly famous for its sports programs, and it’s easy to see why.
The variety of sports clubs and activities available is incredible. Whether you’re into
traditional sports like football, something more adventurous like kayaking, or even trying out Gaelic games, there’s something for everyone. The campus itself is a bit far from the city center, but you hardly notice it because the university provides everything you need on-site.
There’s a Spar grocery store, several cafes, and even a pub, so you’re never too far from food, drinks, or a quick snack.
Studying
Academically, the University of Limerick follows a slightly different structure than what I’m used to. Each module is worth 6 ECTS and consists of both a lecture and a tutorial. While lectures are similar to what you’d expect, tutorials are smaller, more interactive sessions that are mandatory. I found these tutorials helpful as they gave me a chance to engage more with the material and ask questions in a smaller setting.
The library is one of my favorite spots on campus. It’s modern, spacious, and perfect for studying, whether you need a quiet corner or a group space for working on projects. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the campus food options. There are plenty of cafes and places to grab
lunch, but most of the options seemed to revolve around sandwiches. If you’re not a fan, it might get a bit repetitive, but it’s manageable, especially if you prepare your own meals in your accommodation.
Social Life
The social aspect of my Erasmus experience was one of the highlights. I was placed in a shared flat with other Erasmus students, which was fantastic. From the very first day, I had a close group of friends, and we quickly bonded over the shared experience of being new in a foreign country. The Erasmus community at UL is very active, with weekly parties and events that make it easy to meet new people and have a good time. The university goes above and beyond to make international students feel welcome—they even set us up with a local SIM card and provided plenty of useful information to help us settle in. The Irish themselves are incredibly warm and welcoming. I always felt at home, even though there were a few
moments where things seemed a bit chaotic or disorganized when it came to official paperwork and procedures! Overall, my time at the University of Limerick was a perfect blend of academics, sports, and social life. I made new friends, traveled around Ireland, and had the chance to experience a unique campus culture. If you’re thinking of doing an Erasmus exchange, Ireland is definitely a great choice.
University of Limerick
Dominik Fekete
In the beginning I wasn’t sure what to expect from my semester abroad in Ireland. I knew that the country is beautiful with a lot of astonishing landscapes. The Irish are said to be friendly and somehow crazy, in a positive way of course. I talked to a friend of mine who had been to the University of Limerick one semester before I went there. She had only nice things to say about it. I was so excited to experience it myself. It was quite easy to get to the University campus. I booked a flight from Munich to Dublin, which by all means, was not too expensive. At Dublin Airport there are several direct bus lines to the UL (University of Limerick) campus. Arriving there felt so special. Honestly speaking, I had never seen such a big and beautiful campus in my life. I had to ask for directions to get to my accommodation, but the people I met were very friendly and helpful. One local student told me that he was going the same way, so we went together which made things a lot easier for me.
Living on campus
As you might guess, I was living on-campus and I would highly recommend you to do that too. It is extremely comfortable since all the university buildings and sports facilities are within walking distance. I lived together with five other flatmates. We all had our own rooms and bathrooms. The only things we shared were the kitchen and the living room. I was very lucky with my flatmates. We got along so well and became really good friends. If you can’t find on-campus accommodation, don’t worry. I know a lot of people who lived off-campus and for them it worked perfectly fine. As I mentioned before, all the university buildings are located on one campus. Furthermore, there are several restaurants and cafes, a big sports arena which has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a gym, a track, and several indoor courts in it, outdoor all-weather pitches, a supermarket and two pubs. You don’t even have to go to the city ;-). There is always something going on in the pubs. From parties, to champions league-nights, to pub quizzes. UL is approximately 20 minutes away from the Limerick city centre if you are going by bus.
University Life
At UL each module is 6 ECTS credits. A module is divided into lectures, tutorials, and sometimes even labs. I liked this structure a lot: in the lectures we talked more about theory and in the tutorials, we tried to put some of the theoretical stuff into practice. There is one final exam per module at the end of the semester. You don’t have to do the exam in both, lecture and tutorial. It is combined since the topics you cover in lectures and tutorials are similar. The lecturers I had were all really nice and friendly. The Irish people are extremely helpful, so don’t be shy if you have questions or if you don’t understand something. Everything is structured and organized very well. There are many help-institutions on campus and ‘student life’ is always making sure that there is something going on, on- and off- campus. Parties, beautiful trips, food markets, pub quizzes, literally everything one could wish for.
The thing I liked most about UL is that they have loads of clubs and societies. It is Ireland’s Sports-campus, so you can sign up for a variety of different sports, like kayaking, football, rugby, Gaelic football, combat sports, sky-diving and many more. Societies are cool as well, because they give you the opportunity to get to know people that are interested in the same things. I signed up for the International society and I would recommend every international student to do so. They organized trips to places all over Ireland for a very affordable price. I have to mention that even though life in Ireland is a little bit more expensive than in Austria, all the things offered by student organizations are really cheap.
Making friends, trips, and social life
Making friends is one of the easiest things to do when you are on Erasmus at UL. It happens naturally. There are so many events and happenings organized for Erasmus students that it is impossible not to make new friends. It is such a great feeling to get to know people from all over the globe and to get introduced to their traditions and cultures. I can say that I have made friends for a lifetime.
A lot of trips get offered by either student organizations or societies. If they don’t offer a trip, just make your own trip with your new friends. Head off, explore the country, and enjoy your experience abroad. My friends from Canada, Australia and I made a trip to Northern Ireland for instance. We spent four days exploring this beautiful country and it was one of the best trips I’ve ever done. If you should decide to go to Northern Ireland, go to Belfast. It offers so many attractions, but I would definitely say, don’t miss out on the Titanic museum. It tells the story of the Titanic, from the planning in Belfast in the early 1900s, through the construction and launch, to its maiden voyage and subsequent place in history. Also make sure to do a ‘black taxi tour’. It gives you an insight into the history of Belfast and shows you several Murals that are located all over the city.
If you decide to travel in Ireland, make sure to see: The Cliffs of Moher, The Aran Islands, The Ring of Kerry, Galway, Cork, Dublin, Dingle, and if you want to go surfing, Lahinch.
Concerning night outs, Limerick has some really nice pubs and night clubs to offer. In Ireland it really isn’t difficult to find live music. I liked a pub called Charlie Chaplin’s and if you are more into clubbing, Icon would be a popular place to go to. It is awesome because it is a night club which is connected to a pub. If you enter, you are in the pub where live-music is played and if you are not in the mood for live music anymore, you can go into the second room, which is a nightclub, and enjoy some club beats.
To sum it up, I would encourage every single one of you to spend a semester abroad. Don’t be shy or afraid that you might not like it. It is such a valuable experience, from the new people you meet, new friends you make, new cultures you get to know, new places you see, to improving your English, and witnessing University life in a different way. My first choice would be the University of Limerick and I hope that my article helps you with your decision for your next Erasmus destination.
