On the Road Again! University of Limerick

On the Road Again!  University of Limerick

The University of Limerick is a mere 50 years old and it has accomplished a lot in those 50 years!  Limerick is the third largest city in Ireland and the home to many global companies in a variety of industries including pharma, financial services and high tech offering opportunities for the university’s students.  It is also a young city with 50% of its population under 30. The university is home to 18,000 students including 3,000 international students.

Here are some of the standout features of the university:

• Coop – All undergraduate degrees are four years including a coop.  Coops are a great way for students to get work experience and often lead to a first job.  The University of Limerick has Ireland’s largest coop program with each coop related to the field of study and students are paid.  Given the number and variety of global companies in the area, industry engagement is high.
• International students – The university goes out of its way to make international students feel welcome with a team dedicated to student engagement.  The team will pick up students at the airport, and provide extensive orientation and support throughout their time at Limerick, not just the first week, including career advising. Plus, if an international student stays for a masters, the tuition is at the EU student rate which is a significant savings.
• Sports and Societies – The university is highly ranked for sports.  The Department of Physical Education and Sport Science includes the rapidly growing fields of human physiology and sports psychology and exercise and fitness management.  The gym facilities are of a very high standard and include the tallest indoor climbing wall in Ireland.  The climbing wall incorporates the Olympic speed wall which allow students to race to the top and bouldering options (neither for the faint of heart!).  But if climbing is not your sport, you might want to check out the Olympic size swimming pool.  With over 80 clubs and societies, there is something for everyone.
• Library – I love libraries but I typically like the old wood Harry Potter look. But, I loved this one too.  This library is very modern and student centered and includes a lot more than books. Everything is strategically placed including the sleep pods in case a student needs a quick nap or the bike desk if a student wants a quick workout. The peer advisor service desk is at the entrance so a student can’t miss it if the student needs some help.  There is a makerspace right in the library where students have access to 3D printers and laser cutters.  The library houses green rooms and audio rooms for budding filmmakers.
• Aeronautical Engineering – The BS in aeronautical engineering is very hands on and includes access to flight simulators.  Students can spend a semester at Embry Riddle or Georgia Tech.
• School of Law – The School of Law, like all aspects of the university, has facilities for hands on work.  The school houses two courtrooms, both appellate and trial, and brings in practicing attorneys for the moot court sessions.  With professional recognition by both the NY and California bars, students can sit for the bar exams in these states.
• Irish World Academy – The Irish World Academy houses five undergraduate performance majors including traditional Irish dance.  Each semester students take two performance modules (classes) and two academic modules.
• Student well-being – In addition to the international student engagement team, there is an emphasis on student well-being.  The university has five learning resource centers and numerous counseling facilities including a drop in non-judgmental space for students who just may need to have a cup of tea and a wee chat.  Part of the campus is designed as a mindfulness area for students to be uplifted by the natural surroundings.
• Accommodations – The accommodations are suite style and very nice.  They are called Villages which is very much in keeping with the homey, welcoming feel of the university.
• Charity Week – University of Limerick hosts a week long fun-filled week during which students participate in activities and raise money for charities.  When I was there, in a pub-like atmosphere students and faculty alike volunteered to have their heads shaved and everyone cheered them on.
• Weird little fun fact – The university displays an Irish Elk head that was found in a bog that reportedly dates back to 9500BC!
• Restaurant – If that is not enough to entice you, there is a Michelin star rated restaurant on campus.