On the Road Again! Maynooth University
I have to admit that I was not familiar with Maynooth University before my visit and I am very glad that I had the opportunity to experience what the university has to offer. The university could not have been more welcoming as we were greeted by students playing traditional Irish music and an assortment of tea and pastries. Maynooth University, Ireland’s fastest growing university, is home to 15,000 students with a location that comprises the best of both worlds. Maynooth is a 45 minute train ride from Dublin but its location has a small town, safe feel. While only 25 years old in its current form, it traces its roots back to 1795. It is a modern, international, forward thinking, research university located next to St Patrick’s, a seminary with which it shares facilities. Here are some highlights:
- Innovative technology: It is the only university in the country with a room to test 6G frequency. Students studying radio wave and microwave technology have access to a room that eliminates all sound (It is quite eerie!).
- Hands on robotics: The well-funded robotics lab is co-sponsored by Intel, focusing on the intelligence of robots. The university is very hands on and even has a soccer team, which might not seem unusual, except that this soccer team’s players are robots designed and controlled by students.
- Accommodation: All first year international students are guaranteed housing in the university’s brand new building. As is typical at European universities, students primarily cook for themselves although there are cafeterias just in case.
- Student services: Maynooth offers a lot of support for its students, including academic, personal and professional support. This is an institution that truly cares about student success on all levels. In addition to the traditional writing support and advising, for professional support, students participate in short, paid on campus work experiences including research opportunities.
- Curriculum: In both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, students can opt for a specialized route or have more of a flexible program somewhat akin to a US liberal arts route. All students can take a critical skills class helping to link studying and employment.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: The university is quite diverse and interested in remaining diverse. There are a number of scholarships for refugees and asylum seekers.
