Moving to Dublin to study International Business at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School was more than just choosing a school.
It started a new chapter with new places, people, routines and chances for personal growth. As an international student, I came to Ireland excited and curious, but I also felt worried about adjusting to a new country and education system. Before moving, I often wondered what living in Dublin as a student would really be like. Would I be able to settle in at university? Would I make friends? What would it be like to live away from home?
Looking back now, my experience has been a mix of learning, challenges, independence, friendships, and unforgettable everyday moments.
Why I Chose International Business at UCD Smurfit
Choosing a university and programme was one of the biggest decisions I made.
I picked International Business because I was interested in global markets, how companies expand internationally, how businesses operate across diverse cultures and the role of money in global trade. I wanted to study something that would prepare me for a career in the world and help me understand how businesses work in a connected world.
My interest also came from studying international trade and economics during my undergraduate degree. These subjects made me curious about how companies enter new markets, manage relationships and deal with economic changes. UCD Smurfit stood out because of its strong reputation, international environment, career opportunities, and practical approach to business teaching.
I was also drawn to studying with people from different countries and backgrounds. Through the student network and events led by professionals, UCD gave me access to diverse communities and real-world business experiences.
My First Days in Dublin
The day I arrived in Dublin will always stay with me.
Everything felt new, from figuring out the public transport system to finding local shops, buying groceries, getting used to the weather and settling into my home. Even simple tasks required planning and patience during the first few weeks.
Managing everything on my own was tough at first, but I slowly learned how things worked and became more independent. I remember feeling both nervous and proud when I successfully travelled across the city by myself and came back with everything I needed. Small achievements like that made Dublin feel less unfamiliar.
The city also made a great impression on me. Dublin felt alive and friendly, with historic buildings, busy streets, cafes, pubs and people from many different cultures.
For an international student, living in Dublin as a student is more than just going to classes. It’s also about learning to live on your own, getting to know a new culture and becoming comfortable in unfamiliar situations.
Studying at UCD Smurfit
The international feel at Smurfit was one of the best parts of my experience.
Students came from all over the world, bringing distinct cultures and academic backgrounds. This made classroom discussions and group work livelier and more interesting. People often looked at business problems in different ways, which helped me understand how to work in a diverse business environment.
Learning Through Group Projects
Group projects were especially valuable. Working with classmates from different backgrounds taught me to communicate clearly, listen carefully, divide tasks and adapt to different working styles.
The professors were supportive, but each had their own way of teaching and mentoring. I soon realised that studying internationally requires a lot of self-study and personal responsibility, not just relying on professors.
The programme involved a lot of preparation, presentations, assignments, teamwork and active participation.
I also had to manage my studies along with a part-time job. Balancing deadlines with personal responsibilities was tough at times, but it helped me become more organised, disciplined and confident.
The academic environment encouraged critical thinking instead of just memorising facts. I learned to support my opinions, analyse changing business situations and consider different viewpoints before making a decision.
My UCD Student Life Beyond the Classroom
My UCD student life wasn’t just about classes.
I got involved in student union activities, university events, networking opportunities, volunteering and social activities. Some of my favourite memories came from simple moments, such as having coffee with friends after class, discussing assignments, relaxing at Blackrock beach or exploring Dublin together.
These experiences showed me that living in Dublin as a student was about much more than academics. The people I met, places I explored and everyday experiences all became part of my journey.
Living in Dublin as an International Student
Living in Dublin taught me a lot about real-life skills.
When I was in India, I never cooked for myself and suddenly, I had to take care of cooking, buying groceries, managing my money, commuting, doing laundry, working part-time and studying all on my own.
At first, it felt really hard, but over time, these tasks became part of my daily life. There were moments when I missed home a lot. But missing home made me reach out to others and get more involved in my new surroundings.
I often studied at my favourite cafe or in common areas at Smurfit because I found those places more comfortable for me. I also made memories with friends while exploring Dublin.
The people I met became one of the most important parts of my journey. Even though we were from different countries, we shared similar experiences and supported each other during busy times and when we missed home.
Overall, living in Dublin as a student taught me how to become more independent and comfortable with managing everyday responsibilities.
My Experience with Student Housing in Dublin
Finding a good place to live in Dublin was a big part of my journey. I looked at things like location, how easy it was to get around, how close it was to UCD Smurfit, what facilities were available and the total cost, including utilities.
Fortunately, I found a suitable place before applying for my visa through University Living. They helped me find an option that fit my budget and preferences and had a no-visa-no-pay policy.
I got my visa on time, and the provider arranged my move-in on my preferred date. Having accommodation arranged before I arrived made the whole process much less stressful.
Booking My Accommodation Through University Living
I booked Hazelwood Student Village through University Living, which gave me peace of mind before arriving in Dublin. Having my accommodation sorted in advance meant I could focus on preparing for university and my move to Ireland.
For international students looking at student accommodation in Dublin, arranging a place before arrival can make the transition much easier.
Student accommodation in Ireland can be more than just a place to sleep.
Living with students from different countries helped me make friends, learn about different cultures and share everyday tasks. We cooked together, talked about university life and celebrated cultural festivals, trying out new foods along the way.
My advice is to start looking for student accommodation early and think about things like public transport, supermarkets, study areas and places to hang out. Booking a place before arriving in Dublin can make the transition easier and let you get things sorted before you come.
University Living and My Accommodation Experience
Using University Living made the accommodation process easier because I could compare options based on my budget and preferences before arriving.
Having accommodation arranged in advance also helped me feel more prepared for living in Dublin as a student. Instead of worrying about where I would stay after landing, I could focus on settling into university and getting used to my new surroundings.
Challenges and Lessons in Dublin as an International Student
My journey wasn’t perfect. I faced a lot of academic pressure, had trouble understanding some lectures, dealt with financial responsibilities, struggled with adjusting to a new environment and had moments of doubt.
There were days when I wondered if I was doing everything right.
What I Learned From the Challenges
But these experiences taught me to be resilient.
I learned to ask for help, plan ahead, communicate clearly and be kind to myself. Working with people from other cultures also helped me see things from different viewpoints and feel more comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone.
Even differences in accents became valuable learning experiences.
These challenges became an important part of living in Dublin as a student, because they taught me how to adapt, manage responsibilities and keep moving forward.
Looking Back at My UCD Smurfit Journey
When I first arrived in Dublin, I thought I was coming mainly to study International Business. But the experience turned out to be much more than just getting a qualification.
I learned how to live on my own, adjust to a new culture, make international friends, deal with challenges and become more confident. UCD Smurfit gave me a strong academic foundation, while Dublin gave me so many chances to grow personally.
For anyone thinking about studying in Dublin, especially as an international student, my advice is to arrive with an open mind. Give yourself time to adjust, meet new people, explore the city and appreciate the little things.
You might come with a plan, but some of the best parts of the journey are the surprises you didn’t expect. For me, that’s what made living in Dublin as a student so special.
Final Thoughts on My Dublin Student Experience
My time at UCD Smurfit taught me that studying abroad is not only about earning a degree. It is also about learning to manage life independently, building relationships with people from different backgrounds and becoming comfortable outside your comfort zone.
From choosing International Business and settling into Dublin to managing studies, work, friendships and accommodation, every experience added something to my journey.
For me, living in Dublin as a student became a journey of learning, independence, friendship and personal growth – one that I will always remember.
