My semester in Ireland as a chemical engineering student has been filled with new faces, new classes, and new experiences. As I look back at the semester, I remember all the times spent studying, laughing, and enjoying myself with friends. UCD does a great job of integrating academics with fun extracurricular activities for its students, like having Yoga and Pilates classes, but also having events like Mario Kart Tournaments. Not only does UCD provide fun activities, but the staff are also so helpful to the international students in helping them to choose the right classes, hosting events to bring international students together, and even sometimes having extra pots and pans for the apartments! UCD is located about a fifteen minute bus ride from the Dublin City Centre, which has a rich culture and history. It was so fun to explore the city, visit some pubs, watch some Gaelic Football Games at Croke Park, visit the Guiness storehouse, and see all the beautiful Christmas lights in the city. Not only did I enjoy myself at UCD and in Dublin, but I was also incredibly fortunate to be able to travel all around Ireland and Europe throughout the semester. I got to explore Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy, Scotland, and not to mention traveling all over Ireland, seeing the Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, the Aran Islands, and Giant's Causeway! My semester at UCD has been filled with so many memories that I will treasure for a lifetime!
Response from University College Dublin
We are very sorry that you didn't enjoy your experience at UCD. We would like to respond to some of the points which you made that were negative.
UCD has over 3,000 rooms on campus with a vibrant social scene; with sports events and societal events going on throughout the week.
Clubs and societies have an entire week in which students can join. There are nearly 60 sports clubs and nearly 100 societies for all interests. These can be as large as 800 people (Soccer club) for sports clubs and over 1,500 for societies (Commerce and Economics Society) so they could not be called small.
Along with clubs and societies, the Centre for Study Abroad organises a number of free trips around Ireland throughout the year for study abroad students.
UCD is in the top 1% of universities in the world, with some of the leading academics in their field. The way modules are assessed is completely dependent on the module coordinator. There can be assignments throughout the year.
Study Abroad students at UCD receive a full orientation programme that has integrated thousands of students over the years to life in Dublin.
We are very sorry that you did not enjoy your time in Ireland, but we feel like our university and the experience that you can have here is better than your review states