UL Students’ Union Publications’ and Publicity Officer Aoife Breen welcomes all new students into their new home at UL and divulges some top tips on how to make the most of it all while Hugh O’Brien paints the pictures.

So, here you are. Suitcase on your left side, a bundle of crumpled forms in the other and a load of special offers grabbed from the nearest supermarket nestled at your feet. What on earth do you do now?
For many of you, coming to UL will be your first time living away from home. Whether you know how to boil a spud or not, college living will be nothing like you’ve known previously nor anything you’ll ever come across again. Using the theme tune to the 1:25pm instalment of Home & Away as your alarm clock isn’t altogether too uncommon amongst students, but do remember that it’d be nice to make your morning lectures every now and then.
UL’s campus can’t be beaten. Boasting almost 300 acres of rich land carved up by the longest river in Ireland and surrounded by history, culture and sport against the backdrop of Limerick city, UL stands out from other universities.

Set just outside the city centre in the Castletroy suburbs, the UL campus is only a 15 minute bus journey away but, being honest about it, you have it all on your doorstep here anyway.
In addition, you’ll find that nearly all of the services that you’ll need are within walking distance. On campus, there are two grocery shops, a book shop, a laundrette, and a bank as well as printing facilities and numerous restaurants and cafes.
Eating on campus couldn’t be easier. Every building has some sort of eating establishment whether it be a full restaurant with special dishes or a small café where you can grab a coffee to keep you awake for another lecture. The Students’ Union owns and operates two shops on campus – one in the main courtyard and one in Dromroe Student Village. You’ll never be stuck for your morning tea to start off your day at UL!
Combining the five on-campus accommodation villages with the numerous estates in the area, accommodation in Limerick is cheaper than most other colleges.
Pretty much all of the accommodation off-campus is within walking distance of the University – but do invest in an umbrella: Frank McCourt wasn’t lying when he warned of the torrential rain in Limerick! You’ll get used to it, but there is parking on campus for that lazy day. If you are living further away consider organising a car-pooling system with your friends or getting a low-cost second-hand or new bike from the Students’ Union bike scheme.
There are computer labs dotted all over the campus, with the main one on the ground floor of the library. Watch out for the queues there, though – try to find yourself somewhere else hidden along an unused corridor somewhere in the university. If you have a laptop there are WiFi hotspots all over the campus so just connect and off you go!

So after the long hours in the library – which stays open late during the semester – head to either the Stables or the Scholars’ to relax and wind down with your friends. The two on-campus clubs are popular amongst the UL community; watch out for big acts and special events that are on every week. Or, if you’d rather, head up to the Sports Club beside the Arena.
The Students’ Union along with the campus clubs are at the heart of UL’s social activity. During the year, be prepared for a wide and wild range of entertainments to give you a break from all that studying! With everything from live acts such as the Blizzards and the Saw Doctors and comedians to formal black-tie balls and human table football, you are not going to be disappointed this year.
The campus is a great place to socialise and meet with your friends, either on a night out or through clubs and societies.
UL boasts almost 60 clubs and societies covering every possible activity imaginable. Jump into a river with the kayakers or out of a plane with the skydivers or maybe stay on dry land and join in an argument with the debaters.
Whatever takes your fancy, there’s an outlet for you at UL and plenty of people to meet and have fun with along the way. Have a look at the club and societies during their fair on Wednesday of week 1 in the Arena or call into the designated Clubs & Socs office upstairs in the Students’ Union building at any stage during the year.

Renowned for its sporting achievements; the facilities and appreciation for the sporty types on campus are world class. With the country’s first 50 metre pool, 400 metre outdoor running athletics track, indoor basketball courts, acres of outdoor pitches and a state of the art gym, the UL campus is a sporting haven. Even if you’re not all that sporty, it’s worth heading up to the Arena on occasion just to spot the mighty Munster men training – or even more international faces. If it’s good enough for them, it might just meet your standards, too.
In addition to all of these facilities, there are many student-run clubs, including GAA, rugby, kayak and the first and only student skydiving club in the Republic!
If you’re more into exercise of the mind rather than the body, there are plenty of alternatives. With societies ranging from debating and drama to politics and photography, there is sure to be something that takes your fancy. Be brave: give it a go!
Despite all the negative press, Limerick really isn’t all that bad. Less than 20 minutes on the bus will see you standing firmly in the centre where you can enjoy a taste of what the city has to offer.
With Mary I, LIT and Limerick School of Art and Design all contributing towards student populations, Limerick is Ireland’s most student-friendly city and a corresponding night life to match. Four night clubs, a few late-night bars and numerous pubs make the city a compact entertainment hotspot.

If you jump on another bus from town you’ll hit the Crescent within 10 minutes where you’ll find all the high street stores in a modern, bright shopping centre. Or if you want to stay a bit closer to Castletroy, there are a few retail parks all within a couple of minutes of the University that will assist you in emptying your wallet!
Whatever you choose to do after your time at UL, it is guaranteed that you will never forget your four years on this campus. Yes, it may all seem overwhelmingly big and scary and you might have no idea about the difference between your QCA and your ID number, but give it a few weeks and you’ll be strolling around the place like you were born here. College is a time for learning – both academically and socially. Once you get your head out of the books, get involved in something. You’ll make more friends quicker than you could ever expect and you might even enjoy yourself while you’re at it.

UL will become your home for four years. So, come inside, sit down and put your feet up because you’re about to have the experience of a lifetime.