A day in the life of a Study Abroad student at UCD

Post by Maya VanDuyne, second-year Study Abroad Science student.

My life has changed considerably in just a few short months. In September last year, I decided to study abroad, something I’ve wanted to do since I learned about my mom’s study abroad experience in Vienna, Austria. 

This decision took me from my familiar and beautiful campus at the University of Missouri (roll Tigers!) and planted me here among UCD’s vast international student body. Since this transition, my days look a little different because UCD is such a unique college. As I have discovered, though, some aspects of being a student are simply universal.

If you have a similar story and find it hard to pin down that perfect daily routine, or are wondering what a snapshot of one might look like, then follow along with this day-in-the-life of a study abroad student at University College Dublin! 

Journey to Class

My day begins with a quick breakfast and a stroll to the O'Brien Centre for Science for my first class of the day. 

UCD is full of hidden woodland trails, which make walking to class easy and fun! One of my favorite things to do in the mornings when I’m going to be early to class is to take the long way to campus from my accommodation, walking past both of its lakes and past the large UCD sign before arriving at the O’Brien Centre for Science.

On a rainy day, I stick to walking through campus with its convenient covered walkways. I typically grab a quick coffee and pastry on the way at one of the numerous coffee shops, including Gather & Brew, The Buzz, or my personal favorite, Bluebird, which is in the Newman Building.

First Class of the Day

Most days this semester, my first class is organic chemistry, which utilizes both lecture-based instruction and biweekly tutorials, during which we discuss possible exam questions. 

Afterwards, I head to my second class of the day, “Ireland and the US”, held in the Clinton Institution. This class examines the history of Irish immigration to the US and the deep relations that have existed between the two nations ever since. Whether that’s through ancestry, politics, cinema, historical figures, or pop culture.

I especially look forward to this class every week because of how it helps me explore Ireland on an academic level while I also explore it outside of class. 

Being here is something I marvel at every day, both because of how grateful I am to be somewhere so completely different and because of my newfound sense for my own personal capabilities. That being said, studying abroad does not look the same for everyone, but it is truly what you make of it. And the good news is: you're in complete control of that!

Lunch with Friends

Hitting up the UCD Village for lunch with some friends is guaranteed to be cheap, easy, and never boring since it includes not one but seven different spots for food. My favorites are either Centra for a custom sandwich and wrap, or Sushi Lab for freshly made sushi rolls. 

If I'm running late for a lab, my other top pick for lunch is the Pi Restaurant, located in the O’Brien Centre for Science. The UCD Main Restaurant is perfect if I have time to meet up with friends for a chat. 

First Lab of the Day

As a study abroad student studying science, UCD has a unique module experience designed to get international students straight into their research labs and working on current projects hosted by faculty members and active researchers. 

In “Introduction to Scientific Research”, I earn class credit to carry out research in a professional lab setting, and in which I take an active role throughout the semester. Through this experience, I have learned so much about what actually goes into research, developed my lab skills and built confidence for my future STEM career.

Events on Campus

There is never a dull moment on campus with events happening almost every day. For this reason, it's helpful to access UCD’s Campus Life page to see exactly what events are happening that day. 

Some of the most memorable events I have attended so far this semester were the 2026 Superbowl Watch Party hosted by (opens in a new window)UCD Res Life in collaboration with UCD Global, as well as numerous UCD Women’s rugby games. 

Socialising

Trivia at the UCD Clubhouse on Tuesdays is a favorite event of mine and it seems it is for the rest of campus too! It gets pretty competitive and is the best place to go after a day of classes to grab a pint and learn some new facts with your friends.

Hopping on a bus to the city centre is so easy as well if I need groceries, want to shop, or to get dinner in downtown Dublin. 

That being said, going into the city is my favorite thing to do because of its vibrant nightlife, cute shops, and endless activities like walking through St. Stephen's Green or exploring along the River Liffey. 

Home Time

Most days, I love to come home and cook dinner at my apartment and catch up with my roommates. We like to find time to play a few rounds of cards, teaching each other the different games we know from home or plan an upcoming trip somewhere outside the city. 

Eventually, it’s time to do some homework and prep my materials for the next day, depending on what classes I have going on, before going to bed.

Reflections on Life at UCD

Overall, life at UCD is full of newness for people like me and others who come here on their study abroad. New places. New people. New experiences. 

Being here is something I marvel at every day, both because of how grateful I am to be somewhere so completely different and because of my newfound sense for my own personal capabilities. 

That being said, studying abroad does not look the same for everyone, but it is truly what you make of it. And the good news is: you're in complete control of that!

For more information about studying abroad at UCD, check out our Study Abroad page.