Get to know your University

Why do a Freshman Programme in Ireland?

Ireland offers the perfect balance of urban and rural with modern city living and traditional villages. So why should you do a Freshman Programme in Ireland?

• Known as the “Emerald Isle”, this country garnered that nickname as a result of its beautiful greenery, which can be seen in pretty much every part of the country!
• Irish people are famous for their hospitality and friendliness.
• The Irish education system is ranked among the top 20 in Europe and been a key factor in the rise to the top of the fastest growing economies in the world list.
• Easy access to other European countries.
• Many famous brands such as Apple, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter etc., choose Ireland for centre of European operations.

Find out more about studying in Ireland here.

UL Freshman Programme Highlights

Looking for an inspiring, confidence-boosting and life-changing experience? Our long-established Freshman Programme has many exciting opportunities for you, our students, who choose UL for their Freshman programme destination!

• A dedicated Freshman Programme Manager.
• Extensive Choice of Modules: You can choose modules from across all faculties to fulfil major, minor and/or general education requirements.
• Two-week Trial Period: You have a two-week trial period on your initial module choice. This ensures that the modules you select are at an appropriate level and that you are comfortable with your choices.
• Excellent Support Services: We encourage you to keep in touch with the office while on campus. We offer information and advice on immigration, accommodation and culture. Our cultural advisor will help you to acclimatise to Irish culture. The Cultural Advisor will hold meetings each week for our Freshman Students. These meetings are mandatory for the first 4 weeks of term to ensure that the groups are settling in well and to address any problems that may be encountered. We also provide specific pre-examination and pre-departure meetings at the end of each semester.
• Tailored Orientation Programme: We offer a specific Freshman/Study Abroad Orientation each semester. The programme includes daytime and evening events and takes place prior to the first week of classes. It is an ideal way to settle in, meet other students and familiarise yourself with the campus before lectures start!
• Airport Pick-up: Students are collected from Shannon International Airport each semester prior to orientation.
• Buddy Programme: A full-time student will be allocated to you along with a few others to help you settle into life at UL.
• Fully Integrated Environment: You will be integrated with Irish and other international students for classes, on-campus accommodation and clubs & societies.
• Field Trips and Student Events: The International Office organises a number of off-campus activities each semester. These include a special Thanksgiving dinner in the Fall and organised trips to Dublin and West of Ireland tourist attractions. We also work with the International Society at UL to promote other trips and activities, which are offered at discount prices to students.
• Sport: You will be given complementary membership of the University Arena (sports centre).

Why Study a Freshman Programme at UL?

Established in 1972, the University of Limerick (UL) is an independent, internationally focused university with over 16,500 students and approximately 1,700 staff. Ranked as one of the top 100 Young Universities of the World according to Times Higher Education, UL is a young, energetic and enterprising university with a proud record of innovation in education and excellence in research and scholarship.

•  UL offers programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including arts, business, engineering and construction, health and medicine, information and communication technology, law, mathematics, and natural sciences.
• A University of ‘Firsts’, UL prides itself on being ahead of many of Ireland’s third-level institutions in securing unique education and training facilities for all students.
• University of Limerick has achieved the highest possible standard in the new QS Stars Rating System, placing UL globally in the top two per cent of all universities. UL is the only university in Ireland to achieve this in 2021.
• University of Limerick has improved its position in the 2020 UI Green Metric World University Rankings. UL has climbed to 17th out of over 900 universities worldwide in the rankings, which measure each participating university’s commitment to an environmentally friendly future. 
• Top 150 Young Universities in the Times Higher Education World Ranking 2020.
• Irish University of the Year 2019
• Highest Employability in Ireland, Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020
• Ranked #1 in Ireland for Student-Employer Connections, QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020

If you would like to find out more about UL, just click here

Why do a Freshman Programme in Limerick?

Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, with a population of over 100,000. Founded by the Vikings in the 9th century, it is one of Ireland’s oldest cities. 

• Sitting on the banks of the picturesque River Shannon, Limerick is a vibrant city boasting a rich culture. Whether you are diving into Limerick’s ancient history or enjoying its selection of bustling pubs, cafes and restaurants, Limerick is sure to win you over. 
• When you arrive, be sure to explore the breath-taking landscapes and scenic villages of county Limerick, or take a day-trip along the iconic wild Atlantic way.
• Limerick’s Mid-Western location makes it a perfect gateway to exploring the rest of Ireland and Europe. Limerick has regular transport services to Cork, Galway and Dublin. Or, if you feel like going further afoot, Limerick city is located just 20km from Shannon Airport with regular flights to European cities.
• There are direct connections between Shannon Airport (SNN) and major cities in the USA, UK and Europe.
• Limerick is renowned as a centre of excellence for technology. It is home to the National Technology Park and to many international electronics and technology firms.
• Limerick offers its visitors an extensive range of attractions, museums and art galleries. For sporting enthusiasts, Limerick offers a wide range of sports, from Gaelic games (hurling and football) to the city’s favourite sport, rugby.
• Limerick and the University of Limerick are home to Coaching Ireland and to the University Arena, which houses Ireland’s first 50-metre Olympic swimming pool.
• Limerick is a cosmopolitan city with a unique rural charm – making it a popular choice for both Irish and international students. It is a very multicultural, friendly and safe city.

If you would like to find out more about Limerick, just click here

Student Testimonials