My Erasmus experience

I arrived in Dublin in late September when the weather was still not so rainy. With its lovely green spaces, its warm and international atmosphere and the pubs full of friendly people I fell in love with the city from the very beginning.  I knew that this would be one of the best experiences I have ever had and probably one that would give to me the most.

When I entered Trinity College for the first time and saw the ancient buildings around me, I could not believe that I would spend nine months studying in one of the most famous Universities not only in Europe, but in the world.  I was surprised at how international Trinity was and, thanks to this, I never felt like a foreigner.

Indeed, I met many students from all parts of the world. They helped me open my mind by sharing different ideas and cultures and from them I learned how to see things from a different perspective.  University life offers a great opportunity to all students of Trinity College to meet people - I had never before met so many people from other countries.

In Italy we do not have societies, so taking part in their events and activities was an entirely new experience for me.  Freshers’ week was crazy but also amusing, and I ended up joining half of the societies and lost myself at the parties that followed where I met a lot of new people.

Apart from the parties, I really enjoyed the events and conferences that took place during the academic year. Meeting famous figures such as Evanna Lynch and Hozier were highlights.  During the Christmas period, I did not feel sick at home thanks to events organised in the city and in college which helped to create a fantastic festive atmosphere.

I also had the chance to take part in many volunteering activities, such as helping children in a Muslim school in the north of Dublin. Unlike in Italy, I found a very open mentally in Trinity and in Dublin in general.  People have fewer prejudices and do not care about your religion, race and sexual orientation.  They consider you for the person you are without labeling you.

People were always friendly in shops and public spaces and tended to help you every time you needed something. Nobody showed impatience with me at the beginning if I had any difficulties with English.  How Irish people act in a friendship was different; they are really more casual about arrangements they make and one tip is not to take it too seriously if they say they will join you at a party or in a pub.

The thing I loved most of the Dublin is the fact that you can easily get used to it because of its size. It is not huge, but it is big enough for you not to get bored and you will always find something to do.  Its centre is also the heart of the life during the day and the night although I have learned to stay away from Temple Bar. I learned to appreciate pubs such as Sweetman and Doyles during Halloween and Saint Patrick’s Day, both festivals I had never experienced before.

I travelled by Dart to amazing places such as Howth and Bray, but Dún Laoghaire with its beautiful walk next to the sea and James Joyce’s house is the one place that truly made an impression on me.

I will never forget this experience and the friends I made during this night months, because everyone has left me something and when you have as amazing experience with other people as I did on Erasmus, you will always be connected with them.  I will always consider Dublin as a second home and I hope to come back soon.