A Day in the Life Studying in Dublin

Depending on my schedule and whether or not I have classes, my days in Dublin vary. Today, I’m going to take you through what a Thursday of classes and socializing might look like!

8:00 A.M.: My many alarms start going off around eight. Eventually, I drag myself out of bed, open up my curtains, and get ready for the day. I check the weather to see the temperature and if it’s going to rain, which will inform my outfit for the day. If I have time, I’ll make breakfast at home, usually scrambled eggs and toast or yogurt and granola with a cup of tea. If I’m cutting it close, I’ll grab a latte and a croissant from Insomnia Coffee down the block from my apartment building.

9:00 A.M.: I wait at the Parnell Street Luas stop for my tram. They’re usually pretty busy at this hour, so there’s usually only room to stand. I listen to music in my headphones as the Luas snakes southward through the busy Dublin streets.

9:30 A.M.: I walk the short distance from the Luas stop to the IES Abroad Center in Rathmines. It’s located in a mostly residential area near a lovely tree-lined canal. The building is red brick on the outside, with three stories and two main classrooms. I enter the downstairs classroom for my first class. Often we are going on field trips or walking around the city and discussing its architecture and history.

12:00 P.M.: My first class ends, and I set off to get lunch. A favorite spot is the Grove Road Cafe, a short distance down the road, but there are lots of other options a short walk away. I often eat lunch in the small courtyard behind the IES Abroad Center. After eating, I work on some homework before my next class.

1:30 P.M.: I head back inside for my second class of the day. This one is a writing class, so we spend time discussing the week's readings and our next assignment before workshopping our short pieces for the week. It’s a small class, but that makes it a comfortable atmosphere to share our writing without much stress. So far, we have focused on travel writing, journalistic features, and reviews.

4:00 P.M.: The school day and week are now over! I take the bus or Luas back to my apartment across the city. It’s usually about half an hour each way. When I get back home, I relax for a bit, going on my phone or crocheting while watching a show.

6:00 P.M.: I make myself some dinner in our apartment's communal kitchen. Some of my default meals are pasta, a cheese quesadilla, or a baked potato and salad. Occasionally, I’ll go to a restaurant with my friends for dinner.

7:00 P.M.: I meet up with my friends to spend the night out in Dublin. We might see live music, check out an event in the city, or hang out in one of Dublin’s many pubs. We often bring a deck of cards or Uno with us to play, which has been lots of fun. When we’re done for the night, I take the Luas or walk back to my apartment, get ready for bed, and head to sleep.

Every day here in Dublin has been different, depending on what classes, travel plans, and plans with friends I have. I love how much there is to do in Dublin, whether it's museums or parks or nightlife. I can’t wait to keep exploring and make more great memories here!