Greetings from a semester at University College Dublin! We’re entering week 3 of classes this week, and it’s been absolutely gorgeous so far!
Last week was Fresher’s Week, a week to welcome all new students to UCD and explore all the activities the campus has to offer. I’ve joined three societies (clubs) here at UCD: the Psychology Society, the Music Society, and the Law Society. These societies focus on both help in your studies by hosting different events to help with your major as well as fun events to enjoy these different fields beyond just academics. For example, Music Society runs guitar lessons and studio sessions, Psychology society hosts different forums and quiz nights, and Law Society runs preparations for Moot Court/Debate and hosts comedic Mock Trials (why I joined). The first real events of these clubs all begin this week, and I am excited for what’s in store!
I’ve been here since August 29, and I haven’t done much traveling beyond getting to Dublin, but I’ve certainly explored a bunch! I’m lucky to have my best friend from home studying at UCD, and she took me to the Irish Potato Cake Factory for my first proper Irish breakfast. She did think she was pushing me into trying everything, but I was more willing than she realized. It was delicious! The one Irish staple I can’t seem to get behind is tea. I wasn’t a fan of tea before I came, though, so that’s no surprise. I also have a family friend studying at Trinity College, and she introduced me to Butler’s Chocolate Cafe, where I got the best salted caramel latte I think I’ve ever had in my life (and a complementary caramel chocolate to go with it)! I’ve honestly been dreaming about it since. Both have also taken me exploring around the city, shopping around Grafton Street, walking through St. Stephen’s Green and shopping through the accompanying mall, and down to the Temple Bar area. The city center is beautiful and I find myself going back all the time!
The campus life here is also extremely vibrant. UCD has a huge campus, and there’s always a ton of people around wherever you are, which is something I appreciate. It’s more of a traditional campus, but still public, so while it’s always buzzing with mostly students, there’s always people going by whether it’s families on walks or people walking their many dogs.
I have a few plans to travel to some other countries during the second half of the semester, but the first half is dedicated to exploring all the different beautiful places around Ireland. I can’t wait to see what else is in store beyond Dublin, and I’m grateful for the network I’ve had coming into a new country and excited to see how my friendships grow! I have plans to go out with the people in my apartment this week, weekly pub quiz dates with friends on campus, and beautiful plans for sightseeing with my family when they get to come visit in a few weeks.
I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to spend my fall semester in Dublin, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Cate Demopoulos
Fall 2025
GW Exchange - University College Dublin
Columbian College of Arts and Science
Psychological & Brain Sciences Major