My name is Tra. I am a student who watched Love story in Havard and I dreamed of one day studying abroad on a beautiful university campus of my own. After travelling through 4 continents and visited multiple prestigious schools I finally decided to moved to Ireland for a MSc program at Maynooth. If you are reading this blog, congratulation. You may have just found your dream university too. As ...
Read MoreMini Crawl, Major Munchies: Eating Through Maynooth
Maynooth is a small town, but despite its size, it’s home of one of the oldest universities, a castle lost in time and, of course, several places to eat, have a drink or simply hang out with friends. The key to finding a good place to eat it’s to know what’s out there! Here I’ll recommend 4 places for you to eat in Maynooth town. Picture on the right: Full Irish Breakfast Coffee ...
Read MoreDo’s and Don’ts for International Students in Ireland: Staying Safe and Settling In
Relocating to a new place is both interesting and challenging. As a student in Ireland, you are surely going to experience some warm hospitality, new experiences, and different cultural wings. Ireland is a safe and student-friendly country, but a few practical considerations are worth mentioning in terms of basic safety, cultural norms, and social behaviour. Here’s my honest guide on what to do and what not to do as you begin ...
Read MoreA Foodies Guide to Maynooth: Top Spots to Eat Like a Local
As a self-proclaimed foodie, one of my biggest concerns when moving to Ireland was finding exciting spots to eat to my heart’s content. I wasn’t sure if I would be able to satisfy my taste buds in a new country, especially with all the unknowns. But as it turns out, Maynooth has a fantastic food scene with a variety of spots to explore, whether you're craving something familiar or trying ...
Read MoreOne of the Classic Chinese Home-Style Dishes: Braised Pork Belly with Potatoes
Today, I’d like to share a recipe for one of the most beloved Chinese home-cooked dishes—Braised Pork Belly with Potatoes. I hope this guide will help students living abroad recreate a taste of home and provide an opportunity for international friends to experience authentic Chinese cuisine from their own kitchens. Ingredients & Preparation: Pork Belly: The €2.99 pork belly from Aldi works perfectly. Cut it into small pieces, then boil in water. Garlic: ...
Read MoreA Culinary Passport: Connecting Hearts Through Food in Ireland
Food has always been more than sustenance to me. It’s a language, a comfort, and a connection to home. When I moved to Ireland to study International Development at Maynooth University, I quickly realized that food would become my bridge to a new world. Little did I know, it would also help me build friendships, present my culture, and create memories that I’ll cherish forever. A taste of home in a ...
Read MoreA writer once said, "Either the soul is on the road, or the body is on the road; one must always be in motion." This profound statement captures the essence of both reading and traveling, two powerful experiences that shape and enrich our lives. Through reading, we expand our minds and feed our inner world, embarking on intellectual journeys that allow our thoughts to evolve and grow. On the other ...
Read MoreHow Irish Kindness Made Me Forget About the Cold OR the Warmth I Found Along the Way
Moving to a new country is a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, curiosity, and, in my case, an undeniable chill. When I landed in Ireland to begin my studies at Maynooth University, I knew I’d left the warmth of Nigeria behind, but I didn’t realize just how much the cold would define my first days. I’ll admit, the Irish weather caught me off guard. No matter how many people warned me, ...
Read Morehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZi7oU4PIec&t Maynooth being just 25 kilometres from Ireland's capital city, there ar absolutely no excuses for not hopping on the bus to check out what Dublin has to offer, day or night, as tested by Thu in her second vlog.
Read MoreThe song "Summertime Sadness”[1] was playing in a shop, and I couldn’t help but pause and reflect on this musical motif, which is common in literature and lyrics for evoking feelings of sorrow. Typically, summer is associated with joy, happiness, and freedom. I find it hard to imagine such sadness in Ireland—a country known for its beautiful landscapes, stunning nature, and kind people. How could one feel sad amidst such ...
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