Degree programme at FH Aachen: Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty 8
Start and end of the stay abroad: 08/2023 - 01/2024
The semester abroad was completed in: 7th subject-specific semester
Assessments:
Quality of the programme content: 3,0
Study conditions / facilities at the host university: 2.3
On-site support and assistance: 3.0
Campus: 2.7
Transport links to the campus: 1.3
Food on campus (dining hall (Mensa), etc.): 2,3
Sports facilities: 1.0
Leisure activities: 1.0
Bars / discos / nightlife: 1.3
Quality / cost of living: 5.0
Contact with locals: 1.7
Preparations
When did you start preparing? About six months beforehand, with the application. I looked for a flat about 3 to 4 months beforehand.
How does the application process work and what documents are required ? I applied via the Erasmus programme, the application process was standardised and was guided by the Department of International Affairs.
Doesthe host university require a language test ? The Erasmus programme did not require a language test.
Useful tips or further information on preparation: It is best to check the websites of the student residences 6 to 9 months in advance to see when you can book rooms there. In my opinion, this is the best accommodation, at least if you are prepared to spend a little more money on a room, as you will be living in a relatively central location. However, the rooms are fully booked straight away, so it's worth booking directly when they become available.
Formalities
Do you have to pay fees at the host university ? No, not with the Erasmus programme
Did you receive a scholarship to finance your stay abroad? Yes Erasmus+
How do you recommend travelling to the host university? The easiest way is by plane, but you can also travel by car, train or bicycle
Did you have to take out additional health insurance? I took out international health insurance, which cost around €150.
Is any other insurance necessary, not that I know of
On site
What formalities do I have to complete after my arrival ? I had to take care of my course selection after my arrival because I was only given access to the university's timetable tool on site and only then was I able to see which of my pre-selected courses clashed. I also had to have a learning agreement signed and handed in by all the teachers in order to receive Erasmus+ funding.
Where is the best place to live and what are the average housing costs? The housing situation in Dublin is difficult. Depending on your budget, you have to decide whether you would prefer to live in the city centre (more expensive) or a little further out (slightly cheaper). In general, you can currently expect prices from €900 upwards near the city centre (winter 2023). Somewhat outside (30min to 1h bus) you could also rent rooms from around 700€. In general, shared student flats are not very common here, many foreign students live with host families or in private student residences. Irish students mostly commute or live in student halls of residence, but these are also very expensive and book up quickly.
How did the search for accommodation work? The Irish equivalent of "WG gesucht" is called daft.ie, which is where I found my flat share. Otherwise, the university has a portal where you can find a host family.
What is the average cost of living? Similar to Germany, only going out is more expensive
What is cheap/expensive? Nothing is cheaper, eating out or pubs are more expensive, food is similar
What are the shopping facilities like? Good, there are Aldi and Lidl and a number of other chains
About the host university
Briefly describe the host university : TU Dublin is the third largest university in Dublin and has 5 campuses, three of which are in the city. The School of Business is in the centre of the city and easy to get to. Business courses were mainly held at my campus, while the other subject areas were spread across the city at other locations. The university is very practically oriented and offers many degree programmes that you would be more likely to do in Germany, such as Culinary Arts. The teaching model is therefore very reminiscent of a university of applied sciences.
How was the overall quality of the courses and lectures ? The quality of the teaching left something to be desired. The teaching wasn't bad, but the level of the courses was mostly below that which is aimed for at the UAS. This can also be explained by the fact that I took some courses from the second year. In general, however, many Erasmus students noticed that the courses were easier to master than at home. Nevertheless, the learning effort should not go unnoticed, as there are many assignments and group work due during the semester.
How are the facilities at the host university ? My campus was not the most modern, but projectors and PowerPoint presentations were commonplace
What are the opening hours on campus, how are the libraries, are there lecture notes? Is some course content offered online? Very similar to the FH, the library is good for learning and there is an equivalent to Ilias where the course content is uploaded.
How many hours per week did you have on average? 25 hours, including lectures and study time
Did the professors prepare you well for exams? Yes, all the professors were super nice and helpful, you felt very welcome as an Erasmus student.
Are therespecial introductory courses for visiting students? No, but there is an Irish Culture module and a language course for foreign students
Did you have specific contacts at the foreign university ? There was an academic coordinator who took care of everything school-related.
What did you like / dislike about the campus? The dining hall (Mensa) is too expensive.
How are the transport links? What do you need to bear in mind ? The bus and the Luas were great connections to my campus (Aungier st), and I could also get there quickly by bike
Other: Important: you can only take business courses because there is only a cooperation with the School of Business, for mechanical engineering courses you would have to enquire at the School of Mechanical Engineering.
About the courses and lectures attended at the Technological University Dublin
Course attended: English for academic purposes Course duration & scope, teaching format: 2h/week Form of assessment: Written examination & presentation Is the course recommended? naja
Course attended: Irish Culture Studies Course duration & scope, form of instruction: 2h/week Form of assessment: presentation & 5 essays Is the course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Business Finance Course duration & scope, teaching format: 3h/week Form of assessment: Written examination, essay & test Is this course recommended? Yes
Course attended: Quantitative Methods 2 Course duration & scope, teaching format: 3h/week Form of assessment: Written examination & submission of assignments Is this course recommended? Yes
Course attended: International political Economy Course duration & scope, teaching format: 2h/week Form of assessment: 2 essays Is the course recommended? Very interesting course - Yes
Leisure activities
What is the range of sports facilities on campus ? There is a gym (for a fee) and many sports clubs
Do youhave to pay for the sports facilities? No, or only a small amount (less than €10)
What leisure activities does the campus offer ? All kinds of things: Hiking, swimming, surfing, climbing, sailing was what I experienced
What sights are there locally? Google can help here
Are thereorganised (possibly subsidised) excursions for visiting students ? Yes, ESN organises trips across the university and the university and sports clubs also offer many weekend trips.
Are there many good restaurants and bars nearby? Yes, it is the capital after all. Dublin has countless pubs and clubs. Tip: Cobblestone or Lessie
Are there anyspecialities to consider when it comes to local cuisine ? You should like beer
Where do you go in the evening (pubs, bars, discos, cinemas) and what is recommended? pubs
Are there anyspecial customs/customs among the locals and what is an absolute taboo? Everyone loves Guinness
Final considerations - Conclusion
How would you rate your stay abroad overall ? It was great! The Irish weather is not as bad as everyone says and I got to know so many lovely people (Irish and international). Dublin is also a great city, you live in a big city but sometimes it feels like a village, mostly because the people are so welcoming and informal. Ireland is also great for travelling during your stay abroad because the distances are not so great. However, you should enjoy outdoor activities as there are many scenic highlights to see.
Did you choose the right time for your semester abroad ? I think the summer semester would have been better in terms of the temperatures
What were the high and low points of your stay ? Highlights: Cycling to Galway, weekend trips with other Erasmus students, international dinners in the hall of residence
What will remain unforgettable: The people I met
What advice would you give to other students on your degree programme who decide to spend a semester abroad at this foreign university ? Try to find a place in a hall of residence early on, take a road trip
