“I’m really enjoying my time at UCD, studying electronic engineering in my third year. The modules have been really interesting, and I feel like they really build on each other as we go along, so it’s rewarding to see how everything connects. The lab assessments have been one of my favourite parts; they’re hands-on and really help me understand the theory we learn in lectures. The lectures themselves are great too, and the support from the engineering staff has been amazing. Whenever I have questions or need help, the Engineering Office staff are always approachable and quick to help. Overall, it’s been a really positive experience so far!

Getting the Cothrom na Féinne scholarship in my first year really made a huge difference for me at UCD. It helped me cover a lot of the costs that come with studying, like buying the textbooks and equipment I needed for my course. I was also able to use it to help with bus fares, which made getting to and from campus way easier. It wasn’t just about the essentials, though. The scholarship also gave me the chance to get involved in different societies and activities on campus, which I might not have been able to afford otherwise. Being part of societies has been a big part of my college experience, and it’s helped me make friends and get more involved in UCD life.

It wasn’t just about the essentials, The scholarship also gave me the chance to get involved in different societies and activities on campus, which I might not have been able to afford otherwise. Being part of societies has been a big part of my college experience, and it’s helped me make friends and get more involved in UCD life. Honestly, without the scholarship, it would have been much harder to focus on my studies. It’s made a huge difference, and I’m really grateful that UCD offers support like this through Access and Lifelong Learning. It’s allowed me to really make the most of my time here, without constantly worrying about finances.

Before I got the scholarship, I had a lot of worries about how I’d manage financially at UCD. I knew I’d need to buy textbooks, lab equipment, and other materials for my course, and I was really stressed about how I’d afford it all. I was worried that not having the right materials would hold me back in my studies, especially with how practical some of the modules are. Another big concern was covering everyday expenses, like bus fares and food on campus. Even little things like printing assignments or grabbing lunch between lectures can add up, and I didn’t want to constantly worry about every euro I spent. I was also anxious about missing out on the social side of college, like going on trips with classmates or joining in on society events, because I knew those things can get expensive. I didn’t want to feel left out just because I couldn’t afford to take part. Overall, I was pretty stressed about balancing all these costs, and the scholarship really took a huge weight off my shoulders. It made things so much easier and allowed me to focus on enjoying college and making the most of my time at UCD.

One of the main barriers I faced in attending UCD was definitely financial. I knew that the cost of tuition, textbooks, lab equipment, and even things like commuting would add up quickly, and it stressed me out because I wasn’t sure how I’d cover everything. Another challenge was that I didn’t really have anyone in my immediate circle who had been to university in Ireland, so I didn’t have much guidance on what to expect or how to prepare. Things like navigating the application process, figuring out accommodation, and understanding how financial support works were all new to me, and it sometimes felt overwhelming. On top of that, I had concerns about balancing everything. I was worried about how I’d manage the workload while also keeping up with the costs, especially when it came to getting the right materials for my course or even being able to take part in things like societies or class trips. These were some of the main challenges I faced before starting at UCD

While studying, one of the biggest challenges I faced was managing the workload. The assignments, lab reports, and exams can pile up quickly, and it was sometimes hard to stay on top of everything. There were times when it felt overwhelming, particularly when deadlines for different modules clashed or when lab work didn’t go as planned.

Another challenge was adjusting to the pace of university compared to secondary school. In UCD, the responsibility is really on you to stay organised and manage your time well, and it took me a while to get the hang of that. Balancing lectures, labs, and study time was tricky at first, and I had to learn how to prioritise and stay focused.

On a personal level, staying motivated during tougher weeks, especially around exam time, was difficult. There were moments when I felt burnt out, especially after long days in the lab or when I was stuck on a difficult topic. But with the support from my classmates and lecturers, I managed to push through.

I used part of the scholarship money to buy essential textbooks and lab equipment, which really helped me stay on top of my coursework. Beyond that, I also covered other academic expenses, like online resources that supported my learning. Additionally, the funds helped me with study materials and resources not provided by the university, such as specialised calculators and reference books. These tools have been crucial for tackling complex assignments and projects. The scholarship also allowed me to engage in extracurricular activities. I attended workshops and seminars related to my field, which offered valuable networking opportunities and extra learning experiences. I was also able to go to conferences and technical events, which broadened my understanding of the industry and kept me informed about the latest trends and technologies.

I also invested in a high-quality laptop and accessories, which have been essential for completing assignments and projects efficiently. Plus, the scholarship helped with personal expenses, like meal plans and occasional treats, making it easier to manage the demands of university life. Overall, the scholarship funds significantly supported both my academic needs and personal well-being, helping me get the most out of my time at UCD.

During my time at UCD, I got involved in several extracurricular activities that made my university experience more engaging. I joined the Engineering Society, where I participated in organising events and attending workshops, which helped me connect with other engineering students and industry professionals. I was also an active member of the Robotics Club. This involvement allowed me to work on a dance dance revolution project and take part in robotics challenges, which complemented what I was learning in class and gave me practical experience. Additionally, I took on a role in the Food Society as an Ordinary Committee Member (OCM). This role involved helping to plan and run events that brought students together, adding a social and community-focused aspect to my university life. It was a great way to meet new people and be part of the broader campus community. These activities not only provided a break from my studies but also helped me build connections and gain valuable experiences beyond the classroom.

Without the scholarship, my college experience would have been significantly different. I would have faced a lot more stress over managing daily expenses like commuting and food, which might have affected my focus and overall well-being. The financial strain could have forced me to cut back on some of the other aspects of university life, such as attending events or taking part in enriching activities outside of class. I might have felt less connected to the campus community and missed out on opportunities that contribute to a well-rounded college experience. The scholarship made it possible for me to fully engage in my studies and university life without constantly worrying about finances, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling college experience.

If you’re an alum considering supporting a scholarship, I’d just say how impactful it really is. For students like me, receiving a scholarship can make a huge difference. It eases financial stress, which lets us focus more on our studies and get involved in university life without constantly worrying about money. Your support doesn’t just help with covering costs; it also opens up opportunities. It allows us to take part in activities, join societies, and make the most of our time at university. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the confidence and freedom to fully engage with our education and campus community. So, if you’re thinking about supporting a scholarship, know that you’re making a real difference in someone’s life. Your contribution could help us to reach our goals and make the most out of our time at university. It’s an investment in our future, and it’s something that we genuinely appreciate and benefit from.”