Hi, I’m Heike, and I moved from Germany to Ireland in 2022 to study my Bachelor in Business (Psychology) at DBS.

1.How did you feel before you came to study in Ireland?

In my final school years, I was dreaming of studying abroad. So, I was very excited before I came to Ireland


2. What are some tips you would give students to help them settle into studying in Dublin? 

Say yes to opportunities - be it a networking event, parties, clubs & societies - even if it feels a bit challenging. This is the chance to meet new people, make friends and create memories.

Speak as much English as possible! You will not only improve your language skills but it also makes it easier for people from other countries to feel included and join the conversation.

Settling into studying in Dublin takes time, so don’t stress if the first few weeks feel a bit rocky. Enjoy the process!

3. What are some differences between studying in Ireland and your home country?

Compared to studying in Germany, there is less time spent in class and more free time to work on assignments, join college clubs & societies and go to events. Another big difference is the close relationship between students and lecturers. As most classes have less than 40 students, the lecturers will recognise if you are actively participating and are happy to help everyone. 



4. What is something you miss from home? How do you cope with this?

It happens to probably everybody moving abroad that they will miss their family at some point. In these moments, I spend a lot of time with my friends and give them a big hug. I also remind myself that living in another country is a huge privilege and I should be very proud of myself.


5. What are your recommendations for an international student to do in Ireland?

I think Howth is a great place for a day trip in Dublin, with something for everyone to enjoy. You can take a short walk or a longer hike along the beautiful coastline. The harbour is also a lovely spot to have some fish and chips, listen to the buskers and breathe some fresh sea air. Furthermore, Howth is easily reachable by public transport.

If you want to explore typical Irish street food, I recommend trying the popular spice bag, a fusion dish often available at Chinese takeaways like Xian. The chicken fillet roll is also a tasty and affordable option, which can be customised to your liking at deli counters in stores like Dunnes, Centra, or Spar.

Here are some of Heike’s favourite memories from studying in DBS!