My name is Shalom Udensi Ibe, I am a 4th year Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutical Science student at TUS Moylish Campus. For everyone who has asked me this question, it’s always been the same answer. I didn’t choose Ireland, Ireland chose me. My parents had a totally different plan for me, but things took a different turn. Like they say, everything happens for a reason and I ‘m so grateful things played out the way they did, and I get to experience college in Ireland, TUS precisely, A decision which I’ve never regretted or questioned. When I was exploring universities, I was drawn to TUS because of its strong emphasis on innovation and practical learning. I wanted to experience education in a place renowed for its friendly people, rich history and stunning land scape. TUS stood out not just for its academic excellence but also for its commitment to student support and community engagement.
Being an international student at TUS has been an incredibly enriching experience! From day one, I felt welcomed by both the faculty and my fellow students. One of my favourite places on campus is the student union, where there’s always something happening, from study groups to social events. I also love the study pods in the library it’s a great spot to dive into my studies. Also, the campus is beautiful, with plenty of relaxation spots.
What I love most about TUS is the sense of community. It’s easy to make friends and connect with people from different backgrounds. The university hosts numerous events that celebrate diversity, which helps create a warm and inclusive environment. There’s also lots of societies to join such as the African Carribean society where you get to meet and interact with people which I am a part of as President.
TUS also organises various activities and exciting events, The career day which is a day when different companies come to college and talk us through the process of applying for jobs. For my third year Internship, I got a chance to work in Regeneron for 8 months which was a very relevant part of my course. The placement experience emphasized the relevance of my academic coursework and highlighted areas for further learning. Working in a huge biopharmaceutical company like Regeneron for my co-op program was very beneficial in improving my networking and Industry insights.
One memorable moment was during Orientation Week when I participated in the International Students’ Welcome event. It was a whirlwind of introductions, icebreaker games, and fun activities. I met students from all over the world, and we bonded over our shared experiences and excitement about studying in Ireland. I also experienced a bit of culture shock during my first week. The Irish accent was quite a challenge! But my classmates were super patient and even helped me understand some of the local slang. It’s these little moments that have made my time here so special.
Choosing TUS and Ireland has been one of the best decisions of my life. The education, the friendships, and the experiences I’ve gained are invaluable. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!