As a first year in university, there is so much to see and do. This is slightly more intense as an international student. Your curiosity is going to lead you everywhere; from googling about Ireland to checking all the notice boards, and listening intently to your classmates talking about their country any chance you get. When the school has activities, you will want to explore all of them and find one that you will enjoy. This also goes for societies. You can’t really decide what you want, because it not only takes up time, but also involves commitment.
This was what I faced within the first two weeks of joining TUS. I attended the Afro-Caribbean Society meeting on Tuesday, and on Thursday, I saw a notice about the movies that were to be aired in honour of Mental Health Month in October. The first movie was Barbie on 30th September, a Monday, and I missed it. I then decided to attend the next one which was on 1st October, a Tuesday. On Wednesday, there was another movie too. Later in October, around Halloween, there was going to be another movie screening.
I was excited to attend the screenings, because it would give me a break from my studying. I could also be in school after class-hours, which felt cool in some way. So, 1st October, I made haste after classes and went to the Millennium Theatre where the movie was showing. Snacks were provided and entry was free. I spotted a few students there, who I later found out were part of the Student Union.
The movies aired were part of the initiative to celebrate and recognize Mental Health and Wellness. The Halloween movie aired was Coco, and the attendance was higher. It was a good experience, with everyone in attendance having the same reactions to the scenes in the movie. On 13th November, the Gaelic Club aired Kneecap, and I remember walking back home listening to their music on Spotify and having a thrill. For a moment, I forgot about the Early autumn sunsets and the possibility of rain. I even forgot the cold for a teeny tiny moment.
To end the first semester, and celebrate Christmas early, Elf was screened. I had never watched the movie, having spent most Christmas days talking with family or occasionally seeing one other iconic American movie about Christmas, Home Alone. It was a thrill reliving the beauty of a wholesome tradition about belief in goodwill during the holidays.
Attending movie nights has helped me settle in better in Ireland. Not only do I have something to do after class, but I also have opportunities to meet new people and make friends. It cheers me up a lot too, and I get to appreciate the halls of my new school even more. The company is always good, and I have participated in numerous society activities without being part of them. When deciding what society to join, I now have an idea of what I like. I can also see some familiar faces, so this makes the whole experience less nerve-wrecking. Finally, I learn a lot more from both the movies and the people I attend the movies with.
Studying at TUS means having so much clubs, societies, events and you have such a diverse community. We would love to have you study with us as well. You can find out more at https://tus.ie/global/study-at-tus/.