Srilekha Sapram, Inter-professional Studies in Health, Rehabilitation, and Education in Northern Ireland Summer 2024
I lived in the student dorms at Stranmillis University College, provided by the program during the summer. The dorms were vacant during this time, offering a unique living experience. I had a single room, which was a nice change from sharing a room with a roommate in Pittsburgh. This gave me privacy, which allowed me to have a personal space to relax alone, as I was surrounded by classmates and teachers from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm daily and would explore the city with friends after.
The entire hall shared a bathroom with two stalls and two shower areas, but fortunately, each room had its own sink. This setup made morning routines more manageable and less crowded. The shared kitchen and dining room became areas of casual conversation. I particularly enjoyed the social room, where some of my floormates and I would gather to hang out, do schoolwork, or watch shows together over dinner. These moments fostered a sense of community and helped us save money and time by staying in to eat.
Living in the dorms did come with its challenges. The absence of air conditioning meant we had to keep our windows open for ventilation, but this led to many bugs since there were no screens. This situation exacerbated my pollen allergies, making it somewhat uncomfortable at times. Additionally, a maintenance issue left us with only one functional bathroom for the entire hall. We had to adapt by showering at odd times to accommodate everyone’s schedules, which required some flexibility and patience. Another adjustment was adhering to nightly curfews, a new experience for most of us who had been living independently during our college years. While it was initially challenging, the curfews eventually became a part of our routine, and we found ways to make the most of our evenings within the given constraints. Also, another challenge was that using the washer and dryer was more expensive than I was used to, adding an unexpected cost to my budget.
Despite these challenges, there were many aspects of living at Stranmillis that I loved. The location was picturesque, surrounded by beautiful green spaces and close to local amenities. The dorms were also within the main campus, making it convenient for attending classes and accessing campus resources. The communal living environment encouraged us to build strong connections with each other. We often organized group activities, such as exploring the city or having study sessions in the social room. These interactions helped create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, making the experience more enjoyable and enriching.
In conclusion, living at Stranmillis University College was a unique and memorable experience. While there were some challenges, the sense of community, beautiful surroundings, and opportunities for personal growth made it a worthwhile and enriching part of my time abroad. The experience taught me valuable lessons in adaptability, resilience, and the importance of building connections with those around me.
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