Going North for Psychology | Grace Kilanni
Hello all!
My name is Grace Kilanni, I am from Cork currently a second-year psychology student, studying at Ulster University in Coleraine. Most people ask me why I came up North and what it is like living on the other side of the country! If you are reading this, you’ll decide your next step after receiving the results of your Leaving Certificate. By the time this blog is over, I hope I will have made your decision a lot less stressful and will have persuaded you to consider applying to Ulster University.
Psychology at Ulster University (Coleraine Campus)
When applying for a college I applied via UCAS, the UK and the North's system for applying to universities. This was because I wanted to pursue my education outside of the Republic. I was uncertain about what area I wanted to specialise in, but I knew I wanted to pursue a degree somewhere within the field of Psychology. What initially drew me to Ulster University, was that they provide a work placement year that is optional. For me, this makes it a lot easier to take the time and figure out what field within the course suited me.
Accommodation
The fact that Ulster University gives first-year students priority when arranging housing is another factor that made it one of my top choices. Because Leaving Certificate results were released later than A levels, things were simpler. In my instance, I requested for accommodation the day I was accepted to the institution. The next day, I received my acceptance, and I was permitted to move in a couple of days prior to my first lecture. ResLife is the organisation which oversees all on-campus housing. They host various events, including free food, movie evenings, and other entertaining events. All of these made it seem less lonely to be far away from home.
Life at Coleraine
Many people always want to know where Coleraine is. The location was unknown to me as well, but once I arrived, it was quite different from the city life I was used to in Cork. With stunning beaches in Portrush and Portstewart, Coleraine is much more of a scenic area. It is a small town and is accessible by foot from the university. The college has a train station from which you can travel to the town or Portrush. Buses are another option that most students use to travel to the Anchor Bar and other bars for socialising. The campus also offers a sports facility, which was ideal for me because I love going to the gym. It made it possible for me to exercise after classes. The university's gym is equipped with all you need for an enjoyable workout. There is even a sauna where you may unwind after a vigorous workout.
Interested in studying Psychology? Check UU’s Psychlogy programme out here.
