University of Limerick, UK

The University of Limerick (UL) is a higher education institution in Limerick, Ireland (Irish: Ollscoil Luimnigh). The National Institute for Higher Education, Limerick, was founded in 1972 and became a university in 1989, thanks to the University of Limerick Act 1989.It was the first university established in Ireland following the country's independence in 1922, with Dublin City University following shortly after.

The University of Limerick's campus is located 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) from the city centre on a 137.5-hectare (340-acre) site with 46 hectares (110 acres) on the north bank of the River Shannon and 91.5 hectares (226 acres) on the south bank. Over 11,000 undergraduate students are enrolled full-time.

Following founding president Edward M. Walsh, Roger GH Downer, John O'Connor, Don Barry and Des Fitzgerald were presidents of UL from 1998 to August 2020. The current president is Professor Kerstin Mey.

Services for international students

Every year, nearly 800 students from all around the world visit Campus Life Services at the University of Limerick. Students can live in one of our seven village communities in residence, where they can make the most of their time in Ireland by being right in the thick of it.

Each term, a restricted number of rooms are allotted for Study Abroad, Erasmus, and Exchange students. We have a variety of Village Residences to suit all budgets, and each one provides exceptional accommodation and service.

In terms of international student happiness, UL is ranked second in the world. 94.5 percent of international students who studied at UL said they were satisfied with their education, putting the university in second place out of 199 institutions worldwide. The I-Graduate International Student Barometer (ISB) 2018, a global benchmark for the international student experience, produced these findings.

ISB also revealed that the University of Limerick's International Office was ranked first out of 51 universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In addition, UL received the top marks for providing international students with pre-arrival information. UL has the finest access to and quality of housing in the country; the best campus atmosphere; and the best multi-cultural experience.

Rankings

• Top 5 in Europe for Career Preparation
• Times higher ranking (THE) 2019
• #51-75in Europe for Teaching
• Times higher ranking (THE) 2019
• #71-80Top 50 under 50
• QS world ranking 2020
• Number 1 institution with Trinity College Dublin to achieve A Bronze Athena SWAN Award in 2015
• 1st institution in Ireland to renew to the AS ECU Gender Charter in 2019 focused on achieving gender equality across all disciplines.
• #11 Departments / Schools / Faculties to hold Athena Swan Bronze Awards largest number in Ireland.
  • Only 3% of universities in the world are in the top 3%. (QS World University 2019 Rankings)
  • UL alumni are employed or pursuing additional education in 97 percent of cases.
  • In the 2019 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, we are ranked 35th globally.
  • The Irish University of the Year 2019 was ranked 6th in the globe for a suburban campus in UI by The Sunday Times. The 2018 Green Metric World University Ranking

Location

The 148-hectare university campus is bordered by large parkland estates and is located on the banks of the River Shannon. It is one of Europe's most beautiful campuses, and it is perfectly situated for students to engage in active sporting and cultural activities. Relaxing cycling and walking trips along the banks of the River Shannon, as well as the magnificent Living Bridge, allow students to rest in a natural setting, while a Farmers' Market held every Tuesday allows them to see a variety of local produce.

The University is about 5 kilometres from Limerick city and 20 kilometres from Shannon Airport. Limerick is a contemporary city with a population of 90,000 people that is readily reached by train.

Accomodations

The University of Limerick's seven residential villages are all self-catering, with individual beds. All cooking equipment and supplies are provided, so all you have to worry about is what you want to prepare! Up to 7 other people share the kitchen/living areas. While other villages have shared bathrooms, our apartment complexes include ensuite bathrooms for people who want their own toilet and shower.

Each village has a management team that is happy to assist you with any questions you may have. Regardless of the request, we have an open door policy and our team is always accessible to speak with residents. Our Village Managers take pride in keeping residents satisfied and strive to resolve any issues that arise.

Alumni

• Jean Butler, former Riverdance choreographer and artist-in-residence at UL's Irish World Academy[50]
• Patrick Cassidy, composer and 2015 Oscar (long list) nominee[51]
• Colin Dunne, Dance choreographer, best known for his work on Riverdance
• Breandán de Gallaí, Riverdance lead, principal dance instructor and external examiner for the university
• Claire Keville, an Irish concertina and harpsichord player
• Iarla Ó Lionáird, sean-nós singer and record producer
• Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, Irish musician and pianist