The two-day event offered a wide variety of presentations, informational stands, and guided tours
By Niamh McNamara
University of Limerick, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, held its annual Open Days on Thursday and Friday, October 20 and 21 to huge success.
Over 22,000 visitors, many of whom are secondary school students from both Limerick and further afield, took to the University campus to form their first impressions and potentially make a decision that could shape the course of their lives.
Visitors were welcomed by bright green balloon arrangements and an air of excitement, along with staff and Open Day Guides eager to assist in showing everything that UL has to offer.
Students could be seen and heard marvelling at the campuses facilities and amenities, particularly the Glucksman Library and UL Arena.
When asked what brought her to UL, Ciara Brady of Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty said, “It’s a beautiful campus and the people here are so lovely.”
Information stands across campus, including those of UL Global, the Glucksman Library, and Campus Life Services, provided prospectuses, pamphlets, and a gentle nudge towards the unique attractions of studying at UL.
Many presentations were held over the course of the two days, offering information on undergraduate courses with additional seminars available on topics such as obtaining sports scholarships or alternative pathways to higher education.
First Seven Weeks were also on hand to put the anxious minds of students – and parents – at ease, answering any questions related to settling into the new world of college life.
“It’s been a pleasure welcoming prospective students to our campus today, and by the sounds of things, there’s no doubt we will be meeting a lot of them again come September 2023,” said Daniel Beck, First Seven Weeks Directional Guide Coordinator.
Despite the less-than-perfect weather conditions, the campus still managed to convey almost all of its beauty and grandeur seen in bright sunlight.
Limerick City schools were particularly well-represented at the event, with the distinctive greys, navies, and purples of Árdscoil Rís, St. Munchin’s and Laurel Hill particularly prominent among the thousands in attendance.
There was also a wide array of other schools present from counties including Cork, Kerry, and Dublin.
“It’s been great to see so many people out today and seeing the different courses everyone is interested in,” said James, a UL Open Day Guide.
The many UL hopefuls descending upon the campus appear to have been left largely satisfied that the university was the perfect place to begin the journey towards their future careers.
Find out more about the courses on offer at UL.
