As I reach the end of my study abroad program, I’ve found myself quietly taking stock of the differences, both big and small, between life in Dublin and life back home. Some are practical, some are cultural, and some have caught me off guard by how much I’ve grown to appreciate them.

Firstly, every plastic bottle here comes with an attached bottle cap. At first, I found it oddly frustrating as someone who tends to absentmindedly fiddle with the cap while sipping, but over time, I’ve come to love this little quirk. It’s such a small detail, but it speaks to something deeper: intentionality. Things here seem designed with thoughtfulness (and with the environment) in mind, not just convenience. Having the bottle caps attached to improve recycling and reduce litter not only illustrates how serious Ireland is on sustainable practices, but also how such a small change in everyday culture can make a difference. And it also means I’ve stopped losing bottle caps in the bottom of my bag.

Then there’s the luxury of public transportation and walkability. Dublin is a city that invites you to slow down, to look up from your phone, and to actually take in your surroundings. Back home, I’m used to rushing from place to place in a car, barely noticing the world passing by. Here, walking has become not just a way to get somewhere, but a moment of peace in my day. I’ve been able to enjoy fun conversations on my 30 minute bus ride into and from the city, share airpods with friends walking to our destination, and admire the scenic routes to smaller villages outside Dublin. I will most definitely miss not being able to read while being transported to a seaside village when I come home!

Safety is another understated luxury. I didn’t expect to feel so comfortable walking alone here, even at night. I’ve always been a person who enjoys running around Colonial Williamsburg at night, but I knew coming into this that running alone in the dark in an international city was not the move. However, I was stunned to find how safe I felt here. While I will rarely be caught alone in the city after dark, I have no issue walking or running around the UCD campus at night. It’s something I never take for granted, and it’s made solo exploring not just possible, but joyful.

And then there’s the light. The endless summer evenings stretch well past 10 pm, bathing the city in a soft glow that makes time feel slower and more generous. It’s hard not to romanticize everything when golden hour lasts for hours. The sun rises at 4am, (blocked out by my blackout curtains of course), which welcomes each day that seemingly feels like three days in one. It;s truly a blessing to have so much time in a program jam packed with classwork, excursions, and so much fun. 

All of these things have become a backdrop to a slower, more intentional version of my life. Dublin has taught me to savor the in-between moments: a coffee enjoyed without multitasking, a walk that doesn’t need a destination, a conversation that isn’t rushed. In a world that often equates productivity with worth, this slower pace feels like a little rebellion. And it’s one I hope to take with me long after I leave.