I simply cannot believe that I’m nearing my last week of undergrad! It’s gone by so incredibly fast, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I came into university not wanting to sacrifice any of my (very different) interests, and I’m happy to report that I very much did not. In fact, I’ve balanced studying biology & business with dancing in a professional show, gaining undergraduate research experience, exploring jobs in digital marketing, and expanding my own company. While it definitely wasn’t easy, I got to live the best of all worlds for my 3 years here. Starting in my first semester, I would train for the world championships of Irish Dance from 8-10, go to class from 11-2, then go off to rehearsals for Busch Garden’s Celtic Fyre. Each spring was spent in the busy cycle of morning classes and evening performances. During my next semester I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in marketing and research. I joined the STEP team writing this very blog and making posts for students like you! I also had the opportunity to join Professor John Swaddle’s lab, working as an assistant to a grad student examining the effects of polarized light on zebra finches. This would later lead to an independent research project on the effects of lead on birdsong! During all years I witnessed the rollercoaster that has been megmstudy. Megmstudy is my own little brand that started as an instagram page during the pandemic, sharing tips and tricks about learning from home. Since then it’s surpassed 107,000 followers, 10 million monthly views, and certainly my imagination. I’ve hired an employee (does it count if she’s my sister?) and expanded to practically all social media platforms. While managing this company started purely from my own intuition, I’ve learned more about how to conduct professional businesses from my time abroad in the Global Business Minor Program. Along with my time working for STEP, I’ve gained hands-on knowledge on better digital and social media marketing practices that I couldn’t have gained on my own. I will forever be grateful for all of the experiences I’ve been blessed to have at this school. William & Mary truly is the perfect place to try it all. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I will do anything for a good cup of matcha. During my time abroad, I came across Blank Street in London who have the absolute best matcha I’ve ever tried. Unfortunately for me and other Blank Street lovers, the closest store to here is in Georgetown. In a search for finding the best matcha in Williamsburg, I’ve tried the matchas at the cafes on campus and surrounding areas, but nothing comes close to the level of matcha that big cities have (though, Hohl came pretty close). Matcha is becoming increasingly popular amongst college-age individuals as a great alternative to coffee or regular tea. However, Its quality can be variable on a variety of factors during production making it a more popular homemade rather than mass produced drink. This makes finding a good quality matcha extremely difficult. As someone who doesn’t drink coffee and rather opts for a chai or matcha latte, there is a lack of non-coffee options at local cafes, and consequently a perfect opening for a matcha-centered cafe in this city. Williamsburg holds the quaintest campus and is extraordinarily loving of cafes which makes me believe that the addition of a new matcha spot would do extremely well here. Under constant development, there is always a new retail spot for a new cafe to come in (either on campus or nearby). Having this new matcha-centered cafe would be a great victory for those looking for coffee alternatives. It doesn’t necessarily have to be Blank Street, but Williamsburg is the perfect place for a new matcha spot.

If you’d asked me before this trip where I’d find the best afternoon tea of my life, I would’ve bet it
would still be England. But surprisingly, Dublin took the top spot this summer. More specifically,
the stunning College Green Hotel, where I celebrated my birthday with an afternoon tea
experience I’ll never forget.
From the start, it felt special. The setting was elegant in the hotel’s atrium with a fireplace, comfy
couches, and live piano. What made it even more memorable was our attendant, Nikhil. He
didn’t just serve tea, he shared personal stories. He had actually lived in several of the regions
where the teas were sourced, and his knowledge brought the whole experience to life. Each pot
of tea came with context, history, and a bit of personal connection, which made every sip feel
even richer.
And the tea was unlimited!! Which, of course, meant we tried nearly every option on the menu.
Paired with towers of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries, it was indulgence at its finest. By
the end, we had so much food left that we were happily sent home with leftovers. Dublin may
not be the first place people think of for afternoon tea, but after my experience at the College
Green Hotel, it will always be at the top of my list

I can’t believe it’s already the last week of classes here in Dublin. When looking at the schedule before arriving, I noticed a day off classes due to the bank holiday in Ireland on August 4th. It seems that we all came to an agreement early on that this long weekend should be spent getting new passport stamps, exploring different countries, and eating food other than fish & chips. So after wrapping up our final presentation for global business immersion on Friday, a few of us seized the chance to explore beyond Dublin, ending up scattered across Europe (and Ireland!). For me, this well-earned long weekend escape ended with me in Sardinia, Italy. Here are a few of the places visited and a few quick tips for avid travelers during your own study abroad adventures. 

Alghero – Sardinia Italy

Just around three hours from Dublin, Alghero is an absolutely sun-soaked gem on the northwestern coast of Sardinia. Think cobbled streets, turquoise water, and seafood so fresh it makes you question everything you thought you knew about pasta. I went with a friend, and from stumbling upon the most gorgeous beaches, taking a boat ride to a grotto right off the water, eating the best pizza and gelato I’ve ever had, it was the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Sardinia might not be the first place that comes to mind for a weekend trip from Ireland, but trust me, it should be. We came upon this city on a complete whim! When looking for places, we wanted somewhere cheap to fly to and stay in and also a beach (of course!). From looking up “prettiest European cities for a weekend trip,”  Alghero became the top of our list and I’m so grateful it did! While my backpack might’ve been flagged by Ryanair as too big, the sun gave me one of the worst sunburns I’ve ever had, and the same backpack broke before our flight back, Sardinia was most definitely worth visiting. 

Brussels, Belgium 

A few others in our group jetted off to Brussels, where chocolate, waffles, and rich history collide. With its compact size and excellent public transport, Brussels is ideal for a short stay. They squeezed in everything from admiring the architecture, vintage thrifting, and a fun night out. Brussels is a similar vibe to that of Dublin as its well-connected, relatively affordable, and offers a unique mix of European culture in a bite-sized setting.

Faro, Portugal 

Another pair spent their weekend in Faro, Portugal. With consistent sunshine and cheap flights from Dublin, it’s a go-to for beach lovers and city explorers alike. From what I heard, pastel de nata tastes even better after a long day in the waves.

The Irish Countryside

As the last few of our weekends were occupied with pre-planned excursions, we didn’t have lots of time to explore farther out of Dublin, so some of us chose to stay in Ireland and explore some more! From Bray to Wicklow, staying local gave them a chance to see the parts of Ireland we often take for granted. It’s a good reminder that “getting away” doesn’t always mean going far.

Top tips: 

• Ryanair often runs cheap direct flights from Dublin. Book early and pack light (don’t get flagged like I did!)
• If you want to save money, book a private hostel room with your friends!
• Don’t overplan – this is something that’s really hard for me as an extreme type A! But lots of times, and especially for my trip to Alghero, not having a plan and just wandering leads you to the coolest things! 
• Maximize your time – we left early on Friday and the last possible flight on Monday to maximize our time away! Arriving back in Dublin at 1am on Tuesday was surprisingly not too bad!

Studying or living in Dublin means having Europe at your doorstep. And long weekends are the perfect excuse to explore. Whether you’re after sunny coastlines, buzzing cities, or quiet nature escapes, there’s something out there for every mood and budget. If you happen to be studying abroad in Europe, I highly recommend taking the leap, booking the flight, or hopping on the train to a new place. Because one of the best parts of studying abroad is being able to explore and come back with stories worth telling.

One of the most unexpectedly beautiful parts of studying abroad in Ireland has been hearing how people speak. And not just what they say, but how they say it. Irish phrases, whether rooted in Gaelic (the Irish language) or just slang, carry a kind of warmth and depth that English often dances around but never quite lands on. Here are five of my favorites I’ve heard during my time here in Ireland that say more than they should be able to in just a few words:

1. Céad Míle Fáilte – A hundred thousand welcomes

You’ll see this phrase everywhere from airport signage to pub walls but it’s more than just a quaint greeting. It reflects something deeper about Irish hospitality. It’s not just “welcome,” it seems to be an anthem for Ireland, highlighting its spirit of generously and joyfully embracing everyone. It reminds me that the warmth here isn’t performative. It’s woven into the culture, the language, and even the way strangers talk to you at the bus stop

2. Sláinte – Health / Cheers!

You’ll hear people raise a glass and say “Sláinte” just like you would say “Cheers” anywhere else, but once you know it literally means health, the word hits differently. It’s a toast, but also a wish. 

And after hearing about different aspects of Irish history, Slainte feels like an echo of older Irish values: community, resilience, wishing well even in hard times. 

3. Grand: Fine, okay, good enough

No list of Irish phrases would be complete without “grand.” It’s seemingly the Swiss Army knife of Irish vocabulary. You could fall in the Liffey, lose your phone, miss your bus, and still be met with: “Ah, you’ll be grand.”

But I appreciate grand and its optimism in disguise. Almost like a gentle way of saying “You’ll figure it out.” In a world where everything often feels like a big deal, the irony of “grand” is refreshingly chill.

4. “Away with the fairies” – Someone who’s daydreaming, distracted, or a bit quirky

This whimsical phrase is one of my favorites because it blends Irish folklore with everyday conversation. It speaks to how storytelling and myth still color the language here. In a place where magic and myth are woven into the landscape, it only makes sense that even casual language is whimsical here. 

5. Craic – fun, good times, banter, atmosphere

“Where’s the craic?”
One of the most commonly misunderstood phrases when first entering Ireland is Craic (as it’s pronounced crack). Craic isn’t just about fun. It’s a vibe, a connection, a moment when laughter fills the air and everyone feels alive in it. And in Ireland, you can’t force craic. You can only stumble into it, and recognize it once it’s there. It’s hard to translate, because we don’t really have an English equivalent that wraps fun, storytelling, laughter, and shared joy into one tidy syllable. But Ireland has one and they use it generously. And also as a way to have a bit of fun with tourists 🙂

Language has a way of revealing what a culture values, and Irish phrases, whether ancient or everyday, seem to treasure connection, health, presence, and ease.They’re meaningful in ways that linger longer than the words themselves. 

Our management class begins at 9:30, so I typically wake up around 8 to get ready. After getting ready, I’ll make a breakfast of eggs, cheese, and toast (Ireland has the best tasting breakfast foods). Typically there’s a group of people already in the kitchen, so we discuss our plans for the day and what we’ll do after class, always ending in a centra run to get coffee before heading off to the business school. The UCD campus is extremely walkable and more so for our specific program. We live in The Village which is right next to a student center with a centra (think of it like a wawa), gym, and a short walk away from laundry and the business school. Our management class has been so interactive and interesting so far! For instance, we did a simulation about a pandemic and made decisions on how to run a country based on different scenarios. We have class from 9:30-12, a break for lunch, and then resume either class from 1-3 or work on group projects. After class we usually hit the gym, take a nap, or study for a bit before heading out to dinner. I will say that collectively we’ve eaten out more for dinner than cooked, but it’s all for the experience right! Friday is a bit different as we have our global immersion class that day in the Blackrock campus. Together as a group we get on the S6 bus to head to Blackrock around 8 so we can grab breakfast at the Lazy Days Cafe. During our first class we shared our favorite foods from home and tried some Irish snacks! Weekends are variable as sometimes we have scheduled excursions, and sometimes have free weekends. For the first weekend we had excursions to the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery.

We’ve been in Dublin for a week now, yet it feels like we’ve been here for weeks. It instantly felt like home from touching down in Ireland to going to the pub with friends and talking with our professor during lunch. I’ve really tried to appreciate every little moment we’ve had here in Dublin so far as I’m not only grateful to have the opportunity to live abroad in a country I have ancestral ties to, but also to learn from a variety of experts (professors and guest speakers) in their respective fields. I’ve been to Dublin once before, but honestly it feels like a completely new city this time around. On day 1, the students in the program already were familiar with each other having met once in person and for a week of virtual classes, so it didn’t take much to start becoming friends. There are 14 total students who each get their own room, but we all share two kitchens and common areas, but somehow we decided to all use the same kitchen, cooking breakfast and dinner together. We established a house charter through our second class in management, establishing rules for cleaning, talking in the hallway, and of course pirate tuesday! The best thing about living in Ireland during the summer are the long days. The sun rises before 5am and sets around 10pm, so it’s basically like having two days in one. So far, we’ve explored the city center, Blackrock, and Bray. I’ve climbed a mountain, studied in multiple cafes, yelled “that’s so cute!” about 5000 times a day, missed too many buses, gone to so many different pubs, taken a billion photos, heard lots of live music on the streets and in restaurants, and made so many lifetime memories and friends. I can full heartedly say that this was the best decision to come here and I can’t wait to learn more, explore more, and see where this journey takes me! 

As a former competitive dancer, I’ve had numerous experiences with packing and planning for trips both short and long, domestic and international, but preparing to spend over two months in a country is nothing short of overwhelming. What should I bring to a country with unpredictable weather and highly variable temperatures? What should I buy there instead of bringing with me? I already know I’m not one to pack light, but trekking tons of luggage across the streets of Ireland is probably something I’ll regret once I arrive. Also considering the massive amounts of souvenirs I’ll bring back for friends and family, I need at least some room in my suitcases. 

Here’s my thought process for packing: everyone in the program was given a brief list with things that will be provided (we get housekeeping and free linens!), along with things to consider bringing. After looking at this list, I started with my essentials and required items. What are the things I cannot operate without, what clothing items are staples in my wardrobe, (obviously a raincoat will be needed since this is Ireland), can’t forget power adapters, a basic first aid kit, important documents, toiletries, computer, phone, etc. Then I added clothes and shoes for all weather conditions besides snow. I divided things into what I should put in my carry-on and larger suitcase based on how much I might need to access them when travelling. This helped to keep luggage to a minimum and consolidate only what I actually needed to bring. During the packing process I made sure I understood that whatever I was bringing, I’d have to repack at the end of the trip to bring home. 

As for beginning the actual course content, this proved equally as difficult. I have been working as a dancer in a show at Busch Gardens since March, and two weeks before leaving for home I injured my knee. Being abruptly and unexpectedly unable to dance or walk without crutches, my planning and excitement for Ireland quickly got pushed to the backburner. I had to focus on the obstacles in front of me in order to confirm I would be able to continue on the trip. The same week of the injury and being put on crutches we had our first week of synchronous classes, luckily over zoom. Each class was three hours and introduced key concepts, team projects, and how being in Ireland would impact the structure of the class. The two weeks after, we continued our classwork asynchronously over blackboard. My first class once arriving in Ireland will be Management in a Global Environment! Each class will last two weeks (imagine having a final every other Thursday!), and will be a fully immersive experience with guest speakers, excursions, hands-on group projects, in place of hour long lectures. 

Luckily, the recovery process has been going smoothly and in a couple days when I get to Ireland, I should be fully on the mend. It’s been quite the rocky road to Dublin! I’m so excited that this trip is finally just a couple days away from becoming reality and am looking forward to sharing all about it here in the Dublin Diaries!

Planning out your dorm room already? Your dorm is your second home while away at college, so making it feel comfortable should be top priority. Here are some things that I’ve found make my dorm room feel more like home.

1. Rugs – Most W&M dorms have tile floors which can be cold! Your feet will thank you for adding a rug to your room! Having a rug also completes my room and makes it feel more cosy.

2. Pictures of friends and family – Pictures of friends and family are a great way to decorate your room and bring some personality and memories with you! I have my pictures set up right above my desk so that I always see them while studying.

3. Fake plants and flowers – I love adding fake plants and flowers to my desk and windowsill to make everything seem more lively!

4. Favorite snacks – tasting my favorite snacks always reminds me of home. 

5. Stuffed animals / pillows – my stuffed animals have been with me for years, so it only made sense to bring them to college. They’re nice decorations that remind me of home! 

6. Books! – I love to read, so bringing my favorite books with me was a must.

7. String Lights – I have a ton of string lights up in my room at home, so bringing them here not only makes my dorm room look pretty, but it also reminds me of home!

Coming in as a spring transfer student, my college experience was already a little different from the traditional path. But every spring and summer the Abbeystone Theater at Busch Gardens becomes my third home (after my house and W&M!). During my family tradition of visiting Williamsburg twice a year since I was two, we would walk around campus, stroll down D.O.G. Street, and watch the Irish dance show Celtic Fyre at Busch Gardens. So as soon as I knew I would be going to W&M, I knew I had to audition for the show. Working a full time performing job while also a full-time college student has its pros and cons. My days consist of school in the morning, grabbing food to go from Sadler or Caf and long 8-12 hours of rehearsal or a 3-4 show day. Initially I was concerned that being away from campus for such long periods of time would make me feel disconnected and behind, but  that certainly hasn’t been the case. My professors at William & Mary have been so helpful and supportive of me chasing my dream, making sure that I don’t miss any information and stay on track. Even if it means watching lectures remotely or meeting during office hours. Having such a busy schedule has taught me how to be more efficient in managing my time and also the importance of taking breaks. Jumping straight into the working world as soon as I got to college was both exciting and a bit overwhelming, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without such a strong support system. 

Me as lead in Celtic Fyre!