u/imstudent27

UL is first for me. I don't live in Limerick (I am 3 hours away) but still thought it is the best choice for engineering. Lmk if you have it as your first. Especially if you are outside Limerick.

Hi, Is it possible for someone to move from DCU to UL within the same course if they have the entry points for both? Are there lots of restrictions or is one able to move much easily? I'm lost between the 2. So I'm wondering if there is a chance to move from one to another if one doesn't suit me.

Hi, I'm planning to study general engineering and specialise.

I went to campus couple of days ago. I'm 3 hours drive away. Amazing campus. Green and big. I liked how STEM was clustered together. The labs were. Tho rooms did look a bit old. The library was absolutely amazing.

I'm stuck between DCU and UL. Both have paid placement and programme is very similar.

But to those of you who attended/are familiar with UL, what are some cons for undergraduates? Especially those studying STEM?

Hi,

I'm planning to study general engineering. I'm stuck between DCU and UL. I have been to both. Certain aspects of both was good and bad.

For DCU, things I didn't like was lack of library space, lack of green space, and overall, a less practical approach to UL. Most of these issues are related to the university not the course. Support for those failing modules seemed a bit mid.

UL is great. The campus is nice. The labs are good, older rooms than DCU tho. But I feel that they don't have a strong drive for Entrepreneurship as DCU does. Plus, it is not in Dublin so maybe less opportunities?

What are some things that you didn't like about DCU for undergraduate? Especially STEM.

I'm starting my engineering course in September.

It is general engineering course. So I get to specialise into whatever I want in second year which is very nice. I do want to specialise into mechanical engineering but I might change my mind.

My question is.... I have a free summer. What are some things I should do that will help me during my university?

I plan to play around with SolidWorks and get familiar with the software. Anything else I can that will prove to be very useful once I'm in the classroom? Also, skills that will allow me to build projects independently are welcomed too.

For those of you who are attending UL or UCC, what are some of the pros and some of the cons? I am stuck at putting first on my CAO.

I'm planning to study general engineering. I value student participation and enterprise enthusiasm. (a place where students want to start their own startups etc)

Where I am from, UCD, TCD, DCU, and Maynooth is all we talk about. I went to UL today, that campus was brilliant. The labs were good. The professors were chill. Students were active.

UCC is also another hidden gem but not suited for what I want to do.

Truly a great subject.

10000000% recommend.

The LC journey was one truly filled with many ups and downs. The same obstacles that many of us encountered and overcame.

I want thank all of you in this sub.

For your motivation and demotivation.

From the CAO guidance and ways to revise to pure misinformation.

For the memes to solidarity.

For being a great bunch of people.

As we all step into the next chapter of our lives, I wish you the best. Use your knowledge and efforts to build a better world. For you and your community. We will undoubtedly face many challenges. Challenges that other generations didn't have to. But it is very important to keep going in the face of adversity and try the best you can.

Peace Comrades

Class of 2026

I'm stuck between TCD, UL, and UCC for engineering.

Would appreciate it if you people who have went to those universities could share their experience.

Especially around student support (academic and non academic), student life, employment opportunities, and overall quality of the universities.

What is something you wish an upcoming 6th year or 5th year would know?

Mine:

Stop doubting yourself. You aren't inherently bad at something. You just haven't tried enough. Especially for subjects such as maths.

Learn the concepts well. Spent your 5th and even the first 3 months of 6th year understanding the content. Read the textbook. Especially for subjects like chemistry and practice them with Exam Papers topic by topic.

LC is a marathon!!!! Train like you would for a marathon. Learn bit by bit concisely.

Not academic: be involved in extracurriculars. It really does positively impact you.

Copy the email and send it to the emails below!!!!! Make sure to comment "sent" below so we have a rough idea of the numbers.

This post is not about blaming anyone else for how we prepared. At an individual level, we are all responsible for our own study and revision. That is not what this is about. This is about the direction the SEC is taking and the fact that we, the students who sat these exams, do not support it. The SEC is responsible for testing what we were taught. This year, that did not happen. The questions did not reflect what our teachers prepared us for. The phrasing misled students. Dramatic changes were made to exam layouts and concepts without proper frameworks being put in place first, without teachers being trained, and without students being told what to expect. We are also raising serious concerns about the use of AI in the creation of examination papers. Biology and English are two clear examples where the wording was inconsistent with the language and structure we are taught throughout the course. If AI is being used to write questions, it must be properly overseen. That is not happening. We are not asking for free marks. We are asking the SEC to investigate its own process and take responsibility for the part it played in what happened this year. Copy the email below, fill in your name and details, and send it to: info@examinations.ie and Minister@education.gov.ie

Email:

Subject: Concern Regarding Examination Standards, Leaving Certificate 2026

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing as a student who sat the Leaving Certificate examinations in 2026 to formally raise concerns about the standard and conduct of this year's papers.

I want to be clear from the outset. This letter is not a request for additional marks or leniency in grading. I take personal responsibility for my own preparation.

This letter is a request for institutional accountability. This year, a number of examination papers contained phrasing and question structures that differed substantially from the course material we were taught and from the patterns established in previous State examinations. The concern here is not difficulty. It is fairness. Students must be tested on what they were prepared for.

We are also seriously concerned about the apparent use of artificial intelligence in the drafting of examination questions without adequate human oversight. In subjects including Biology and English, the wording of questions was inconsistent with the language and frameworks students are taught throughout the course. This is not a minor issue. It directly affects the integrity of the assessment process.

Significant changes to examination structure and format also appear to have been introduced without adequate training for teachers or clear communication to students. Teachers cannot prepare students for an examination format they have not been briefed on themselves. The burden of this transition has fallen entirely on students.

We are not opposed to reform. Many of us would welcome a more practical and skills based Leaving Certificate. But reform must be introduced with proper frameworks, adequate notice, and transparent communication. It cannot be imposed on students mid cycle with no preparation and no warning. In light of the above, I am formally requesting the following.

A transparent review of the processes used to draft and quality check the 2026 examination papers.

A clear and public policy on the use of AI in examination design, including the requirement for meaningful human oversight at every stage.

A commitment that where structural changes are made to examinations, both teachers and students will receive adequate preparation and notice well in advance.

A review of the marking schemes to ensure they reflect realistic student responses and are not benchmarked against AI generated model answers.

The Leaving Certificate shapes the futures of thousands of young people every year. Its integrity depends on the trust of those who sit it. That trust has been damaged this year, and I am asking you to take the steps necessary to restore it.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your County]

[Your School, optional]

Leaving Certificate 2026

According the Wikipedia ( I know not the best) DCU has 20,377 students while having only 624 academic staff.

Whereas UL has 18,000 students and 2,000 academic staff.

For those of you who have been to UL or DCU, has this impacted your learning? Surely the shortage of teachers create some imbalances

If you were to go back in time and make the decision for your university.... Would you still pick engineering?

Is there anything you would have appreciated to have known before picking what you are studying now?

As the current/past students, what do you think? Do you recommend it?

I really like the engineering/economics programme you guys have.

Edit: my bad. I mean molecular eng. Also, if you have experience with Economics ..... Would be great to hear your feedback too.