Moving to a new country is never easy. When I arrived in Ireland on December 28, 2022, I knew I had a lot to figure out, but I didn’t expect my first days to be as tough as they were. When I first arrived, I stayed at the school dormitory from December 28 to January 15. On January 16, I moved to a cheaper place in Kildare, where I stayed until January 26. I had just arrived in Ireland and didn’t know what to expect. This challenge was unexpected, but I learned and became stronger through it.

My new accommodation in Kildare was far from my school and part-time job.

Kildare Town is a historic town in County Kildare, Ireland, known for its rich heritage, equestrian culture, and religious significance. It is home to St. Brigid’s Cathedral, the Irish National Stud & Gardens, and the Curragh Racecourse.

Every morning, I woke up at 5:00 AM, left by 6:20 AM, and walked 40 minutes just to reach the bus stop. At 7:00 AM, I took a bus to Dublin city center, a journey of about an hour and a half. My classes started at 9:00 AM, and after finishing at 12:00 PM, I had to rush to catch another bus to my part-time job in Dublin 12, starting at 1:00 PM. Work ended at 4:30 PM, and by 5:45 PM, I was on a bus back to Kildare, finally reaching home around 8:00 PM. By the time I got home, I was completely exhausted. But I still needed to cook, do laundry, and take care of other chores before I could finally rest. On top of that, my flatmates were not supportive. Instead of understanding my situation, they constantly told me things I needed to do, adding to my stress.

---

Lessons from a Difficult Living Situation

On top of the exhausting commute, my living situation was far from ideal. The people I stayed with had been in Ireland for over 20 years, yet instead of offering guidance or understanding, they were indifferent to my struggles. Their behavior at times felt dismissive, even bullying. They saw me only as a source of rental income, with no real concern for the challenges I was facing as a newcomer in a foreign land. At first, this treatment made me feel isolated and frustrated. But instead of letting it break me, I used it as motivation. I realized that not everyone would be supportive, and that’s okay. It strengthened my determination to find a better situation for myself.

Also, the bus stop to the city center is near Kildare Village Shopping Center, which I take every morning. This place is a luxury outlet destination in County Kildare, Ireland, offering designer brands at discounted prices.

---

A Turning Point: Moving to Dublin 6

After ten difficult days in Kildare, I found new accommodation in Dublin 6, much closer to the city center. The move changed everything. My commute became manageable, I had more time to focus on my studies and work, and, most importantly, I felt more in control of my life. That experience reinforced an important lesson: challenges are temporary, and perseverance leads to better opportunities.

What I Learned from This Experience

1. Resilience is key. No matter how tough things get, pushing through difficulties builds strength and character.

2. Not everyone will understand your struggles, and that’s okay. You can’t expect kindness from everyone, but you can learn from every experience.

3. Change is always possible. If you’re in a bad situation, take steps—however small—to improve it. It may take time, but better days will come.

4. Trust your instincts. If a place or situation doesn’t feel right, work towards finding a better one.

5. Hardships make success even sweeter. Looking back, those difficult days in Kildare only made me appreciate where I am today even more.

My first month in Ireland was tough, but it shaped me into a stronger, more determined person. Today, I look back not with regret, but with gratitude for the lessons I learned. If you’re going through a tough time, remember: that challenges don’t last forever, and with persistence, you’ll find your way to a better place. Keep moving forward!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝓤𝓙'𝓼 𝓪𝓻𝓽 🎨 (@uj_happiness)