My Transformative Experience at University College Dublin

University College Dublin

7.3(15 Reviews)

Reason for choosing my college

• I chose University College Dublin over other universities for several key reasons. First, UCD's MSc in Data and Computational Science stood out to me because of its strong blend of mathematical rigor and real-world application, something I didn't find as balanced in other programs I considered.
• The course structure at UCD includes a mix of statistical computing, machine learning and mathematical modelling, which aligned perfectly with my goal of building and solid foundation for a career in data science. Secondly, UCD has a strong global reputation, being one of Ireland's leading research-intensive universities, and is highly ranked within Europe. I was also attracted to Dublin as a location.

Trinity College Dublin

8.0(16 Reviews)

Reason for Rejection

• In case of Trinity College Dublin (TCD),I applied but did not secure admission. While TCD is undoubtedly a prestigious institution, I believe the selection process can be highly competitive, especially for programs related to data science and computational fields. It's possible that my profile at the time did not align fully with what the admissions team was prioritizing, whether that be in terms of specific academic requirements, professional background, or other criteria they emphasized.

• Tailor your Statement of Purpose (SOP) to the specific program and university. Showcase relevant skills and achievements. Highlight why chose the country, university and the particular course. Get strong recommendation letters from your professors or employers.

• I chose University College Dublin, Belfield, because of its strong academic reputation and its MSc in Data and Computational Science, which offers the perfect mix of mathematical modelling, machine learning, and data analytics. I selected Ireland for its booming tech sector and post-study work opportunities, especially in Dublin, where major tech companies are headquartered.
• My overall experience has been very positive. Academically, the program is challenging and relevant, with supportive faculty and excellent facilities.

• In my Msc program at UCD, there are 4-5 classes per week. Class timings usually range from 9 AM to 5 PM but most lectures are 1 to 2 hours and there are gaps in between and some are also online.
• My class strength is about 60 people, out of which approximately 30 are Indians. I usually spend 3-4 hours daily on assignments, coding tasks, self study and job searching.

• The faculty-to-student ratio at UCD is fairly good, with around 1 professor for 30-50 students in most modules. My favorite faculty is Jake Williams who teaches us "Optimization in Machine Learning". I like his examinable and practical approach to the subject.
• As far as job assistance, many faculties do help if you reach out to them.

• My college has two campuses: Belfield being the main one and Michael Smurfit Business School for business courses. UCD has several libraries, including the James Joyce Library. For sports, there are several clubs one can join, and almost all the outdoor and indoor sports are provided with world-class infrastructure for each.
• There is on-campus medical support and doctor appointments are available. UCD has more than 120 student clubs and societies that keep conducting various events throughout the year.
• UCD Global Village: A cultural fair where international students showcase their countries' food, traditions, and performances. I am personally part of Cricket Club of UCD, which conducts regular practice sessions and I am also part of Indian Society, Physics Society, International Students Society, etc.

• Most Indian students at UCD tend to work part-time in cafes, restaurants, retails stores, and on-campus roles like library assistants or lab technicians.
• Currently it is difficult to get a part-time job as there are limited opportunities.
• Usual process involves applying through career sites like Indeed and Linkedin but most preferred is physically going around and distributing your part-time resumes to the shops.

• TA and RA positions are available but they are competitive. Typically, 10-15% of students secure them. The current pay is 13.5 euros per hour minimum.
• On Stamp 2 Visa, we're allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours a week and 40 on holidays. Finding a job can be competitive but there are regular job postings on the UCD Career Portal and notice boards across campus.

• Around 80–90% of graduates from my program secure a job within 6 months of completing the course. The average salary range for data science and computational roles is between 35,000 and 40,000 euros for freshmen, and if you have experience, it might range between 40,000 and 50,000 euros annually.
• Most students find jobs through career portals like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed and Irishjobs and through networking events like career events at UCD. The highest could go up to 70,000 euros and the lowest would be around 32,000 euros per annum for entry-level positions.

• I used Amber Student to find my student accommodation, they helped me to know every detail of it. But there are more platforms like Cassata and University living. Not having anyone here to personally search and visit is a challenge I faced. I would recommend to ask someone who lives there to give proper visits and verify the property as there are scams taking place.