Ananyaa Madhur Sharma, BE Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Ananyaa Madhur Sharma is from India, and is studying for the BE Electrical & Electronic Engineering at University College Cork.

What made you choose Ireland and UCC, and how has/did the experience matched your expectations?   

As an international student, I chose Ireland because of its strong global reputation for higher education, research and innovation, as well as its reputation for being welcoming and inclusive. I was particularly drawn to University College Cork because of its academic standing, its emphasis on practical and research-led learning and the supportive culture it promotes. Since arriving at UCC, my experience has not only matched but exceeded my expectations.

The teaching approach encourages critical thinking and independent learning, while still offering strong guidance and support. Access to modern facilities, research opportunities and approachable lecturers has made my academic journey both challenging and rewarding. 

How has your experience been settling into life in Ireland, especially in terms of community, culture, and feeling at home? 

Moving to a new country was initially daunting, but settling into life in Ireland has been a genuinely positive and enriching experience. The friendliness of people in Cork, along with the strong sense of community within UCC, made the transition much smoother than I expected. Getting involved in student societies and leadership initiatives, particularly through WiSTEM and Peer Support, helped me build meaningful connections early on.

These experiences not only helped me feel settled, but also gave me a sense of belonging and purpose, making Ireland feel like a second home rather than just a place of study. 

What has been the most positive or surprising part of studying and living in Ireland so far? 

One of the most positive and surprising aspects has been how supportive and approachable the academic and student community is. Lecturers are genuinely invested in students’ success and wellbeing, and there is a strong culture of collaboration rather than competition.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the balance encouraged between academic commitments and personal growth, allowing students to thrive both academically and socially. This environment has helped me feel supported while still being challenged to grow. 

How is your experience studying here helping you grow personally and build the confidence you need as you plan your future career?   

Studying at UCC has played a major role in my personal and professional development. Through hands-on coursework, team-based projects and leadership roles within student organisations, I’ve developed confidence in my technical abilities as well as essential transferable skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

My involvement with WiSTEM, PSL and other outreach initiatives has helped me develop a strong sense of responsibility, while also giving me the confidence to represent others and contribute meaningfully to the community. These experiences have helped me better understand my strengths and feel more prepared for future career challenges. 

What kinds of career support: such as internships, industry connections, or guidance from the careers team—have been most valuable to you during your time here? 

The career support available at UCC has been extremely valuable, particularly as an international student navigating future career options. Opportunities such as mentorship programmes, careers workshops, networking events and industry engagement have provided practical insight into both the Irish and global job markets. Guidance from the careers team has helped me refine my career goals, improve my professional skills and feel more confident about pursuing internships and long-term opportunities aligned with my interests. 

Tell us about one moment from your time here that makes you smile when you think about it? 

One moment that always makes me smile is quietly watching graduation ceremonies on campus and seeing students from all over the world mark the end of an important chapter in their lives. Even though I haven’t graduated yet, there’s something very moving about witnessing that sense of pride and relief shared by students, families and staff.

As an international student far from home, those moments often make me pause and reflect on my own journey so far, how unfamiliar everything once felt and how much it now feels like home. They remind me that the challenges, growth and everyday small efforts are all leading towards something meaningful and they leave me feeling calm, motivated and quietly hopeful about the future.   

What do you wish you had known before coming here that would reassure or excite future students? 

I wish I had known just how welcoming, supportive and inclusive the environment at UCC would be, especially for international students. Future students can feel reassured knowing that they will be supported academically, personally and professionally from day one. Beyond receiving a high-quality education, students are encouraged to get involved, explore leadership opportunities and build lifelong connections that enrich their overall university experience.