My MIC Story - Christopher Forrestal

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! My name is Christopher. I’m 21 and from county Donegal. I’m in my third year on the Bachelor of Arts programme at MIC Limerick, and I’m studying English Language and Literature and Media and Communication Studies. Before coming to MIC, I attended Rosses Community School in Dungloe.

I’m fortunate enough to live with my grandmother whilst I attend college so I commute every day from Shannon to the campus. Commuting has definitely gotten better since I was in first year and there’s now a 24-hour bus service between Limerick city and Shannon, which is great as I’m able to stay out later on college nights out.

Why did you choose MIC?

During covid I attended a Virtual Open Day and just fell in love with the College! The friendliness of the staff and all the interesting subjects that were on offer on the Bachelor of Arts really appealed to me.

Has it been easy to get to know people and make new friends?

It’s very easy to make friends at MIC. Everyone is so engaging and willing to meet new people. It would be hard to not make friends here! Everyone is so eager to get involved in whatever is going on around the College.

What do you love about studying at MIC?

Studying at MIC has definitely been such a positive experience for me. As a person who suffers with anxiety, access to the student counselling services has been amazing and has helped me to enjoy the finer sides of life at MIC.

My programme is one of my favourite things about MIC. I love studying English and Media on the Bachelor of Arts. My favourite modules have been Media Production and studying the modern English novel. I couldn’t recommend English and Media enough – they’re such interesting subjects to study and the lecturers are all so supportive and interested in their fields of study. It’s fantastic!

What do you love about college life?

I love the quiz nights hosted by the Drama Society. I also love working with the College on different projects, like helping out on Open Days with potential new students. It’s so nice to be able to demonstrate everything that MIC has to offer.

What do you like do in your spare time?

At the moment I’m on work placement with the college for my off-campus year so I’m working every day from 9 to 5. So, in my spare time I’m working on my final year dissertation.

What would you like to do after your graduate?

After I graduate I’d like to continue studying and eventually go on and do a PhD.

What advice would you give to anyone considering studying at MIC?

I would advise them to just go for it! I had a gut instinct about studying at MIC and it has been the best decision I have ever made.

Looking back to when you were filling in your CAO form and doing your Leaving Cert, what would you say to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to just breathe and that the Leaving Cert is not the be all and end all. As for filling in my CAO form, I would tell myself that you should definitely listen to your Guidance Counsellor – they know what you should be doing to get the course you want so don’t doubt them.

What word would you use to describe MIC?

Homely, is how I would describe MIC. There’s a great atmosphere on campus and you always feel safe and comfortable at MIC.