Moving up to the big smoke from a rural area can be a whole new world for a lot of people going to college. There is frequent and semi-reliable public transport, more people in your vicinity than the entire village at home and anonymous neighbours you may never meet despite sharing a wall.
It is a plethora of new experiences, faces and cuisines you have never encountered (who knew Domino’s could be delivered to your door for free?).
All we hear about is the transition of moving to Dublin and adjusting to city life. Although this is extremely important and a huge task, it can be all too easy to get sucked into the city’s vacuum and forget about life outside the capital. Amid the confusion and chaos, after some time, you will learn the intricacies of the city. You will figure out the bus system and learn that there is more out there than Harcourt Street and the Spire. Navigating the city will be a breeze and you’ll learn your Ballsbridge from your Ballymun.
The more difficult aspect at that stage will be remembering life prior to the big city lights and pollution. Especially when surrounded by native Dubs, it can be easy to lose track of yourself. Go home for the weekend with a slight Dublin twang and your family will quickly put you back in your place though, that is for sure.
Don’t let yourself think you are too good for aspects of your home life now that you know different. You might still have to drag in turf for the fire. You could be dragged along to mass every once in a while, to keep up appearances. You will have to explain why you don’t know everyone on your course’s name and who their father is to your parents. The city will bring new wonders, but don’t let them consume you.
Before you reach the stage of passing as an adopted native, people may try to condescend you when you ask the direction of Henry Street while standing in the middle of it, or for not understanding why the bus driver won’t take your fiver. Don’t let this faze you.
Prevent Dublin from taking away what you’ve spent the past 18 odd years surrounded by. This doesn’t have to go as far as wandering the fields at dawn to truly appreciate the country air at home, but acknowledging that Dublin isn’t the only part of Ireland that matters is vital to remember when moving up here for the first time.
For those who are that way inclined, down your Mooju with pride and feel no shame grabbing that small carton of milk in the canteen with your big mammy dinner for €5. You need the protein and it reminds you of home.
Orla Dwyer
Image Credit: Alison Clair