NCI Blog

Adjusting to life in Dublin is an exciting adventure, but for many international students, the biggest surprise isn't the city itself;  it’s the unpredictable weather! Today, Felipe Miranda, our Marketing Practice student, shares his personal experience of arriving in Ireland and navigating a climate that is worlds apart from his home country of Mexico.

In this blog post, he shares how he learned to stop fighting the rain and start enjoying the "soft days." Keep reading below to hear his experience.

Do you remember the very first time you stepped off the plane at Dublin Airport? What was your immediate reaction to the Irish weather?

Yes, I remember it very well. The first time I arrived in Dublin, I was coming from the Netherlands, where I had been living for one month. I had already experienced a lot of rain and wind there, so the weather was not completely new to me. When I arrived in Ireland, I remember it was raining a lot while I was still on the plane. That same day, they took me to the Guinness Lake in Wicklow. It was very funny because it was raining really badly, but we were still walking around the mountains and enjoying it.

Have you ever left your flat in sunshine and come home in a downpour? How do you plan your outfit when the weather changes every hour?

Yes, many times. I left my flat with sunshine and blue skies, and came back completely drenched by the sudden rain. In Dublin, the weather can change very fast. I plan my outfits thinking about layers. I always try to be prepared, no matter what the forecast says.

"A waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes are very important, and I never expect the weather to stay the same all day."

What is the one item you brought from home that turned out to be useless, and what is the one thing you bought in Dublin that saved your life?

I brought light jackets from Mexico that worked well at home, but they were useless with the Irish wind and rain. The best thing I bought in Dublin was a proper waterproof coat. It really saved my life and made everything easier. Once I had it, I stopped fighting the weather and started feeling more comfortable.

How did you adjust to the very long summer days versus the 4 pm sunsets in winter? What do you do to keep your mood bright when it’s grey outside?

Summer was great because the days are very long and you feel more energy. Winter was more difficult. When it gets dark around 4 pm, it can affect your mood. To stay positive, I try to:

• Keep myself busy

• Meet friends

• Go for walks when I can

• Enjoy small routines like having coffee or cosy evenings

In your home country, rain might mean staying indoors, but what have you noticed about how people in Dublin react to a “soft day”?

One thing that surprised me is that people in Dublin don’t stop their plans because of rain. In my home country, rain usually means staying inside. Here, a “soft day” is just a normal day. People still go to class, meet friends, walk around, and enjoy the city. This helped me change my mindset and not wait for perfect weather.

When the weather gets “Baltic,” where is your favourite cosy spot on the NCI campus or in the city to warm up with a tea or coffee?

When it gets very cold, I like going to cosy cafés near campus or around the city to have a hot tea or coffee. I also enjoy spending time in Spencer Dock, especially in the library, where I can work on my college projects and marketing work. Being somewhere warm and calm helps a lot.

Even with the rain and wind, what is the most beautiful thing the Irish weather has allowed you to see?

The Irish weather creates very beautiful views. The green landscapes, cloudy skies, rainbows, and the light after the rain are amazing. These moments make Dublin feel special and give the city a unique atmosphere.

If you could advise someone currently packing their bags for Ireland, what would you tell them to make their first week easier?

I would tell them not to overpack and not to stress too much. It’s better to buy the right clothes once you arrive. A good waterproof jacket is very important. Also, don’t let the weather stop you from exploring. Keep an open mind. Ireland can be challenging at first, but it becomes an amazing experience.

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