Daily Routine of a Boarding School Student in Ireland

Morning Routine

I start my day at 6:50 AM, getting a head start before the 7:30 AM wake-up call. As a senior, I get to wear my own clothes, a perk I love. After getting ready, I walk 30 seconds to the canteen for a buffet-style breakfast—rashers, sausages, eggs, and on lucky days, hashbrowns! It’s a great time to chat with friends before classes begin at 8:45 AM.

Class Schedule

We turn in our phones in "yonder pouches" to stay focused during the day. After breakfast, we dive into two classes, followed by assembly and a short break. Then, it’s back to class for periods 3 and 4. Lunch is always busy, but it’s a great time to reconnect with friends. After two more classes, the school day ends at 4:00 PM (or 2:00 PM on Fridays).

Afternoon Activities

As boarders, we’re encouraged to take part in extracurricular activities. I attend Model United Nations (MUN) every Monday, which I love. Dinner is served from 5:15 to 6:30 PM, and then it’s time for evening study, or “prep.” Seniors have three hours of study time, while younger students have a bit less. Although three hours might seem long, it’s really useful for getting work done—especially on days when I need a little extra motivation.

Fridays and Free Time

As I mentioned, Fridays are a bit different. Since we finish at 2:00 PM, I have more time to relax, study, or head out with friends. We often go to Dundrum Shopping Centre or "town" (what we call the city centre). We usually run errands, pick up snacks, browse bookstores, and shop for clothes. One of our favourite things to do is visit vintage stores, and Om Diva is my personal favourite. Even though I’m on a budget, I love window shopping and soaking up the atmosphere of Dublin. Afterwards, we treat ourselves to a nice meal—sometimes Asian food, Italian, or something new. I’m particularly excited to try an Irish-Chinese dish called a spice bag, which my local friends rave about. We’ve planned to try it at Xi’an Street Food soon, and I’m curious to see how it compares to the versions I’ve had at school and with my host family!

Evening Routine

Our lights-out time is at 10:30 PM, so the evenings are a chance to wind down. My friends and I often catch up in the common room, sometimes streaming a show or just chatting before bed.

Weekends

Weekends have a bit of a different vibe. Many of my friends take grinds (extra classes), but I go to ballet classes on Saturdays. After studying during the day, I head to a nearby dance school around 4 PM for ballet lessons. I’ve been learning the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus, and it’s been a great way to meet new people and keep up with my love for dance.

Adjusting to Life at Boarding School in Ireland

When I first arrived, the structured routine felt overwhelming compared to life at home, but now I’ve adjusted, and I can’t imagine living any other way. Boarding school is like a permanent sleepover with friends, and it creates a really strong sense of community. I’ve had the chance to meet people from all over the world, and we’re constantly learning from each other. It’s not just about academics—boarding life is about being part of something bigger.

That’s a typical day in my life as a boarding school student in Ireland! While my schedule is structured, I love how it allows me to balance school, activities, and time with friends in a way that makes each day fulfilling.