What It’s Like to Study Pharmaceutical and Drug Formulation at SETU

Moving to a new country to study can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what to expect academically and socially. For Ayesha, who moved from Bangladesh to Ireland to study Pharmaceutical and Drug Formulation at SETU (South East Technological University), those initial nerves quickly turned into confidence and a sense of belonging.

“When I first moved here, I was so nervous,” she explains. “I didn’t know where I was going, and I thought everything was going to be really tough.” Like many international students, she worried about whether she would be able to cope with the course and the new environment. However, as the days went by, things began to feel more manageable, and studying at SETU became much easier than she had expected.

Is Pharmaceutical and Drug Formulation Difficult Without a Chemistry Background?

One of Ayesha’s biggest concerns before starting the course was her academic background. She did not originally see herself as a strong chemistry student and worried that this might hold her back.

“When I came here, I wasn’t confident at all,” she says. “I kept thinking, I’m not even a chemistry student, how am I going to do this course?”

What made the difference for her was the level of academic support at SETU. Lecturers took the time to explain concepts clearly and ensured that students fully understood the material before moving on. “My lecturers helped me a lot, especially to pass everything,” she explains. “They really make sure students are getting it.”

What Are the Lecturers Like at SETU?

For Ayesha, the lecturers are one of the best parts of studying at SETU. Initially, she felt shy about asking questions or admitting when she did not understand something, which is a common feeling among new students. However, that hesitation quickly disappeared.

“Every time I asked for help, they made sure I understood,” she says. “They are friendly and really lovely.” She recalls how one lecturer, on her final day before retirement, even took the class out for coffee so they could sit, chat, and reflect together. These moments helped create a welcoming and supportive learning environment that made Ayesha feel comfortable and encouraged.

Is It Easy to Make Friends at SETU as an International Student?

Making friends in a new country can be intimidating, especially at the beginning. Ayesha admits that when she first arrived, she felt shy and awkward because everything was unfamiliar.

“But day by day, I was making friends,” she says. “Every single day.” As someone who describes herself as very talkative, she found it easier over time to connect with others. She believes the friendly atmosphere at SETU makes a big difference, and she personally found it easy to build friendships as she settled into student life.

What Is Student Life Like in Carlow?

Carlow is a town in the South-East of Ireland

One of the things Ayesha appreciates most about living and studying in Carlow is how convenient everything is. She lives close to campus, which allows her to easily balance studying with taking care of herself.

“I have the library, I have to study, I have the gym,” she explains. “Everything is in one place, so you don’t have to go somewhere else.” This makes daily life simpler and allows students to focus more on their studies and wellbeing without spending time travelling long distances.

Differences Between Studying in Ireland and Studying in Bangladesh

Ayesha notices several key differences between life in Ireland and life back home in Bangladesh, particularly when it comes to education and career opportunities. While education in her home country is good, she feels it does not compare to the quality and opportunities available in Ireland.

“Job opportunities are a big difference,” she explains. “Back home, even after graduation, it’s hard to survive with the jobs.” In Ireland, she feels there are stronger career prospects after completing a degree, which played a major role in her decision to study at SETU.

What Can Students Do Outside of Classes at SETU?

Connemara is a national park in Ireland, which Ayesha loved visiting.

Outside of lectures and labs, Ayesha enjoys staying active and exploring Ireland. She loves travelling whenever she has free time and enjoys extracurricular activities. Back home, she was involved in scouting, which included volunteering, camping, and outdoor adventures.

That passion has continued in Ireland. She enjoys hiking and has already explored places such as Dunmore East, Connemara in Galway, and other scenic locations. “I love camping and hiking,” she says. “It’s really my type of weather.”

Career Opportunities After Studying Pharmaceutical and Drug Formulation at SETU

Looking ahead, Ayesha has clear career goals. She hopes to work in the pharmaceutical industry, ideally in a laboratory-based role. Through her course, she has developed strong analytical skills by working extensively in labs and learning advanced techniques related to pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and analytical science.

“I really want to work in the pharmaceutical industry,” she says. Companies such as MSD or Pfizer are part of her long-term ambitions, and she feels that the skills she is gaining at SETU are preparing her well for this path.

Why Choose SETU for Pharmaceutical and Drug Formulation?

Ayesha chose SETU because of its strong reputation in pharmaceutical and applied sciences. She was particularly drawn to the programme’s links with industry and the fact that many lecturers have real-world experience.

“They know how everything works in industry,” she explains. “They know which analytical skills are really important for my sector.” Alongside this, SETU’s focus on extracurricular activities and the recent success of the Department of Applied Science confirmed for her that this was the right choice.

You can hear more about Ayesha’s experience of studying Pharmaceutical and Drug Formulation at SETU by watching her full video interview, where she talks about student life, academic support, and her future career goals.