What It’s Really Like to Study Computer Science at SETU Ireland – Bao’s Story

Bao, a Computer Science student at South East Technological University (SETU), moved from Vietnam to Ireland to pursue a degree that would prepare him for a strong, stable career in tech. His experience has been shaped by high academic standards, a supportive learning environment, and a very different approach to teaching than what he was used to back home.

“I consider myself a bit of a perfectionist… I try to aim for very high grades in my modules,” Bao says. “That mindset probably comes from Vietnam, where there’s a lot of competition to drive to the top.”

At SETU, Bao found that this drive helped him stand out, but he also had to learn how to manage it in a healthier way.

Is studying Computer Science at SETU academically demanding?

The course is challenging, but Bao describes it as demanding in a constructive way rather than overwhelming.

“I believe perfectionism is a double-edged sword,” he explains. “In first year, I spent way too much time on projects that didn’t need that much effort. It was mentally exhausting.”

Over time, he learned to balance ambition with realism.

“There has to be a point where you say, ‘Okay, that’s it. It’s time to submit.’ Once I understood that, it actually gave me motivation to push myself more than my peers, but in a healthier way.”

How are lecturers at SETU compared to universities in Vietnam?

One of the biggest surprises for Bao was the relationship between students and lecturers in Ireland.

“I really like the culture here. The people are friendly, the clubs are friendly, and I like the lecturers a lot,” he says. “Every lecturer is open to questions. I can ask them anything during class, after class, or even by email.”

In Vietnam, Bao says the dynamic is very different. “Lecturers don’t really see students as equals back home. Here, they do, and I really like that.”

This openness made it easier for him to engage with the material and feel confident asking for help.

Is Waterford affordable for international students?

Compared to larger Irish cities, Bao found Waterford far more manageable financially.

“Compared to Dublin or Cork, it’s orders of magnitude better,” he says. “Tuition is at least twice cheaper, and the living costs are much better too.”

Day-to-day expenses also felt reasonable.

“I don’t feel like I’m being scammed every meal. I don’t feel like I’m eating gold,” he laughs. “I’m perfectly happy with the prices here.”

What should international students know before coming to SETU?

Looking back, Bao says there’s one thing he wishes he had understood sooner: budgeting properly for food.

“In first year, I was very afraid of spending too much money, so I spent too little,” he explains. “My eating was terrible. My grades didn’t decline, but my health did — both mental and physical.”

That experience changed how he approached student life.

“In second year, I learned from that. Now I prepare actual food and eat properly,” he says. “Don’t be too afraid to spend money on basic things like food. It can be life-changing.”

What career opportunities does a Computer Science degree from SETU offer?

For Bao, choosing to study Computer Science at SETU was never just about getting a degree. From the very beginning, he had a clear picture of what he wanted his future to look like and viewed his time at university as a stepping stone towards long-term stability and professional growth.

“My dream is simple,” he says. “I want a good work placement, then a good job, a stable job with a high salary, and to stay at it.”

Rather than waiting until graduation to think about his career, Bao has been consciously using his time at SETU to build a strong foundation that will make him competitive in the job market, both in Ireland and internationally. Alongside his coursework, he focuses on developing skills, experience, and confidence that go beyond what is required to pass exams.

“I’m socialising more, taking part in events, getting good grades, and working on personal projects for my portfolio,” he explains.

This proactive approach reflects the mindset he brought with him to Ireland, one where effort outside the classroom is just as important as academic performance. For Bao, SETU represents more than a place to study; it is a strategic choice aligned with the future he has been working towards for years.

“I had this dream before I came here. I picked SETU because I believed it was one of the best choices to achieve it.”

Watch the full video to hear Bao’s story in his own words.