All About Coast To Campus

👋 Hello & Welcome

Hello everyone! I’m Ann McAuley, and welcome to my blog Coast to Campus! I’m a second-year Marketing student at Ulster University Magee, and this blog is part of my Digital Analytics module.

The theme we were given for this project was “From Campus, to Culture, to Community: Blogging Student Life in Derry”. For me, the best way to approach it was by reflecting on one of the biggest changes in my life so far: moving from my quiet coastal village of Glenarm, Co. Antrim, to the city of Derry to start my university journey.

Starting university is one of those milestones that feels both exciting and terrifying. For me, it wasn’t just about packing bags and moving into Dungcreggan Student Village — it was about leaving my hometown of Glenarm on the Antrim Coast and figuring out how to navigate the busy, unpredictable city of Derry.

 

That’s what inspired me to start Coast to Campus: a space to share what this transition really feels like — the moments of excitement, the challenges, and everything in between.

🌟 Why Coast to Campus

This blog actually began as part of one of my university modules, Digital Analytics. When I found out the project was about creating a blog called From Campus, to Culture, to Community: Blogging Student Life in Derry, I immediately knew I wanted to focus on my own journey — moving from Glenarm to Derry and everything that comes with it.

 

The name Coast to Campus tells that story in three words. Life in my hometown is steady and close-knit — the kind of place where everyone knows your name. Now in Derry, I’ve swapped that for lecture halls, city streets, and the daily buzz of student life. Through this blog, I want to capture both sides of that journey: my coastal roots and my new chapter in the city.

 

🤝 Settling In: The Positives ✨

Gaining independence has been such a highlight, from cooking my own meals to managing my own schedule.I’m slowly finding a balance between uni work and social life — which is harder than expected (there have definitely been a few hungover lectures!).

Meeting new people I wouldn’t have met otherwise, who just get me, has been amazing. I’m finally starting to take care of myself properly… even learning to budget without panicking every month when rent is due!

And honestly, I feel so lucky to say I absolutely love my course — it’s everything I hoped for and more. Not many people can say that!

 

🌧️ Settling In: The Lows

Although it hasn’t all been easy, I still get really homesick.

There have been many moments when I’ve felt lonely and isolated — which is completely normal when you’re in a new city barely knowing anyone. I’ve definitely wondered if moving away was the right choice (spoiler: it absolutely was!). Budgeting and keeping on top of everything hasn’t come naturally, and I’ve caught myself overthinking the small stuff more times than I’d like.

But honestly, those tougher moments have helped shape me into someone more independent, resilient, and confident — and I’m slowly learning to embrace that.

📌 What to Expect

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll find on Coast to Campus:

🏙 Campus Life – honest reflections on my day-to-day uni routine, assignments, and how I’m adjusting to student life.

🍴 Culture – exploring Derry’s hidden gems, foodie spots, and local places worth discovering.

🤝 Community – building connections, adapting to city life, and creating a home away from home.

💸 Student Survival – the best discounts, budgeting tips, and lessons learned along the way.

📚 Real Talk – the ups, the downs, and everything in between when it comes to moving away from home.

 

💭 Final Thoughts

This blog is more than just a module project. It’s a way to tell my story — honestly, openly, and with the hope that it resonates with others going through similar experiences. Whether you’re another student, curious about life in Derry, or just along for the journey, I hope Coast to Campus gives you a real glimpse of what life looks like when you swap the coast for the city. 💙