Maynooth has over 100 clubs and societies on its campus that cater to everyone's interests or hobbies. I found that joining these communities provided an easy to make friends, build connections, and experience something new.
So far I've joined the following clubs and societies:
MUCK stands for Maynooth University Canoeing and Kayaking Club. Each week, the club hosts pool training sessions, canal sessions, river and weekend trips, and nights out. I've gotten the opportunity to learn how to do a wet exit from a capsized kayak and "earned" the ability to wear a spray deck outside the pool sessions. 
Archery
Archery holds training sessions frequently throughout the week and is available to students of all skill sets. Prior to joining this club, I had zero experience and knowledge of archery. However, after attending a few sessions, I learned how to set up the recurve bow and gradually improved my shooting accuracy and consistency with the help of coaching.
Video of myself aiming to shoot arrows at the target.
MUF stands for Maynooth University Fencing. There are 3 forms of modern fencing: foil, épée, and saber. Saber matches are generally more fast-passed compared to épée and foil matches. I practiced the saber discipline during my sessions and quickly learned the importance of being quick on your feet.
En garde – prêt? – allez! On guard – ready? – fence!
TeaSoc, or tea society, is simply a place to relax and chat with others over cups of tea and biscuits. I've met many friends during the tea sessions and even had the chance to attend my first ball as a member of society. I learned about the great and ongoing Irish tea debate: Barry's versus Lyons tea. For reference, Barry's and Lyons are brands of black tea that are typically drunk with whole milk and sweetener. Personally, I prefer Barry's.
IESN is the Erasmus Student Network at Maynooth that brings international and Irish students together with trips and events. I attended the weekend Galway trip which included sites such as the Cliffs of Moher and Inisheer, one of three Aran Islands. This was a great opportunity for me to meet international students from other campuses throughout Ireland.
