Classes, Suitemates, Pubs, Pubs, and More Pubs

Now that I've resided in Cappavilla for a few days, I'm starting to warm up to the university quite a bit. I have three new Irish suitemates: Ciara, Elizabeth, and Emer. They seemed a bit hesitant to meet Matt and I at first but we subsequently learned it was because the Americans that lived here last semester were not so Irish-friendly. Luckily, we've managed to wash that bad first taste out of their mouths and have had a "grand" time together thus far.
Classes also begun today, which really freaked me out because for awhile there I had completely forgotten that we were in Ireland to attend school. My only class today was Civil Liberties, which was not the most welcoming environment for my Irish studies. It turns out that one requires an extensive background in European Law (who knew??) in order to manage that course, so I quickly switched out and have opted for the Applied Sports Psychology course instead. In addition, I'm taking Local Government, Sociology, Irish Folklore (a heavily favored module by the Americans). and Irish Cultural Texts.
On the social side of things, we Americans still pretty much stick together, although I've been invited out with my roomies tomorrow night (yes, I will be attending. Tuesdays here are like Thursdays in the US...except that the Irish also go out on Thursdays...). So far we've been to a couple of night clubs and have enjoyed the scene, although we were surprised to learn that almost all of the music played in the clubs is American music. It kind of makes us feel at home, but at the same time I think a few of us feel a bit cheated and wish to hear a bit more Irish originals. That being said, we still have a blast.
Homestays are this weekend. We will be traveling to County Cork to stay with an assigned host family for the weekend and get a taste of the Irish homelife. I'm pretty excited not only to gain this new experience but to do some travel as well. I'm looking forward to the semester picking up so that I can plan more trips. So far the only ones I have scheduled are Belfast and Dublin, but that is sure to change soon.