Waterford’s hidden quirky spots really helped influence Architecture student Stacey’s design decisions throughout her five years of studies
From Sandyford, Co Dublin, Stacey Elbert is a past pupil of St Raphaela’s secondary school, Stillorgan, Co Dublin and was a student on the 5-year BA (Hons) in Architecture at WIT
Campus: Department of Architecture, the Granary
About me:
My name is Stacey, and I’m originally from Dublin. I have just completed five years in WIT. I studied architecture in the Granary Campus in Waterford city. I represented my class in our final year as class rep. I really enjoyed my time in WIT and participated in class trips abroad to Venice and Prague.
What attracted you to study at Waterford Institute of Technology?
I was unsure about what college I wished to attend, living in Dublin the ‘social norm’ is to live at home and go to college locally. I always knew that I wanted to move out for college to experience the full college life, become independent and to not just learn the content of my course but to learn life skills. Choosing WIT felt like the right thing to do, as it was a new place to explore and learn about things that I love.
Did you always know this was the course you wanted to do?
Ever since I was young I always knew I wanted to do architecture. I enjoyed reading plans online and watching projects come to life. It was never a question of what I wanted to do but where I wanted to do it.
What words of advice do you have for new students?
Don’t worry about ‘social norms’ or what people think of you, make your experience count because you might only get one chance. The lecturers in WIT encourage everyone to push themselves and jump outside of their comfort zone, this has been what has made my experience most rewarding.
What have been the highlights of your college experience?
I enjoyed the experience of the Granary, being in the heart of the city exploring the architecture and finding many hidden quirky spots around really helped influence my design decisions throughout my studies.
What did you like about Waterford as a city to live in/to study in?
There is lots of local cafes and coffee shops which are ideal for study breaks. Everybody is friendly and helpful. Overall I really enjoyed my time in the city and have made many new friends.
What added to your college experience?
During my time in WIT I travelled twice, once with my lectures to Venice to an architecture festival and then with the architecture society to Prague. These trips helped getting to know my peers and lectures. It also helped to explore different types of architecture and cultures.
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
