Erasmus Experience in Cork, Ireland by Judita

Why did you choose to go to Cork, Ireland?

Because of its beautiful architecture and good quality of studies.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I received 400 Eur/per month, but it's of course, not enough. At least if you find a good accomodation, sometimes it's enough.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Cork to other students?

Yes, I would. I would also recommend to go to different courses in the first week, while you can change them, and choose them intentionally. Keep in mind your future goals.

What is the food like?

It is really nice but sometimes I miss some products, which we have in ny own country. Usually Irish people eat a lot of potatos. A lot.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Cork?

I was looking for my accomodation in Ireland page on my own. It was really, extremelly difficult but it turned out well for me.

How much does it cost to live in Cork?

It depends, where are you living. If you live in student accomodation you pay more and laundry there cost extra, as well as water and electicity. If you find an apartment or room to rent, as I did, then it cost you cheaper. I would say 500-550 aproximatelly with everything included.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Language courses of course are available. You can choose English course or other language courses from Western Europe countries. In UCC (University College Cork) follow your lecturers sometimes is not easy because they have just 45 minutes of lecture, so they are speaking really fast. However it is possible if you have good english basics and you make effort/ do your best.

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What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Cork from your city?

Buy a second hand bike. The best way I would say is bike: you also can rent a coca cola bike for 10 Euros for one year, but the problem is that they don't have coca-cola bike stations everywhere in the city, so you have to check where are you living and is it worth to take these bikes.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Cork?

Old oak, Olliver Plunket, Rock bar and etc.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Cork?

Golden fish is really cheap, there you can buy traditional fish and chips, which are really popular in Ireland.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Churches are amazing, although some of them charged. Also you can visit theatre and butter museum, because Ireland is famous of butter export. Moreover, I really recommend St. Ann's church and Shannon bell.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Cork in the future?

Start to look for accomodation much more earlier and contact students who already have been there.