Erasmus in Cork

Why did you choose to do Erasmus in Cork, Irlanda?

Because I wanted to go to an English-speaking country, and I was attracted by Ireland. I chose Cork and not Dublin because I prefer smaller cities. I haven't regretted my choice!

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

Mine was 9 months. I received 280 euros per month from EU + money from my home university.

What is the student lifestyle like in Cork?

It's amazing, it's not a huge city but it's full of students, the University organizes many different activities and there is always something going on.

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

Yes, of course.

What is the food like?

Mmm maybe a bit more expensive than Italy. You can find almost everything in the big supermarkets like Tesco.

How did you find your accommodation?

I booked a residence online. UCC sent us a list of available student accommodations.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

It's kind of expensive, it's hard to find a room for less than 300 per month (without bills), but there are exceptions. Alcohol and cigarettes are expensive, a bus ticket is 1.80, a pint of beer is an average of 4.50€.

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

Cork accent is quite hard to get. Yes, there are many courses, and if you are a student for ucc can attend them for free

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

From my city it was not really easy. I had to take a bus pescara-rome, then a flight to dublin and a bus dublin-cork

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

There are many pubs and clubs (unfortunately all of them close at 2 am). On tuesday beerpong at An Brog, then Reardens, Crane Lane, Bailey, Old Oak, Roxy, Bodega etc...

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

Bierhalle, and for an American dinner Eddie Rocket or Captain America. I also loved a Chinese restaurant which was in princes street, near oliver plunkett.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Cork isn't a very touristic place: in my opinion UCC is the main attraction. Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral is very nice, and so is Shandon. There is a free museum near the university, in Fitzgerald park, about the history of Cork. There are many nice places in the surroundings too, such as Blarney Castle.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Cork?

Try to join as many clubs and societies as you can, go to the (free) gym, don't let the weather discourage you (sometimes it can be depressing, above all if you're from the south of europe), travel a lot because ireland is amazing, party hard and try to enjoy it as more as you can, because time flies! Cork is a wonderful place, Erasmus experience is unique and I'm sure you'll have so much fun!