Experience in Cork, Ireland by John

What is it like to live in Cork? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's a friendly city! The people are friendly, the atmosphere is lovely and it's always safe. The city is sometimes busy and sometimes quiet which is nice. You can always find something in the city that you will like. It is a diverse city of nationalities. If you are ever lost in this city, somebody will always help you find your way and offer places to see and try. We want people to enjoy their time in Cork as best they can!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Cork?

The student lifestyle is diverse. The student unions in the universities always plans events for the student population and get deals with nightclubs and bars and pubs so students can go on a night out for cheaper! The city has students occupying all the accommodation in the city so you will always meet new people everyday that are like you! There are student deals in many places. Everyone wants students to enjoy themselves so they make deals for us to save money. There's so many locations to try in the city that you can always find a new place to hang out or go out for the night. You will have fun here if you want to!

How much does it cost to live in Cork?

It depends. For this year 2014-15. If you want designated student accommodation, it can be €400+ utilities (minimum) per month because this accommodation is much newer so they charge extra. These can be really expensive but they are still popular with students.

However, you can also live in a shared house instead! These are much cheaper at €280-350 per month + utilities. Plenty of the houses in cork city are rented to students so this is very popular as you can save a bit more money.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Cork? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes it can be difficult! You must start at the right time.. If you want to look for accommodation, you should start looking in May if you want it for august/sept. What is happening right now (in 2015) is that students are looking to secure accommodation for next year before they finish exams for this year. There is a lot of demand. Use www.daft.ie - it is the common site to find accommodation in Ireland. Other than that, use Google, and search for a Facebook group like "accommodation cork" or something similar.

If you are going to university College Cork (UCC), then ask the "accommodation office" for lists of places to rent!

Last thing, you can check if your landlord is secure by asking the "ucc accommodation office" for a list of respectable landlords.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Cork is a food city so you should be able to find something you like! There is too much choice... I haven't tried everything yet!

What places would you recommend visiting in Cork?

Cobh, Kinsale, Blarney Castle, The Marina, Fitzgerald's Park, The Lee Fields, Walk up Saint Patrick's hill, Turner's Cross stadium for Cork soccer!, Páirc uí Chaoimh or Pàirc uí Rinn for Hurling and Football matches (our national sports), Youghal, Ballincollig, Gougane Barra, Farran Wood...

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Is it good to eat out in Cork? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes! I love it. They are Captain America's (student deals), Liberty Grill, The Electric, Perry Street Café, Tony's Bistro, Il Padrino, Jackie Lennox. Cooking at home is good too. And there is plenty of takeaway shops to go to.. The usual ones you will find.

Is the nightlife good in Cork? Where is good to go?

Yes! It is fun and busy! Reardons, Havanas, the Holy Cow, The Bowery, The Oliver Plunkett, Savoy, The Bodega, The Washington Inn, The Old Oak, an Bróg, Voodoo Rooms, Deep South, Crane Lane, Franciscan Well Also.. There is pubs everywhere so you should be able to find a place you like!

What advice would you give future students heading to Cork?

Try and make friends with Irish people. Always agree to go to an event or a small gathering at a house. Bring sunglasses, a rain coat, rain boots, and clothes for every weather. Irish weather is very strange. We can have the 4 seasons in one day. This might sound bad but nobody I know who came minded too much. Learn some English and also look up "Irish English" or "Irish familiar language". We have a lot of words that can be confusing even if you know English.. Like "what's the craic? " Or "banter" or "you're a flute" or "shifting". We use these a lot so if you know and use these, Irish people will love hearing other nationalities using our language. It makes us proud!