Pablo's Erasmus Experience in Cork, Ireland

Why did you choose to go to Cork, Ireland?

When I had to choose the city I wanted to go to for my Erasmus exchange, I was very clear that I wanted to go to an English-speaking country. Cork was one of the options and I decided to throw myself into the Irish culture, which, without a shadow of a doubt, grabbed my attention. I wouldn't know whether to say that it was the best decision, but I can say that it was definitely a good one.

How long does your grant last for? How much money do you receive as financial support?

Among the ones that I have seen, they can last from 6 months up to a year. The money that I received now has absolutely nothing to do with the amounts given now, as they decrease year after year.

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What is student life like in Cork?

Cork is an "Erasmus city". That's to say that the day to go out is Thursday, as the Irish go back to their respective home towns during the weekend, but you can also go out then too.

Student life is okay. It's easy to pass the classes (I studied Electronic Engineering in CIT), but it is very difficult to get the top grades (9 or 10).

I don't recommend coming here to do your final degree project, as the grade that you will get will be much lower than it would be at your university in Spain.

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

I would recommend it 100%. I fell in love with the Irish culture so much to the point that I have spent 3 years living here.

The University of Cork (along with CIT and UCC) are highly recommendable. They all have very good reputations, and if you then look for work in Ireland, it's easier to find a job if you have spent studying here for a year.

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What is the food like in Ireland?

The only thing that I can say with regards to food is "don't worry". From Spain, you can have boxes with several kilos of food sent to you for quite a reasonable price.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation in Cork?

I actually stayed in a student residence, and I didn't have any problems. It's not difficult nor complicated to look for housing. You can find rooms from 250€ a month (approximately) up to... well, up to the amount that one wants to really spend.

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How much does it cost to live in Cork?

It's more expensive than it is in Spain, but neither is it crazily expensive. Alcohol and tobacco are double, if not triple, the price, so it really depends on the individual with regards to how much money will be spent.

As a base rate, I think anywhere in the range between 400€ and 500€ a month is what most people will spend (minimum) before adding on the costs of what each individual wants to spend.

What is the language like? Did you go to any language classes at the university?

I came with an average level of English: I wasn't an expert, but nor did I come not knowing English. In Cork, the Irish have a very strong accent, especially the young people. You can understand the teachers and professors relatively easily.

I think that it is a good place to improve your language level.

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What is the cheapest way of getting to Cork from your city?

I am from Oviedo (Asturias), and getting to Cork from there is crazy. I always go from Madrid to Dublin, and, from there, to Cork. The bus (return ticket) from Dublin-Cork is 25€, and the flights... well, you can find round-trip tickets for 100€.

Those who have it much easier are the people who are from Barcelona, Alicante, and Malaga, amongst other places, from which you can find direct flights for a reasonable price.

Which places would you recommend for nightlife in Cork?

In the city centre, there are lots of pubs and bars with Irish music, and several nightclubs that you can go out to. You don't have to worry because going out here is not a problem, but you must also know that everything closes at around 2am (and that's when the after parties start).

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And eating out in Cork? Can you name your favourite places?

The Bodega is quite a recommendable place for lunch/dinner, as well as Jackie Lenox if you are looking to eat some good burgers or fish and chips. For breakfast, the best place, without a doubt, is The Flying Enterprise, which is known for its great service and has one of the best 'Irish breakfasts' that I have tried.

And cultural hotspots?

There's a little bit of everything. The best thing to do is to go to a tourist information point, and they will tell you about all the things that you can visit. With regards to things outside Cork, the best thing would be to hire a car amongst a group of you and go to the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Dublin, etc.

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Is there any advice that you want to give to future students in Cork?

It's really easy to arrive on your first day and immediately stick with other Spanish students. My advice would be to try and avoid doing this and meet people from all over the world. I also recommend that you take advantage of the time to travel around Ireland - it's an incredible country with a huge amount of places to visit.

Enjoy!