Erasmus Experience in Dublin, Ireland by Antonio

Why did you choose to go to Dublin, Ireland?

I didn't really choose it. I put it in my list of destinations beneath the British, who were those that really interested me. In the end, they awarded me with Dublin and once I was there, I realized that it was the best thing that could have happened to me.

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How long does the grant last? How much money do you receive as aid?

My grant lasted for 10 months and I received around €350 a month. Whether they would give us more upon returning was up in the air, but evidently not. This information doesn't serve to much, given that, as you know, the policies are constantly changing. The grants now are severely impacted.

How is student life in Dublin?

Very good. There are many international students and the amount of Spanish people that there are in the city and university environment is surprising. In general, there was an aura of cooperation between all and many activities being proposed.

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

Yes. I recommend the city for its authenticity, for its internal life, for its tradition and for how you live to get to know this; more than for its appearance, which is grey and can deceive some people. What's more the city isn't very big. I believe that if I had been there for more than a year, I might have resulted in thinking that the city was so small, it couldn't give any more. However, it's impossible to get bored. The city is what you make it - The more you live it, the more you feel it. The University is very well organised, has few faults and pays a lot of attention to alumni and dynamism.

How is the country's food?

It's not the best thing about this country. It seems they only eat potatoes in Ireland. There are fish and chips too although it may be rather British. The Irish are also excessively proud of their beef and it's not all that either: The Spanish (for example the Gallician) runs a thousand circles around it. This doesn't mean that it tastes bad but you have to change your way of thinking - bread and milk for example, disappointed me more.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Dublin?

Yes and this is important. I arrived mid-September, which could have been a bad date; and I aimed to find accommodation close to the centre, which is also an significant disadvantage; but the fact remains that I stayed in a hostel for almost 2 weeks because of problems with this. There is certainly a lack of control in the viewings of the flats because there are people who take it as a casting and abuse students who come to consult availability. What's more, the prices are very high. University residences exist but they are equally as expensive and fill up right away. It's very important to look on the website Daft.ie, on which absolutely everything is managed in regards to the topic of renting.

How much does it cost to live in Dublin?

By my standards at least, living in Dublin is expensive. Not only is the rent expensive, but there is a noticeable difference in the price with heating. The city can get very cold in Winter and there are many badly isolated houses, which means there goes all your money. This wasn't my case, but you have to take it into account. Food shopping is also expensive compared to in Spain and going out to drink in bars and clubs will be a nasty surprise if you don't come prepared. The Spanish way of drinking is very expensive there.

How is the language? Did you go to any course at the University?

I didn't go to any course there. Truthfully I was very well prepared with English. I had more problems with the Dublin accent than with the Irish accent. It can be thick but it didn't take me long to get used to it. It's enough to focus on the small details of the pronunciation and cadence.

What is the most affordable way of getting to Dublin from your city?

Ryanair is based in Dublin and, in being so, has many connections in the city's airport. There is also Airlingus, which is an airline of somewhat higher quality to Ryanair but it's also somewhat more expensive. The trouble is that Ryanair has greatly reduced its flow of flights Dublin - Seville, and the hours of Dublin - Malaga aren't the best: I had to sleep in the airport on more than one occasion to be able to leave on time.

Which places would you recommend to out and party in Dublin?

Any international student will soon get to know the Dicey's once they live in Dublin. It's close to the centre, on the southern part and has the cheapest beer in the area; all the pints, hamburgers and jagerbombs for €2. There is an international party once a week and its cheaper still. It's quite mainstream but it's very big, with several floors and open air areas - a meeting point for many internationals.

Dicey's

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On the other hand, there is Temple Bar - an expensive area but legendary. Truly Irish. It's very devoted to tourism however, so it's possible to find more authentic pubs outside of the area. What Temple Bar has is precious: a laberynth of walls and lights, full of music and nice Irish people. There is The Village and The Twisted Pepper for the dancers, great dancing places. Finally, the best places that I know are Whelan's and The Academy, with live rock concerts. There are many very recommendable places.

Temple Bar

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And to eat in Dublin? Can you name your favourite places?

My house was the place where I ate the best food in Dublin. The Smithfield fish market is very good. There are restaurants specialising in meat close to the centre which aren't bad and the bar at the top of the Howth cliffs is also a good destination.

And as a cultural visit?

It's a very good destination for those interested in the culture. I didn't visit the city too often although I took trips to the centre of the islands and they were unforgettable. You have to take into account that there is a lot of Celtic and Catholic culture that still prevails. There are thousands of things to see.

Any advice that you want to give to Dublin's future students?

More or less what I said: Find an apartment quickly, throw yourself into it when you arrive and pay a lot of attention to Daft.ie, don't let yourself be abused by the landlords: take care with money for heating; take care with the 'neckers', bad street companies as there are a lot of criminals loose and many shady streets: Buy beer in the supermarket, drink in someone's flat and go out afterwards. You're not going to be able to drink in bars every weekend and most of all, plan a road trip with a rented car to the south of Ireland. It's totally recommended plan for a weekend. I did it and I loved it. I would like to do it again sometime.