Erasmus Experience in Dublin, Ireland by Azaée

Why did you choose to go to Dublin, Ireland?

I wanted to go in an anglophone country to improve my english. I choose Dublin because it's an island and I had always imagined that people who live in an island are nice and it's true! I wanted to discover beautiful landscapes and Ireland is perfect for this. It's also a small country without to many people so the life is cool and relaxing :-)

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

I received around 1200 euro for the full year.

What is the student lifestyle like in Dublin?

The student life is really cool! You have time to discover the country and also to study a lot by yourself. Irish students are really crazy and they love to make party a lot so if you like it you'll enjoy ;-) For other people who prefer be safe Dublin get really quiet areas and a lot of second hand book shop!

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

I definitely recommend Dublin city! But if you really want have an irish experience you must travel around Ireland. Dublin is a capital and there is a lot of tourism so sometimes you can not really feel like a student but more like a tourist...

What is the food like?

Chips, fish and chips, beef and chips, hamburger and chips, chips and chips, vinegar and chips! There are a lot of take away and fast food in Dublin and it's smell oil around all the corners. If you want safe your money don't worry you will can because there are lidl and aldi shop in the capital!

How much does it cost to live in Dublin?

First semester I was on campus and it was around 1400 euro (caution included) and second semester I paid 360 euro per month included bills. Accommodation are expensive in Dublin especially in the city center and it's often you have to share a room if you don't want to pay to much.

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

No language courses available in my University but you really don't need it! Irish people are just so nice and so lovely and they help you a lot to be understand and to understand other people.

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

By plane.

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

Go to the Whelan's! It's one of the best music place in Dublin!

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

There is a really nice restaurant in Georges Street Arcade call Urban Picnic. It's a really nice to eat and cheap place!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The IMMA is pretty good and the Guinness store house and the old Jameson distillery of course. But if you just want hang in the street is nice as well! Dublin's streets are really beautiful with a lot of drawing and painting everywhere.

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

You will discover by yourself! You will see what you will want to do. If you love music you will be in the best place for free music!