Erasmus Experience in Dublin, Ireland by Michelle

Why did you choose to go to Dublin, Ireland?

I have always wanted to go to either Ireland or Schotland, because both countries intrigue me. So when my university gave me the option to go to Dublin, I didn't hesitate.

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

It's one semester. I'll be getting the Erasmus grant which is approx. €1000

What is the student lifestyle like in Dublin?

Students who like to go out alot, are really in the right place here! Pubs are open 7 days a week with live music every night and the 'clubs', Dicey's and Coppers for instance, always have special prices for alcoholic beverages and are open during weekends till 6am. For the studying part: transport is arranged very well to go to the different universities and students can make use of a so-called student leap card, which gives them a discount. Not unimportant: the maximum costs for a bus ride are €2,70 .. But note: you can only pay in cash (coins) and you don't get change, so make sure you pay exact cash.

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

Yes, I would. The Dubliners are the most friendly type of people I have ever come across. The city is great, because it's rather small for a capital city, but nevertheless breathes history and culture.

What is the food like?

It's European, whatever that means. The restaurants are quite good, with a lot of variety, but of course most of them are specialised in either fish&seafood or Irish beef. The Irish breakfast is similar to the English breakfast.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Dublin?

It didn't cost me any money, however, students might want to start looking for accomodation rather sooner than later. Not sure if I'm allowed to say it here, but I found mine via ISAccomodation, which is especially for International Students.

How much does it cost to live in Dublin?

It's a capital city, so it isn't cheap. However, it also isn't crazy expensive. There's Lidl and Aldi, for your cheaper groceries. Then Spar and Tesco which are somewhere in the middle and then there's Dunnes Stores, which is more expensive. When you want to go out in Temble Bar, you pay around €6 for a pint of Guinness or any beer of your taste.

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

Well, the language is English, but the street signs and bus stops are both in English and Gaelic. There are language courses for English available at the universities. Don't bother to learn Gaelic as only 5% of the entire population in Ireland speaks it fluently.

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

By bus.

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

Temple Bar is great for pubs and popular Irish music. For clubs I would say Dicey's or Coppers.

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

I really love Murray's Bar&Grill, which is located on Upper O'Connell Street, for its food and atmosphere. But make sure to make a reservation before going there.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Trinity College, to see the Book of Kells and the Long Room. Dublin Castle, Glasnevin Cemetery, all the heroes Ireland has known are buried there (Daniel O'Connell, Michael Collins..), the Irish National Wax Museum, the Kilmainham Goal (a tour guide told me: you haven't been in Dublin if you haven't been to Kilmainham Goal), St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral.

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

Make sure to bring a rain coat, sunglasses, a scarf, t-shirts and sweaters. Wear them all at once when you go out, as the Irish weather cannot be trusted.