Ireland: Beer, friends and nature.

Why did you choose to go to Dublin, Ireland?

I personally chose it because of the territory it is and because of the economic situation they enjoy. I thought that in order to make of my Erasmus year more than a partying time, I would have to make the most out of it and grow professionally.

How long does the scholarship last? How much money do you receive to support your studies?

In my case I received 1, 400€ as scholarship and, at the current point in time, having finished my Erasmus, I have not received the whole quantity. As a result, it is better not to depend on that money although later it may be helpful. It all depends on where you come from and your economic situation. I am from the Basque Country so if you come from there too, you will receive something similar.

How is the student lifestyle in Dublin?

The atmosphere is cool! People are nice and you can find Spanish-speaking persons in almost every corner as if they spoke English for you to practice. However, the Irish accent is pretty thick. There are student residences and many big universities so there are a lot of students in your situation and you end up going to the same pubs. If you come to Dublin, you will pass through Dicey's (half a liter of beer 2€), River, DTwo, Coopers,... for sure.

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

Without a doubt. Any person that knows how to administer time well can make a lot of out of this place. Furthermore, the country is pretty small, you can travel around by car or car and it will not take you long.

What is the Irish food like?

Local food is delicious although they use garlic even to brush their teeth. You will get used to it. Regarding Orlando tomato sauce, the most similar one is PASATA. They sell Orlando in some shops in the city center. However, you will need to look for it for a while in order to find it.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Dublin?

I ensured by shot by going to the same place where a friend of mine stayed the previous year. I went to Griffith Halls of Residence (https://www.ghr.ie). I also have friend who found an apartment through ISA Accommodation (http://isaccommodation.com) and some other that went to Aparto (https://apartostudent.com/locations/dublin).

What was the cost of living in Dublín?

Every month, I spent 100€ in food and another 100€ in expenses (most of it was beer). It has to be taken into consideration the fact that I consumed very little compared to my mates, who used to spend more. In general terms and specially compared to Spain, it is expensive.

What about the language? Did you take any lessons in college?

I was fine with the language as I had been studying English since I was very young, I had no problem with it. My mates had were less fluent but they dealt with it well, furthermore there are English classes available in college.

What is the cheapest way to get to Dublin from your city?

By plane, logically. The official airline is Aer Lingus, the Irish equivalent to Iberia. However, Ryanair offers very good prices departing from Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.

Which places would you recommend to go out in Dublin?

Dicey's offers pints for just 2€ starting at 4pm. With a basic investment of 10€ you could get a decent hangover. We got to 10 pints per person, you will get it when you arrive. In any other establishment, a beer could cost you between 4€ and 7€.

What about eating in Dublin? Can you recommend your favourite places?

A local and relatively economic place is O'Neills, right next to the statue of Molly Malone. For 17€ you can get a steak you choose and all the condiments and sauces you desire.

And what about cultural visits?

It is a historical city with many free tours around Dublin if you would like to know more about it. It is full of museums, and you can enter the jail and see the cells from the inside. There is a beautiful history of fight of great importance for all Irish citizens.

Do you have any advice for future students in Dublin?

I am sorry if you do not like beer. The diet, to begin with, starts with a Guiness or maybe a couple of them, followed by a Smithwick's Blonde Ale, which may be softer. After that, you get into a Hop House 13 and after that one you will not care which one to choose. In some universities students pay with a mobile app calle LYDIA, so you will download it, enter your data and check how cool it is.

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