Erasmus Experience in Tallaght, Ireland by Valentine

Why did you choose to go to Tallaght, Ireland?

I didn't. It was given to me as a last option but I am so glad I went there and not to another place.

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

The scholarship is coming from my home university.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tallaght?

The Student Union and the Intercultural Society planned a lot of things for us during the semester and thanks to them I met amazing people and did a lot of things.

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

I would definitely recommend it, although the organisation at the beginning is a bit messy and the administration doesn't help you, thanks to others students you can manage it on your own. And the experience is 100% worth it.

What is the food like?

Not really good... I missed a lot of my country's products, and I was eating out a lot, though it was expensive. The only thing I will miss is garlic bread !

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Tallaght?

I had the chance to find very early and not expensive, but my friends didn't have this chance. Rent is the best thing to find a room but be careful, there's a lot of scam ! Never send money before.

How much does it cost to live in Tallaght?

I found it really expensive : the bus, the food, housing, cinema... But it depends on your home country I think.

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

I had a good english before so it hasn't been a problem for me and you adapt really fast. But the Irish accent might be a little problem, although it's not really usual ! The Uni provides EFL : English as a Foreign Language, very basic course

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

Take Ryan Air's plane and then the Hopper to the Square.

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

I would definitely recommend you to take the bus and go out in Dublin. If you're many, for the return take a taxi and it will be very cheap ! But in Tallaght I would advice Metro or The Molloy's.

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

The Brass Fox.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I didn't really visit anything in Tallaght, but you can visit the rest of Ireland, and you will not be disappointed.

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

Take any chances you have at the beginning to go out with the others students, because it's going to be more difficult for you to be part of the group after if you don't !