Erasmus experience in Dublin, Ireland, by Helena

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

My exchange program lasted 4 months and I received a total of 1080€ fot this whole period.

What is the student lifestyle like in Dublin?

Well, there are several erasmus and student parties, but, compared to my country, the parties begin and end too early (around 11pm maximum). But there are many meetings for students to get to know each other and socializing with each other. In University College Dublin you also have clubs relates to things you like, such as sports, archaeology, harry potter, music, and so on.

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

I definitely recommend Dublin to everyone. People are so kind and nice, the city is beautiful and has so many things to visit, I love Dublin. The University is also very good, and not easy, you have to work a lot to have good grades, but you end up learning a lot. I loved the experience there: personal and academic.

Is it good to eat out in Dublin? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Food is not very good and expensive. But I think people should try to eat at a pub at least once, just for the experience. And definitely try a pint of Guinness beer and Bulmers' Sider. I definitely reccomend visiting O'Neill's, typical Irish pub, and, obviously, Temple Bar.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Dublin?

Yes! It was so difficult to find a place to stay for 4 months, it took me around 1 month to fin the perfect place. So I reccommend to try to find a place before you arrive.

Spotahome is a very good website to find a place when you're not yet in the country. They film the houses so you have a good idea of the place.

How much does it cost to live in Dublin?

Well, it cost me around 900€/month, because I wasn't living in the city centre, othewise it would be way more expensive. 30-day Leap card (sort of a pass for buses) for students was 111. 50€ for 30 days. I payed 500€/month rent, plus food and other stuff around more 300€.

If you intend to stay in campus' residences, it would cost you around 1800€/month (the cheapest residence), or 2400€/month. But a rent of a room out of campus is around 700€/800€ next to UCD or in the city centre.

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

English, which is the most spoken language in Dublin/Ireland, was ok. But Irish is very very very difficult, but nonetheless a very interesting language. UCD has a course for Irish ("Irish for Beginners") which is very nice if you want to learn some Irish.

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

Aeroplane. I reccomend Ryanair.

What places would you recommend visiting in Dublin?

• Temple Bar
• Trinity College - Visit the library
• Guinness Factory
• Grafton Street - If you like shopping
• Dundrum - Has an awesome mall there
• Blackrock

And just try to explore the city, it's wonderful.

What advice would you give future students heading to Dublin?

Just go. You will fall in love.