Life as an International Student in Ireland

Intro

Studying in Ireland is an exciting new chapter. With the right tips, student life here can be fun, affordable, and easy to navigate. This guide covers everything you need — From accommodation and travel to shopping to part-time work and leisure ways to unwind.

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Accommodation

Finding suitable housing is the first step to settling in Ireland. Here’s what you should know:

Shared flats and student halls are the most common choices.

Where to search: Use your college’s housing portal or verified property websites such as Daft.ie, Rent.ie, MyHome.ie, or Let.ie. You can also explore options through Facebook groups and International student communities.

Average rent:

• Shared flats – €500–€800/month outside the city centre

• City-centre apartments – €800–€1,200/month

• University halls or studio flats – €1,100–€1,500/month

Inclusions: Many university accommodations cover Wi-Fi and utilities.

Tip: Start early and be cautious of online scams. Always verify listings before paying deposits.

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Grocery Shopping & Indian / Asian Stores

Familiar flavours are never far from Dublin. You’ll find plenty of stores that make it easy to stay stocked up and on budget:

• Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, and Dunnes Stores – budget-friendly supermarkets and everyday student staples

• Mini India (Westmoreland Street) – packed with authentic spices, snacks, and ready meals

• Eurasia Supermarket (Talbot Street) – a large, well-stocked store offering Indian, Asian, and African groceries under one roof

These stores make it easy to stock your kitchen with familiar flavours while staying on budget.

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Cafes & The Student Cafe Life

Ireland’s café scene is vibrant and student-friendly—an ideal place to grab a coffee, study, or hang out with friends.

Here are some top picks:

• Butlers Chocolate Café: Known for rich hot chocolate, cozy seating and a relaxed study vibe

• Caffè Nero: Widely spread around Dublin; good for study sessions or casual catch-ups

• 3fe Grand Canal: A favourite among remote workers and students for its strong Wi-Fi, comfy seating and quality coffee  

• Shoe Lane Coffee: Opens early and offers a quiet upstairs workspace—perfect before class or early study-grind 

Whether you’re looking for caffeine before class or a calm corner for assignments, these cafés blend comfort and convenience for student life in Ireland.

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Travel Made Easy for Students

Getting around Ireland is easy, affordable, and student-friendly.

In major cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, public transport is well-connected through buses, trams, and trains. Dublin’s Luas tram system is especially popular with students, operating two main lines:

• Red Line: Tallaght/Saggart to Connolly and The Point

• Green Line: Brides Glen to Broombridge

Use the Luas app or TFI app to plan trips, check live schedules, and manage your commute across Ireland.

Tip: Get a TFI Leap Card for student discounts — the 90-minute fare lets you travel across buses, Luas, and DART for just €1.00. Remember to tap on and off to ensure the correct fare.

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Everyday Essentials on a Budget

Ireland has plenty of affordable places to shop for clothes, home essentials, and accessories.

• Penneys (Primark) is every student’s go-to for trendy clothes, homeware, and everyday essentials — all at unbeatable prices. For dorm essentials or quick buys, Dealz and Mr. Price are perfect for toiletries, stationery, and small household items that don’t stretch your wallet
• If you’re setting up your student space, IKEA is great for affordable furniture and decor, while TK Maxx is ideal for finding branded clothes or home items at big discounts

Tip- Always carry your student ID — many stores around college areas offer 10–20% off.

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‍Affordable Restaurants & Asian Food Spots

Eating out in Ireland can be easy on your wallet with plenty of student-friendly options.

• Xi’An Street Food, located on South Anne Street and North Earl Street, is a student favourite known for its spicy flavours, hand-pulled noodles, and hearty rice bowls — all served in generous portions for under €10
• For authentic Indian flavours, Andhra Bhavan offers delicious vegetarian and South Indian dishes that bring a comforting taste of home

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Part-Time Jobs

Working part-time helps students gain experience and manage expenses.

Most students find part-time roles in cafés, supermarkets, or retail stores. Typical pay rates range from €10.50–€14/hour in hospitality and retail, while tutoring or assistant roles can reach €30/hour.

Tip: Hand out printed CVs to local shops and cafés, check university notice boards, and apply online through Irish job portals. Be sure to follow student visa work-hour limits (20 hours/week during term).

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Life Beyond the Classroom

Life in Ireland goes far beyond lectures and assignments — there’s always something happening to keep your days exciting and balanced.

• Most universities have clubs and societies for every interest imaginable — from sports and dance to debate, drama and volunteering. Joining one is a great way to meet people, unwind, and feel part of campus life.
• Weekends are perfect for a bit of adventure. Try laser tag, paintball, or catch one of Ireland’s many music concerts and cultural festivals. If you’re craving fresh air, explore nearby parks and scenic trails, or plan day trips to spots like Howth, Glendalough, or Cobh with friends.

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Final Thoughts

Studying in Ireland is more than just earning a degree — it’s about building a new life experience. With the right preparation, you can settle in smoothly and enjoy everything Ireland offers — quality education, diverse experiences, and a welcoming student community.

At Onebounce, we believe every student journey should be memorable and fulfilling. With the right support and preparation, you won’t just study in Ireland — you’ll truly live it.