International Students: What to Expect From Life in Dublin

Every city has its own culture, and no matter where you go you’ll always get to experience something new. Dublin is no exception. If you want to have a truly Irish experience and learn all about the city that shaped some of the greatest minds in history, you’re in the right place.

There’s plenty to see and do here in the Irish capital – stuff that will give you a true taste of Irish living. It might not be what you’re used to, but Dublin definitely offers a unique student experience.

THE NIGHTLIFE

Let’s get this one out of the way early on. People travel from far and wide to get a taste of Dublin’s nightlife; from the (in)famous tourist haven that is Temple Bar, to the lesser-known authentic Irish pubs that sit along the back streets, there are countless bars to get stuck into while you study here.

In fact, there are 751 pubs in Dublin, meaning there’s one pub for every 1,695 people in the city and its suburbs. For all of you budding mathematicians, that’s 10.75% of all the pubs in the entire country condensed into one small city.

You might be coming from a European party town or you might be used to something a little quieter – either way, Dublin offers a distinctive nightlife experience. In your first week of studying, you’ll quickly find that students will hit the town in a big start-of-term celebration, with Copper Face Jacks and Whelan’s always proving to be student favourites.

GRAFTON STREET: THE MAIN SHOPPING ROAD

Whether you’re just visiting Dublin to get a feel for the city, or you’re already settled here and want to get to know it a little bit more, Grafton Street is the place to go when you want to buy just about anything. It serves as the main shopping street, right in the city centre. Here you can expect to find both tourists and locals taking in the amazing live music from the many buskers that line the road, and you can find clothes shops and trendy cafes to keep you entertained when you’re not getting on with your studies.

Depending on where you choose to study, you’ll probably find that your college building isn’t too far from anything in Dublin city centre, and Grafton Street is no exception. Trinity College sits at one end of the road and St. Stephen’s Green lies at the other, making this a real landmark.

TRINITY COLLEGE LIBRARY: A LEARNING RESOURCE AND A TOURIST SPOT

If you choose to study at Trinity College, the chances are that you’re going to get to experience this library at least every week – or every day if you’re a bookworm. It has a range of facilities – from modern resources for current students, to a historic library where some of the greatest Irish minds have studied.

Even if you don’t study here, this library is worth a visit, because not only will the resources come in handy when you’re studying your degree, but The Long Room inside the old library is a tourist attraction within itself. When you step in here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the 18th century, which is topped off by the display of The Book of Kells – a 9th-century medieval manuscript, which is often referred to as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure.

YOU’LL HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WITH YOUR BUDGET

Like any capital city, the cost of living in Dublin can be quite high. This is not unique to Ireland, because cities like London, Amsterdam, and Tokyo are all notoriously expensive due to their status as the must-visit cities in their respective countries. This can make things a little bit difficult if you’re living on a student budget, but it’s not impossible to manage. In fact, students in the city still enjoy the same lifestyle as students elsewhere.

One of the best ways to bring your spending down in a capital city is to choose an accommodation provider that is located within the city centre, and which includes plenty of amenities in the given price. Making sure that you have access to washing facilities and a shop on-site (or very close by) could save you money on travel.

Stay in the Heart of the Irish Action

If you want to experience Ireland at its finest, Dublin is the place to be. Take a look at our accommodation options to make sure you’re right in the heart of it all. Don’t miss out on Grafton Street, Trinity College, or the amazing nightlife that the city has to offer.