FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much will I pay for accommodation?
Rent will likely be one of your most significant expenses. The amount could be as little as €400 per month for a shared room, or up to €850 for a private room in a shared apartment. On-campus accommodation is in high demand and is priced at the higher end of this range
How much should I expect to spend on food?
For food, including some meals bought on campus or in cheaper restaurants, you will probably spend between €70 and €100 each week.
How much on average will I spend on transport?
Public transport can be expensive in Ireland compared to other European cities. For example, a 30-day bus ticket in Dublin can cost as much as €160. However, there are many options that are much cheaper, and costs vary depending on the mode of transport used.
Do I need to register with the police?
Yes you must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) after arrival and after completion of registration at your university/college in Ireland. The GNIB will issue you with a residence permit/GNIB card.
How much on average will I spend on transport?
Public transport can be expensive in Ireland compared to other European cities. For example, a 30-day bus ticket in Dublin can cost as much as €160. However, there are many options that are much cheaper, and costs vary depending on the mode of transport used.
The cost of an average journey on a local city bus service is about €2.70 and will depend on the service used and the distance travelled. For some services, e.g. Dublin Bus, when you pay in cash the exact fare in coins is needed - no change is given and no notes are accepted. For this reason, it is advisable to purchase a Student Leap Card.
Student Leap card offers reduced fares and other discounts for students registered at an Irish college or university. USIT offers travel options specifically for student travellers, including low cost flexible fares, tailor-made insurance policies and budget accommodation.
Many students also cycle, and in many cities there are road lanes dedicated to bicycles only. Cycling in city centres can be quite dangerous, particularly at peak times, so if you do decide to cycle you should wear a bicycle helmet. For advice on road safety for cyclists, see: Cyclists safety.
The cost of an average journey on a local city bus service is about €2.70 and will depend on the service used and the distance travelled. For some services, e.g. Dublin Bus, when you pay in cash the exact fare in coins is needed - no change is given and no notes are accepted. For this reason, it is advisable to purchase a Student Leap Card.
Student Leap card offers reduced fares and other discounts for students registered at an Irish college or university. USIT offers travel options specifically for student travellers, including low cost flexible fares, tailor-made insurance policies and budget accommodation.
Many students also cycle, and in many cities there are road lanes dedicated to bicycles only. Cycling in city centres can be quite dangerous, particularly at peak times, so if you do decide to cycle you should wear a bicycle helmet. For advice on road safety for cyclists, see: Cyclists safety.
Do North American students need a visa?
No you don’t need to apply for a visa to study in Ireland.
Can I work while I study in Ireland?
Yes, as a full time student you can work up to 20 hours per week.
How do I open a bank account?
In order to open a bank account, you will need two forms of identification. Irish banks are obliged to establish your identity and verify your address. You cannot use the same document as proof of both your identity and your address. These are minimum requirements and it is at the discretion of the bank to look for further information.
What is the weather like in Ireland?
The Irish weather is probably best summed up as follows you can experience all four seasons in one day! Ireland's climate can be summed up as being mild, moist and changeable with abundant rainfall and a lack of temperature extremes. Because the island is hugged all year round by the warm influence of the Gulf Stream, Ireland is much warmer than other countries that share its latitude. The Gulf Stream also ensures that the Irish coastline remains ice-free throughout winter. Extreme winters are rare but they do happen on the odd occasion when Ireland's temperatures plummet.
What additional costs do I need to take into consideration when choosing accommodation?
It is important to budget for the additional costs, apart from rent, that you will face with each type of accommodation.
Living with a family may offer the lowest rent and include utility costs and some meals, but you will need to budget for buying additional meals.
Setting yourself up in privately rented accommodation can be quite expensive and involve a number of up-front costs:
Living with a family may offer the lowest rent and include utility costs and some meals, but you will need to budget for buying additional meals.
Setting yourself up in privately rented accommodation can be quite expensive and involve a number of up-front costs:
- Deposits and connection charges for electricity and/or gas may have to be paid. There is also the option of setting up a direct debit from your bank account, from which the bill total will automatically be deducted each month. The deposit cost varies from €150 upwards and is refundable, or offset against your bill.
- You may have to supply your own bedding and maybe a few kitchen items, allow about €150.
- A TV licence costs €160 a year for a colour television and is a legal requirement for any household with a TV equipment.
- Cost of heat and light: €40-€140 a month, depending on the type of accommodation, the number of people sharing and the amount consumed.
- If you are moving into an already occupied house, some of these costs will have been met and you may not have to pay out such a large sum.