From finalising your university and course to finding student accommodation in Cork to packing your stuff and making new friends in Ireland, there are loads to be done. 

The entire process looks scary when you look at it, but, once you work towards it, it will eventually get easier by the day. 

Our team at Best Student Halls has crafted a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your student life in Ireland. Some of the key topics are as follows: 

• Understanding the cost of living for students in Ireland
• Preparing for your move: A guide to student funding in Ireland
• Your move to Ireland: A checklist for a smooth transition
• Settling in: Tips on making new friends and building connections in Ireland
• Cost of living for students in Ireland 

If you are looking for a fulfilled living experience in Ireland as a student, there are a few things you need to do before moving to the country. The cost of living in Ireland hugely depends on which city you plan to live in. Different cities have different costs of living associated with them. If you are planning to live in major cities like Cork and Dublin then the cost of living is usually higher compared to the smaller cities in Ireland. 

As per the Irish Council for International Students, if you are moving to Dublin then the average cost of living per month is around €1,477.99. This amount excludes your tuition fees. At the same time, the average cost of living in Cork for a month is around €1,240 to €1,880. There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration while getting to an actual figure per month. 

The easiest way to accept these expenses and to figure a way around them is going to be planning. You need to do your research and be aware of the costs you need to deal with on a monthly basis. this will help you budget yourself and you will have an idea of what to expect. 

You need to figure out your expenses for the following factors: 

• Student Accommodation in Cork/ Student Accommodation in Dublin

• Transportation ( Public Transport )

• Food and Drinks

• Outings 

• Shopping

• Utility Bills 

• Healthcare

We know that these may seem like many expenses and you may feel the pinch about it all. but, the fact remains that if you plan and budget yourself well and work as per your plan, you can sail through and live an exciting student life in Ireland. Ireland offers a number of student discounts to students on multiple occasions. Make sure you grab these offers and make the most out of them. all you need is your registered student ID card from the university you are attending. Most of the stores will give you the best discounts available once you present your student ID card to them. From books to clothes and food supplies, you will find everything at a good rate. 

A guide to student funding in Ireland 

It is crucial for you to take a few steps before you move to Ireland to ensure that you enjoy your academic journey. One of the most key aspects is going to be applying for student funding in Ireland. 

Aren't you curious about how student funding in Ireland works? If you are a domestic student or an international student in Ireland, you are eligible for a student loan that covers your tuition and living expenses. The amount of loan you will qualify for depends on various factors. You need to be aware that as this is a student loan, repayment of the loan will be expected only once you graduate. It is important to research your available options as student loans can vary from individual to individual. 

You can also explore other avenues of funding in Ireland such as scholarships or bursaries. These financial aids are accessible based on academic achievements, faculty affiliation, and other criteria. Unlike student loans, scholarships, and bursaries do not require repayment.

If you find the right funding in Ireland it will keep you stress-free during your academic term. It will let you focus on your studies rather than worrying about your tuition fees and living cost. Ultimately, the choice and decision lie in your hands, you need to find the right option that works best for you. 

You need to figure out your expenses for the following factors: 

• Student Accommodation in Cork/ Student Accommodation in Dublin

• Transportation ( Public Transport )

• Food and Drinks

• Outings 

• Shopping

• Utility Bills 

• Healthcare

We know that these may seem like many expenses and you may feel the pinch about it all. but, the fact remains that if you plan and budget yourself well and work as per your plan, you can sail through and live an exciting student life in Ireland. Ireland offers a number of student discounts to students on multiple occasions. Make sure you grab these offers and make the most out of them. all you need is your registered student ID card from the university you are attending. Most of the stores will give you the best discounts available once you present your student ID card to them. From books to clothes and food supplies, you will find everything at a good rate. 

A guide to student funding in Ireland 

It is crucial for you to take a few steps before you move to Ireland to ensure that you enjoy your academic journey. One of the most key aspects is going to be applying for student funding in Ireland. 

Aren't you curious about how student funding in Ireland works? If you are a domestic student or an international student in Ireland, you are eligible for a student loan that covers your tuition and living expenses. The amount of loan you will qualify for depends on various factors. You need to be aware that as this is a student loan, repayment of the loan will be expected only once you graduate. It is important to research your available options as student loans can vary from individual to individual. 

You can also explore other avenues of funding in Ireland such as scholarships or bursaries. These financial aids are accessible based on academic achievements, faculty affiliation, and other criteria. Unlike student loans, scholarships, and bursaries do not require repayment.

If you find the right funding in Ireland it will keep you stress-free during your academic term. It will let you focus on your studies rather than worrying about your tuition fees and living cost. Ultimately, the choice and decision lie in your hands, you need to find the right option that works best for you. 

Your Checklist for Ireland 

Our team has put together a list of items that you need to keep in mind when you are planning to move to Ireland. Consider the following factors while making a move: 

1. Important Documents 

• Visa: This is by far the most important document you need to have with you. When you are getting to Ireland and once you have reached, for any official reasons, your visa will be checked to authenticate your presence in the country. 

• University Letters: All the documents you have received from your university need to be available to you. From your admission letter to any correspondence you have had with the admissions team. 

• Student Accommodation in Cork/ Dublin Letters: Once you have booked your student accommodation in Cork or Dublin, the tenancy agreement, and the signed contract. You need to have these documents with you. The property will send you details of how to get there and where you can pick your keys up as well. 

• Passport and Student ID: Your passport contains all your personal information and your student ID will have all your university details. In case you come across a situation where you need to show some proof of attending university you need to present your student ID.

2. Daily Essentials

• Daily Toiletries: You need to make sure you pack all your daily toiletries along with you. This includes your toothbrush, tongue cleaner, hairbrush, makeup, shampoo, conditioner etc.

• Personal Medication: If you have a prescription for your personal medication make sure you carry it along with your prescription. Other than that, make sure you have basic medication that you may need at certain times. Also, carry along a small medical kit for yourself which you can use in an emergency at your student accommodation in Cork.

• Kitchen Equipment: Something as basic as some cutlery, some mugs and some kitchen utensils. You need to be ready to cook for yourself and store your food as a meal plan in your living space. You can have easy kitchen equipment such as an electronic rice cooker, a pancake machine and so on.

• Clothing: Make sure you pack as per the different weather that you may come across in Ireland. Pak for winters as it gets really cold and purchasing winter wear in a foreign country gets expensive. Also, carry your summer wear clothes for chill summer afternoons and day trips.

• Bedding: You need to have your basic linens for your bedding. You can always purchase more later from Ireland but that will be a bit expensive for you. You can pick up a few pillow covers, duvet covers and a blanket or two along with you when you first move in.

Settling in and Making Friends

Once you have settled into your student accommodation in Cork it is time to socialise. Making friends will help you in the long run. The best benefit at a student accommodation is that you will have students living around you. You can build personal as well as professional connections for your life ahead.

You can always check for tips from ex-students and figure your way out. We recommend you have an open attitude and gel with the students you come across online as well. This will help you in a huge manner when you need help from someone who knows their way around.

There are plenty of student accommodations in Cork and Dublin. If you are looking for affordable as well as reliable student accommodation you can get in touch with our team at Best Student Halls. Our team will assist you with your booking process and also help you get the best prices available. If you need a virtual viewing, our team can get that arranged for you as well. We look forward to welcoming you to Ireland.