5 Top Tips for Living & Studying in Dublin

Studying abroad is an enriching and empowering experience, both in terms of education and personal growth. But apprehension is never far away and a little bit of research before embarking on this journey will help you make the most of your time here. Here is our 5 top tips for living and studying in Dublin.

Studying abroad is an enriching and empowering experience, both in terms of education and personal growth. At the heart of the Emerald Isle, Dublin provides a rich history, a vibrant social scene, a dense multicultural community, and a unique aesthetic – the perfect backdrop for such an adventure.

But apprehension is never far away and a little bit of research before embarking on this journey will help you make the most of your time here. So from ISI, here is our 5 top tips for living and studying in Dublin.

Navigating Dublin’s Streets

The first point to make – get a student travel card. These are easily purchased from either the Dublin Bus office, or from Trinity College. Both are only 5 minute walk from ISI. The student leap card can be used on all Dublin Bus, DART, and Luas services in the Greater Dublin area. They also provide you with discounts in various food hubs, and shopping centres – great for those here on a tight budget.

GNIB & Immigration

It’s very important to ensure you have all the correct documents – at ISI we’ll help guarantee that you are ready for your appointment with our helpful Orientation Session every Tuesday. You’ll receive your academic contract, further documents required for GNIB, setting up an appointment (if you haven’t already done so), PPS numbers, and bank accounts. Preparation is key, with GNIB.

Get Involved from Day 1

You may only be here for 3 weeks, or maybe you’re planning to stay for 8 months. But there is no reason to hide away in your room – get out on the streets of Dublin and get involved from Day 1. Join as many clubs as possible to meet new people. At ISI, we have a thriving social programme where students can get to know each other, get to know ISI staff, explore Dublin, and practice their English – check out our May Calendar and see you for yourself. Dublin is a bubbling centre for sport, music, art, and film – so whatever your preference, you’ll soon make Dublin feel like home.

Immerse Yourself in Irish Culture

You’ve arrived in the city, the anxiety is probably starting to kick in, so what do you do – you visit your cultural hub and feel comfortable. This is not the way to go – you need to explore outside your comfort zone. Visit Croke Park and enjoy our national sports – Gaelic Football & Hurling, visit Temple Bar and enjoy the vibrant artistic atmosphere, drink a pint of Guinness in Grogans followed by a well-salted bag of chips from Leo Burdock. Stephen’s Green on a sunny day is the place to be, while Trinity College Dublin will leave you in awe – especially the Long Room Library & Book of Kells.

Make a Budget

Sticking to your budget can be difficult – but you won’t find cheaper prices than the ISI café, a perfect place to chill between classes with a coffee and catch up with new friends. Around Dublin you’ll find plenty of great supermarkets to keep your cost low – Lidl, Aldi, Dealz, and Eurogiant are all budget places to make sure your pockets are never empty.

So what are you waiting for? Take these 5 tips on board, and make the most of your time studying abroad in Dublin!