Are you thinking about moving to Ireland to pursue your university studies? For me, moving from Luxembourg to study at Trinity College was an exciting adventure! But there were many things I wished I’d known before coming.

Adjusting to life in a new city, especially considering the cost of living, can be daunting. So here’s four tips on how to make your move abroad a little smoother!

Start looking for accommodation in advance

Finding accommodation in Dublin can be challenging, especially if you are a student on a budget and it’s your first time in Ireland. Plan your stay for the academic year in advance!

If you are an incoming first-year Trinity student, definitely check out Trinity Halls, the main Trinity accommodation for first years! The prices are cheaper than private student housing and it’s a great way to make friends in the same situation!

If student accommodation is not for you, however, feel free to check out Daft.ie or Rent.ie to find private housing. This can also be a good option once you get to the second or third year, as you will be able to move with friends!

Even though Trinity is in the city centre, living further away and commuting is always a cheaper option that will also allow you to explore more areas in Dublin!

For more information on finding accommodation check out our accommodation article here.  

Budget for Higher Costs of Living

When deciding where to do your grocery shopping, Lidl, Aldi, or Tesco are great options to consider. It is very easy to get discounts if you install their app or get a loyalty card. (Note: Many times you will need an Irish phone number to do so!)

Unlike Luxembourg, in Dublin, you have to pay for public transport. I recommend getting a student/youth Leap Card to get cheaper fees when using Dublin Buses, Luas (Tram), or Dart (Commuter Train). In Dublin you can use the Uber app to get taxis if you want to move around more conveniently, however, I recommend using dublinbikes (Same as Vel’OH!) as a more friendly way of transport for your wallet!

Textbooks can be very expensive!

To buy or not to buy the required books for your courses, that is the question! If you are on a budget, before spending your monthly allowance on some book you will only use for a semester, consider going to the university library, chances are they will have it there, or they will be able to command more for you!

Travelling between Luxembourg and Dublin

As Trinity students, we enjoy some quite long holidays. In case you want to go back home to visit family or friends, you can find flights Luxembourg-Dublin pretty easily with Ryanair (For a lower cost) and Luxair. I especially recommend booking flights in advance as you can get really cheap fees (I once paid 14 € for a round flight Dublin-Luxembourg!).

To get to or from the airport, you can always get a taxi, which is pretty convenient if you have quite a lot of bags. However, if you’re on a budget, check out the Dublin Express or Aircoach; You can get really cheap tickets using the TFI Go App and it’s a really quick way to get to the airport from the city centre (Around 30 minutes).

Make the most out of your Trinity experience!

Dublin is a great city to make the most out of your student experience without breaking the bank.

Becoming a member of any Trinity society that matches your interest, is not only a good way to get to know new people and become engaged in the community, but also a nice method to go to cheaper events and activities!

Dublin is a rainy city, but there is always something to do! With your student card, you can get €5 cinema tickets at The Lighthouse Cinema or the Irish Film Institute.

You can also get 10% discounts at some cafeterias and restaurants around campus by showing your T-Card! Remember to always ask if discounts are available!

Concluding Thoughts

Moving from Luxembourg to Dublin was a big step for me, but with a bit of planning it was far less overwhelming. Secure affordable housing, adapt to the cost of living, and take advantage of Dublin’s student budget-friendly activities are only some tips to help you prepare for a new step in your academic life.

Sooner than later, you will feel at home in this vibrant and welcoming city!