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Financial Support

Whether you are a current student or about to start first year, financial planning can be vital to your success at UCD

All students are expected to have budgeted appropriately before starting their studies and throughout their time at UCD. However, we know that many students could not participate in university without some financial support, and financial problems can arise for a number of reasons throughout your studies. 

UCD has a number of funds to support students with specific needs:

Financial assistance is available for UCD students through a number of grants, funds and scholarships. To find out more about fees and funding at UCD, please read our guide to Finances and Fees. 

Financial Planning

A well-planned realistic budget is a vital part of preparing for your time at UCD. Depending on your situation, the key costs to consider include:

  • Accommodation
  • Utility bills (heat, electricity, bins etc)
  • Food and groceries
  • Hygiene and self-care
  • Transport
  • Mobile phone and internet/broadband
  • Costs associated with your course (books, equipment, etc)
  • Childcare costs
  • Sports / hobbies
  • Socialising / entertainment

As well as your usual budget, you will need to work out costs specific to the academic year (nine months or 39 weeks). PhD and Masters by Research Students may wish to work out costs for the entire year (twelve months) as you are engaged in academic activities all year. You can download our UCD Budget Tool to help with this. The (opens in a new window)My Budget tool on the Mabs (Money Advice & Budgeting Service) website is also helpful for working out a budget plan, particularly for independent students or Mature Students whose budgeting requirements may be a bit more complex. 

Step 1: The key to a realistic budget is developing a full picture of your expenses so that you know where your money is going. Start by tracking your spending – every euro you spend affects your overall budget. Once you have a full list of regular and occasional expenses, you can make decisions about your future spending.  

Step 2: Next, think about your needs and wants. Needs are the essential items you need to live, such as paying for accommodation or electricity.  Wants are the things you could live without – rank these so that you can decide which to include in your college budget, and which to consider forgoing in the short-term while you invest in your studies. 

Once you’ve figured out your needs and wants, you’re ready to start your budget.  

Step 3: Start planning your budget well in advance of the start of term so that you have time to work out additional resources if needed. 

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