Cost of Living in Ireland

The cost of living in Dublin, and moving to Dublin, are important factors for students coming to UCD. Although there are several scholarship and funding opportunities for UCD students, you should have a pre-planned budget for each year of your academic programme. Students should not base their budget solely on receiving scholarships. UCD Global provides the following information to help students better understand their expenses while living in Dublin.

Everyone’s budget will be different. The following is intended as a general guide only.

Accomodation 

Accomodation is typically the largest expense for most students. We strongly recommend that students begin their accommodation search early to access the best options. Securing accommodation that is both well-located and of a standard that fits within your budget requires time.

On campus Accommodation

For those staying in UCD student residences, costs will vary depending on which  residence they choose. The UCD Residences team provides a detailed breakdown of on-campus accommodation expenses on their website.

Off Campus Accommodation 

Off-campus accommodation offers more flexibility in terms of location and style but prices can vary widely depending on the area of Co. Dublin and type of accomodation. Renting a private apartment, house or studio may be more expensive than shared housing or renting a room in a shared house. 

It is important to factor additional costs such as utilities or transport when budgeting for off-campus accommodation.

Estimated Annual / Once-off Costs

Residence Permit and Health Insurance Requirements for Non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss Students

Non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss students will be required to register for an Irish Residence Permit Card each year of their programme (€300).

In order to register with the Irish Immigration Services, as a first-time applicant and to renew your residency permit each year, students are required to purchase health insurance. This can cost between €160 - €670 per year depending on the duration of your course. Further information about health insurance is available on our Visas and Immigration page

Estimated Monthly Costs (per student)

UCD Global sources this information from sources such as the Consumer Price Index, Daft Quarterly reports, Transport For Ireland (TFI)  HEA Eurostudent, switcher.ie, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and other sources.

UCD Global recommends that students budget according to their own individual  needs and lifestyle.

Plan Ahead

Top Tips for Successful Budgeting

• Track your income and expenses: Create a realistic budget that suits your lifestyle and study commitments. 

• Know your reliable sources of income: This includes regular payments you can count on such as a scholarship, loans, parent’s support, savings etc. 

• Be realistic about  part-time work: Be mindful of how much part-time work you can manage, especially around exam periods. On-campus roles are available such as UCD Ambassador, Global Guide, working with the student’s Union or joining the UCD Campus Assistant Team. Explore opportunities at ucdsu.ie/jobs.

• Prepare for possible delays in funds: Some scholarships or loans may not release payments until the academic term has begun. Make sure you have funds available upfront for accommodation deposits, travel costs, course material and everyday expenses.

• See UCD’s Money Management Website for additional resources to assist you with your budgeting. 

• Use the Prioritize Spending template.

Other Supports

The UCD Library of Things is the first of its kind in an Irish university. By borrowing items, students and staff are supporting a Community of Sharing, promoting sustainability, equity, and reduced waste. All items can be borrowed for free by students and staff of the university. Here you can find a full list of items.

Back on Track Calculate your household’s monthly Reasonable Living Expenses.

Olio App App To share more, care more and waste less – neighbourhood sharing. 

Too Good to Go App Lets customers buy and collect Surprise Bags of surplus food at a great price.