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Living Costs

Your Guide to Living Costs in Dublin

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Cost of Living in Dublin

Moving to Dublin and studying at UCD involves important financial planning. While there are scholarship and funding opportunities available, all students should prepare a personal budget for each year of study. Students should not base their budget solely on receiving scholarships.

UCD Global provides the following information to help students understand the typical costs of living in Dublin.

Please note, everyone’s budget will be different. The following is intended as a general guide only.

UCD student accommodation block in UCD.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation 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 UCD Residence 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 the type of accommodation. 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.

Estimating Costs

✈️ Estimated Annual/One-Off Costs

Item Cost
Flights Variable
Irish Residence Permit (Non-EU/EEA/UK/Swiss)* €300
Laptop €730
Printer and Ink €160
Rent Deposit €735 (UCD Residences)or
One month's rent (private)
Bedding & Cooking Utensils €200

* 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 (opens in a new window)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 Living Costs (Per Student)

Item Estimated Cost
Accommodation €1,013
Utilities €165
Food €590
Local Travel (Leap Card) €68
Books and Copying €120
Clothing and Hygiene €150
Internet and Mobile €32
Personal/Social €80
Miscellaneous e.g., medical, unforeseen expenses, tourism, etc. €100
Total

€2,318

UCD Global sources this information from sources such as the Consumer Price Index, Daft Quarterly reports, Transport For Ireland (TFI)  HEA Eurostudent, (opens in a new window)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.

Understanding Currency Fluctuations

When planning your studies at UCD, it’s important to be aware thatexchange rates can change over time, which may affect your overall budget. Students from countries experiencing currency depreciation may find that tuition fees and living expenses become more expensive when converted to their home currency.

We recommend that students monitor exchange rates regularlyand plan their finances with some flexibility to allow for possible fluctuations. 

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, parents’ 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 Students’ 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.

 

Other Supports

The UCD Library of Things is the first initiative of its kind at an Irish university. It allows students and staff to borrow useful items for free, supporting a culture of sharing that promotes sustainability, equity, and waste reduction.
You can browse the full list of borrowable items on the UCD Library of Things page.

Additional Cost-Saving Resources

  • Back on Track
    Use this tool to calculate your household’s monthly Reasonable Living Expenses and plan your budget more effectively.

  • Olio App
    A neighborhood-sharing app that helps reduce waste by allowing users to give away or collect surplus food and household items — share more, care more, waste less.

  • Too Good To Go App
    Purchase and collect Surprise Bags of surplus food from local shops and restaurants at reduced prices — a great way to save money and reduce food waste.

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Contact UCD Global

UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins Centre (UCD International Office), Belfield, Dublin 4.
T: +353 1 716 8500 | Location Map(opens in a new window)