When a student goes to Ireland for an exchange program, normally, the first option that comes up is to stay in the capital Dublin. However, as it is the largest and most important city in the country, the cost of living is high. An alternative is to look for cities that offer good studies, with a lower cost of living.
If you are in Ireland, or intend to go to this European country to do an exchange program, then you can choose a minor to live in. To help you with this decision, we have chosen some cities with a low cost of living and that have a good structure to house students.
These cities have more affordable prices for accommodation and food compared to Dublin, so you can save up to 40% of your monthly budget by living in these cities.
Limerick
The city offers good options for accommodation, restaurants and other infrastructure. Therefore, it would not be the cheapest option on the list, but it can offer a good balance between cost of living and structure for those who like a more urban environment.
Limerick has a University with around 3,000 students, most of them foreigners. Therefore, it is a multicultural city. Located in the central region of Ireland, it is a strategic point for traveling to other regions of Ireland.
Galway
Perhaps, this would be our first option on the list, as it offers one of the best lifestyles in Europe. In 2020, inclusive, it was elected the best city in Europe to live.
The cost of accommodation in Galway can be up to 80% lower than in Dublin, which is why many foreign students look for this city to start their journey in Ireland.
Drogheda
This historic city of approximately 50,000 inhabitants is just 56km from Dublin. Therefore, it can be an alternative accommodation even for those studying or working in Dublin. The trip between the two cities takes about 50 minutes and there are also night buses.
The city promotes several musical festivals and has an intense culture, with many historical attractions. Therefore, it attracts, in addition to students, many families, who are looking for a peaceful environment to live, but close to the Irish capital.
Waterford
The city has approximately 50 thousand inhabitants and an incredible natural beauty, with beautiful beaches and green areas. The cost of living here
If you like a quieter lifestyle, without the hustle and bustle of urban centers, then this might be the best option for you.
Waterford is considered the oldest city in Ireland and offers a good structure for those who enjoy a simple life. If you have the possibility to work or study remotely, this city is perfect for you.
Cork
Ireland’s second largest city is ideal for those who enjoy a more urban lifestyle. With about 200,000 inhabitants, the municipality has a unique aspect. For many people, it has an even more interesting atmosphere than Dublin, as it keeps its local culture alive.
It is estimated that 36,000 of its inhabitants are students, of which 10% are foreigners. So it’s a great multicultural environment.
Northern Ireland
One option for students looking for a lower cost of living is to stay in Northern Ireland. In the north of the island you will find lower costs. Therefore, a trend of exchange students is to stay, study and work in Northern Ireland. The most popular cities are:
- Belfast
- Derry
- Bangor
If you want to study and live in Ireland for a few months, but feel that the cost of living in Dublin might be too high for you, then staying in one of these listed cities is an alternative way to enjoy the best that Ireland has to offer. at a lower cost of living.
