Student Life in Ireland for Indian students

Student life in Ireland is vibrant and provides an enriching experience for international students. Ireland is a top study abroad destination for students who are seeking to broaden their horizons. For Indian students, stepping into Ireland means encountering a cultural shift. They may have numerous questions about their student life and adjusting to new people, environments, food, and culture. But, in reality, Irish people are known for their warmth, welcoming nature, and tolerance towards immigrants, ensuring a positive student-friendly environment. In this blog, let us discuss the factors determining the student life in Ireland in detail. 

The below inforgraphic lists the factors that determine the life of students in Ireland.

Various factors contribute to the quality of student life in Ireland, including the study environment, multiculturalism, social life, cost of living, accommodation, health & wellness, work opportunities, food and entertainment, climate and weather, travel, shopping, and student safety. In this blog, we dive deeper into each factor and its impact on student life in Ireland. 

1. Study Environment

Study environment is the top factor determining the student life in Ireland. International students migrate to Ireland to pursue higher education and obtain a prestigious degree. Therefore, the study environment is crucial in shaping the experience of international students in Ireland. Fortunately, the study environment in Ireland is conducive, providing opportunities for every student. Ireland's colleges and universities, such as Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the National University of Ireland, are renowned for their academic excellence. They offer career-focused curricula designed to prepare students for professional success. These institutions prioritize practical learning methods and often include fieldwork in their curriculum.

A typical day at college involves attending lectures, tutorials, participating in hands-on lab work, and workshops. You can interact with your lecturers one to one on a daily basis. A graduate student will assist you in the class providing learning support to the students. You can get your doubts cleared instantly and receive extra learning support. 

2. Multiculturalism

The second important factor determining the student life in Ireland is the multiculturalism. Known for its rich culture and heritage, Ireland attracts a significant number of international students, fostering a diverse and multicultural environment. In 2023, the ratio of internationally domiciled students in Ireland was approximately 13.7%. With Irish universities offering diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives, you can experience a multicultural calendar of events including food fairs, international festivals, and cultural nights. As a non-EU student, these events help you to understand the cross cultural differences. Additionally, there are numerous language exchange programs available, enabling students to learn languages other than English.  

This multiculturalism flourishes not only in vibrant cities but also on university campuses, offering a different set of experiences, from foreign languages to international cuisines. Such diversity promotes tolerance, respect and appreciation, providing students with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

3. Social Life

In addition to the academic and multicultural aspects, socializing in Ireland offers a unique and engaging experience. Social life plays a significant role in overall experience as a student, providing opportunities to find new friendships and immerse yourself in the local cultural activities. Ireland is renowned for its lively nightlife and pub scene, with events such as the St. Patrick's Day parade, the Galway Arts Festival, and the Cork Jazz Festival representing Irish culture. 

Moreover, universities have various student clubs and societies catering to various interests, such as sports, arts, and yoga. There are Student handbooks issued by the Student unions which will guide you across various clubs and societies. You can participate in sports clubs, academic societies, dramatic societies, and political societies to socialize. You can join these clubs throughout the year, with the Freshers Fair in the first semester offering an excellent opportunity to explore and sign up. 

While socializing can be heavy in your pockets, there are numerous discount cards available to help you save money. The clubs and bars conduct student nights in midweek. Additionally, tickets for theatre plays and movies are often offered at reduced rates for students. You can save even more by opting for preview performances, matinees, and early screenings.

4. Cost of Living

The cost of living in Ireland for Indian students includes expenses for studies, food, accommodation, and social activities, making it a crucial factor in determining student life in Ireland. On average, students spend approximately EUR 10,000 – EUR 12,000 per year on living expenses. It varies depending on factors such as the city of residence, accommodation type, and chosen lifestyle. Additionally, travel expenses and food costs significantly impact overall expenses. Utilizing student passes for public transport can help mitigate travel costs. On the other hand, you spend around €167 per month on food when dining out. It costs €50 per meal at an inexpensive restaurant—15 Euros in a cafe, and lunch inside the campus can cost up to €8. Other important foods like Milk, Coca-Cola and a cup of coffee cost around Eur 1, €1.5 and 3 Euros respectively. However, these food expenses can be reduced by cooking at home.

Accommodation represents a substantial portion of living expenses, with an average monthly expenditure of €427. Opting for on-campus accommodation tends to be more economical than off-campus options. Alternatively, sharing an apartment can also help lower accommodation costs for students.

5. Health and Wellness

In addition to living expenses, healthcare costs are vital to ensure a better student life experience. Non-EU students are not entitled to free medical services, mandating the purchase of private medical insurance to access healthcare facilities. Proof of medical insurance is required when you are applying for a visa and registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Most universities provide student health centers offering medical services and advice. These centers can assist with minor illnesses, but comprehensive medical check-ups require insurance coverage. In addition to living expenses, the healthcare costs are also vital to ensure a better student life experience.

Student health insurance in Ireland should provide coverage for accidents, followed by comprehensive healthcare for a full year, with annual renewal required. In case of illness, the insurance should cover expenses for doctor consultations, hospital accommodation, and medications in private hospitals. You are required to take insurance with a minimum of €25,000 for accidents and €20,000 for other health issues/disease.

6. Part-time Jobs

Another crucial aspect of student life in Ireland is securing a part-time job while studying, which is equally significant to obtaining medical insurance. To qualify for a part-time job, you must be enrolled in a full-time course at NFQ level 7 and registered with GNIB. Additionally, obtaining a Personal Public Services Number (PPS Number) is mandatory for receiving salary payments into an Irish bank account. As a full-time student holding a student visa, you are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. 

With these requirements fulfilled, you can expect to earn between 9.15 and 12 Euros per hour, depending on the job and city. If you are unsure about which part-time job to pursue, there are numerous options available, including retail, hospitality, childcare, tutoring, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Even with scholarships covering study expenses, having a part-time job is vital for managing living costs, particularly for Indian students who may face higher living expenses in Ireland.

7. Food & Entertainment

Food and entertainment are definitely taken into account when we discuss student life. Adopting the new Irish food culture can be challenging, especially for Indian students. However, with the increasing number of Indian students each year, more food joints are available now, offering Indian cuisine alongside authentic Irish restaurants like The Woollen Mills Eating House in Dublin and Kai Cafe & Restaurant in Galway.

Ireland, known for its lively bands and music, serves as a hub for entertainment. From pubs and discos to live music events in cafes and theatres, there's no shortage of entertainment options. Moreover, stadiums host popular sports events such as Gaelic Football, rugby, and cricket, adding to the diverse range of leisure activities available. If you love watersports, surfing and kitesurfing are becoming increasingly popular in recent times. Galway's nightlife is renowned for its liveliness, making it a place that never sleeps seven nights a week. Thus, students engaging in such activities helps ease their cultural shock.

8. Climate and Weather

Just like entertainment, international students love the climate and weather in Ireland. However, alongside these enriching experiences, one of the significant changes, particularly for Indian students, is adapting to the Irish weather. The climate is characterized as mild and humid, with frequent changes between sunny, rainy, and cold conditions. It's common to experience all three seasons in just a few hours in a single day. During the summer, temperatures typically range between 16-22 degrees Celsius, while in winter, temperatures rarely drop below 0 degrees Celsius, but typically range between 6-8 degrees Celsius, which can feel quite cold. On average, there are around 151 wet days in Ireland. Atlantic depressions can bring heavy winds occasionally.

As a student in Ireland, it's important to be prepared for these climatic challenges. This may involve purchasing appropriate clothing such as jackets, insulating layers, and waterproof boots or rain jackets to withstand the frequent rain.

9. Travel & Shopping

Exploring the diverse landscapes, attractions, and shopping destinations in Ireland is an essential aspect of student life. Beyond the academic realm, Ireland features picturesque landscapes, stunning architecture, and a rich cultural heritage—a perfect blend of traditional Irish charm and modern hubs. With friends, you can plan sightseeing tours, fun treks, or cycling trips to various destinations across Ireland for adventure and exploration. Popular spots such as Blarney Castle, The Brazen Head, Cliffs of Moher, and The Ring of Kerry offer unforgettable experiences.

Modern transportation networks, including buses and trains, connect Ireland's cities efficiently, providing students with convenient travel options. With a student identity card, affordable travel on Dublin Bus, Rail, DART, and LUCAS is accessible. Furthermore, international students can benefit from additional discounts with their International Student Identity Card (ISIC), making retail shopping even more budget-friendly. Thus, despite the ever-changing weather, students can immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Ireland, exploring its wonders while enjoying cost-effective travel and shopping opportunities.

10. Student Safety

Ensuring safety and security is paramount for student life in Ireland. Fortunately, the country is regarded as one of the safest destinations for international students. Irish universities prioritize the well-being of their students, implementing 24-hour surveillance and providing multiple access points for emergency assistance. It's essential to register with the university's safety desk and store their contact numbers in your phone for immediate access during emergencies. Additionally, when outside the campus, you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe for immediate emergency help.

While these precautions are in place, it's also the responsibility of students to prioritize safety in a foreign land. Keeping essential documents such as passports and visas secure, familiarizing yourself with routes before traveling to new places, sticking with friends during night outings, and maintaining awareness of your surroundings are important for ensuring your safety. Thus, alongside enjoying travel and shopping experiences, maintaining vigilance and preparedness enhances the overall safety and security.

Tips for a Better Student Life for in Ireland

Foreign students arriving in Ireland encounter a cultural shift. They have to get accustomed to the new environment, climate, food and completely new people. They also feel home sick missing their homeland, friends and family. Here are the tips for a better student life in Ireland.

1. Avail Scholarships: There are 100+ scholarships that help to reduce your cost of studying and cost of living in Ireland. To have a peaceful student life, you need to reduce your financial burdens and scholarships are of great help.
2. Get Student Passes: You can avail various student passes such as 

• iConnect card - can use to get discounts on retail shops,
• Student Leap card - This is the travel card that can be used in mobile recharge and food, and 
• ISIC card - mainstay discount card offering discounts on a huge range of products and services.

3. Concentrate on your studies: Prioritize studies more than anything else. It is the primary reason for visiting Ireland. Focus on the lectures. Be aware of the syllabus and pattern. Make sure you take notes during lectures and go through that in free periods. Interact with your lecturers and gain insights from them. 
4. Enjoy and Have Fun: Apart from studies, student life is to have fun and enjoy. Mingle with other students, get to know about their culture. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and explore the opportunities with them.
5. Join clubs: There are many clubs for arts, music, dance and sports in your university. Engage in any of the club activities to learn new things and fuel your hobby. This way you can get distracted from your home sickness.
6. Ask for Help: If you are in any kind of trouble, do not hesitate to speak. Ask for help. There are international students help centres within the university and many private centres to help in any kind of trouble you are in.  

By following these tips, Indian students in Ireland can navigate their student life with ease and enjoyment.

FAQs

1. Is Ireland good for Indians to live in?

Yes, Ireland is a good choice for Indian students to study and live in. Ireland’s rich heritage and culture, making it a sought after destination for Indian students.

2. Is Ireland expensive for Indian students?

Yes. But Ireland is not as expensive as other English-speaking countries for Indian students. The average cost of living in Ireland costs around 10,000 - 12,000 Euros, which is very cheaper compared to other popular study abroad destinations like Canada, USA and UK. The cost of studying is also cheaper compared to these countries. Hence Ireland can be a perfect destination for Indian students.

3. What sectors are best in Ireland?

IT and Cybersecurity are the best sectors in Ireland. There are many universities that offer degrees on these renowned courses. Other popular sectors are Healthcare, Pharmacology, Sustainable engineering, Renewable energy systems.

4. What is the healthcare system like for students in Ireland?

Ireland has a public health care system. International students are eligible for a free or low-cost medical treatment through HSE (Health Service Executive). It is recommended to take private health insurance coverage to save your additional health care expenses.

5. What are the must-have experiences for students in Ireland?

There are many experiences that Ireland can offer in terms of entertainment and travel. There are many student cities in Ireland where you can experience surfing spots in Donegal Bay, Nightlife in Galway, unique winter solstice at the Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb and witnessing the celebration on St. Patrick’s Day. Apart from these attractions, you can be a part of many musical nights, cultural festivals and have fun.

6. How can international students in Ireland cope with homesickness?

The international students can cope up with homesickness by socializing. Making new friends by joining the sports/arts club you can explore Ireland with them as well as improve your hobby.