24 Jan 2026 If you've chosen Dublin for your Erasmus program, congratulations. If you're still undecided and thinking about it, stay with us because we're going to explain the key points of why it's the perfect city.
We'll bring you the most essential information so you know what to expect when you arrive in Dublin. We'll explain what life is like, how to study, where to go out, and all the advantages you'll find in the Irish capital.
So, whether you've already decided or are still deciding, join us on this tour of Dublin, one of the most beautiful cities with the best student atmosphere in all of Europe.
Before we start talking about what you need to get the most out of your Erasmus experience in Dublin, let us give you some basic information about the city.
The first thing you need to know is, obviously, how to get to Dublin city center from the airport. The airport's connection to the city center is very good thanks to its transportation network.
The first option, and one of the most popular, is the bus. Upon exiting the terminal, following the signs and signals, you'll find two bus services: Dublin Express and Airlink Express.
The former connects Terminals 1 and 2 with the city center. The route has several stops, is a high-quality service, and tickets start at €6.
The Airlink Express has two routes, 747 and 757. The former goes directly to Busaras bus station, and the 757 goes to Heuston station. Check which part of Dublin city center is best for you to stop.
Another way to get to Dublin city center is by taking the Luas tram, which operates from 5:30 a.m. It takes a little longer, but it's very comfortable and cheap. A ticket can cost €3.
And of course, you can always take a taxi to the city center. It costs no more than €35, which is great. And if you're traveling with someone or making friends on the plane, it's a fantastic option.
This is a much more complicated task than it seems. Telling you the reasons why Dublin is the perfect place for an Erasmus exchange could take a long time, but we'll try to summarize it as briefly as possible.
Let's start with the city's atmosphere. The Irish are already warm and friendly. Add to that the good university vibe, with people from all over the world eager to have a good time. Well, welcome to Dublin.
From a coexistence perspective, it's a fantastic place. Whether it's the local friendliness or the large number of students, living here is very easy. From an academic perspective, it's highly recommended, as it boasts some of the most prestigious institutions on the continent, such as Trinity College and the University of Dublin.
The city's dynamism isn't just evident in the pubs; it also boasts a leisure program packed with events and happenings, ranging from concerts to temporary exhibitions. Furthermore, its culture and history are very rich and interesting to explore, so getting to know the city is a unique experience, with a large number of monuments and museums.
Another advantage is that it has become one of the key hubs for the technological and business boom. Dublin boasts numerous leading companies in various sectors, making it a very attractive location for attracting quality, specialized work. Doing an internship or even finding a job here is easier than you think. Who knows, your professional future could lie in the Irish capital?
As the European capital, it's very well connected to the rest of the continent, so flights are constant and prices are stable. This will also help you connect with other major cities for short breaks and exploring all of Europe.
At first glance, this may be the city's most negative aspect. It rains here, a lot. Furthermore, the weather can be somewhat unstable and changeable. Never trust a clear sky.
Summers are mild, with temperatures rarely exceeding 20 degrees Celsius, while winters can easily fall below 10 degrees Celsius for weeks at a time.
Atlantic winds are common visitors to the city, and, as we've mentioned, rain appears throughout the year. But you'll get used to this fluctuating climate, and if a little rain and wind is the price you have to pay for these landscapes, their history, their people, and their atmosphere, then go for it.
You may have asked yourself this question, half jokingly, half seriously, but you probably hesitated for a second. The answer is English. Although it's the home of Irish, or Gaelic, its use is almost residual.
We can find uses of Gaelic in translations of places, such as small subtitles. It's certainly an interesting language to learn, rich in history.
Perhaps their blend of Celtic tradition with the inevitable Anglo-Saxon influence is the reason for their personality. They are hospitable, very friendly, fun, and kind. They are also great jokers and even laugh at their own shadow. This optimism will help you approach this experience in a completely positive way if you ever miss home.
That's about all there is to it, but if we're talking about street culture, it has one adjective, and it's restless. There's so much to see and do on the streets of Dublin.
In addition to a packed calendar of events, cultural venues, and museums, you can't miss visiting some of its most interesting spots, such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College Library, and the Kilmainham Gaol Museum, among many others.
If we're talking about food, things get even more interesting here. With potatoes, vegetables, and bread as the main dishes, its cuisine is tasty, and we find dishes like boxty, a good starter made with potato bread; as a starter, colcannon, a mashed potato and cabbage dish; and as a main course, we could order Irish stew.
This is the city's strong point. Dublin has universities such as University College Dublin and, of course, Trinity College. This creates a large student community, which is evident in the city's daily life.
Student discounts, services and products designed by and for students, and a dynamic daily life. Student associations and societies are responsible for livening up both day and night. Don't forget to join your faculty's association to stay up-to-date on events and parties.
The fundamental pillars of public transportation in Dublin are the commuter train, the tram, the Luas, and the bus. Everything is perfectly interconnected and operates efficiently.
To be able to freely use all three modes of transportation, and since you'll be spending several months here, we recommend the "Leap Card." It's a rechargeable card that allows you to charge monthly for all three modes of transportation. Its price varies depending on the zone and how often you travel. In a matter of days, you'll find out which plan best suits you and your needs.
To give you an idea, the central zone is called DART, and its monthly pass is €115 if you use the commuter train and goes up to €140 if you add the tram. Although as a student, you'll get great discounts, remember to ask any employee there for information, as you could save up to half.
And now that we're talking about money, the logical question is: how much does it cost to live in Dublin? The short answer would be quite a lot. Remember, you're in one of Europe's major cities, and you have to pay for that.
It's not an outrageous price; it's not even the most expensive city in Europe, but it's on par with other major cities.
Since accommodation is the most expensive option, the amount you spend each month will be directly proportional to how much you like to eat out and go out. And there's a lot to choose from here, so you'll have to keep a cool head if you don't want to spend a fortune. But if we're talking round numbers, it would be fair to say that with €1,500 a month, you'll be able to live, buy food, go out, and have the occasional pint in a pub during the week. In other words, with that kind of money, you won't have to worry about a thing.
We're still talking about the important stuff: partying. Partying is a global phenomenon; for you, going out might mean enjoying a few beers with your classmates in the afternoon. Fantastic, that's exactly what the word "partying" means: enjoying a good time in good company.
Here you'll be able to enjoy a wide range of entertainment venues, from traditional pubs to discos and clubs. There are some areas that stand out for their dynamic atmosphere, and we highlight these four: Camden Street, Harcourt Street, George's Street, and William Street. This is where the party scene in Dublin is, in legendary places like The Temple Bar Pub, The Cobblestone, and McNeill's Pub.
We've reached the most important, albeit shortest, section of everything we've told you about Dublin. Are you starting to feel like it's your new home?
Of course, if you're looking at Dublin as an Erasmus city, you'll already be aware of the city's best institutions, but just in case, we'll give you a quick reminder.
There are others, such as the University of Technology and Medicine and Pharmacy. Remember to be well informed about their programs and ask the Erasmus coordinator for advice on choosing the right courses.
Their university system is the common European system, with ECTS credits that assess the courses. The timing and structure of the exams depend on the university and faculty, although they are quite similar.
A final exam is usually given, and in most cases, a final project or essay is also required. There are also the possibility of midterm exams that could help you stay on track with the course.
Grading is not based on 10 but on a scale of 100, with a grade of 50-60 being the required passing grade. Don't forget to attend the first introduction day to be fully informed about your new course. It's also always a good idea to schedule a meeting with your tutor, introduce yourself, and understand the syllabus and the dynamics of the course.
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