Dublin student essentials

I'm three years into my university experience at Trinity College Dublin, and I’ve picked up a few lessons along the way. While your university will provide you with all the necessary information for starting your studies, I’ve got some student tips to get you set up in the city.  

These hacks will make your student experience easier, healthier, and cheaper! 

Student Leap card (transport card) 

The TFI (Transport for Ireland) Leap card may end up being the card you depend on most during your time studying in Dublin.  

With a TFI Leap card, students can travel across the city via bus, tram and DART (the train system). You can purchase individual discounted tickets, or an annual Student Leap card discounted at 50 percent, which allows you to hop on and off whenever you like. Trinity College students can purchase a card through the Students’ Union. 

Rain jacket  

It goes without saying that the Irish weather can be (and usually is) unpredictable. The morning might bring sunshine, followed by snow in the afternoon and a rain shower before dinner.  

I recommend buying a cheap, light rain jacket that can be stuffed in the top of your bag in case it rains on your way to and from campus. An umbrella is helpful too.  

​​​​​Age Card  

The Dublin pub culture is world renowned and a key aspect of student life in the city. You might go out to drink, dance or see your friends after a day of classes, or at the weekend. But getting in the door or buying drinks anywhere is not guaranteed with any foreign ID except a passport. 

The age to buy alcohol in Ireland (and often to enter a bar) is 18 and you must have an official ID like a passport, an Irish driver’s licence or Age Card.  

The concept of an Age Card is well known in Ireland, as most teenagers get them as soon as they turn 18. International students can avoid the risks of bringing their passport on a night out and use this card instead.   

The application fee is €10 and can be paid for using a credit/debit card. Apply online here.   

Dublin City gym membership  

Sport is part and parcel of the Irish university experience, so most universities have sports facilities. You may want to use these, or choose a different gym for ease of access, more expansive facilities or smaller crowds.  

I chose to buy a membership at the Dublin City Gym for these reasons, at a very reasonable cost of €34 per month (a little over a euro per day). Exercise goes hand in hand with good physical, mental and academic outcomes. So, if you want the most affordable private gym in Dublin, this is worth a go!  

There are multiple Dublin City gyms and the nearest facility to Trinity College is the Markievicz Leisure Centre. It has a pool and gym and is located two streets over from campus. 

Dublin Library card  

When exams season rolls around, getting a seat in the university library can prove more difficult than the tests themselves.  

Enrolling in the city library system gives you an extra option for study spaces. It’s free and it’s usually quiet with access to Wi-Fi and computers, if you need one. Dublin has a great selection of public libraries situated around the city. 

My favourite is Rathmines because it’s in the middle of my accommodation and campus, has plenty of study space and was the library my grandfather went to in the 1950s when he studied at the local college. 

Student loyalty cards and discounts   

Lots of shops and cafes in Dublin offer loyalty cards. Taking advantage of these can save you valuable euros and it’s always nice to get a free coffee. After a few weeks of study, you’ll find that loyalty cards take up more space in your wallet than anything else.  

Make sure you pick up as many loyalty cards as you can at the start of semester, then if there's ever a day when you didn't have time to make your own lunch or you’re feeling cash strapped, there’s help.  

Shops like Lidl, Tesco and Dunnes all offer loyalty cards with big savings and vouchers.  

Reusable shopping bags 

Another way to save a bit of cash on your shopping is to get a reusable shopping bag. Ireland has rules on paper and plastic shopping bags, so they come at an extra cost.  

Your Student’s Union might offer a cool tote bag. If not, buy a large reusable one in the shop at the start of your semester. I’ve seen students carrying big blue IKEA bags after buying furniture and they come in handy for laundry or food shopping. This is also an environmentally conscious and otherwise fashionable choice.  

Lunch boxes and flasks 

Pack your lunch. It will save you money rather than buying meals and takeout every day. It's easier and cheaper to take control of your own diet and cook food at home, either in the morning or using a meal prep plan.  

I bought some reusable lunch boxes and a Thermos food flask for taking warm meals too. Lots of websites and student forums offer advice for how to make meals for €1 to €2 a pop.  

Coffee drinkers can avoid buying too many €4 coffees by getting a French press from IKEA and filling a flask for class.  

You might find it easy to stay in away from the rain but juggling the social and academic activities of student life can be challenging. Always chase the student discounts!  

Keeping your nutrition, exercise, and study organised and affordable will make all the difference.