The Best International Student’s Guide to Dublin in 2025
Are you a little worried about this new beginning? Here is The Best International Student’s Guide to Dublin in 2025 that you were looking for!
Moving to another country isn’t an easy choice to make when you are young. Indeed, I correct myself, often perhaps it’s done in a rash manner because of enthusiasm, but the truth is that all of this is scary. I’m an international university student myself that came here to Dublin to pursue an internship, therefore I feel like I am in the same situation and we can face it together! Here is a guide with 8 important steps that will prepare you, making the process more comfortable. This Best International Student’s Guide to Dublin in 2025 is dedicated to you, enjoy your reading!
1. Choosing the right UniveRSITY
Selecting the right university is the most important thing to do for any international student. In Dublin you can find many good institutions to deepen your interests and aim for excellent studies, such as
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
Founded in 1592, it is Ireland’s oldest and most prestigious university. Besides the convenient central location, Trinity College Dublin offers a variety of courses that range from humanities or sciences to business and arts but also many other specific options for different academic interests. Click here to read about all the courses!
- University College Dublin (UCD)
UCD is the largest university of Ireland, with over 38,000 students. Known for its global reputation for research and international collaborations. Here you can find everything you might be interested in: there are programs in fields such as engineering, business, arts and social sciences. Also UCD has a beautiful campus that offers a variety of facilities so you can fully live your student experience. Click here to read about all the courses!
- Dublin City University (DCU)
Dublin City University is distinguished for its innovative approach to education and research. Also it is the first Irish college to integrate workplace internships into undergraduate courses, focusing a lot on employability and industry partnerships. Click here to read about all the courses!
- Dublin Business School (DBS)
DBS is an important private college centrally located. It provides multiple different programs in fields such as business, law, psychology, arts, media and information technology. Additionally, this university has a strong emphasis on student support services, including career guidance and mental health resources. They also have over 60 clubs and societies to choose from ranging from sports, enterprise, academia and charity. Click here to read about all the courses!
- Technological University Dublin (TUD)
Technological University Dublin is Ireland’s first technological university, created from the merger of several institutions. If you are an engineering, design, computing, data, architecture lover, TUD is the perfect choice for you. However, you can find other different study programs like hospitality, law and languages. Click here to read about all the courses!
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
Founded in 1784, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is a medical institution in Dublin. If you are into medical studies, this will be the right place to increase your knowledge. RCSI is internationally recognised for its world-class programs in medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy and nursing. Click here to read about all the courses!
2. Student Accommodation
Surely another very first thing to do is the search for accommodation. This process must start many months before arriving here, as unfortunately finding affordable houses and, even more, close to your university, is really difficult! However, there are convenient options that could work for you:
- University Halls Of Residence
Many students opt to stay in their respective university-managed accommodation during their first year. This option provides security, benefits and above all else, you are attached to your classes and campus facilities. Trinity College Dublin (TCD) offers on-campus housing, and even University College Dublin (UCD) gives you a variety of student residences, such as the UCD village. If you are a Dublin City University (DCU) or Technological University Dublin (TU) student, you also have the opportunity to ask for campus accommodation options located near your own university.
- Renting in Dublin
Whether you are searching for single rooms, studios, apartments or independent homes, there are easy ways to find your future place in Dublin like through Facebook groups or designated WhatsApp chats of your college. You can also use these websites: Daft.ie and Rent.ie, they are useful for rentals.
- Private Student Accommodation
Dublin can provide you more independence with the private student accommodations. You can find them on Host or Aparto, for example. The latter offers modern accommodation with study spaces, gyms and common areas to help you optimise your student experience.
3. Practical Requirements
- Academy Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for courses in Ireland can change year to year depending on the number of applicants. Normally for Undergraduate programs you must have completed a secondary education equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. On the other hand, talking about Postgraduate programs, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. To confirm that your qualifications are sufficient to apply to Irish institutions, seek information from the Qualifications Recognition Service. These tests/certificates don’t guarantee direct acceptance into specific programs. Rather, they serve the minimum required to be considered for admission to an Irish university as an international student.
- English Language Requirements
Fluency in English will be essential for you, as an international student. If you come from a country whose official language is not English, you will be required to have an English language certification prior to submission of your application. All English language certificates must have been issued within two years of the start of the term. Overall, while specific requirements can vary widely between institutions and programs in Dublin, in general most universities require a minimum IELTS score between 6.0 and 7.0 or equivalent scores in other recognized English proficiency tests. You can check here the specific requirement for your chosen program at your university (I’ve put the principal ones):
- TU (Technological University Dublin)
- UCD (University College Dublin)
- TCD (Trinity College Dublin)
- DCU (Dublin City University)
4. Visa
Being an international student, you must apply for a Visa to enter Ireland before travelling here. Not everyone needs Visa, here is a list where you can check if, according to your country, it is necessary for you: Visa requirements for entering Ireland. You have to apply online. If your course of study lasts more than 3 months you have to apply for a long term study visa. The Irish Immigration Services and Citizen Information websites can help you find all the information about the process of visa extension, how long it takes, what documents do you need as a student and they provide you with any kind of answer to your doubts about this topic.
5. Transportation in Dublin
- Airport
Since you are an international student, I want to help you find the easiest and fastest way to get around once you arrive at Dublin airport. Dublin Express buses are the most popular means of transport from Dublin airport to the city centre and back, as they are the fastest direct bus: it takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the centre, depending on traffic and the stop.
- Dublin Public Transportation
Dublin public transportation works efficiently as you will see with the Dublin Bus network, Luas Tram system and Dart (Dublin Area Rapid Transit). For using each of these you have to apply for a student leap card. You need this to travel through these modes of transport and it’s convenient because you can add on it a certain amount of cash. Once you hit the cap on the amount of money you can spend while using your TFI leap card on a day or week, you’ll travel free for the rest of the day/week.
- Cycling
If you are an echo-friendly student, you should definitely choose the cycling option: Dublin is full of cycle lanes and in any eventuality you can rent a bike thanks to DublinBikes successful rental scheme.
6. Student Social Life and Culture
After a day of study and classes, the only thing you want to do is spend quality time with your friends. In Dublin you can find all kinds of attractions: theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, museums, concerts, workshops, festivals, etc.
- Cultural Attractions
If you are a fan of art, history and archeology you inevitably must visit the National Museum of Ireland and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. There are also some historical sites like the Dublin Castle (Dame St., Dublin 2) and the Kilmainham Gaol (it is a former prison where many Irish revolutionaries were prisoned and executed during the 20th century by the orders of the UK Government; now it’s a museum).
- Festival and Events
You won’t miss St. Patrick’s Festival, which is celebrated on March 17th and it’s all about honouring Ireland’s patron saint and celebrating Irish heritage and culture. The streets of Dublin will be filled with parades, live music and plenty of green beer. Beyond the most important celebration, if you are a little lost check updates on social media throughout the year. There are so many fun music and food festivals to attend!
- Nightlife
For moments of carefree fun with friends, Irish pubs are the must-try: a great Guinness, interesting local music and a wonderful and cosy atmosphere. You can also find in the city centre at many trendy nightclubs where you can dance all night and get to know people.
- Student Societies and Clubs
Another important, and useful, thing to broaden your circle of friendships is university clubs. Here you can pursue your own passions and find different interests, thus discovering new things about yourself.
Trinity College sport club
7. Finding a Job as an International Student in dublin
At this point, we cannot help but talk about: how can I find a job in Ireland as an international student? For many of us, earning a little money and being as financially independent as possible is important! Here I leave you some simple and effective options to work while being able to maintain a social life.
- Part-Time Work
In 2025, international students are allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. When it is holiday or break time, you can work up to 40 hours a week. You can try looking for retail roles, restaurants, cafes or maybe hospitality: anything that can make you feel good and with a growing bank account. However, you’ll need a PPS (Personal Public Services) number if you want to work while here. You’ll find more information on the government’s website on how to get a PPS number and what it’s used for.
- Internships
Another logical thing you can do is to apply for an internship in Ireland. In Dublin you can find plenty of internship opportunities, particularly in fields such as IT, marketing and finance. Also you can ask your university for links with local businesses, so that you can find the perfect company where you learn new things in relation to your studies.
8. Travelling around Dublin
Once you are well-settled and established in Dublin, you should take any opportunity to visit the rest of ireland. Around this city, even not too far away, there are some breathtaking landscapes that will make you fall in love with this country. Make sure to visit the amazing Cliffs of Moher or take a walk along the Howth Cliff, that’s really close to Dublin (30 mins on DART); take a trip with your friends to Kinsale (County Cork) for a gourmet meal, or simply travel to Killiney that is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal walks.
Also for already organised trips that require little effort or research, you can rely on the ESN associations of your respected university that surely keep you updated on some trip or activities they propose to make you know other international students like you, and above all, are opportunities to have fun and enjoy this new experience. Check out these articles where you can find a lot of information and ideas about where to go!
- Exploring Ireland’s Coastal Villages: 7 Hidden Gems
- 6 Amazing Dublin Day Trips on the Dart
- The Cliffs of Moher: experience Ireland’s stunning views
- 9 Breathtaking Landscapes of Ireland
Just remember that these trips can leave you with incredible emotions: they become important memories to really be grateful for, so enjoy them to the fullest. You will find the peace and reassurance that you need to start another busy and stressful week.
Cliffs of Moher
Kinsale, County Cork
I hope that you will enjoy your international student’s experience in Dublin! If you have any other advice to help us deal with this new beginning, leave me a comment. Otherwise, good luck and be amazed by everything that awaits you!
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