Cork is a county and the second-largest city in the Republic of Ireland.
It is home to one of the top universities in Ireland, known as the University of Cork.
Is it safe for students to live and study there?
Yes, it has more than 40,000 international students.
Cork is a small, welcoming, friendly, and safe city. It’s no surprise that it was named one of the world’s safest cities.
Is it affordable?
On average, the estimated cost of living in Cork will be around €1,000 monthly without rent and tuition fees.
Please note that prices will vary depending on your lifestyle, the accommodations you choose, etc.
Before we list the details of the cost of living in Cork, let’s summarize its cost.
| Expenses | Cost (Average) |
| Average Tuition Fees | €14,000 – €25,000 / Year |
| Accommodation | €600 – €1,500 / Month |
| Local Transport | €83 / Month |
Costs of Tuition Fees
The tuition fee varies at all universities. So, the cost of your fee will depend upon the course type and university you choose to study in Cork.
| Undergraduate Tuition Fee | Post-Graduate Tuition Fee |
| £10,000 – £20,000 / Year | €10,000 – €25,000 / Year |
Student Accommodation Costs
Student accommodation is built to provide a safe, secure, and comfortable home for students. There are three types of student accommodations in Cork, and they are listed below:
1. Student Housing
Student housing is located off-campus but near the universities. They are affordable and offer two types of rooms, which you can choose as per your needs and budget. They come with modern amenities and infrastructure. The best part is that your utility bills are also included in this type of accommodation.
Most of the accommodations are at a distance of 0.5 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are only 3 miles.
| Student Housing | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | €115 – €250 / Week |
2. Private Apartment
As a student, you can also rent a private apartment and have your own space. In this type of housing, you can opt to stay alone or with friends to split the rent. They all come well furnished with modern amenities, with utility bills included.
| Apartment | Price |
| Private | €800 – €1,500 / Month |
3. University Halls
University halls are on campus and offer a wide range of halls to stay. No two rooms are the same, but you will get the basic amenities.
| University Hall | Price |
| Ensuite/ Studio | €400 – €1,000 / Month |
Food
Food is expensive in Cork, but drinks are a lot cheaper. So, you have the advantage of going out to pubs and bars to enjoy cheap drinks. As for food, a meal in an expensive place will cost you €15, while coffee will cost €3.
Utility Bills
If you choose to stay in student housing (PBSA) or a private apartment, then your utility bills are covered. While university halls differ, it’s best to ask before moving in!
Transportation
It is easy to get around the city because it is small and walkable. So, you can get on foot anywhere close by! But, if you need to go farther from your place, buses, and trains are the two most popular public transportation options in Cork.
Easy tips to budget as a student in Cork
- Create a monthly budget
- Get a local bank account
- Use your student discount
- Use public transportation
- Get a part-time job
- Cook home meals
Explore free places for things to do in Cork
- Ardú Self Guided Walking Trail
- Fota Wildlife Park
- Blackrock Castle Observatory
- Cork City Gaol
- The English Market
- Cork Public Museum
- West Cork Model Railway Village
- The Farm Grenagh
- Vision Express Opticians – Cork – Patrick Street
- Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral
