Dublin is the vibrant, bustling capital of Ireland – home to world-class culture and attractions, and a hub of activity for locals and students alike. There are many reasons to visit and study in this large and lively city, whether you are a local or international student. Here are our top reasons why students should study in Dublin.
It’s the Capital of Ireland
Dublin has been named the best-rated destination in Ireland according to TripAdvisor’s Travellers Choice Awards. It is the largest city in Ireland and home to around a quarter of the country’s population. Due to this, Dublin is a melting pot of culture and activity, and students will be exposed to many local and international visitors in the city. Dublin is quintessentially Irish in its friendliness and atmosphere, while the city is home to a huge variety of authentic pubs, excellent restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene and many shopping opportunities.
Excellent Universities
Ireland is ranked as one of the best education destinations in Europe, making Dublin an excellent option for high-quality learning. It is also home to several highly prestigious, internationally recognised universities, namely the University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. In addition to offering top-class education, these universities boast beautiful campuses, as well as some rather famous alumni, including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and a range of Nobel Prize Laureates like William Butler Yeats (1923), George Bernard Shaw (1925), Samuel Beckett (1969) and Seamus Heaney (1995).
Convenient Location
Dublin is conveniently located, making travel around England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and even Wales possible. What’s more, Ireland is a relatively small country, and being based in Dublin means you can quickly and cheaply commute to different major cities whenever you need to, as well as some of the smaller towns and villages. Students can fill their weekends with activities in and around Dublin and enjoy city breaks and weekends away for next to nothing.
The Dublin Airport operates flights all over the world and has even added a host of new destinations. These include Montreal, Minneapolis, Dallas, Calgary, Gothenburg, Bournemouth, London Southend, Lisbon, Moscow, Vienna, Frankfurt, Luxembourg, Marrakesh, Seattle, Munich, Ibiza, Stockholm, Doha and many more.
Rich Culture and History
You only have to take a quick look around to see that Dublin is a city rich in culture and history. From the beautiful castles to the Georgian architecture, the city effortlessly blends modern comforts with historic charm. Dublin was once named the City of Literature, and literary enthusiasts can head to the Dublin Writer’s Museum to learn more about its impressive heritage.
It’s a Friendly City
While moving to another city can be daunting for anyone, the fact that Dublin is a famously friendly city will certainly help calm the nerves. Ireland is regularly voted as the city with the friendliest people. If you are planning to study in Dublin, knowing you are going to get a warm welcome from locals will make the transition to your new home smoother.
Activities Abound
As a student, finding a city with a host of fun indoor and outdoor activities is crucial for a well-balanced student experience. Whether you are looking for a thriving nightlife scene, cultural events or natural beauty, Dublin has it all. And the best part – many activities are free of charge with your student ID! The James Joyce Centre offers a student discount of 20% for history buffs, while Cineworld offers student rates at €8.00 before 5 pm and €8.70 after 5 pm, among others.
It’s Affordable
Being a student city, Dublin has plenty of inexpensive grocery stores and restaurants to suit a student budget. Again, many of these establishments provide students with discounts, so make sure to flash that student ID whenever you get the chance.
Excellent Nightlife
If a buzzing nightlife is what you are after, Dublin aims to please. Harcourt Street is world-renowned and home to some of the best nightclubs in Europe. Student-friendly pubs and restaurants abound, and you will be able to pick up inexpensive drinks and meals every day of the week. Places like Copper Face Jack and Temple Bar are famous for their low cover charges, affordable drinks, and a great atmosphere for dancing into the wee hours of the morning.
You Will Meet New People
Dublin is home to around 100,000 students at any given time, so there are plenty of opportunities to meet people with similar interests, backgrounds and stories. Students from all over the world travel to Dublin to study, making it a melting pot of diversity and culture – some of which you may not experience in your home town. Make the most of your student experience in Dublin by embracing the opportunity to meet new people.
Are you looking to make the move and study in this world-class city? Fresh offers a host of student accommodation in Dublin, ideally located close to universities and places of interest.