As Ireland’s capital and biggest city, Dublin is an energetic and exciting place to live and study in. With so much to do, you may be worried about the cost of living as a student in Dublin. But don’t worry: living in Dublin as a student doesn’t have to be expensive if you budget carefully and find the best cheap student hangouts. To help you make the most of living in Dublin as a student, we’ve broken down the estimated costs of essentials and researched the best places for students to eat, drink and have fun on a budget.

Breakdown of the cost of student living in Dublin

• Accommodation: From €215 per week • Big Mac: €4.50 • Dinner for two at a restaurant: €60 • Weekly food shop: €70 • Beer: €5 per pint • Student Leap Card (for public transport): €10
 

Eating Out: The Best Cheap Spots For Students To Eat In Dublin

Best cheap lunch in Dublin

Right by St. Stephens Green, Tang Café is an affordable, delicious and healthy option, with a 5-star Trip Advisor rating. For traditional brunch, head to The Stage Door Café. Cosy and homely, The Stage Door Café offers a welcoming vibe and the perfect recovery food for students who’ve had a heavy night out.
 

Best cheap dinner in Dublin

Dubliners love a burger, and Bunsen offers the best in affordable and tasty burgers as well as unmissable milkshakes and fries. Travel to the other side of the world with a pho from Pho Kim. A Vietnamese favourite, pho is simple, healthy, filling and affordable for students on a shoestring.
 

Pubs & Nightlife: The Best Cheap Nights Out And Student Nights In Dublin

Best cheap pubs in Dublin city centre

It’s no secret that Dubliners love their Guinness. Devitt’s takes passion for Ireland’s favourite drink one step further, with Guinness bread a staple of the menu! Or head to Lanigan’s, the quintessential Irish pub with good vibes, cheap drinks, folk music and homely food galore.

Best student nights out in Dublin

Dublin student favourites include The Bernard Shaw, with its gigantic beer garden, generous drink deals and tasty ‘eatyard’, and Pygmalion which offers cheap drinks and DJ sets.

Browse student accommodation in Dublin

Whether you’re studying at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, TU Dublin, or Dublin City University, Fresh has affordable student accommodation across Dublin city centre to suit your needs. Browse our comfortable and stylish student rooms and studios and find the right student accommodation for you.