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Famous for its music, castles, culture and delicious Irish cuisine, Ireland has heaps to offer when it comes to food, experiences and activities. However, it can sometimes be costly if you constantly choose to live it up.
The thing is, you can make the most of your study trip in Ireland without breaking the bank if you choose to live like a local – that means keeping tabs on dining deals to save and maybe even seeking out a part-time job to earn some extra pocket money.
On top of helping you to save money, living like a local would open your eyes to the not-so-famous spots. Hence, making your experience more unique and wondrous.
Read on to explore the various ways you can cut your living costs in Ireland!
It might feel like a good idea to invest in a car as it offers a great deal of comfort and convenience as you travel from place to place. On top of that, you’ll be using it throughout your entire study duration in Ireland.
However, purchasing a brand new car would come at a hefty price tag – especially since you’ll have to factor in hidden fees and the insurance premiums that come with it.
Having said that, it is possible to get a car without splurging too much. With second-hand cars available at dealerships such as Cars.ie and Car Zone, you can find cheaper alternatives to brand new cars and still enjoy the benefits of owning a car.
Picking an apartment near campus is a great way to save money and time. After all, commuting to and from school would be an almost daily affair.
Explore your accommodation options on providers such as Amber Student, Student.com and Rent.ie to seek out a place that is either a short bus ride or walk from your campus. Apart from location, you can also choose your apartment based on your individual lifestyle needs.
If you’re taking the bus to campus or for general transport, it helps to also look out for bus services such as Bus Eireann, which offers special student deals including a ticket that gives you unlimited usage within a specific time frame.
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is every international student’s ticket to a world of special discounts and savings.
When you go around Ireland with your ISIC card, you’ll accumulate savings at eateries, shops and even attractions. While it may not seem like much each time, you’ll notice that all the little savings add up and make a difference in your expenses.
If you’re a foodie, the good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice dining out to save money!
Thanks to the many food-centric deals available on websites such as Dealy, First Table and Groupon, you’ll be able to enjoy savings at various restaurants and cafes within the country.
On top of that, you can enjoy even more savings through Unidays, a free app which advertises student-specific discounts.
Whether it’s taking on a weekend job as a bartender or picking up a weekly shift as a store assistant, having a part-time job can help you earn some extra money for your general expenses.
While it could feel counter-productive to work while you’re juggling deadlines and exams, it’s actually quite the opposite – because you gain the chance to pick up new skills, make new friends and widen your professional network.
You might feel compelled to splurge on furniture while setting up your living space. After all, you’ll be there for quite some time and will be using the furniture on a daily basis.
However, what if we told you that you don’t have to break the bank to get quality furniture that can definitely last during your few years in Ireland?
Look no further than stores such as IKEA, Low-Cost Furniture and JYSK, which stock all kinds of homeware and furnishings at a wallet-friendly price.
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