Heading to Dublin for your studies? You’re in for a treat: not only is the Irish capital home to top colleges and universities, but it’s one of the most exciting cities around and offers plenty in the way of entertainment for students.

If you need somewhere to stay during your degree, we have a fantastic range of student accommodation in Dublin – including plenty of options near the main colleges and in popular areas like Rathmines, Smithfield and Stoneybatter.

Jump straight in and use our filters to find an apartment that meets your needs, or continue reading to learn more about student life in the city... 

Colleges in Dublin

For a city of its size, Dublin has an impressive range of colleges and universities. This includes historic institutions ranked among the best in the world and modern centres focusing on technical education – so there really is something for everyone. 

Trinity College Dublin

Founded in 1592, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is Ireland's oldest and most prestigious university. It’s based right in the heart of Dublin and has a stunning campus packed with historic buildings and quaint cobblestone walkways.

TCD regularly ranks among the top 100 universities in the world and has an excellent reputation in the areas of arts and humanities, life sciences and medicine, social sciences and business.

It’s home to around 20,000 students, including a large community of international students who make up roughly a third of the population. Being in the city centre, it’s also just steps away from Dublin’s top attractions – a major draw for many students.

Secured your place at Ireland’s top university? Check out our selection of TCD accommodation! 

University College Dublin

With over 35,000 students, University College Dublin (UCD) is comfortably Ireland’s largest university by enrolment. It’s also considered Ireland’s leading international university, as it’s home to over 10,000 overseas students hailing from more than 150 different countries!

UCD is based about 4km southeast of the city centre in the leafy suburb of Belfield. The sprawling, 133-acre campus is kitted out with some great facilities, including Ireland’s largest university library and an Olympic-standard sports complex.

In terms of courses, the college is best known for veterinary science, English language and literature, petroleum engineering and nursing, ranking in the top positions globally for all four subjects.

Ready to join Ireland’s biggest student community? Get browsing our range of UCD accommodation! 

Dublin City University

Gaining university status in 1989, Dublin City University (DCU) may be one of Ireland’s younger colleges – but it’s quickly cultivated a reputation as a ‘university of enterprise’ for its career-focused approach and work placement programme.

Located about 5km north of the city centre in Glasnevin, DCU’s compact but modern campus is home to around 17,000 students. Top-ranking subjects include English, accounting, communications, sports science and education.

Has this college caught your eye? We have a wide array of DCU accommodation on offer! 

Technological University Dublin

Formed in 2019 through a merger of several technical institutes, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) is Ireland’s first technological university – a relatively new type of third-level institution that has since spread to other parts of the country.

With over 28,000 students spread across multiple campuses, TU Dublin is already one of Ireland’s biggest universities. It’s best known for its courses in the STEM fields and offers practical, career-oriented education with work placements being common.

Hoping to study here? Explore our range of TUD accommodation! 

Other universities in Dublin

Beyond these institutions, you may also want to consider Griffith College Dublin – the flagship campus of Ireland’s largest independent college. The National College of Ireland is another popular choice with solid courses in business and computing.

For more specialised education that’s right at the forefront of their respective fields, you have the National College of Art and Design, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. 

Things for students to do in Dublin

From medieval history and highbrow culture to a lively night out pub-hopping, Dublin offers endless entertainment for students. And with the compact nature of the city, excitement is never far away no matter where you choose to live. 

Arts & culture

Dublin’s cultural scene is unmatched. If you’re into art, the National Gallery of Ireland and Irish Museum of Modern Art are not only essential but also completely free! For theatre, Abbey Theatre serves as Ireland’s national theatre, but Gate Theatre is also worth a visit.

The city is perhaps best known for its literary history (Joyce, Wilde and Beckett all lived here!) and you can explore this for free at the Museum of Literature Ireland. Consider yourself a movie buff? Head over to the legendary Light House Cinema for a screening. 

History

Dublin also has some amazing museums which tell the story of its complex history. The National Museum of Ireland has three dedicated sites across the city – all offering free admission – for archaeology, natural history and military history.

Over by the Docklands, the Irish Emigration Museum traces the journey and contributions of the Irish diaspora across the globe. Kilmainham Gaol, a former prison, shows what life was like behind bars during the 19th century. 

Food & drink

Dublin’s food scene is incredibly diverse with a mix of international classics and hearty local fare – it's said a full Irish breakfast can cure any hangover! Eatyard over in Drumcondra has some of the city’s best street food and doubles up as a great place to hang out.

For burgers, take your pick between Dash Burger and Bunsen. Fancy pizza? Bambino and Bonobo are two student favourites. If you can’t get a table anywhere, you can usually rely on the nearest pub to serve up a good pint and a toastie for little over €10! 

Nightlife

There are literally hundreds of pubs in Dublin where students gather at the end of the day, often to the tune of live music provided by local bands. There are plenty of nightclubs, too, for when you fancy a big night out.

Copper Face Jacks on Harcourt Street is a Dublin institution where generations of students have danced until dawn, while the Workman’s Club in Temple Bar hosts live music from indie bands. Dicey’s Garden and Fibber Magees are also popular. 

Outdoors

Dublin has an enviable supply of green space – ideal for when you need a break from study. Phoenix Park – the largest urban park in Europe – is a short walk from the city centre and home to various walking routes, Dublin Zoo and even free-roaming deer.

For a true city escape, the Dublin Mountains are just a short bus ride away and offer amazing hiking trails with views over the city. Howth Head, with its rugged cliff walks and lighthouse views, is another excellent day trip. 

Best student areas in Dublin

There are several student hotspots dotted around Dublin – typically in the areas surrounding the big colleges. If you don’t have a firm idea of where you want to live, these areas will serve as a good starting point in your search for an apartment. 

Rathmines

Dublin’s main student hub, Rathmines is a lively suburb based a 20-minute walk from the city centre. It's nestled between TCD and UCD, making it a standout option for students at both colleges.

The neighbourhood is packed full of pubs, restaurants and budget essentials like Lidl and Aldi. It may not be the cheapest place to live, but in terms of variety it’s one of the best areas for student accommodation in Dublin. 

Smithfield

Want to be based north of the River Liffey? A former warehouse district, Smithfield has been transformed into a hipster hangout with shiny new apartment buildings (including several purpose-built student blocks!) popping up over old cobblestone streets.

It’s a short walk to TU Dublin’s main campus but still offers easy access to the city’s Southside. There are plenty of places to hang out, too, ranging from historic pubs and laid-back cafes to quirky venues like Token, which is part arcade, part restaurant. 

Stoneybatter

Adjacent to Smithfield, Stoneybatter is another great option for student housing – especially if you’re looking for something more affordable! It’s home to a host of funky pubs, trendy restaurants and independent shops which give it a unique energy.

You’ve also got Phoenix Park right on your doorstep – a major perk for locals. TU Dublin is only a short walk away, while the area is also a solid option for DCU students who want to be close to the city centre. 

Dublin cost of living

Dublin is generally considered an expensive place to live, however you can cut costs significantly by doing your shopping at budget supermarkets and avoiding the most expensive areas (generally the south and southeast) when out and about.

Besides tuition fees, accommodation will be your main expense – the student apartments we list in Dublin typically range from €700–€1,200 per month. Factoring in groceries and other living costs, you’ll likely need to budget €1,200–€1,800 per month for all expenses. 

Free things to do in Dublin

Living costs may be fairly high in Dublin, but luckily there’s lots of free entertainment for the days when your bank balance is running low. All the national museums and art galleries offer free admission at any time, as does Hugh Lane Gallery.

If you’re new to the city and want to get your bearings, you can tag along to a free walking tour which runs daily on a tip-only basis. Dublin’s plentiful green spaces, including Phoenix Park, are of course free to explore too. 

Student discounts in Dublin

For the venues you’d love to visit but can’t do so for free, you’ll often be able to score a discount on tickets with your student ID. This is true of the Irish Emigration Museum, Kilmainham Gaol, Abbey Theatre and Light House Cinema.

If you’re going to be using public transport frequently, it may also be worth investing in a TFI Leap Card (you'll need either a ‘Student’ or ‘Young Adult’ card depending on your age), which will entitle you to cheaper travel fares. 

Public transport in Dublin

Dublin is compact and highly walkable, but it’s also well served by an extensive public transport system. With a Leap Card, it’s incredibly easy to tap on and off as you make your way around the city. 

Tram

The Luas tram system has two lines which crisscross through the city centre and connect north to south. Services run every few minutes during peak time and there are stops right by both TCD and TU Dublin. 

Bus

Dublin Bus operates an extensive network covering the entire city – the general rule is that routes with numbers below 50 serve the city centre, while higher numbers connect outer areas. You've also got night buses which are handy for getting home after a night out.  

Train

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is your go-to for day trips to coastal areas immediately surrounding the city, while the broader Irish Rail network connects you to the rest of the country and Northern Ireland. 

Frequently asked questions

Is Dublin a safe place for students to live?

Dublin is considered a very safe place for students – crime rates are low compared to other major cities and all the major college campuses have security in operation. You should still exercise the usual precautions, but generally you have very little to worry about. 

Is there high demand for student accommodation in Dublin?

Dublin experiences high demand for student accommodation, creating a competitive market that requires early planning. It’s not uncommon for rooms to be filled several months in advance, so it’s best to start your search at least 3–4 months before your start date. 

How much does student accommodation in Dublin cost?

Costs for student accommodation in Dublin vary widely based on location and the type of housing. A single room in a more affordable area may only cost €650 per month, while a private apartment in a purpose-built residence can reach as high as €1,300 per month. 

Where are the best areas for students to live in Dublin?

Conveniently placed between Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, Rathmines has long served as a major student hub. North of the River Liffey, the neighbouring areas of Smithfield and Stoneybatter are two other hotspots. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Dublin?

If you’re an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you won’t need a visa to study abroad in Dublin. All other nationalities, however, will require a study visa – most colleges have dedicated international offices to guide you through the application process. 

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