Cost of Living Guide

TU Dublin has published the annual Cost of Living Guide for the 2024/25 academic year. Updated each year based on changes in the costs associated with attending college, this guide is designed to help students and their families prepare for the financial aspects of college life. Below, you will find useful info on various student expenses, helping you stay informed and manage your budget throughout the year. 

The TU Dublin Cost of Living Guide provides detailed breakdowns of various expenses that students may encounter – living at home or away from home. These include rent, utilities, food, travel, books and class materials, clothing and medical expenses, mobile costs, social life and miscellaneous expenses, and the student charge.  

• For students living away from home, the monthly cost of living is estimated to be €1600, with an annual total of €14,402. Rent constitutes the largest portion of this cost at €895 per month, followed by food, travel, and other expenses. 
• For students living at home, the monthly cost of living is projected to be €596, resulting in an annual total of €5363.91. The cost of utilities, food, travel, and other expenses contributed to this estimate. 
• TU Dublin provides cost-saving tips to all students. Please remember that if you’re struggling, please get in touch with the Financial Aid service in your college assistance.  
• All students should get a LEAP Young Adult Card to save money on public transport, as fare capping (19-23 years) will bring big savings, with a daily cap of €2.80 and a weekly cap of €11 for travel across the network. 
• Keep food costs by preparing a shopping list before your weekly grocery shop. Find out when your local supermarket tends to reduce items and arrange to do your shopping around that time – this is often after 6pm. When looking for accommodation, check that you have access to a good freezer, so your bargains last longer! Living with other people is usually cheaper than doing one big shop rather than shopping for one person. Always ask if there’s a student discount; you’ll be surprised at how many places offer them. 
• Shop around for your utilities and subscriptions; many phone and subscription services provide free trials and half-price contracts, while mobile phone companies have loyalty deals. It’s important to cancel subscriptions you are no longer using, as they all add up. 
• Invest in the right equipment and find out what software is freely available in your college. In addition, all universities and HEIs can access the HEAnet Store, which provides well-priced suitable laptops and equipment. 
• Well-being and medical costs. All universities offer multiple supports, from free Student Healthcare to subsidised Sports and Gym facilities. While there are nominal costs to access some facilities, many services, such as Counselling and GP services, are free. Students should keep an eye out for college deals on healthy activities such as Yoga, Mindfulness and Spin classes. 
• Check out if you are eligible for scholarships. For example, last year, TU Dublin and the TU Dublin Foundation gave out over €500k in scholarships to students. 
• Get involved in Clubs, Societies, and your Student Union. Universities have thriving student-led organisations providing friendships, networks, great social outlets, and news experiences. With heavily discounted events and activities, students should take advantage of the deals to save money. 
• Make friends and share resources. Your friends are the best investment you can make in your life, and they are free! Quite often, the first year of college can be daunting, but everyone is in the same boat, so try to get involved early and meet people. 
• Avail the wonderful academic and career services at your college. These services are available in-person and online, making student engagement even easier, and they can make a huge difference to your college experience. 

TU Dublin Cost of Living Guide 2024/25

TU Dublin Cost of Living Guide 2024/25

_Sources:

_{TU Dublin sourced information from various reliable sources to compile the Cost-of-Living Guide, Consumer Price Index data, HEA Eurostudent VII survey, and Switcher.ie. Any references to the Student Cost of Living Guide should cite TU Dublin as the source.} 

_{* To establish the rental cost, TU Dublin utilized an average of the mean PBSA Dublin Figure of €260 including utilities per week based on 4.3 weeks per month and 9-month term @ €1118, The Student pad average mean based on weekly figure, by 4.3 weeks over 9 months € 672.}  

_{The travel cost is taking on the capped Young Adult LEAP fare at €11.00/week in an average month of 4.3 weeks.} 

_{** Class materials and equipment cost can vary greatly, particularly for students in Arts, Sciences and Catering.}  

_{***Based on a 9 month academic term}

Mobile phone information Taken from the Switcher.ie. Many companies have introduced unlimited sim only plans, which offer great value ranging from €10.99 per month