Budgeting and banking
Recent figures for the cost of living for a student in Dublin have ranged between €12,000 and €17,000 per year, largely depending on the type of accommodation chosen and the location. While these estimates include rent, utility bills, travel costs, food, books, laundry and medicine, they exclude tuition fees.
Below is a breakdown of how much you can expect to pay per month for common goods and services.
- Utility bills (electricity, gas, refuse): €43
- Transport (with Leap card, depending on distance): €120
- Books and materials: €70
- Clothes: €45
- Mobile phone (plans start at): €25
- Social life: €130
While studying at RCSI, it is important that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living costs. However, due to the academic demands of your course, you cannot depend on part-time work to support yourself.
Opening a bank account
Banks in Ireland have strict rules and regulations in place for new accounts.
To open a new account you must:
- Fill in the required documentation from the bank
- Present a valid passport
- Present proof of residence in Ireland (either a lease agreement, a current utility bill or the official registration letter from the University). You cannot open a bank account without proof of residence.
- Banking costs vary however many banks offer special student rates or even 'free banking' so it’s worth shopping around before opening an account. Representatives from various banks will be present in the University to assist students in opening accounts once they have completed their 14-day restricted movement period and are officially allowed on campus.
- Students must complete formal registration before they are eligible to open a bank account. Therefore, we recommend that you do not open an account prior to registration.