International Student in Cork, Ireland

Cork CityStudent Guide

Studying in Cork The Definitive Guide

Welcome to Cork City, known to the locals as the true capital of Ireland. Friendly and cosmopolitan, Cork has a vibrant student population of around 36,000. Of these, approximately 10% are international students visiting from over 100 countries around the world. Wherever you call home and whatever big ambitions you bring to Cork, this page will guide you through everything you need to know as a student living and learning in this amazing city.

The Universities and Colleges

Local Funding and Scholarships

For many students, studying at a university or college would not be possible without financial support. Here are a few options which may be available to you as a student in Ireland.

Arriving in Cork City

Cork City is well connected by a local airport, city centre railway station, city centre bus station, a ferry terminal and a motorway. Here's the local experts' guide to arriving in the "True Capital of Ireland"...

Getting around Cork

people on a bus

Cork Bus Services

Cork is well served by a reliable bus service and you're well advised to look into bus routes before making any final decisions about student accommodation.

The most common bus routes for UCC and CIT students are the 205, 208 and 219.

bike hire in cork

Coke Zero Bikes

The city benefits from an affordable bike hire scheme which can be a very cost-effective (and eco-friendly) way of getting to and from your places of study. Cork has a total of 32 pick-up and drop-off stations, two of which are in the vicinity of UCC.

An annual pass costs just €10. Thereafter, the first 30 minutes of each journey is free and trips lasting up to one hour cost just €0.50. Find out more...

taxi cabs

Taxi Cabs

A good taxi cab service is in operation throughout Cork and you can find the main taxi rank situated conveniently in the centre of Patrick Street. Some taxis are licensed to pick up passengers on demand (known as hackney carriages), others are for advanced bookings only.

A taxi from Patrick Street to UCC might cost in the region of €5-8 depending on traffic. The same journey to CIT's Bishopstown campus would be more like €8-12.

Access and support for Disabled Students

As a student in Cork, there is lots of provision and support available to you. To get the most of this support when you arrive, you are well advised to register in advance with the Disability Support Service for your university or college. If you have any concerns about access to buildings and amenities, you can ask their team for a tour of campus buildings.

What you're entitled to

Depending on your circumstances, wishes and requirements, you may be elligible for support with the following:

  • Assistive technology
  • Building access
  • Learning support
  • Examination accommodations
  • Alternative media formats
  • Personal assistants & sign interpreters
  • Note takers
  • Speed text/Stereotype operators

Who you should contact

Keep in close contact with the Disability Support Service for your college or university.

Things to Do (Cork & Kerry)

Cork is a vibrant tourism hub attracting 1,600,000 visitors per year. And with so many fascinating destinations and attractions, it's little wonder that the city is among Ireland's best-loved tourist traps. Here we've offered some of our favourites. For a more complete list, visit our Cork and Kerry travel guide.



What's on in Cork 2023-2024 Academic Year

There is always lots going on in and around Cork. Here is just a sample of what's coming up during the coming academic year. To see a full list of all Cork events, visit www.purecork.ie or whazon.com.

Event Dates Info
A Taste of West Cork Food Festival September 2023 See Website
Culture Night 22 Sep 2023 See Website
Cork International Short Story Festival October 2023 See Website
Cork Folk Festival 28 Sept - 01 Oct 2023 See Website
IndieCork Film & Music Festival October 2023 See Website
Guinness Cork Jazz Festival 26 Oct - 30 Oct 2023 See Website
The Dragon of Shandon 31 Oct 2023 See Website
Cork Film Festival 9 Nov - 19 Nov 2023 See Website
Cork Science Festival November 2023 See Website
Ortus Chamber Music Festival 26 Feb - 05 Mar 2023 See Website

Pubs and Nights out

Please note that pubs and alcohol in Ireland are strictly for those aged 18 years and above. Proof of age is required by law.

Ireland is famous the world over for its bustling pubs, full of atmosphere and good craic. Here we've picked out some of the very best - classic Cork pubs which are perfect for visitors to Ireland and anyone who wants to let their hair down. Sláinte!

Not from Ireland? You can also click here to find out more about the Irish pub experience.

Sushi food in CorkSushi food in Cork

Eating out in Cork

Here are just a few of our favourites. For a more complete list, see TripAdvisor's Cork restaurant listings here.

Liberty Grill Cork

Greenes Restaurant Cork

The Castle Café Cork

Café Paradiso Cork

The SpitJack Cork

Isaac's Cork

Cornstore Cork

Feed your Senses Cork

Your first few weeks studying in Cork

Mobile Phone

Get a SIM for my mobile

If you are an international student arriving in Dublin, there are two different phone stores in the Airport building itself. In Cork, you will find Vodafone, O2, Meteor and Three all on or around Patrick Street. LycaMobile is also available in Ireland.

Passport

Register with Authorities

Non EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who are staying in Ireland for more than 90 days are required to register with the Irish immigration services. In Cork, you can do this with the local GNIB. Find out more...

Coffee Job

Find part-time work

UCC offers its own student jobs service available here. Their part-time work guide is also well worth a look. For non-UCC students, studentjob.ie is a popular service with vacancies for diverse roles.

Language Students Talking

Improve English language

For international students, UCC offers its own part-time English language courses. For non-UCC students, there are a range of language schools throughout Cork offering courses as well as one-to-one tuition.

Insurance Documents

Organise Insurance

Non-EEA students are required to have health insurance and you may be required to offer proof when you register with the immigration authorities. To find out more, click here.

Prayer

Find a place of worship

For many students, finding and connecting with a faith community in Cork is a key part of settling in and avoiding culture shock. To find places to worship in Cork, click here...

Buy a bicycle in Ireland

Buy a bicycle

For second-hand bicycles, many students favour donedeal.ie or adverts.ie. There are also two main bike shops near UCC's main campus: Victoria Cross Cycles and The Bike Shed, the latter offering used cycles as well as new. Capwell Cycles is just a little bit further away.

A gym in Cork Ireland

Join a Gym

There are countless gyms around Cork and many of them in the city centre. Perhaps the most obvious option for many students will be UCC's own Mardyke Arena. Always ask for student discount!

Laptop

Get my laptop repaired

There are many tech repair shops in Cork. Within easy reach of UCC and the city centre are iElectron (Cook St) and PC Services (Woods St). Always ask about student discounts!

Student Budget and cost of living in Cork

Planning your finances well is essential if you are to enjoy the full duration of your studies in Cork. Your university or college will offer detailed and even one-to-one advice on how to budget your money effectively. But, for students visiting Cork for the first time, here are some indicative prices so that you can gauge the cost of living in the city.

For more info on student costs of living prices, check out Selectra.ie.

Dining Out (2023 Prices)

Data source

Cost in Cork
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant€15.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course€80.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)€9.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)€5.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)€5.00
Cappuccino (regular)€3.48
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)€1.70
Water (0.33 liter bottle)€1.42
Grocery Shopping (2023 Prices)

Data source

Cost in Cork
Milk (regular), (1 liter)€1.17
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)€1.46
Rice (white), (1kg)€1.34
Eggs (regular) (12)€3.14
Local Cheese (1kg)€6.89
Chicken Breasts (Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)€8.37
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)€9.37
Apples (1kg)€2.39
Banana (1kg)€1.73
Oranges (1kg)€2.15
Tomato (1kg)€2.75
Potato (1kg)€1.53
Onion (1kg)€1.07
Lettuce (1 head)€0.92
Water (1.5 liter bottle)€1.43
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)€121.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)€2.90
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)€3.96
Travel (2023 Prices)

Data source

Cost in Cork
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)€2.20
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)€82.25
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)€5
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)€1.69
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)€26.00
Gasoline (1 liter)€1.83

12 Easy Ways to meet people in Cork

Moving to a new city (or even a new country), it can sometimes be difficult to meet people and make friends. Sure, when you're studying, you're often surrounded by like-minded people who are very happy to meet up. But it can also be nice to connect with non-students and see what life is like for Cork's local residents who are here all year round. Especially if you're planning to remain in Cork during the holidays.

General services like meetup.com can help. But here are a few specific, local pathways to meeting people and making friends in Cork.

1. Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded, friendly people - plus you get to boost your CV and give something to the local community. UCC even has its own volunteer service with an annual volunteering fair.

2. Couch Surfing

Get free short-term accommodation and meet outward-looking people by couch surfing. To qualify, you must be willing to offer a place to stay to somebody else before you can claim your own spot in Cork. The city has various couch surfers who can be found through couchsurfing.com.

3. Choose Digs

As well as campus or private student accommodation, there is always the option of student digs. This is where you effectively become a lodger in a local person's home. They provide your accommodation and, in some cases, even meals. Plus, you can get to know them and their friendship group, too. Ask your accommodation office for more information about approved providers.

4. Walk a Dog

It's a cliché but, if you want to meet more people, a dog really can be a great companion. Just one problem, right? You don't have a dog. Well, here's the good news: Cork has various dog charities and dog walking services. If you are willing to give your time free then why not post your details up in the local pet shop or contact westcorkanimals.com, dogdayscork.com or collinscanines.com.

5. Keep the Faith

For people all around the world, religious belief is a huge part of their identity and their community, too. If spirituality is a significant part of your life, then perhaps the easiest way to find kindred spirits will be to head for your local place of worship. To find religious centres and communities in Cork, click here.

6. Head to the Pub

For over-18s, Cork's many pubs are great places to meet local people. Lots of Cork pubs have evening entertainment such as live music and quiz nights which are great for breaking the ice. So pull up a bar stool and buy a round! The Monday night quiz in An Brog is a good option for meeting people and breaking the ice.

7. Language meet-ups

Whether you're learning or helping others to master their own skills, language meet-ups are a fantastic way to meet new people and break the ice. After all, everyone is there to talk! You could try Cork's regular German Stammtisch, a local French language night or pretty much anything else!

8. Salsa!

Have a good giggle and meet friendly, outgoing people at a Salsa class. All you need is enthusiasm and a willingness not to take yourself too seriously. You can find good Salsa in Tequila Jack's on the weekend, and Counihans is known for good dancing, too. If you want to start out with more structured classes then check out Cork Dance Scene.

9. Join a team or choir

Teams, bands, choirs. Groups like these can be ready-made friendship circles full of people who are happy to show you what they love most about Cork. So dust off that guitar and see what happens. To find clubs and groups in Cork click here.

10. Be a beginner

When people are trying something for the first time (cooking classes, rock climbing, CrossFit) they can be very receptive to someone who is friendly and equally inexperienced. So take a beginners class and say hi to anyone who looks nervous.

11. Join the GirlCrew

There is an app for everything these days. And being a young woman who wants to meet others is no exception. As an Irish start-up now gathering pace in the USA, the app GirlCrew on Facebook has a local Cork meet-up service for women who want to get the best out of the city but don't want to do it alone.

12. Do a Cork walking tour

Walking tours are a really easy way to meet people who don't know the area. Some will be tourists just passing through. But you'll be most interested in meeting people who, like you, are just new to the area. Check out Free Walking Tours Cork's Facebook page to get started.

Where to stay

It is strongly recommended that you speak with your college's accommodation office (or international office) before organising your student accommodation in Cork. If you're travelling to Ireland to study, you might also want to consult this accommodation guide by the Irish Council for International Students. Contact your university or college below:

CIT Accommodation Office

00 353 21 4335750
accommodation@cit.ie
See Website

UCC Residential Services

00 353 21 490 3849
resservices@ucc.ie
See Website

Griffith College

00 353 01 416-3321
live@ghr.ie
See Website

Cork College of Commerce

00 353 21 422 2100
internationalstudents@ccoc.ie
See Website

St John's Central College

00 353 2142 55500
info@stjohnscollege.ie
See Website

NMCI Accommodation

00 353 21 433 5600
reception@nmci.ie
See Website

Private Student Accommodation

In addition to campus-based accommodation, Cork has a wealth of private lettings which are available exclusively to students. Click on a location on the below map to find out more about the student accommodation and who provides it.

Amnis House

Western Rd
Mardyke
Cork

Arcadia Hall

Lower Glanmire Rd
Montenotte
Cork

Abbey Wharf

19-22 Abbey Wharf
N Mall
Sunday's Well
Cork

North Abbey Street

5-6 N Abbey St
Sunday's Well
Cork

Abbeyville Apartments

Model Farm Rd
Cork

Brookfield

Brookfield
College Rd
Cork

ScholarLee Bishop Street

a.k.a Carraigbarre House
2 Bishop St
Greenmount
Cork

Carraigrua

25 Washington Street West
Centre
Cork

The Student Village

Carrigrohane Rd
Cork

Deans Hall

Crosse's Green
The Lough
Cork

Deanshall Bishopstown

Curraheen Rd
Bishopstown
Cork

Davcon Court

Barrack Street
The Lough
Cork

Eden Hall

Model Farm Rd
Cork

Farranlea Hall

Victoria Cross
Cork

Hatch Student Living

Copley St
Ballintemple
Cork

North Quay Place

27 Popes Quay
Shandon
Cork

Seven North Mall

N Mall
Sunday's Well
Cork

The Spires

Bandon Rd
The Lough
Cork

Sheare's Gate

Sheare's Gate
Cork

Sheraton Lodge

Glasheen Rd
The Lough
Cork

South Mall Court

Beasly St
Centre
Cork

Parchment Square

Model Farm Road
Cork

Blackmore Court

Blackmore Lane
Blackmore Court
Meade St
Sullivan's Quay
Cork

Fullers Lodge

College Rd
The Lough
Cork

Hostels and Temporary Accommodation

For those attending a short course, or for anyone still seeking a more permanent option, hostels can provide a great stop-gap. Here are some of Cork's hostels for you to consider.

Sheila’s Hostel

4 Belgrave Place
Wellington Road
Cork

Kinlay House Hostel

Shandon Street, Cork

BruBru Bar & Hostel

57 MacCurtain Street
Cork

Aaran House Tourist Hostel

Lower Glanmire Road
Cork

An Óige Hostel

Western Road
Cork

Places of Worship

Ireland is a tolerant and diverse society which is welcoming to peoples and cultures from across the globe. This section will help you to find the cultural centres and amenities which matter most to you. To find out more about religious observance in Ireland, click here...

Islamic Community Spaces

To find out about UCC's Islamic Society, visit their Facebook page here.

Cork Mosque

00 353 21 432 0301
Ballyphehane, Cork

City Masjid Cork

6 Coburg St, Victorian Quarter
Cork

Cork Dawah Centre

00 353 21 421 7003
73 Shandon St, Sunday's Well
Cork

Cork Islamic Cultural Centre

60 Tramore Road Turners Cross
Cork

The Spice Route

35 MacCurtain Street, Cork

Sultan Café & Shisha Lounge

Penrose Wharf, Penrose Quay, Cork

Aiysha's Spice House (Halal Butchers)

82 Shandon St, Gurranabraher, Cork

Buddhist Community Spaces

Rigpa Cork

Rigpa Cork, 6 Sidney Place
Wellington Road, Cork
00 353 21 450 7033
See Website

Palpung Ireland Buddhist Centre

Approx. 50 mins from Cork by car
Banteer, Co. Cork
See Website

Dzogchen Beara

Approx. two hours from Cork by car
Garranes, Allihies, Co. Cork
See Website

Jewish Community Spaces

Cork's communal synagogue was deconsecrated in 2016. Today, the nearest synagogue is located in Terenure, Dublin. At the time of writing, kosher produce is not widely available in Cork.

Christian Community Spaces

There are many churches in and around Cork, here are just a very few. To find out about visiting UCC's own on-campus chaplaincy, visit their Facebook page here. To find out more about immigrant services in Catholic churches, click here.

Grace Missionary Baptist Church

Glounthaune Community Glounthaune Cork

St Francis Church & Friary

Liberty St, Cork

St Luke's Church of Ireland

Churchyard Lane Douglas, Cork

St Michael's Church of Ireland

Church Road Blackrock, Cork

St Mary's & All Saints Church

Church Hill Glanmire, Cork

Holy Trinity Church of Ireland

Frankfield, Cork

Carrigrohane Church of Ireland

The Parish Centre Church hill Carrigrohane

St Finbarre's Cathedral

Bishop Street, Cork

Donnybrook Pentecostal Church

3 Connell St, Cork