Dundalk is the county town of the Ireland located on the Castletown River which flows into Dundalk Bay. It is a city known for the Irish hospitality and friendliness. This helps the International students to adapt faster and feel at home while away from home. It is always a very difficult decision to choose your study abroad destination. So, to take a wise decision, one needs to know about the accommodation, climate, cost of living, climate, entertainment sources, health care, sources of travel & transportation, cultural environment etc. of the destination you are planning to go for studying abroad.
Dundalk is home to two major higher education providers namely:
- Dundalk Institute of Technology
- Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education[
Accommodation
Students can go for on-campus or off-campus accommodation. The on-campus accommodation is provided to the students, especially in the first year.
These accommodations are available at different prices as given below:
- Accommodation cost €45~ €70/week
- Single student only accommodation is available from €80 per week
- Shared student accommodation is available from €60 per week
- Private accommodation (houses) can be rented from €800 per month (divided by 4 ~ 5 people)
These are the guide prices only; all prices are subjected to change from time to time
Cost of Living
Other than accommodation, students are required to spend on daily-use items and the approximate other Living expenses cost is €70/week.
The cost of living in Dundalk will depend upon the kind of accommodation you choose for staying and then your personal lifestyle cost i.e. the amount you spend for buying daily utility items like toothpaste, gas bills, visa re-entry bills, etc. On an average, a student will spend between €7,000 and €12,000 per year approximately.
Climate
Dundalk like Northwest Europe experiences a maritime climate. It is sheltered by the Cooley and Mourne Mountains on the North side and undulating hills on the West and South. One can witness rains at any time of the year. There are cool winters, mild summers, and no extreme temperatures.
While traveling to Ireland, don’t forget to take the rain gear and wooly jumper!
Health Care
It is mandatory for the students from non-EU countries to get their health insurance beforehand. The charges for hospitalization are heavy and it is always advisable to get an adequate medical insurance. When you are applying for a student visa, you have to provide your health insurance proof. Also, when you are registering with the Garda National Immigration Bureau you have to submit proper documents giving details about the medical insurance.
Culture and Religion
Although Ireland is predominantly Roman Catholic but today it is a multi-cultural society where all the religions of the world are embraced and valued as playing vital roles in the societal make-up of the country.
Entertainment
There are a number of historical places in and around Dundalk like County Museum Dundalk, St. Patrick’s Church, Parish Church of Saint Nicholas, St Brigid’s Well and much more.
Travel and Transport
The public transportation is not that connected and most of the locals and visitors prefer to use their own conveyance.
Part-Time Work Opportunities
There are many opportunities for students to find a part time job, such as take away work, supermarket work, pub & bar and hotel work, restaurant work, cleaning, etc. The students are allowed to work for 20-hours per week during the term and 40-hours per week in holidays.