TU Dublin has released its annual cost of living guide, which aims to help students and their families prepare financially for college.
It provides information on various expenses associated with student life.
These include rent, utilities, the student charge, food, travel, books, class materials, clothing, medical expenses, mobile costs, social life, and miscellaneous expenses.
For students living away from home, TU Dublin has estimated the monthly cost of living to be €1,566 with an annual total of €14,094.
Rent makes up the largest portion of this cost at €636 per month, followed by utilities, food, travel, and other expenses.
For students living at home, it projects the monthly cost of living to be €701, resulting in an annual total of €6,309. The cost of utilities, food, travel, and other expenses contributed to this estimate.
"While these costs are undoubtedly high, it is important to note that approximately 40% of students receive Higher Education grants, with SUSI covering their Student Contribution Charge," said Dr Rachel O'Connor, Deputy Head of Student Support at TU Dublin.
"We are encouraging students and their families to investigate the various schemes on offer to support them at university, whether it is Government incentives such as rent relief, or TU Dublin’s own supports such as laptops schemes, bursaries, scholarships and other financial supports," she added.
Cost saving tips from TU Dublin:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 be nominal costs to access some facilities, many services, such as Counselling and GP services are free.
- 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.
