Cost of Living Guide

TU Dublin has published the annual 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 2025/26 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 estimated monthly cost of living ranges from €1,264 to €2,077, depending on the length of stay and the type of accommodation chosen. Accommodation is typically the largest expense.

  According to Eurostudent VIII survey, students living away from home spend an average of 42% of their monthly income. 

• Students living at home can expect to spend €775 per month, or approximately €6,977 per year, with food and general living costs accounting for most expenses.

  Over 40% of students are eligible for the SUSI grant, so it is important to check your eligibility and apply early.

  When planning part-time work, students should allow for a 35-hour academic week, which includes an average of 16–18 contact hours plus time for independent study and assignments.

• 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 (19-25 years) results in big savings 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. 
• While the Cost of Living Guide outlines typical monthly expenses, students should also review any additional costs such as exam repeat fees, ID card replacements, and replacement transcript charges. A full list is available on the Non-Tuition Charges page.

Download the full Cost of Living Guide 2025/26 for more detailed information. 

TU Dublin Cost of Living Guide 2025/26

TU Dublin Cost of Living Guide 2025/26

_Sources:

_{TU Dublin sourced information from various reliable sources to compile the Cost-of-Living Guide, Consumer Price Index April 2025 data, HEA Euro student VIII (2022) survey, (averages for food, Social life, other regular costs are taken from the average costs captured in ESVIII), and adjusted through the CPI index for 2023,2024,2025. Switcher.ie. 
*The PBSA rent figure represents the average weekly rent, including service charge/utilities, for purpose-built student accommodation, multiplied by 4.3 weeks per month over 9 month academic year. 
The StudentPad Digs 5-day and 7-day figures were calculated based on the average weekly rents listed on StudentPad, multiplied by 4.3 weeks per month over 9 months academic year. 
The travel cost is taking on the capped Young Adult LEAP fare at €12.00/week.
**Class materials and equipment cost can vary greatly, particularly for students in Arts, Sciences and Catering.
Mobile phone information sourced from the Switcher.ie. Many companies have introduced unlimited sim only plans, which offer great value ranging from €12.99 per month}