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Overview

Moving to a new country involves planning for various day to day expenses. The amount you spend while studying in Cork will depend on your personal circumstances and lifestyle. 

When planning your budget, think about the following:

  • What will I need to spend on food, groceries and everyday essentials?

  • How much will I need for course materials and equipment?

  • Will I have transport costs travelling to and from UCC?

  • Are there trips, activities or travel that I would like to take part in that may involve additional costs?

It is a good idea to estimate your income and expenses before arriving in Cork so that you can plan your budget and manage your money throughout the academic year.

UCC's Student Financial Supports and Advice team can provide helpful budgeting advice and guidance to help you manage your finances and make the most of your student experience at UCC.

To help you plan ahead, we have provided estimated monthly living costs in the table below, along with budgeting advice and guidance.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are one of the main costs to consider when planning to study in Ireland.

Your tuition fee amount, including any scholarship awarded by UCC, will be stated in your UCC Offer Letter. You can download your Offer Letter from UCCApply once you have received an offer to study at UCC.

Please note that tuition fees may increase each academic year. For the most up to date information on tuition fees, please visit the UCC Fees Office Website.

Monthly Living Costs

Cost of living may vary greatly according to your lifestyle and choices you make whilst studying at UCC. The following decisions will impact your costs:

  • type and standard of accommodation
  • cooking for yourself or eating in campus restaurants
  • course textbooks and equipment
  • leisure activities
  • transport costs

It is best to work out what your estimated income and expenditure will be and budget accordingly.

Please note the following approximate figures serve as a guide only. Further information on the costs of living in Cork as a student are available on our Student Financial Supports and Advice website.

Numero, a world wide cost of living database, also provides an indication of the costs of everyday items in Cork.

Expense Average Cost Range per month

Option 1 - On Campus Accommodation

€800 - €1030

Option 2 - Private Complex

€800 - €2,222

Option 3- Private rental (house share)

€700 – €900 (bills not included)

 

 

Utilities (Electric/Gas/Refuse)

€120*

Food

€120 - €240

Travel (bus with Leap Card)

€26–€30

Mobile Phone

€20

Personal Expenses (Social/Sports)

€200 - €300

 

 

Overall Expense (excluding Accommodation)

€481 - €701 approx.

Overall Expense (including Accommodation)

€1,181 - €2,923 approx.

*Please note that you will use more gas in the Winter than in the Summer, so gas prices with fluctuate accordingly.

Be aware when seeking private rental accommodation whether they include bills in the rent or not. 

Budgetary Advice

UCC offers budgetary advice to all students and has a dedicated Student Budgetary Advisor. They are available to assist you with advice on managing your budget and to assist with financial planning so that you can make the most of your time at UCC.

Comprehensive advice in managing your costs and expenses can be found on the UCC Student Financial Supports and Advice website.

See our Cost of Living in Cork Webinar 2026 for more details.

Thumbnail of Quad for Cost of Living webinar

Cost Saving Initiatives

Commuter Breakfast Club

Typically held at 8-9am Monday-Wednesday during term time, the Student Union-run Commuter Breakfast club takes place in the Student Common room, Student Union Building, offering free tea, coffee and light breakfast options, such as cereal, fruit and protein bars.

Find Out More

SU Food Pantry

Operating every week in the Makers Space on Tuesdays during term time, students will be able to exchange tickets costing €2.50 for food staples, pantry essentials and some non-essential food items. Tickets can be purchased on the SU website, linked below.

Find Out More

SU Free Tea and Coffee

Free tea and coffee are available to all UCC students in the Student's Union Common Room and in the Global Lounge, first floor of the Hub. Just be sure to bring your keep cup!

Find Out More

Swap Shop

Moving back home and have household items you no longer need? Or just arrived at UCC and looking for items to settle into your accommodation? Check out our Swap Shop, located behind the International Office.

Find Out More

International Office

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Roseleigh, Western Road, Cork, T12 R229

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