University College Cork (UCC)

I lived in Farranlea Hall, which was really nice but very expensive. You have to pay (a lot) extra for the laundry and you are not allowed to do anything, whithout getting a fine. And it was a little far from the centre. Apart from that it was perfect.

Try the English Market for food... Tesco, Dunnes Marks & Spencer and Supervalue are more expensive, and the products aren't nearly as fresh.

The facilities were fine, but the suites were farther from the center of town than I would have liked.

It is quite difficult to find a good accomodation in the area if you arrive in the last weeks before the course starts. I would recommend to arrive in advance.

Make the most of your international experience and don't hesitate to do all the things you wish for. Take advantage of student travel rates and immerse yourself in the local culture. There are several opportunities in Cork to see traditional Irish music, learn Gaelic sports, or just enjoy the everyday life of locals.

My comments refer to the second house I moved in. I spent the first 3 months in another place which was worse than the second one, in terms of costs, location and room. My second accomodatio was far better. It was just 3 minutes walk from University, the landlord was polite and helpful, my housemates - 2 Irish and one German PHD students - were the nicest girls I could have ever shared the house with. My room was quite roomy, it had a mansard roof and a wooden floor (there was no carpet). Forniture was all new, and the room walls had been just painted before my arrival. as far as the rent is concerned, the price was quite competitive (325 Euro per month, plus electricity and gas bills).