University College Cork (UCC)

Life in Ireland is more expensive than in Germany. Taxes on income are down, prices are up. That' the way it is. Nightlife was a little bit cheaper in comparison to the one in Munich. Phone expenses were unreal, since I wanted to stay in touch with my girlfriend and my family and friends.

I travelled a lot during the weekends (to the continent, around ireland and also the UK) during the first semester. During the second semester i only really travelled during the month of april when there are no classe held in order to "study" for exams. this was definitely more traveling than i would be doing at home so i spent more. also, i generally went out from 4-7 nights a week so you can see why i spent a lot more money in ireland.

The pound to euro turnover has indeed lead to increased prices. Obviously, the nightlife and travel expenses were higher but I had planned on this, so it wasn't too much of an issue.

In general, Ireland has a lower cost of living than California. I spent more on travel because there were many more opportunities there and I normally don't travel at home. Nightlife is less expensive than at home because it is not customary to tip on every drink in Ireland.

As far as food is concerned, I have to admit that it'g generally more expensive than in Italy, but if you pay attention to the offers, you can save a lot. Obviously, healthy food (i.e. fresh fruit)and other imported products are more expensive.

The cost of living is genetally higher in Ireland than Germany.