Living in Limerick as a student: cost of living, neighborhoods, and requirements

It may not be the best-known or the largest city. However, many international students choose for living in Limerick. This destination is full of charm, and friendly people. Plus, it has a history that captures anyone.

Also, Limerick has a lower cost of living than other Irish cities, is home to good schools, and there is little crime. What’s more, it is easy to get from one place to another because the city is not so big. Believe us, this is a great place to study.

If you want to know other reasons for living in Limerick, read this article. Here, you will find them all. We will also explain what’s the cost of living, what are the best neighborhoods. Besides, we’ll delve into jobs for students and requirements to travel.

Interesting facts and tidbits about Limerick

Limerick is a city located in the west of the country. It is the third most populated city in Ireland (after Dublin and Cork). It may be hard to believe, as the population is only 102,000 people. However, the statistics don’t lie.

Hey, and Limerick is not only one of the most populated Irish cities, but also one of the oldest. The beginnings of this picturesque town date back to the year 822. That was when the Scandinavians invaded the country in the so-called Viking Age.

Besides, Limerick has a lively cultural life. In 2014, the government named it the National City of Culture. Without a doubt, because of its variety of museums, art galleries, and theaters, and the festivals that are organized every year.

That is why, if you decide to live in Limerick, Ireland, you will never get bored. You will have plenty to do. The historic center of the city is full of places to visit. What’s more, the nightlife is quite lively, there are several pubs and discos.

Reasons for living in Limerick

More than 25,000 students from all over the world have decided to study in Limerick for a while. Undoubtedly, the city has a youthful and friendly atmosphere and an active cultural life. There are more reasons and we will tell you about them:

Friendly people

Without a doubt, the people are one of the main reasons to live in Limerick. The Irish in this part of the country are friendly, they love to help newcomers. Living here, making new and good friends is very easy.

Affordable cost of living

Compared to other cities in Ireland, the cost of living in Limerick is lower. According to Expatistan, living in Limerick is 28% cheaper than living in Dublin. If you budget well enough, you will be able to cover your expenses with 1000 EUR* per month.

Easy-to-understand accent

This reason for living in Limerick, Ireland, sounds a bit strange, but it is true. However, it is useful to know that the accent of the locals in this city is clearer than that of people in other cities.

Good study opportunities

If you wish to study in Limerick, you will be interested to know that the academic offer is varied. The city has schools and universities where you can take courses in English, art, business, science… There are many options to choose from.

Weather in Limerick

If you want to live in Limerick, Ireland, you should know about the weather. The climate of this city is oceanic. It has cold and rainy winters and mild and somewhat cloudy summers. Here, forget about extreme temperatures!

Winter (December to February) has a temperature of 3.8 to 9.5 °C. At this time of the year, the feeling of cold is higher due to the humidity and wind. Plus, it usually rains a lot, so we recommend you bring an umbrella and several coats.

In spring (March to May), the temperature varies between 4.2 and 16.2 °C. Although it is cold until May, the weather is more pleasant and you can spend time outdoors. During these months, fun festivals such as the Spring Global Festival take place.

When summer arrives (June to August), the thermometer rises. Generally, the temperature is between 10.8 and 19.4 °C, and the days are very cool, with little heat. The bad news is that it tends to rain frequently, so you will need to keep warm.

Summer gives way to autumn (September to November), the least favorite season for many. During these months, the temperature varies between 10.6 and 11.2 °C. Not to mention that the sky is very gray, the wind is colder and rainfall is more frequent.

Cost of living in Limerick

If you compare the cost of living in the different cities in Ireland, you will see that living in Limerick is a good option for a student. This is because the prices are lower! On average, you will spend 720 to 970 EUR* per month.

These figures are divided as follows:

• Food: 120 EUR* per month.
• Room: 450 to 550 EUR* per month if shared and 550 to 700 EUR* per month if single.
• Utilities (internet and electricity): 50 EUR* per month; water is free throughout the country.
• Mobile telephony: 20 EUR* with unlimited internet.
• Transportation: 80 EUR* per month if you buy a Leap Card.

Keep in mind that these prices may vary according to your lifestyle. For example, if you move downtown, you will not have to use public transportation as often. Plus, if you get a roomie, you will pay less rent.

Limerick money-saving tips

We know that, for a student in Ireland, every euro counts! Therefore, we recommend you lead a simple lifestyle and budget well. Sure, unless your budget is like the Kardashians.

When you want to buy food, do it at Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco. There are many more supermarkets and stores in Limerick. However, these 3 sell all kinds of products at attractive prices. By the way, do not miss the offers.

Surely, living in Limerick, Ireland, you want to be connected 24/7, don’t you? In that case, the best thing to do is to subscribe to Three. This cell phone company gives you unlimited internet, calls, and texts for only 20 EUR*.

Best areas for living in Limerick

As the city is not so big, there are not so many areas for living in Limerick to choose from. We selected the best 4 where many of the students who come to Ireland usually live:

City Center

The city center boasts a combination of medieval buildings and modern constructions. If you move to this area, the main attractions, stores, malls, cafes, restaurants, and bars are just minutes away.

Ennis Road

Ennis Road is a neighborhood located only minutes away from the center. For this reason, the price of accommodation is high. The advantage is that you will spend little on transportation.

Also, you will be surrounded by parks, green areas, and stores of all kinds.

Castletroy

Castletroy is the university district of the city. It is very well connected to the city center by public transport. In this area, you will find the well-known University of Limerick.

Besides, you will find a shopping center and shops with a youthful atmosphere.

Corbally

Corbally is the neighborhood for an ideal living in Limerick, Ireland. Sure, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. This area is on the outskirts and is very residential. Therefore, you will have a quieter lifestyle.

The drawback is that transportation isn’t as frequent.

Transportation in Limerick

If you choose to live in Limerick, you can get around the city by renting a bike from TFI Bikes.

Or also taking the bus. Bus companies like Bus Éireann and Eurobus have routes from the center to other areas and back. Their buses operate at different times of the day.

When you want to leave the city, you can take a train to other towns such as Ennis, Nenagh and Tipperary.

You can also travel by bus. The company Bus Éireann has routes to cities such as Cork, Dublin and Galway. Road trip, anyone?

Work in Limerick for students

One of the best advantages of living in Limerick is that you are allowed to work while you study! There are several jobs for students in Ireland, these 4 are popular:

Waiter

• Average salary: 12,16 EUR* per hour excluding tips.

In Limerick, there are many restaurants and bars, so waiters are in demand. Your job will be to greet and serve customers, recommending dishes and drinks from the menu. And also, taking their order to the table when it is ready.

Barista

• Average salary: 11.84 EUR* per hour excluding tips.

Another job available in the hospitality industry is as a barista in bakeries and coffee shops. Your tasks will be to prepare and serve drinks (how about a Frappuccino?). Plus, to take customer orders and manage the cash register.

Barman

• Average salary: 12,43 EUR* per hour excluding tips.

It’s no secret that there are as many pubs and bars in Ireland as there are people. So, finding a job as a bartender is possible. Your responsibilities will be to prepare alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Also, to keep the inventory and keep everything clean and tidy.

Kitchen porter

• Average salary: 12,13 EUR* per hour.

If you have very little professional experience, you can work as a dishwasher in restaurants. In this case, your tasks will be to wash dishes and kitchen utensils and once clean and dry, to store them back.

Leisure activities in Limerick

Although the city is small, there are several iconic Limerick attractions to see and activities to do. For instance, these are 4 plans that we love.

Undoubtedly, they will allow you to get to know the interesting history and culture of this picturesque city:

Visit the historic King John’s Castle

King John’s Castle is one of Limerick’s most iconic medieval attractions. The building is open year-round for the public to tour the various rooms. And also to enjoy interactive exhibits that tell the history of the site.

Admire the pieces of art at The Hunt Museum

The Hunt Museum is another mandatory stop in Limerick. It houses a collection of more than 2,000 pieces dating from the Neolithic to contemporary times. You will find ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, and paintings by great artists such as Picasso and Renoir.

Savor delicious food at Milk Market

If you want to try authentic Irish food, visit the Milk Market. This fair has more than 50 stalls and 20 stores for you to find fresh local products. For example, cheese, vegetables, fruits, meats and fish. Eat those delicious dishes!

Have a picnic in People’s Park

This small urban park is located on the banks of the Shannon River. You should visit it when living in Limerick. The place has green areas for picnicking or reading a book, and walking trails.

In spring, the scenery is beautiful!

Requirements for living in Limerick

Depending on whether or not you are a citizen of the European Union, you will have to meet specific requirements and follow a different process. We will explain below:

Requirements for EU students who want to live in Limerick

Are you a citizen of any European Union country? Then you are very lucky. You will only need your passport or a valid identity card to live in Limerick as a student indefinitely, indeed.

Requirements for students from other countries wishing to study in Limerick

If you are not a citizen of the European Union, you will have to apply for an Irish student visa, the Long Stay ‘D’ visa, online. With this visa, you will be able to live in Limerick, Ireland, until the end of your course.

Plus, you will be allowed to work 20 hours per week!

Once you are in Limerick, you will need to apply for an Irish Residence Permit (IRP) if your stay exceeds 3 months. This permit certifies you are a foreign resident. Thus, it authorizes you to live in Ireland, even if you already have a visa.

The application costs 300 EUR*.

Also, you will need a Personal Public Service (PPS) number to work in Limerick while studying. This document identifies you as a taxpayer with the Irish authorities. You can apply once you have secured employment, not before.

*The figures in this article are for reference only and are subject to change.

GrowPro helps you to travel to Ireland for studies!

Would you like to study in Limerick? Well, with GrowPro, you can take English Courses!

At GrowPro, we will help you find the ideal school and course. Plus, we will advise you on how to get your student visa (should you need one).

You already have the information you need to live in Limerick. So fill out the form below to recieve more information and start living this adventure. See you!