The following approximate figures serve as an indication of the overall expenses per month.   Please note these figures serve as a guide only.

Accommodation Costs

Cork English Academy can organise both self catering apartments where you will share with other students or a host family for the duration of your stay. Please see our accommodation page for prices and more details.

If you are staying in Cork for a long term period you may decide to arrange your own accommodation. Please be aware that rents for a single room in a shared house or apartment in Cork city are usually between €300 and €500 per month. Prior to moving into your new accommodation you are usually required to pay the landlord or Letting Agency one month’s rent and a refundable security deposit (usually the same price as a month’s rent).

Electricity, heating and internet bills are usually extra at about €50 per person per month (based on three people sharing in a house/apartment).

Click Here for some useful tips for students renting accommodation in cork.

Food Costs

Source: www.tesco.ie . Tesco is a supermarket chain. Tesco’s own brand may be cheaper than other brands.

Miscellaneous Costs

Top Shops for Groceries and Homeware

• Groceries:
  • Tesco, Aldi & Lidl: Supermarkets offering budget-friendly prices.
  • English Market: An iconic indoor market in Cork City offering fresh produce, meat, and artisanal goods.
• Homeware:
  • Penneys (Primark): Great for affordable clothing and homeware.
  • Michael Guineys: Affordable homeware
  • Dealz: For budget-friendly household essentials.

How to prepare for the weather in Cork.

Everybody talks about the weather in Cork… a great way to practice your English! You’ll often hear people talk about ‘four seasons in one day’. Here’s what to expect :

The Basics

• Cork has a maritime climate, meaning mild winters and cool summers.
• Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing (typically 3°C – 8°C), while summer hovers between 15°C – 20°C.

Rain Gear

• Top- Tip: Carry a light packable rain jacket. Even on sunny days, it’s common for a quick shower to pass through.
• Waterproof shoes are also useful, especially in the winter months when streets can get wet.

Seasonal Tips

• Spring (March to May): A mix of sunshine and showers, temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C. Perfect for layering lighter clothing.
• Summer (June to August): Milder than what many international students might expect. A light jacket will still come in handy, especially for the evenings.
• Autumn (September to November): Cooler, with the beautiful changing colors of the leaves. A waterproof coat is a must.
• Winter (December to February): Rarely snows, but damp, cold winds mean you’ll want a warm coat, scarf, and gloves.

Find a gym with flexible options for your schedules and budget.

1. The Mardyke Arena

• Location: University College Cork, Mardyke Walk, Cork
• Facilities: State-of-the-art gym, swimming pool, fitness classes, and sports facilities.
• Offers: Pay-as-you-go options, student memberships for UCC students, and discounts for non-UCC students.
• Website: mardykearena.com

2. Gym Plus Cork

• Location: Beasley Street, Blackpool Retail Park, Cork
• Facilities: Gym, personal training, fitness classes, swimming pool, and sauna.
• Offers: Pay-as-you-go, short-term memberships, and student discounts.
• Website: gymplus.ie

3. The Montenotte Hotel Gym & Leisure Club

• Location: Middle Glanmire Rd, Montenotte, Cork
• Facilities: Gym, swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and fitness classes.
• Offers: Pay-as-you-go rates and student memberships.
• Website: themontenottehotel.com

4. Energie Fitness Cork

• Location: 2 Washington Street, Cork City
• Facilities: Fully equipped gym, personal training, and classes.
• Offers: Affordable membership options with student discounts, short-term plans available.
• Website: energiefitness.com

5. Snap Fitness Cork

• Location: Unit 20, North Main Street, Cork
• Facilities: 24/7 access gym, functional training area, free weights, and cardio equipment.
• Offers: No contracts, pay-as-you-go options, and discounted student memberships.
• Website: snapfitness.com

6. LeisureWorld Bishopstown

• Location: Rossa Ave, Bishopstown, Cork
• Facilities: Gym, swimming pool, group fitness classes, and personal training.
• Offers: Pay-as-you-go options, student memberships.
• Website: leisureworldcork.com

7. Dennehy’s Health & Fitness

• Location: Penrose Quay and Douglas, Cork City
• Facilities: Gym, personal training, group fitness classes, and strength training equipment.
• Offers: Pay-as-you-go and student rates.
• Website: dennehys.ie

8. Planet Health Club

• Location: Tramore Rd, Cork City
• Facilities: Gym, swimming pool, fitness classes, and sauna.
• Offers: Student discounts and pay-as-you-go options.
• Website: planethealthclub.ie

9. Fit100 Cork

• Location: Deanrock Business Park, Togher, Cork
• Facilities: Fully equipped gym, personal training, and fitness classes.
• Offers: Pay-as-you-go and student-friendly pricing.
• Website: fit100hq.com