Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

Starting college overseas is a whirlwind of excitement, adventure, and…… budgeting woes (let’s be real). But fear not! Help is coming! You’ve unlocked a magical world of discounts and perks that can save you serious cash on everything from groceries to glam nights out. Think of this guide as your cheat sheet for living your best student life in Ireland — on a budget that won’t make your bank account cry. Ready to snag deals and stretch those euros like a pro? Let’s dive in! 🎉 

Let’s start with the essentials:  

Tesco Clubcard 

Tesco is basically your new BFF when it comes to grocery shopping in Ireland. Their Clubcard is a loyalty card that gives you sweet discounts on groceries and exclusive Clubcard-only deals—trust me, these are total money-savers (perfect for when you’re living on instant noodles and dreams 🥴) .   

Sign Up is easy: just follow the link here or register yourself with the mobile app. 

Pro tip: Download the Tesco app and register your Clubcard on it. This way, you’ll never have to worry about leaving your card at home—it’s always on your phone, hassle-free!   

Plus, you earn loyalty points with every purchase. Once you hit 150 points, you can cash them in for vouchers. Translation: Free money for more snacks! 🍫✨ 

Dunnes Stores Value Club Card 

Dunnes Stores is another top pick for groceries, and it’s as Irish as it gets! 🇮🇪 With what feels like the widest range of Irish-sourced foods, it’s the perfect place to explore local flavours and get a real taste of the country. If you’re new here, take a wander through the aisles—it’s like a crash course in Irish culinary culture! 🥔🍞 

Their loyalty program is super straightforward and rewarding: Sign Up now and Thank me later!) 

€1 spent = 1 point

Also they offer handy cash vouchers like:

€3 off €15

€5 off €20

€10 off €50

Pro Tip: Download the Dunnes Stores app to manage your points and vouchers easily. And here’s the real lifesaver: they offer same-day delivery for those “oops, I need groceries for dinner tonight!” moments. Perfect for when you’re hosting a last-minute get-together or just need emergency snacks. 🍽️🚚 

Lidl & Aldi 

Lidl and Aldi are also fantastic options for groceries, especially if you’re looking to save without skimping on quality. These budget-friendly stores offer everything from fresh fruits and veggies to pantry staples—all at student-approved prices. 

Make the most of your shopping trips with their handy apps! The Lidl Plus app unlocks weekly discounts, digital coupons, and even a fun scratchcard game for extra savings. The Aldi app is your go-to for meal planning tips and updates on their iconic Specialbuys (perfect for snagging affordable home essentials). 

Pro Tip: Lidl Plus app has a random free item every week. It ranges from fresh fruits to sometime plants!  

There is a Aldi nearby UL with a 15 minutes’ walk from UL Flag pole. They open till 10 at night which is also handy for an after dinner grocery run! 

Aldi Location: 

UL Flag Pole to your next stop grocery! 

TFI Student Leap Card / TFI Young Adult Leap Card 

The TFI Student Leap Card and TFI Young Adult Leap Card are absolute must-haves for anyone navigating Ireland’s public transport system. These prepaid travel cards can save you up to 50% on buses, trains, Luas trams, and even some coach services. Whether you’re commuting to college, exploring the city, or planning a weekend getaway, these cards are your budget’s best friend.   

You can also link your Leap Card with the TFI Go app, making your travels completely hassle-free—check your balance, top up, and manage your card all in one place! ✨   

If you’re aged 19-25, you qualify for the Young Adult Card, while students aged 26 and above can apply for the Student Leap Card (mature students, they’ve got your back too!).  

Pro Tip: Always keep your card topped up so you don’t panic when your bus or train arrives. 🚍📲 

Now let’s talk about the fun stuff—beauty, skincare, makeup, and hair care! Whether you’re a beauty guru or just love a good self-care session, Ireland’s got you covered. The ultimate go-to shops for all your needs? Boots! 

Boots Student Discount 

Students can enjoy 10% off their purchases at Boots by simply registering for the Boots Advantage Card and activating student perks. It’s the perfect excuse to stock up on all your skincare must-haves, makeup favourites, and even those pharmacy essentials—all while earning loyalty points to treat yourself later. 

And here’s the bonus: Boots also has an in-store pharmacy, which can be a lifesaver for those emergency situations, like battling a sudden cold or dealing with allergies. They’ve got over-the-counter remedies and advice to help you bounce back fast! 💊✨ 

Pro Tip: Don’t miss out on €12 Tuesday at Boots! Every Tuesday, selected products are up for grabs for just €12—from high-end skincare to hair care heroes, it’s your chance to snag some seriously luxe items without breaking the bank. 

Now Stop reading and Sign Up Now!

Online Student Discounts 

When it comes to online student perks, UNiDAYS and Student Beans are your ultimate sidekicks. These free platforms give you access to exclusive discounts on everything from fashion and tech to subscriptions and food delivery. Whether it’s 10% off ASOS, 20% off Gymshark, or student-priced Spotify Premium, these apps make treating yourself (or surviving deadlines) guilt-free.  

Signing up is simple—just verify your student status, and you’re good to go.  

Pro Tip: Always check both platforms before splurging—they often have unique deals, so you can bag the best bargain! 💻✨ 

With so many discounts and perks at your fingertips, being a student has never been more rewarding—or budget-friendly! From saving on groceries and transportation to scoring deals on beauty, tech, and more, these offers are here to help you stretch every euro without sacrificing the fun. 

So, go ahead—explore every aisle, swipe that Leap Card, and treat yourself to a skincare haul guilt-free. Remember, this is your time to live your best student life, and with these discounts, you can do it without breaking the bank.  

Grab those perks, make memories, and embrace every moment of this exciting journey! 🎓✨