Guide to Student Life in Cork
Cork City is a fantastic destination to study English. It offers a friendly atmosphere, vibrant cultural life, and affordable living compared to larger cities like Dublin. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your English language learning in Cork City.
Maximize Your School Experience
Practical Language Skills
Classes are designed to provide you with the practical skills needed for real-life settings.Use what you Learn in class everyday while out and about exploring Cork.
Sign-up for Workshops
The school holds 2 free workshops every week. Language Workshops: Pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and Personal Development Workshops: CV building, cover letter and interview skills.
Sign-up for Social Activities
Benefit from cultural and social activities organized by the school, giving you more opportunities to practice English outside the classroom while exploring Cork and Irish culture.
Courses
Whether you’re looking to improve your language skills for personal, professional, or Academic purposes, our courses in Cork city are the perfect choice.
General English Courses
English language courses designed to provide you with the practical skills needed for real-life settings.
Work and Study Courses
Courses suitable for students who need to formalize their stay in Ireland for Stamp 2 Immigration purposes.
IELTS Academic
Course
This IELTS Academic Course measures whether your English is suitable for an academic environment.
Places to Study in Cork
Top Places to Study
Looking for a quiet spot to focus, Cork offers plenty of excellent study locations. Check out our favorites: Cork City Library, Quay Co-Op Library and The Bookshelf Cafe.
Late Places to Study
Continue studying with friends after the school closes at 17:00, by exploring these late opening study-friendly spots: WebWorkHouse, Bean and Leaf and Starbucks.
Early Places to Study
Check out these near-by early opening cafes if waiting for the school to open at 08:30: Cafe Velo, Soma Cafe, Bean and Leaf.
Explore Your New Home
Studying English in Cork isn’t just about learning a language – it’s about becoming part of a community, experiencing life in Ireland, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Get out there, meet new friends and practice your English.
Gyms in Cork
Offering Pay-as-you-go and discounts ideal for students.
Cork Parkruns
A free, weekly, 5km timed run with 3 locations around Cork city.
Volunteer Cork
Make connections and practice your English through volunteering.
Hotspots in Cork
Check out Cork’s favorite cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
Parks in Cork
Parks, green spaces and river walkways dotted around the city center and neighboring suburbs.
Beaches in Cork
Here are some of our favorite beaches near Cork City.
Places of Interest
Ring the Shandon Bells in the 300-year-old tower of St. Anne’s Church, and marvel at the French Gothic spires of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral.
Festivals in Cork
Festivals to cater for all tastes, with events in performance and visual arts, choral singing, comedy, film, folk music, jazz, literature, writing, and traditional music.
Discover Cork
Your ideal City for Learning English. Cork’s locals are warm, approachable, and always ready for a chat—perfect for practicing your English skills.
How to Guides
Check out these How-To Guides, designed to help you navigate life in a new city with ease.
Apply for a Leap Card
How to apply for a discount student bus ticket (leap card).
Apply for a Stamp 2
How to apply for an IRP/Stamp 2 (suitable for non Eu students)
Rent a Room
How to find your own accommodation in Cork.
Prepare for the Weather
How to stay warm and dry. Seasonal tips and general temperatures.
How to Budget
How to budget – Compared to larger cities like Dublin, Cork offers a more affordable cost of living.
Apply for a Job
How to apply for a job – jobs websites and Jobs Club.
Essential Apps for Life in Cork
The Transport apps are very useful if you end up living outside of the city center for example with host family.
TFI Go App
Perfect for paying for bus and train fares on-the-go.
TFI Live App
Real-time information about public transport in Cork.
Bike Share App
Rent a bike and easily explore the city.
Cork Safety Alerts
Stay ahead of the traffic, and weather. Get push notifications for your area of Cork.
Weather App
Met Éireann, the Irish National Meteorological Service, is the leading provider of weather information for Ireland.
Revolut Bank App
Manage your finances easily with this online bank.
Setting up a local Irish bank account is recommended if you’re staying in Ireland for a longer time.
Local Websites
Check out these websites for local information, events, and community connections.
Craving Cork
A guide to Cork’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Tripe + Drisheen
Independent News from across Cork city and county.
Pure Cork
Discover top tourist attractions and things to do around the city.
Accommodation
Most students initially book 4 to 8 weeks of accommodation through the school. If they plan to stay longer in Cork, they typically arrange their own housing once they become more familiar with the city.
School Accommodation Options
Host Family with Meals
Enjoy a classic homestay experience with daily meals provided by your host family.
Host Family Self-Catering
Experience the independence of preparing your own meals while staying with a friendly host.
Shared Apartment
Viva Ireland offers private and shared rooms to rent for students and professionals who are looking for a place to stay in Cork.
Find Your Own Accommodation in Cork
Affordable choices for short-term stays with websites like:
Here is a list of providers offering Summer accommodation from May to August:
Cork’s warm, welcoming vibe makes it a perfect place to improve your English skills while experiencing the charm of Ireland. With dedication and immersion, you’ll achieve your language goals while creating unforgettable memories.
Explore Your Options
Start your journey to mastering English in a supportive and immersive environment. Use our quotation tool to generate a personalized quote tailored to your preferences—no payment or commitment needed right away. Explore your options, and when you’re ready, proceed with your booking.
Book a Course
Know what you want already? Make a booking and let us help you secure a spot today.
Get a Quotation
Use our quotation tool to quickly compare different course and accommodation options.
Contact Us
Ready to start your adventure? Contact Us today to find out more about our courses.