To Erasmus or not to Erasmus?
Hello, everyone.
This morning I found out I recieved a student exchange to UCD next spring. Recieved a scholarship of 4000€, that includes extra funding for my dad's veteran status (I will only get 3200€ upfront, and other 800 when I get back home if I pass all exams). I'm a law student in public administration, currently a second year and next year is suppose to be my last year for my bacc. degree.
There were a lot of issues regarding my application for Dublin, hence them moving my exhange from fall semester to spring semester. That causes me to desynchronize my chosen moduls with my home faculty, and making me extend my studies an extra year. That's the first problem.
The second problem is that I probably cannot afford a 5 month stay in Dublin. I've heard so much about young people moving out of Dublin because of cost of rent and living. The cheapest student accomodation UCD offers is 1450€/month for incoming exchange students. I also searched some AirBnB options, they're a bit cheaper, ranging from 800-1000 or more euros. Im very aware 3200€ + 1200€ I already have saved for Erasmus won't cover the cost of a roof over my head, let alone food, home neccessities, public transport etc. I can't just be in my room 24/7 either, I have never been so up north of Europe and would very much LOVE to explore Ireland because I'm attracted to nature, local folklore and history of Ireland. Studying there would also push my CVs a bit further and I want to have new life experiences but I believe I have to decline this Erasmus offer and give it up.
Just the plane tickets from Croatia to Dublin would impair me greatly, even if I get a partial cover for the return trip, because of low levels of available airplane fuel throughout Europe.
My mom cried last week because she wants me to go so bad, but she knows I'll struggle to survive and she can't help me financially. I worked for the past three years part-time with classes, but I'm completely burned out and quit 2 weeks ago. I feel like even if I win the lottery over the summer I still won't be able to afford a 5 month life in Dublin.
I'm quite desperate for advice.
If there are any Dubliners who have time to give me some advice it would be very helpful. I have 8 days to respond to the Erasmus offer.