Thanks everyone! I can't wait to check out all these places.

I was thinking about getting an ISIC card, but I thought if I got an ID card from Trinity (I assume they'll give me one, right?), I might be able to use that for student discount things. Would that work or should I just get the ISIC?

Oh and Skype -- Yes, that's exactly how it works. Computer-to-phone (or phone-to-computer) you pay for; Computer-to-computer is free. That's what I was trying to say, but I don't think I was getting it across very well.

Either way, I plan on getting a normal cell phone when I get there. I'm not terribly concerned about having a landline. I don't have one in the United States, so I dont really know why I'd need one in Europe.

Actually, I spent a semester in Spain in undergrad, and I didn't have a landline OR a cell phone. No one could call me, and if I wanted to call anyone, I did it from phone booths. At the time it just seemed like a mild annoyance, but in retrospect I dont know why I didn't just suck it up and spend $100 on a phone.

The Trinity ID card will work in stores and theaters and such, but ISIC gets you discounted travel. If you're planning on taking advantage of the great Ryanair prices to take spur-of-the-moment trips throughout Europe or getting a rail pass, then, as they say in Ireland, ISIC's your only man.

I just read that last reply and realized that it was misleading. Of course you can still get the great Ryanair fares without an ISIC, but all other travel is made easier with it.

Having spent this spring studying abroad at Trinity I just thought I would share some of my 'wisdom'.

1. Not to trash the trinity accomodations office but they are not going to help you find a place at all. they are going to tell you to look on daft.ie and look in the newspaper. As an american having just arrived on the plane after an 8 hour flight this was rather unnerving to say the least. I would definitely recommend that you have a place to stay and store your stuff..ie not a hostel, but hotel or b&b for at least the first 2-3 nights. It really takes that long to find a place because you really need to visit any accomodation before you sign a lease. unless you know someone in dublin, it is really difficult to get a place before hand
2. be careful using daft because not everyone in dublin is quite so honest, I had a rather horrible experience at my first house.
3. in terms of cost of living expect to spend at least 600 us dollars a month on rent plus 50 dollars in utilities, for food 75 us dollars a week depending on how much you cook-eating out is very expensive, then plan in the price of trips and extras-which is much more expensive if you plan to visit the continent often, but bus travel around ireland is really cheap and you dont need to buy the travelcard to get student discounts

OK I have a little knowledge on this. I knoe the accommodation office is not going to find tyou an apt but what about campus housing? Its on par with renting costs and if you get Goldsmith hall its at the back of campus. Trinity hall is on the luas which is approx a 10 minute tram ride.

DC is more didgy that Dubklin. As a female I feel safer here that when I left NY 11 years ago. I would not tie yourself in knots worring about things as when you get here you will probably meet other international students and get a group of pals quickly. There are a few oplaces to eat in and around campus that are reasonable as well.

Cost of living is hiogh but like lost students you just live in your means.

Never ever take an apartment especially a share over the internet...it's insane and you need to see the neighborhood. I would also be careful of hostels as they can be a bit creepy in some areas. You could always get accommodation at the college and then move later oif you find a place and get refunded the money for the time you sis not stay. Ask them if they will do thins but do NOY tell them why

Buy a pay as you go phone here for approx 100 euro. Meteor seem to have some good deals (its one of the brands)

lastly don't worry and enjoy. The city is nice and fun for a student and Trinity is a great college...enjoy!

cmf46, is perfectly right about daft.ie, be very careful, there has been a scam on the news about some conman renting/selling to people, they handed over their cash, and their accommodation never existed!

Try to get the Irish newspapers before you come, and look up flats/house sharing. My daughters friends rents a 3 bedroom house with 5 other girls, and its really nice, sharing a house can be good if you get the right location. Just be careful, and dont be too trusting.