It is really useful as part of your financial planning for University to plan your budget for the academic year.
If you have to pay fees please see the Fees Office Webpage for details of the possible costs and ways to pay.
Your budget is indivdual to you but could include costs like rent, utilities, travel, books, printing, field trips, course related equipment e.g. laptop, lab coat, etc. Depending on your situation you may have other costs that are important to you. It is vital to assess what are your Needs - things you have to pay to live like food and what are your Wants - good things to have but not essential to your survival at university. A sustainable budget covers the Needs first and then tries to manage the Wants.
To help you work out a realistic household budget try the MABS Website Money Manager at MABS
The major cost associated with attending University for most students will be fees.
Undergraduate Fees can be made up of the Tuition fee, the Student Contribution and the Student Levy.
Undergraduate students attending publicly funded third-level courses who are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative do not have to pay tuition fees. All other students are liable for tuition fees, see the links below for the Fees and Grants Office for more information.,
The Student Contribution for 2023/24 is €3,000, and must be paid by all students unless they are in receipt of a Higher Education Grant, awarded by SUSI (which may cover some or all this fee).
The Student Levy is payable by all students. The levy for 2023/24 is €150. This is the minimum payment required to become a registered student of Maynooth University.
All matters relating to Fees (Tuition, Student Contribution, and Student Levy) and personal queries relating to Higher Education Grants (SUSI) are dealt with by the University Fees & Grants Office. Staff can be contacted by email, telephone or on a drop-in basis. The Student Fees and Grants Office is located in the Bursar's Office, Rye Extension on the North Campus of Maynooth University. FAQs about Fees & Grants
It is really useful as part of your financial planning for University to be aware of the costs of living whether you are living at or away from home. Please see the cost of living planner to help you with your planning.
Estimated Average Expense Planner
Accommodation
Searching for the right accommodation remains the biggest issue a new student needs to sort out. The main priority is to find the best located accommodation, to the best standard that you can afford. We always advise students to source accommodation early to have the best choices, however, there is no need to panic and do not take the first place you see if you don’t like it.
The Accommodation Office offers guidance and advice on all matters related to accommodation.
Books and Stationery - University is not the same a school - you do not need every book for every subject! Don't rush into it. Wait and see what core books you need. Use the library and online/printing options if it is just specific chapters you need.
Also check with your local Library once you have your book list - they may be able to get in books for you and there will be much less competition for each copy. You can buy books in the Maynooth University Bookshop, other students will be putting up ads around campus for second hand books and you may also find that charity shops in the town may have college related books. Check out the Books for Sale Maynooth University Facebook page - you might find your books there. Don't rule out e-books or purchasing your essential texts online. You can also group together to buy your books and share with your friends. Please remember to make sure any books you are buying or borrowing are the right edition.
Photocopying and Printing - Be careful when you are printing or photocopying notes etc. Every page you produce is costing you money so only print what you actually need and where possible, print “back to back” as this is cheaper – you will be surprised at how much money you lose when you over print! For more information follow this link Photocopying and Printing Costs at Maynooth University
Laptops - You may feel that now you are a third level student, you MUST have a laptop! In some ways you do but there are options. See if you could be eligible for a Laptop Loan from your university if you meet the criteria. There are also 3 hour short term laptop loans available if you need a laptop while on campus. These laptops may only be used on campus and will cost you €1 per hour for every hour over the 3 hour limit - please don't forget you have it and bring it home for the weekend!!
You will find more details and locations on the Laptop Loan webpage.
Course Related Costs - There can be costs associated with some courses that you need to include in your budget. These could include the cost of specific equipment, field trips or the cost of a year studying abroad. You should seek this information from your Academic Department as early as possible and talk to the Student Budgeting Advisor at the Drop in Clinics or Book an Appointment .
We all need advice at times and none of us know everything. See the lise of supports for students below. Remember - it is better to ask than to worry.