It’s one of the most common questions among people planning a study abroad experience in Dublin: should you go alone or bring a friend along? There’s no single right answer — but there is a right answer for you. Let’s help you figure out which one that is.
The freedom of going solo
Heading to Ireland on your own might sound daunting, but ask anyone who’s done it and they’ll tell you: it’s one of the most life-changing things you can do. When you don’t have a familiar face as a safety net, you naturally push yourself to connect with the world around you.
You make friends from all over the globe, learn to handle everyday challenges on your own, and come home with a much stronger sense of self. Your English improves faster too — because you have to use it constantly. There’s no falling back on your native language when things get tricky.
The first few days can feel overwhelming, and that’s completely normal. If you’re wondering how to handle the emotional side of settling in, check out our guide on homesickness abroad and how to make the most of your time even when everything feels unfamiliar.
The comfort of going with a friend
Bringing a friend along has its own magic — and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. Sharing the experience with someone you trust makes the tough moments easier and the incredible ones even more memorable.
You can split costs, support each other through the early weeks of adjustment, and have a built-in companion for weekend adventures. Plans actually happen, and you never have to explore a new city alone if you don’t want to.
The thing to watch out for, though, is creating a comfort bubble. If you and your friend spend all your time together, speaking your own language and sticking to familiar routines, the experience can start to feel more like a long holiday than a genuine exchange — and your English progress may suffer.
How to get the best of both worlds
The good news? You can absolutely strike a balance. If you’re going with someone, agree from the start that you’ll each have your own schedule at school, make new friends independently, and challenge yourselves to speak English — even when you’re together.
If you’re going solo, don’t worry — you won’t stay lonely for long. SEDA College classrooms bring together students from dozens of different countries, and friendships tend to form quickly, both in class and in shared accommodation.
Either way, a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing what to do in your first 48 hours after arriving in Dublin will help you hit the ground running — whether you’re on your own or arriving with a friend.
So, which type are you?
If you’re looking for rapid personal growth, faster fluency, and meaningful international friendships, going solo might be the best decision you ever make. If you want to share something extraordinary with someone close to you and still grow along the way, going together can absolutely work — as long as you’re both genuinely committed to the experience.
At the end of the day, what defines the quality of your time abroad isn’t who you go with — it’s the mindset you bring when you get there.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch and find out how studying in Ireland with SEDA College can transform your future.
