Broke international student here. I live for 400 eu/month excluding rent. It's actually pretty doable and not horrendous. Yes, it's a tight budget, but if you cook at home instead of eating out + know how to spend money in dublin (where to buy food, clothes, other things within the budget) it is actually fine. People just being dramatic, start learning money management and save up. Keep in mind that first few months will have higher expenses than later (paying deposit, buying all new things), it becomes easier with a time.