For most students hoping to start their third level education in September securing accommodation is a priority.
Options include on-campus student accommodation, off-campus privately owned student blocks, lodgings/digs, or privately rented houses/apartments.
First years often opt for on-campus accommodation. Advantages include proximity to lectures, library, sports facilities and on-campus social events.
The community atmosphere makes it easy to meet new people. Fees are usually inclusive of utility bills and are for the nine-month duration of the academic year only.
Residence support teams are in place and almost all universities offer security outside of office hours.
Most colleges reserve a large percentage of on-campus accommodation for first years. This type of accommodation, however, is almost always over-subscribed.
All applications received on or before the application closing date are entered into a lottery system. Unsuccessful candidates are automatically placed on a waiting list.
Opening and closing dates vary greatly from university to university. University of Limerick , DCU and University of Galway close for application on March 31.
Trinity opened for application on March 18 and will close on May 4. SETU Waterford will open on March 29; UCD in early April; and Maynooth on May 1. For DKIT you can join a wait-list here. UCC closed on March 10.
Important to note for current fifth years is the fact that both Mary I (Limerick and Thurles) and Marino take applications as early as their Autumn open days.
Many universities offer Irish language Residency Schemes, such as Trinity’s Scéim; UCD’s Teach na Gaeilge ; UCC’s Áras Uí Thuama; Maynooth’s Scéim Chónaithe; and University of Galway’s Scéim Cónaitheachta Gaeilge.
Some sports scholarships offer easier access to on-campus accommodation and/or reduced fees.
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Application rules vary from university to university. In general, a booking deposit is not required at the initial application stage. Cost per annum varies greatly too, even within each individual university.
This can depend on location, the number of tenants you share with and the standard of accommodation.
So, take a good look at what is on offer and decide which block suits you best.
University websites, as given in links above, are a great resource. It’s also a good idea to talk to students who are already there.
Many universities such as TUD, TUS, ATU, MTU, NCI, IADT, NCAD, Carlow College, SETU Carlow, don’t have on-campus accommodation, but there are privately owned student blocks nearby.
In general, these complexes open for application in March each year. As with on-campus do your homework. Always fully check out the complex, on foot as well as online.
Research public transport connections. Figure out how much time you will need to commit to travelling to and from college and what that will cost. Don’t rush and take the first place available, even if you feel under pressure.
Lodgings/digs – renting a room in a family house – is also a popular option for first years, particularly for students who may feel nervous about leaving home.
As with on-campus accommodation there is great variety of what’s on offer. Some, but not all, provide meals.
Some offer Monday to Friday only. Most are offered for the duration of the academic year only, and include the cost of bills in the rent.
Many students opt for a room in a private house or apartment. Follow the same advice as outlined above. Be aware of scams. Know what your rights are as a tenant. SpunOut offer some great advice here.
My advice is not to leave things until the last minute. Start doing your research now and don’t miss deadlines.
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SEE ALSO – Check out Martina’s previous articles here
