THE HOUSING CRISIS has made it more difficult for students to find somewhere to live during their third-level education. Each year, the scramble for accommodation often sees students facing paying high rents or making long commutes to and from college due to the limited options available to them. A recent report found that more than three-quarters of students are paying over €750 per month in rent for accommodation during their time in college.
Earlier this year, student unions from five of the largest universities in the country to encourage homeowners who live near college campuses who have a spare room to consider helping address the shortage of student accommodation. We asked students and parents of students to share their experiences of trying to secure somewhere to stay. Here’s what they told us.
One student told that he was accepted into the National Film School at IADT in Dun Laoghaire this year. He said that commuting wasn’t an option for him, as it would take over two hours each way, so he decided to look for somewhere to stay in the area. “It became immediately clear that it would be impossible to find affordable accommodation in the area,” he said.
“In the end, I was forced to rent a studio apartment for almost triple what my friends are paying for there accommodation. Despite its ideal location and perks, it is a luxury I do not need nor can be sustained for the duration of my third-level education.” Lucas is a 26-year-old mature student in his thir.