Accommodation

Accommodation & Living – A guide for international students

Students have a wide variety of accommodation to choose from, which falls into four broad types:

• 1.On-campus accommodation:

Campus accommodation is always in demand and it can be quite difficult to find. All universities have halls of residence, generally as apartments of 4 to 8 students, with a private bedroom and shared kitchen, living room and bathroom. The average price of a room in a student block or 'village' is EUR 550-600 per month. On campus accommodatxion must normally be paid in 2 instalments, in September and in February. In most campus accommodation, it is not possible to pay your rent on a monthly basis. You will usually have to pay a deposit of one month's rent in advance, refunded when you leave. Utilities such as heating are usually extra, although several halls of residence include heat and electricity in their initial charge and deduct payment for usage in excess of the average allowed from the deposit when you leave. It is important to check arrangements with your college.

• 2. Long-term student hostel:

This is another option with quite limited availability, but which can be quite flexible. You stay in a hostel with other students and your monthly rent provides for use of a communal living area and kitchen, along with a bedroom. Breakfast and sometimes dinner will be included in the rent, as are utility bills. Expect to pay around EUR 550.

• 3. Accommodation with a family:

  You can live as a paying guest in an Irish home, where you have your own room with space to study, but otherwise share the house with the family. This is a popular option with students attending English Language Schools, especially for short courses, but is also an arrangement that works well for many further and higher education students. In Ireland, accommodation with a family is commonly known as living in ?digs?. Normally, morning and evening meals will be provided but you will need to buy your own midday meal on campus or elsewhere. There are no extra charges for heat, light etc., and some of your laundry will be done. The average weekly charge is EUR 100 – EUR 150, and you may be expected to pay one month's rent in advance and usually a deposit of one month's rent.

  The options here include renting a bed-sit, a flat/apartment or sharing a house. It is usually cheaper to share accommodation with others.

  • • 4. Private rented accommodation: