Types of Student Accommodation in Ireland

Home to over 32,000 international students, Ireland has become a popular destination for studying abroad. The country’s welcoming nature, top-ranking universities, and distinct global courses are some of the reasons for the increased student traction over the years. From choosing the best courses to finding housing facilities, planning to study abroad can be exhausting. This is why in this blog, we will cover the different types of student accommodation in Ireland and how to find the most suitable one as an international student.

Quick Facts About Ireland

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Types of Student Accommodation in Ireland

There are two main types of student accommodations in Ireland, i.e. on-campus and off-campus. On-campus housing refers to hostels, dorms, and apartments on a university campus while off-campus refers to apartments, houses, and homestays located outside the campus areas. Before choosing between the two, here are some facts you should consider:

• There is a shortage of on-campus housing.
• The cost of living on campus is higher.
• Off-campus is less expensive, but there is more administration.
• Off-campus living offers lower transportation costs and more independence.

On-Campus Student Accommodation in Ireland

On-campus housing is the most preferred option for students studying in Ireland. It offers students the opportunity to stay on campus, take part in diverse activities, and gives them easy access to campus facilities like libraries, labs, cafes, and restaurants. Here are some important factors to consider:

Perks of Living on Campus

On-campus housing is offered by all major universities in Ireland, usually in the form of halls of residence. It’s usually a good idea to check out what’s available at your prospective universities’ accommodation sections on their websites or by contacting the student housing office. With so many students looking for on-campus housing, it’s important to start your research and inquiries as soon as possible. Furthermore, certain schools favour specific student profiles, such as first- and second-year undergraduate students, as well as a particular percentage of overseas students. Here are some advantages-

• On-campus access to amenities and facilities is great.
• It will be easier for you to go to lectures, seminars, and examinations.
• An all-inclusive package that streamlines money management
• Round the clock staff from the institution, including security and health services
• A close-knit campus community allows you to meet new individuals and develop new friends.
• It’s simpler to plan from afar because you simply have to deal with the institution.
• Assurance of the accommodation’s quality

Student Life 

While there are variations, the nature of on-campus housing at different colleges is very similar. A room in a hall of residence, which are big apartment-style structures, will be allocated to you. The University of Limerick, for example, divides student housing into seven student villages, each accommodating 300 to 400 students.

Cost of On-Campus Housing

On-campus, rooms are either shared with another student or equipped with a study area and, in some circumstances, a private bathroom. This is primarily determined by your application choices and budget, as well as your availability. Kitchen and eating facilities, as well as relaxation areas such as sitting rooms and TV lounges, are generally shared by three to seven other students. Some colleges have meal plans that include meals provided in dining halls, but this comes at a fee.

If you want to stay on campus, you’ll need to think about your finances. The cost of tuition varies depending on the university, the kind of accommodation, and the location of the campus. A room will cost you between EUR 4,000 (INR 3.4 lakhs) and EUR 6,000 (INR 5 lakhs) a year, or around EUR 500 (INR 43000) per month on average. It will be less expensive if you share a room, with an average annual cost of EUR 3,500 (INR 3 lakhs). Here are some additional costs-

• Down payment
• Utility bills 
• Expenditure on entertainment
• Cost of food and groceries

How to Apply for On-Campus Accommodation?

• Once you’ve received an offer, you are eligible for housing and can fill out the application form offered by the university.
• Students should check the last date for application for popular intakes
• Though the cost of accommodation varies depending on the college, the fees are paid in two instalments in the months of September and February.
• Students applying for scholarships should apply for the accommodation in advance.

Off-Campus Accommodation in Ireland

Off-campus accommodation is popular amongst postgraduate students and Ph.D. students. Off-campus accommodation offers a sense of independence as students get to manage their activities without any hostel restrictions. Most universities assist students in finding private rentals and even update a list of available housing options for prospective students to view. Let’s look at some of the important facts about off-campus student accommodation in Ireland-

Perks of Living Off-Campus in Ireland

Off-campus housing options include university-run housing, university-endorsed housing, private rentals, and homestay alternatives, among others. A lot of colleges provide off-campus housing alternatives due to a shortage of capacity and space on campus. Hostel-style accommodation, apartment-style buildings, or shared residences owned and managed by the university are examples. They may differ from on-campus choices in terms of how university services, such as security and food, are delivered.

Living off-campus has certain advantages, such as a lower average cost compared to staying on campus, as well as a wider range of options and types of housing. You’ll also have fewer restrictions in terms of guests, curfews, noise, and decor. Living off-campus may teach you important life skills like independence, initiative, and money management. It allows you to become more connected to the larger community and city in which you live.

Student Life

You must consider the expense of traveling to and from college. Most schools provide accommodation help prior to your arrival in the country, with foreign students getting priority. The cost of university-run off-campus housing varies based on the option you pick, with a shared living being less expensive. This sort of housing will set you back at least EUR 3,000 (INR 2.5 lakhs) each year.

Private companies that work with or are recognized by a college may also provide off-campus housing. Universities can occasionally help you locate a place to stay by connecting you with providers or housing services. The alternatives you’ll have may vary, but generally speaking, you’ll be able to pick between a single or shared room in a home or apartment shared with other students with communal spaces.

Cost of Living for Private Rentals 

The renting options may be more flexible and less expensive than those available on campus. A single room will cost from EUR 180 (INR 15000) to EUR 200 (INR 17000) per month, with an additional EUR 30 (INR 2500) for utilities. Monthly costs for shared rooms range from EUR 130 (INR 11000) to EUR 150 (INR 13000) per month. You’ll need to consider the expenditure on food as well as other services like Wi-Fi and property taxes. A deposit of between EUR 600 (INR 51000) and EUR 800 (INR 69000) will be requested to secure the accommodation, which will be refunded if the property is not damaged or repairs are required. Additional costs for off-campus students to consider-

• Rental deposit fees along with the monthly rent
• Rent is paid on a monthly basis
• Utilities and taxes cost EUR 100 (INR 8000) each month
• Basic home supplies, such as bedding and kitchenware, will be required.
• Entertainment expenses can be around EUR 160 (INR 13000) per year.

Things to Consider Before Renting

• In-person research and viewing of rental properties is extremely important
• Always sign the lease before transferring funds 
• Check the monthly rent cost with friends, locals and consultants to avoid fraud
• The lease period should be for at least 12 months or more
• Sharing a room with other students is more cost-effective than renting alone

Cost of Living for HomeStay

A homestay is popular student accommodation for a first-year foreign student wherein they live with a local family to save money and get a homely environment. Students get their own room as well as a study area. The family provides a complete package that includes meals, utilities, and lodging. The average monthly cost is around EUR 180 (INR 15000). Homestays allow students to adapt to the cultural and social life of a foreign city and provide them with a supportive environment to grow.

Disadvantages of Living Off-Campus in Ireland

There are a few disadvantages to living off-campus, the most significant of which being the large number of variables required in arranging housing and related costs. You’ll have to deal with a variety of service providers, as well as the city government and your landlord. Being off campus will need familiarising yourself with the public transportation system and factoring in your commute time to college. This might entail missing out on some campus events or having to get up earlier in order to make it to lectures on time. It’s also an extra charge. Students often get poorly maintained rentals that are costly to maintain and care for. 

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What are the Best Tips for Finding Student Accommodation in Ireland?

• Take help from prospective universities and educational consultancies to find the best type of student accommodation in Ireland.
• Make a realistic budget before signing a lease or accepting university accommodation. You might wish to seek a scholarship or financing opportunity that includes housing and a stipend.
• Verify the paperwork for private rentals before transferring money and funds
• Before applying for or confirming housing, make sure you have a formal offer from an Irish university

Want to know what’s the ideal student accommodation in Ireland for your budget? Call Leverage Edu experts today on 1800 572 000 to shortlist the best and cheapest accommodations options in your dream destination!

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