Home can be where the headache is

Here are a few guidelines and tips for anyone starting to think about accommodation for next year

Accommodation. The big word that instantly distresses any student attending college in Dublin who lives beyond commuting distance. Of course, it is not just students that are affected by the ongoing housing crisis occurring in Ireland’s capital city, as well as other Irish cities and towns. Extortionate costs in the rental market, and an decreasing number of bed spaces have made the search process extremely difficult and burdensome. Thus, it is indispensable that college students enter the market fully informed and aware of what exactly is involved in the search for accommodation. Unfortunately, due to the reality of demand exceeding supply not only in Trinity but in all of Dublin, the majority of students who are not able to live on campus or in Trinity Hall are required to seek a private alternative.

Most College-owned accommodation centres give priority to incoming first-year students. Trinity Hall is an official residence of College and provides around a thousand spaces with more rooms under planned construction. New entrants to Trinity in need of accomodation typically apply for this complex. For a first year student moving out of the family home for the first time, such an environment provides the perfect opportunity to settle into college life smoothly and make some lifelong friends. Trinity Hall is located on Dartry Road, near Rathmines, and offers both single and shared bedrooms which vary in price.

“Many students group together with their close friends to find somewhere and this can be helpful, especially if you are willing to share a room, which will dramatically reduce your rent.”

There is not space in Trinity Hall for every first year and many are forced to search elsewhere. Undoubtedly, one of the most important things when looking for accommodation is location. Although rental prices are much higher closer to the city centre, living a considerable distance from College can ultimately lead to costly leap card top-ups and long commutes. It is also vital to ensure, especially if your new place is not located within walking distance, that there is adequate public transport access nearby. It is advisable to begin the search process well in advance of the beginning of the academic year, to allow plenty of time to view different options that are within your budget, as many places are booked rather quickly. Many students group together with their close friends to find somewhere and this can be helpful, especially if you are willing to share a room, which will dramatically reduce your rent. If this is not a possibility, there is also the option of posting on the Trinity Accommodation Noticeboard to find a suitable place, or look to see if there are other people looking for roommates on websites such as Roomgo.

“An extremely useful tool for students living outside of Dublin or for those who are not searching for accomodation with a group of people is to access to the TCDSU’s Accommodation Support Facebook page.”

As you begin your search, students may often be unsure about whom to contact for help or what approach they should take to find a place to stay. An extremely useful tool for students living outside of Dublin, and for those who are not searching for accomodation with a group of people, is to have access to the TCDSU Accommodation Support Facebook page. This is an effective network that allows students within the university to both advertise available rooms and to place a notice that you’re looking for somewhere. The SU also provides an online accommodation portal that mainly advertises digs. Digs can be situated in ideal locations, have reasonable rent prices, and can be very suitable for students who go home at the weekend. In addition, for the last year of your degree at Trinity, students can apply for a room on campus.

Websites such as Daft.ie or Rent.ie can be useful and helpful, but it is important to be careful of scams on such websites and do not make any sort of payment until you have viewed the property. No matter where you have found the accommodation, in the private market it is fundamental that a viewing is made to fully establish and guarantee that the place is liveable, legitimate, and safe. Although many can be particularly expensive, there are several student accommodation complexes around the city that students can opt for.

“Some landlords insist on a year-long lease and therefore, whilst you may not be physically staying in Dublin during the summer months, you will still be legally required to pay the rent.”

For students in the private rental market, there are several important points to bring up with the landlord prior to making any kind of payment, whether it be a rent instalment or a deposit. It is vital that before signing an agreement, a tenant is fully sure of the length of the lease that they are agreeing to. Some landlords insist on a year-long lease and therefore, whilst you may not be physically staying in Dublin during the summer months, you will still be legally required to pay the rent. This is something to be careful of if you are not willing to pay for the full year. A student should also query about the landlord’s required payment method – some may demand cash in hand, others may prefer an online payment transaction.

Another key question to ask the landlord upon finding a place is whether bills and utilities such as internet, electricity, and refuse are included in the overall rent, or if there is an additional cost. Also, some property owners may be particularly strict on overnight guests and the authorisation of parties or large gatherings in the accommodation – two things that should be made clear before signing a contract. Finally, it is advisable to inquire about what furnishings or household appliances are included in the arrangement. Some houses or apartments will provide more domestic items and furniture than others.

There are numerous resources available to help in the search for accommodation in a housing crisis. With many difficulties posed for students finding accommodation, it is crucial to be fully aware of your budget. Depending on this, there are many different options from private accommodation to digs around the city. Remember to be aware and careful of scams, exorbitant rent prices, and location, and to always make sure you have viewed the place on offer before paying anything. Good luck with your search!