The University of Limerick (UL) has announced that it is to add an additional 630 beds to its on-campus accommodation for the upcoming academic year. This is to meet a growing demand for accommodation in UL, as well as a way to provide a more affordable option for students.
The increase is being provided by converting rooms that are currently single rooms into twin rooms, giving students the option to share a room for a reduced price.
The conversions are expected to add an additional 630 beds in time for incoming students in September.
UL says it has experienced “phenomenal growth” in the past 12 years – with an almost 50% increase in student numbers from 11,500 in 2008 to 16,300 in 2019.
UL President Dr Des Fitzpatrick stated: “With the growth in student numbers and following a detailed review of different options and a survey of student requirements, we are planning to develop shared accommodation for students.”
He added: “This will add another 630 beds to the 2,850 already available in our on-campus residences.”
The cost of a single room in an apartment on-campus currently ranges from €4768.40 to €6812. The cost of a twin room will range from under €3,000 to €4,250 per person. This price will also include utilities and UL Sport membership.
Earlier this year, UL’s on-campus accommodation was ranked first in Ireland for the quality and cost of its accommodation in the I-Graduate international student barometer survey.
The Campus Life Services COO, Michael Foley believes twin room conversions will help to address the challenge on supply of accommodation in the short term, as well as providing a more affordable cost option for parents and students. He also explained how UL will continue to promote local house owners of tax-free renting to students.
He stated: “This rent a room option can provide an important source of tax-free cash (up to €14,000) per year to the householder and is becoming popular for households and students. Campus Life Services has run print and radio media campaigns over the last two years, along with flyer drops to thousands of homes promoting the ‘Rent a Room Scheme’.”
He added: “This rent a room sector now provides 5% of the University of Limerick accommodation requirements and has expanded since it was initially promoted in 2017.”
UL’s on-campus accommodation is comprised of six residential villages: Thomond, Dromroe, Cappavilla, Kilmurr, Plassey and Quigley.
