Digs, house share or student residence: which suits you?
13 October 2026
Most students in Ireland end up in one of three places: digs, a house share or a student residence. Each has its own costs, freedoms and rules. Here is how they compare, so you can choose what suits you rather than taking the first thing available.
Digs: a room in someone's home
In digs you rent a room in a homeowner's house, often from Monday to Friday, going home at weekends. Bills are usually included, and some hosts include meals. It is often the cheapest option near campus and can be a good choice in first year.
The trade-off is less independence: you live by the household's routine and rules. You are usually a licensee rather than a tenant, so agree the days, price, notice and deposit in writing.
House share: your own room, shared kitchen
In a house share you rent a room in a house or apartment with other students or workers, and share the kitchen, living space and often the bathroom. You have more freedom, but you also split bills and chores with housemates.
If the owner doesn't live there, you are usually a tenant with rights under the Residential Tenancies Acts, and the landlord must register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board.
Student residence: convenient but pricier
Purpose-built student accommodation is usually close to campus, with security, study spaces and bills included. It is also usually the most expensive option, and rooms are often booked far in advance.
Check the length of the contract carefully: some run for the full academic year, and leaving early can be costly.
How to choose
If cost matters most, look at digs and house shares first. If you want to be walking distance from lectures with everything included, compare student residences. If you want independence and a social house, a house share is the classic choice.
Whatever you choose, view the place first, ask who else lives there, and get the key terms in writing.