Erasmus and semester students: finding a room in Ireland for 4–5 months

Your options for one semester

Short-term rooms: rooms let for a few months at a time, often by people who are away themselves. Search our short-term rooms and filter by your dates.

Digs: a room in a family home, sometimes with meals. It's often the cheapest option, and many hosts are happy to take a student for one semester.

College residences: ask your host college's international or accommodation office early. Places for exchange students are limited.

House shares: some landlords and housemates will take someone for a semester, especially from January.

When to look

For a September start, start in spring and expect most ads in July and August. For January, start in November: rooms come free as other students leave at Christmas.

Set up alerts so you hear about new rooms straight away.

Booking from abroad safely

The most common scam targets students who can't view in person: a nice room at a low price, and a request for a deposit before you arrive. Never pay for a room you or someone you trust hasn't seen.

If you can't view before you travel, ask for a live video call walking through the room, or book a short-term room or hostel for your first week and view in person.

On StayLister, each ad shows whether the advertiser confirmed their phone, email and ID. Use the site's messages and keep a record.

What to agree

Your exact start and end dates, the rent, the deposit and when it's returned, what's included, and the notice. Agree it in writing before you pay.

Common questions

Can I rent a room in Ireland for just one semester?

Yes. Look at short-term rooms, digs and college residences, and agree your end date in writing.

How do I avoid scams when renting from abroad?

Never pay before the room is viewed, in person or on a live video call. Be wary of low prices and pressure to pay quickly.