Finding student accommodation in Ireland
When to start looking, the different options, and how to avoid paying for a place you've never seen.
Start early
Rooms near Dublin campuses go quickly before each academic year. Start looking in early summer, and set up saved searches so you hear about new ads straight away.
Your options
Purpose-built student accommodation: convenient but usually the most expensive.
House shares: a room in a house with other students or workers, usually on a tenancy.
Weekday room: a room in the host's home from Monday to Friday; you go home at weekends. Called 'digs' in Ireland. Sometimes with meals, and usually the cheapest option near campus.
Think about the commute
A cheaper room further out can cost more once you add bus or train fares and time. On StayLister, pick your college to see places sorted by distance, then check public transport times from each ad.
Stay safe
Never send money before viewing, especially if you are coming from abroad. If you can't view in person, ask a friend to view it for you or book short-term accommodation for your first weeks.
Common questions
When should I start looking for student accommodation in Dublin?
Start looking in early summer. Rooms near Dublin campuses go quickly before each academic year.
What is the cheapest student accommodation near campus?
A weekday room (a room in the host's home from Monday to Friday; called 'digs' in Ireland) is usually the cheapest option near campus. Purpose-built student accommodation is usually the most expensive.
What if I can't view a room before I arrive?
Never send money before viewing. Ask a friend to view it for you, or book short-term accommodation for your first weeks.