Once you have been accepted to your dream course at your preferred university, you will need to think about choosing student accommodation in Ireland.
You will have a few different options when it comes to accommodation and each comes with different amenities and services. From halls of residence to rented accommodation, we help you find the best type of housing to suit your budget and requirements when studying in Ireland.
Today, many international students choose Ireland as a place to study. It has excellent educational facilities and a strong reputation for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Each year, tens of thousands of students from overseas head to the country to study for a higher education degree.
Types of student accommodation in Ireland
Overall, you have a few different options available when it comes to living in Ireland for study.
In addition, where you choose to live depends on different factors. When choosing your accommodation, consider your budget, location and access to university services.
Here, we provide an overview of the different accommodation types for international students.
Halls of residence
Often, halls of residence are based on a university’s campus. However, these can also be other apartments or houses that are located around a city.
Generally, this type of accommodation houses 4 to 8 students with shared facilities. Students usually have their own private room, but share a kitchen, living area and bathroom.
In Ireland, students who choose to live in halls of residence pay their rent in two installments, once in September and again in February. Also, most universities ask for a deposit up front that equals one month’s rent.
One of the main benefits of living in halls of residence is that they are usually located near to all the university’s facilities. Therefore, if you are studying a course where you are likely to spend a lot of time on campus, then this could be a good choice.
In addition, international students often choose an on campus halls of residence to help with socialising and to gradually get used to their new location.
But, some off campus halls of residence might require you to travel to and from the university. Before applying for this type of accommodation, always check where it is located.
Included facilities
If you choose halls of residence as your accommodation in Ireland, you are likely to have access to the following facilities.
- Wifi
- Furnishings (bed, desk, chairs)
- Kitchen facilities
- Bathroom
- Electricity and heating
Further amenities, like catered meals, security and cleaning might be available for an additional cost. Also, some universities do not include electricity and heating costs within the rent payments.
Check what is included in halls of residence with your university before applying for accommodation.
Rented accommodation
In rented accommodation, you can share a house or apartment off-campus with other students. Alternatively, you can rent your own house or apartment, but this would be expensive.
Sometimes, students can share with anywhere between 2 to 8 other people, or possibly more in some residence. Also, facilities can be shared between the students, or you might have your own bathroom and facilities depending on the location.
Generally, many landlords or letting agents specifically provide student accommodation in Ireland and rented places are often cheaper than halls of residence. In addition, most universities have an accommodation service that can offer advice on where to live off campus.
Often, students pay for rented accommodation in monthly installments, with one month’s rent paid as a deposit. However, this could vary depending on the landlord or letting agent.
Included facilities
Rented accommodation usually comes with everything you need when studying in Ireland. These types of accommodation can provide the following facilities.
- Wifi
- Furnishings (bed, desk, chairs)
- Electricity and heating
- Kitchen facilities
- Bathroom
- Living area
Usually, you will have to clean and cook in rented accommodation as it is self-catering. Also, some renting options may not include bill payments, which you might have to arrange yourself.
But, your university should offer support if you need help with organising these payments.
Hosted accommodation
In most Irish cities, students can stay with a family or live-in landlord. Here, you are likely to have your own room within someone's house and access to their facilities, like the kitchen, bathroom and living areas.
Like a rented residence, you will most likely pay monthly rent in hosted accommodation along with a deposit equal to one month’s rent.
Staying in hosted accommodation is a good way to integrate with the local community and it is a cheaper alternative. However, you may not be as close to your university and you could be further away from fellow students too.
Included facilities
Usually, you will have access to the following facilities in hosted accommodation. But this could vary depending on who you stay with. Always check with your host that they have everything you need before accepting.
- Wifi
- Furnishing (bed, desk, chairs)
- Electricity and heating
- Shared bathroom and kitchen facilities
Also read: How to find student housing facility abroad
Average accommodation cost in Ireland for international students
Student accommodation in Ireland will be different depending on where you study. For instance, the costs in big cities are generally more compared to smaller towns.
However, the cost also varies depending on any additional services or facilities you need, like catering or private facilities.
To help see the difference in cost for accommodation at Irish universities, we provide a guide of the average prices below.
Dublin
- Halls of residence - €206 per week
- Rented accommodation - €149 per week
- Hosted accommodation - €192 per week
Cork
- Halls of residence - €160 per week
- Rented accommodation - €137 per week
- Hosted accommodation - €150 per week
Galway
- Halls of residence - €187 per week
- Rented accommodation - €162 per week
- Hosted accommodation - €140 per week
Also Read: Cost of living in Ireland
FAQs
How much does student accommodation cost in Ireland?
On average, student residence in Ireland ranges from €137 per week to €206 per week. Fees vary depending on your choice of accommodation and the city where your university is.
How can students find a place to live in Ireland?
Firstly, you can check with your university’s accommodation services team, who can guide you on where to find somewhere to live. Alternatively, students can apply for halls through their university or they can check online adverts for private housing. But, you must always check that private housing is safe and legitimate. If you are unsure, contact your university for help.
How do I apply for accommodation?
Usually, international students apply for on-campus or university halls directly through the university. Off campus private accommodation is generally managed by a private landlord or letting company. Also, you can apply for some hosted accommodation through your university or through a private advert.
