Australians - Study in Europe

 
 

 
 

This website is dedicated to making it easier for Australians to embark on postgraduate study in Europe.

As well as providing a host of links to relevant websites in Europe and Australia ASiE also undertakes research and consultation with the EU Commission, European governments and a great number of universities and foundations. The aim is to produce and update as much as possible all information concerning grants and scholarships available to Australian students seeking to pursue doctoral studies in Europe.

 
 

Ireland - Accomodation

 

Overview

The Irish economic boom has now been going on for more than 10 years and this has placed considerable stress on infrastructure, including housing, in many parts of the country, particularly Dublin. Thus you should expect accommodation to take up a large part of you living expenses.

The cost of accommodation depends upon whether you choose to live in on-campus accommodation, in private rented accommodation or with a host family (known as living ‘in digs’). Payment for on-campus accommodation is generally in two installments – one in September and one in January – with the total costs ranging from €3,000 to €5,000 per person, per academic year. Private accommodation costs can vary widely depending upon the location and quality, with monthly rent ranging from €400 to €800 per person (excluding utilities). The average weekly cost of living in digs is between €100 – €150.

The universities do offer support services to help international students find accommodation but the key is to inquire as early as possible. The university should be able to provide you with lists of possible student accommodation but once on the ground notice boards and word of mouth around campus are invaluable. You can also check out the accommodation websites www.daft.ie and www.letbynet.com for possibilities.

 

 

 

Types of accommodation

On-Campus Accommodation

All the Irish universities and some of the institutes of technology and private colleges provide on-campus accommodation. Many colleges have recently developed campus accommodation buildings and most set aside a certain amount of space for international students, giving you a good chance of getting an on-campus home.
These new modern “student villages” usually consist of a number of large apartment blocks with nearby services such as shops, laundry and parking. Each unit normally holds between one and six people, with your own bedroom, with a desk and en-suite, and a shared kitchen and living room.

Digs

Living “in digs” – i.e. as a paying guest in someone’s home - has been a traditional option for Irish students moving away from home for many years. People living in digs usually have their own bedroom and bathroom, with shared eating and TV facilities, and the landlady (or landlord) provides breakfast and dinner.

The (generally) secure, comfortable environment of digs, especially the regular meals and clean rooms, are tempting to many students and parents. However, you won’t have the same freedom as you would if you rented accommodation, and tenants’ legislation does not apply to students living in digs. International students should be especially careful that they choose a place where they will be comfortable.

 

Renting

Renting private accommodation is also a popular option for international students, especially those with a family. It is also possible to do as is common in Australia and move into, or organise, a share house.
Some student housing can be towards the lower-quality end of the rental market, so it is important to find a trustworthy landlord. The landlord should never enter the house without your permission. It is also his or her responsibility to ensure that all appliances are working, that there are solid locks on all doors and that the heating and hot water systems are functioning correctly. Inspect the house thoroughly before handing over any funds, and bring someone along (such as a parent or friend) who knows how to see warning signs of damp and other structural problems.

You should insist on receiving a rent book and proper written lease, and it is generally best, though not always possible, to pay rent by direct debit. Renters generally pay a month’s deposit in advance and give each month’s rent in advance. You should also make sure that everybody involved knows who will pay bills such as gas, waste collection, insurance and connection fees for phone and cable television.


Useful Links

College Cribs a dedicated database of student accommodation in Ireland

Renting in Ireland overview

 


 
 
 
This website is an initiative of the Contemporary Europe Research Centre (CERC) at the University of Melbourne and has received funding and support from the Australian Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training, The Delegation of the European Commission to Australia and New Zealand and The National Europe Centre at the Australian National University.
 
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