One of the most important aspects of university life is, of course, securing a place to live through it all. And as we all know, finding student accommodation in this day and age can be stressful. In short, it’s never too early to start the search but there’s some things you should watch out for.
So, where do you start:
1. Facebook Groups – If you are still hunting for accommodation, hit up Facebook for accommodation groups for your specific University. For example, DIT has a Student Accommodation Group which you can check out here: DIT Student Acc. Group. (Be careful not to send money via any method without fully researching first.)
2. Digs – Probably not as popular as once were but still a viable option. Essentially, you will be living with a family or live in owner to which there are some advantages; the apartment or house is more than likely to be in good nick, sometimes your host cooks dinner for you and the rent is usually good value. Hit up Google to see what’s available in the area your looking to stay.
3. Accommodation websites – There’s any number of these but the most popular seem to be Daft.ie, Rent.ie and CollegeCribs.ie. The websites give you the options to narrow down the price, area, and number of rooms you are looking for.
OK, if you’re lucky enough to have already secured accommodation for the upcoming term, or you’re close to doing so, here are a few things that may help you along the way:
1. A lease or contract – It’s true that some landlords will tell you they are not important but make sure to enquire about the possibility of a lease. This gives you more rights as a tenant and prevents you being taken advantage of. The Residential Tenancy Board is full of great information which you can check out here: www.rtb.ie
2. Student Accommodation Centre in your university/institute – These people are on hand to help you if you’re having trouble with landlords. So be sure and do some research on a service like this in your university, it could come in handy!
3. Know your rights! – It is illegal for your landlord to enter, show your apartment to future tenants or to do repairs in your accommodation without giving reasonable notice (about 24 hours). Some landlords can be very invasive of privacy and that’s the last thing you want!
Some things to consider when looking for student accommodation are the energy rating, the people you will be living with and of course the living standards of the home. Sure, the house might be a suitable temperature during the summer months, but if the energy rating is poor, then you’ll find yourself extremely cold during the winter months. Enquire about this before taking a room in any accommodation.
Housemates are important, simply for the fact that if you don’t get along with them, things will be a lot more difficult. BE CAREFUL and try to secure student accommodation with friends if you can.
Do not send any form of cash payment, through PayPal, through a bank transaction or otherwise until you are sure that the person you are paying is reliable. You wouldn’t believe some of the stories students have of landlords who took deposits and stopped answering their phones.
To sum up, please do your research on all aspects of a house or room before parting with your hard earned cash.
How can we help?
If you have any questions about student finances or a student loan please don’t hesitate to contact us on 094 9022 969, email us loans@fccu.ie or pop into any of our branches in Castlebar, Achill, Balla and Ballyhaunis. Alternatively, if you want to apply for a student loan right now, just click below.