Dublin Accommodation Explained

Dublin is a bustling city filled with diverse neighbourhoods, each offering unique opportunities for students to live, learn, and thrive. With options ranging from modern apartments to shared houses, Dublin caters to a wide variety of preferences and budgets.

Popular Areas in Dublin

• City Centre (Dublin 1 & 2): The heart of Dublin, offering modern apartments, shared housing, and proximity to top universities, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
• Rathmines: South of the city, Rathmines is known for its lively student community, affordable shared housing, and a mix of modern apartments.
• Portobello: A trendy and picturesque area near the city centre, Portobello offers student-friendly apartments and easy access to Dublin’s nightlife and creative scene.
• Smithfield: Known for its cultural vibe, Smithfield provides stylish apartments and affordable shared housing options, along with access to markets and cafes.
• Drumcondra: North of the River Liffey, Drumcondra offers affordable housing with excellent transport links to Dublin’s universities and city centre.
• Ballsbridge: For students seeking a quieter, upscale neighbourhood, Ballsbridge offers private apartments and shared housing near Dublin’s universities.
• Bhibsborough: A student-friendly area with affordable accommodation options, Phibsborough has excellent public transport connections to the city centre and surrounding areas.

Dublin Student Accommodation Options

1. Student Dorms and Halls of Residence

• Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): Often referred to as “student dorms” or “student halls,” these facilities are specifically designed for student living. They offer private or shared rooms with communal amenities such as study areas, lounges, and gyms. PBSA provides a supportive, student-focused environment, ideal for those who prefer structured, community-based living. Student halls are typically more expensive but often include bills and offer booking terms in line with students’ needs.
• Student Dormitory Rooms: Located within PBSA or other student-oriented residences, dormitory rooms offer a mix of private and shared spaces with essential amenities. This type of accommodation is ideal for students who prefer a social and structured setting close to campus.

2. Shared Apartments and Houses

• Rooms in Shared Apartments: Many students opt to rent a private room within a shared apartment, allowing them to balance affordability with community living. In this setup, students typically have their own rooms but share common areas like kitchens and living rooms with other tenants.
• Student Digs: Known as “student digs,” this type of arrangement typically involves renting a private room in a landlord-occupied property under a license agreement rather than a lease. It offers a more traditional, home-like environment and is often an affordable option for students. This is a popular option however a lot of landlords only offer student digs on a 5 day basis (typically Sunday evening to Thursday evening).
• Private Rooms in Shared Houses: Similar to shared apartments, renting a room in a shared house provides a home-like setting with more privacy than dorm-style accommodation. Students enjoy communal spaces within the house and benefit from a shared rental cost.

3. Entire Apartments and Houses

• Private Apartments: For students who prefer more independence, renting an entire apartment, such as a studio or one-bedroom unit, is a popular option. These apartments provide private living spaces with dedicated kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, allowing students full autonomy over their accommodation. Studio apartments are particularly popular both within larger apartment complexes or student halls.
• Larger Shared Houses and Apartments: Some students choose to lease an entire property, such as a multi-bedroom apartment or house, with a group of friends. This setup provides a larger communal living experience where the students lease the property as a whole rather than individual rooms. It’s ideal for groups of students who want a shared yet independent living arrangement with more control over the property.

4. On Campus College Accommodation

Many universities in Dublin offer on-campus accommodation options, including self-catered apartments, en-suite rooms, and shared housing designed to suit a wide range of student needs. On-campus living provides convenience and a vibrant community atmosphere. Due to high demand, spaces are often prioritised for first-year and international students.

Cost of Accommodation

Accommodation costs in Dublin vary depending on the location and type:

Living in Dublin

Dublin offers students a rich cultural experience and a vibrant lifestyle:

• Historic Landmarks: Visit Trinity College’s Long Room Library, Dublin Castle, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
• Theatres and Galleries: Enjoy performances at the Abbey Theatre or explore the National Gallery of Ireland.
• Parks and Green Spaces: Relax in Phoenix Park, St. Stephen’s Green, or the Botanic Gardens.
• Nightlife and Music Scene: Discover Dublin’s pubs and music venues, especially in Temple Bar and Whelan’s.
• Shopping and Dining: Explore Grafton Street’s shops or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s diverse restaurants and cafes.

Event Highlights

• St. Patrick’s Day Festival: A celebration of Irish culture with parades and events citywide.
• Dublin Fringe Festival: Showcasing innovative performances in theatre, music, and art.
• New Year’s Festival: Ring in the year with fireworks and live music in the city centre.
• Music Festivals: Events like Forbidden Fruit and Longitude attract international artists to Dublin.

Transport in Dublin

Dublin’s extensive public transport system ensures students can easily navigate the city:

• Bus: Dublin Bus serves all major areas, including university campuses.
• Luas: The Luas tram system provides access to key areas, including Dundrum and Tallaght.
• DART: The DART connects Dublin city to coastal suburbs like Howth and Dun Laoghaire.
• Cycling: With cycling lanes and services like Dublinbikes, cycling is a popular option for students.

Students are encouraged to use a Leap Card for discounted fares on public transport.

Cost of Living in Dublin

Dublin is known for its vibrant culture and modern amenities, but it is also one of the more expensive cities in Europe. Understanding the cost of living is essential for students planning to study here.  Students can expect to spend around €200 to €300 per month on groceries, with additional costs for utilities, entertainment, and transportation. Shared accommodation and on-campus housing can offer more budget-friendly options. Below is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:

Staying Safe and Avoiding Rental Scams

With rental scams on the rise in Dublin, we strongly advise all students to exercise caution when searching and applying for properties online. At StudentHouse, we offer a range of tools and services to protect students from rental scams, including property scam checks, rent escrow agreements, and landlord verification. Our sister company, SecureProp, specialises in rental scam prevention, and we use their tools and services to enhance our offering and keep students safe throughout their student accommodation search.

Need Help Finding Housing?

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