NCAD Accommodation Explained

National College of Art and Design is located in Dublin’s Liberties, an area steeped in history and culture. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative energy, NCAD provides students with a unique blend of academic focus and urban inspiration. The surrounding neighborhoods offer a variety of accommodation options tailored to meet the needs of NCAD students.

Popular Areas Near NCAD:

• The Liberties: Just steps from NCAD, The Liberties offers shared apartments, student-focused housing, and private rooms. Known for its artistic community, this area is ideal for creative minds.
• Smithfield: A short walk or bike ride from NCAD, Smithfield provides modern apartments, affordable shared housing, and a lively cultural scene.
• Portobello: Trendy and vibrant, Portobello is popular among NCAD students for its proximity, canalside cafes, and a range of modern and shared housing options.
• Dublin 8: Surrounding NCAD, Dublin 8 features a mix of historic charm and contemporary living with plenty of affordable student housing options.
• Dublin 1: Located north of the River Liffey, Dublin 1 offers affordable housing, excellent transport links, and a bustling student-friendly environment.
• Rathmines: Slightly further south, Rathmines provides a quieter atmosphere with shared houses, private apartments, and a welcoming community for students.

NCAD Accommodation Options

On-Campus Residences:

NCAD does not currently offer on-campus accommodation. However, the college’s central location provides easy access to nearby purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) and private housing options, ensuring students can find suitable living arrangements close to campus.

Off-Campus Student Accommodation Options

For students seeking accommodation off-campus, there are a variety of housing options that suit different preferences, budgets, and levels of independence. Below are the main types of off-campus accommodation available for students:

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.

Cost of Accommodation

Accommodation costs near NCAD vary depending on the type of housing and location.

Living near NCAD

The National College of Art and Design is at the heart of Dublin’s creative and cultural scene, offering students access to:

• Leisure Activities: The Liberties and nearby Temple Bar feature independent cafes, galleries, and artisan shops for students to explore.
• Cultural Attractions: NCAD students are within walking distance of iconic landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.

NCAD Transport Information

NCAD is well-served by Dublin’s public transport system:

Public Transport Options:

• Bus: Dublin Bus routes frequently connect NCAD to the rest of the city.
• Luas: The Red Line stops at nearby Heuston Station, offering quick access across Dublin.
• DART: Pearse Street Station is easily accessible, connecting NCAD to coastal suburbs and other parts of Dublin.
• Cycling:NCAD’s location makes it bike-friendly, with nearby cycling lanes and secure storage facilities.

Students should consider using a Leap Card for discounted travel on buses, the Luas, and DART services, as well as discounts at various retailers across Dublin.

Cost of Living near Trinity

The cost of living near Trinity College Dublin can be higher compared to other parts of Dublin, particularly in central areas like Dublin 2 and Ranelagh. 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.

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.

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