NCI Accommodation Explained

National College of Ireland’s central location in the Docklands provides students with unparalleled access to Dublin’s modern city life. Surrounding neighbourhoods offer a variety of accommodation options tailored to NCI students, from stylish apartments to affordable shared housing.

Popular Areas Near NCI

• Docklands: The Docklands area is ideal for NCI students, with a mix of modern student housing, shared apartments, and private residences close to campus.
• IFSC (International Financial Services Centre): Just steps away from NCI, the IFSC offers stylish apartments and vibrant city living, with plenty of dining and shopping options.
• Smithfield: A cultural hub within walking distance, Smithfield features affordable student housing and a thriving social scene.
• Drumcondra: A short commute from NCI, Drumcondra offers shared housing and private apartments in a quieter, residential setting.
• Dublin 1: Just north of the River Liffey, Dublin 1 offers affordable housing options with excellent transport links to NCI and other parts of Dublin.
• Rathmines: A bit further south, Rathmines provides a lively student-friendly community with a mix of modern apartments and shared houses.

NCI Accommodation Options

On-Campus Residences:

DBS does not currently provide on-campus housing. However, many purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) and private housing options are located within walking distance or a short commute from the college, offering convenience and comfort for DBS students.

Off-Campus Student Accommodation Options

National College of Ireland does not currently provide on-campus accommodation. However, the college partners with nearby student residences to offer convenient housing options for students. These modern residences are located close to the campus and provide a range of amenities, including gyms, study spaces, and social areas.

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

The cost of accommodation near NCI varies based on the type and location:

Living near NCI

NCI’s location in the Docklands offers students access to modern amenities and Dublin’s vibrant city life:

• Leisure Activities: The Docklands features riverside cafes, outdoor spaces, and entertainment venues like the 3Arena and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
• Cultural Attractions: Students can explore nearby landmarks such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and the EPIC Irish Emigration Museum.

NCI Transport Information

NCI is well-connected by public transport:

Public Transport Options:

• Bus: Dublin Bus routes provide frequent services to and from the Docklands, connecting NCI to the city and surrounding neighbourhoods.
• Luas: The Red Line Luas stops near NCI, offering easy access across Dublin.
• DART: The Docklands DART station connects NCI to coastal areas and other parts of Dublin.
• Cycling:The Docklands area is bike-friendly, with cycling lanes and secure storage facilities available for students.

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 NCI

The cost of living near NCI 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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