RCSI Accommodation Explained

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, with its prime location in Dublin city centre, provides a prestigious and dynamic learning environment for students pursuing medical and health sciences. Surrounded by top-notch facilities and cultural hotspots, RCSI offers students an unparalleled blend of academic and urban life.

Popular Areas Near RCSI

• Rathmines: Known for its bustling community, Rathmines is a popular choice for students, offering a mix of shared housing and private apartments just a short commute from RCSI.
• Portobello: A trendy neighbourhood near RCSI, Portobello features charming canals, modern apartments, and a lively social scene, making it a top choice for RCSI student accommodation.
• Dublin 2: Situated in the same district as RCSI, Dublin 2 offers unparalleled convenience with a mix of affordable shared housing and high-quality private apartments within walking distance of campus.
• Dublin 8: Just a short distance from RCSI, Dublin 8 provides a mix of historic charm and modern living with excellent transport links and affordable student housing.
• Phibsborough: Located north of the city center, Phibsborough is an affordable and quieter area with excellent public transport connections to RCSI.
• Ranelagh: South of the city, Ranelagh is a vibrant neighbourhood filled with cafes, restaurants, and a variety of housing options that appeal to students seeking a lively community.

RCSI Accommodation Options

On-Campus Residences:

While RCSI has limited on-campus housing, its city-centre location ensures students have access to numerous nearby options, including purpose-built student accommodations and private residences. On-campus housing is often prioritised for first-year and international students, making early applications essential.

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 RCSI vary depending on the type of housing and location.

Living near RCSI

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is located in the heart of Dublin, providing students with access to:

• Leisure Activities: Nearby areas like Temple Bar and Grafton Street are famous for their shopping, dining, and entertainment options, offering students plenty of choices for socialising and leisure activities.
• Cultural Attractions: Living near Trinity means being at the center of Dublin’s cultural scene, with easy access to theaters, museums, galleries, and historical landmarks. The campus’s central location makes it easy for students to explore all that Dublin has to offer.

RCSI Transport Information

RCSI is well-served by Dublin’s public transport network:

Public Transport Options:

• Bus: Numerous Dublin Bus routes connect directly to RCSI and the surrounding city areas.
• Luas: The Green Line Luas stops at St. Stephen’s Green, just a short walk from campus, providing a convenient commute.
• DART: The Pearse Street station connects RCSI to coastal suburbs and other parts of Dublin.
• Cycling:RCSI is 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 RCSI

The cost of living near RCSI 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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