Student Areas in Dublin Explained: Where to Live and Why

Student Areas in Dublin Explained: Where to Live and Why

Finding the right area to live in as a student in Dublin can significantly enhance your university experience. Whether your priority is affordability, convenience, or a vibrant social scene, knowing where to live (and where not to) is crucial. This guide will help you navigate Dublin’s student areas, understand the types of accommodation available, and find the best match for your needs.

What This Guide Covers

We’ll start by outlining the types of accommodation available in Dublin, as certain options may only be found in specific areas. This could rule in or out certain neighbourhoods, depending on your housing preferences. From there, we’ll explore the most popular student areas in Dublin and the factors to consider when choosing where to live. Finally, we’ll highlight how StudentHouse can help you find your ideal accommodation.

Types of Accommodation for Students in Dublin

Students in Dublin have access to a variety of housing options, each suited to different preferences and budgets. Understanding the options available is key to making the right choice for your circumstances.

On-Campus Residences

Many universities in Dublin offer on-campus accommodation, which typically includes shared rooms, self-catered apartments, or dormitory-style housing. Living on campus offers the convenience of being close to classes, libraries, and university facilities, while fostering a strong sense of community.

However, on-campus accommodation is highly sought after, with priority often given to first-year and international students. If this is your preference, apply early through your university’s accommodation portal.

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 in Dublin vary depending on the type of housing and location. On-campus accommodation offers fixed rates determined your University, while off-campus options range from €800 to €1,800 per month for a room in a shared apartment or house, with private apartments typically costing more.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Student Area in Dublin

1. Proximity to Your University

The location of your university should play a key role in your decision. Use tools like Google Maps to calculate commute times and research public transport options. Check for:

• Frequent bus or tram services.
• Walking or cycling routes for greener, cost-effective commutes.

2. Your Priorities

Every student’s priorities are unique. Consider what matters most to you:

• A short commute to campus.
• A lively social scene with a high student population.
• A quiet residential area to focus on your studies.

3. Budget

Living in central Dublin (e.g., Dublin 2) is typically more expensive than suburban areas. Establish your budget early and compare rental costs across different locations.

4. Type of Housing

Certain areas are more likely to offer specific types of accommodation. For example:

• If you prefer PBSA or student dorms, focus on areas like Dublin 1, 2, 7, and 8.
• If you’re open to shared apartments or student digs, you’ll find options across a wider range of neighbourhoods.

Popular Student Areas in Dublin

These areas are known for their leafy streets, excellent amenities, and strong community vibes. While they are more expensive and have fewer purpose-built student halls, they offer high-quality housing options such as shared apartments and private houses. These areas are ideal for students who value a quiet, residential environment close to the city centre.

1. Ranelagh, Rathmines, Donnybrook, and Ballsbridge

These areas are known for their leafy streets, excellent amenities, and strong community vibes. While they are more expensive and have fewer purpose-built student halls, they offer high-quality housing options such as shared apartments and private houses. These areas are ideal for students who value a quiet, residential environment close to the city centre.

2. Dublin 1, 2, 7, and 8

These central areas are popular for their proximity to city-centre universities and a vibrant student population. The high concentration of student halls creates a lively, community-focused atmosphere. Additionally, these areas are well-connected by public transport, making them convenient for commuting.

3. North and South Suburbs

Suburban areas like Dundrum, Drumcondra, and Santry offer more affordable housing but may require longer commutes. These areas typically lack PBSA, so students living here will need to explore options such as shared apartments or student digs.

Living Costs In Dublin

The cost of living in Dublin in certain areas, 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.

How StudentHouse Can Help

At StudentHouse, we specialise in helping students find housing tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re looking for a room in PBSA, student digs, or a shared house, our local expertise ensures you’ll find the right fit.

Here’s how we can help:

• We work directly with landlords and property owners to secure the best options for you.
• We take the hassle out of the search process, saving you time and effort.
• Our “no upfront fees, no place, no fee” policy ensures you only pay if we successfully secure your accommodation.

Simply tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll handle the rest. Contact us today to make your student housing experience stress-free!