When you first look into moving into Dublin, one of the biggest things you’re likely to worry about is finding accommodation.

It can sometimes be a bit of a headache getting your head around all of the different options available, so I’ve written a list of some of the main ones available for students!

Purpose-built student accommodation – Fresh, Yugo, Here!, Aparto, Nido

These purpose-built privately owned student accommodations are especially popular with international students because you can easily reserve your room and confirm your lease without having to be in Dublin (or Ireland!).

Some examples include Fresh, Yugo, Here!, Aparto, and Nido. These are some of the companies operating purpose-built student accommodations across Dublin, with options for different budgets.

However, while these are more convenient and offer facilities like gyms and cinema rooms on-site, they are on the more expensive side. 

Trinity on-campus accommodation 

Trinity’s campus has space for a little over 1,000 students, making it one of the scarcer options on this list.

Lucky campus residents are scattered around different locations like Front Square, Botany Bay, Printing House Square, and Goldsmith Hall. Most Trinity students would pretty happily choose to live on campus if given the option, mainly for the 2 minute commute and the unbeatable city-centre location (as well as the bragging rights).

Considering the demand, your chances change depending on a variety of factors. First and second year students are not given the option to live on-campus, but your chances can go up once you’re in your third or fourth year.

Applications are competitive, and you can have a higher chance if you’re heavily involved in campus life (through student societies and sports clubs) or if you’ve been elected into the Student Union (in which case you get it for free!).

You can apply for Trinity Campus Accommodation here.

Trinity Scholars (students who received the Foundation Scholarship following the Scholarship exam in their second year) also get free accommodation on campus as part of their entitlements. 

Trinity off-campus accommodation 

Trinity’s main exclusive accommodation off-campus is Trinity Hall in Dartry, which is where most first-years coming from outside of Dublin will live.

It has space for over 1,000 students, and is organised into shared flats of up to 8 people in their own ensuite rooms with a common kitchen.

This is a good choice for first-year students as they can meet others starting at Trinity and get used to living in Dublin in a quiet neighbourhood under a half-hour Luas (tram) ride from campus.

Trinity Hall also has its own JCR (Junior Common Room) team, which is a committee of 11 second-year students that offer support to Halls residents and organise events. 

Trinity also maintains exclusive agreements with Kavanagh Court in Dublin 1 and Here! Cork Street in Dublin 8 (which are for students in any year) 

For more information on the Trinity accommodation options mentioned, check here: www.tcd.ie/accommodation

Rented accommodation 

Many students in their second year onwards also choose to rent a flat with friends or on their own. This is popular because you have much more choice over the location and there is a wide variety of options for different budget ranges. The downside of renting from a landlord instead of a private company is that it is more difficult to secure accommodation this way from outside of Dublin – in many cases you have to sign your lease agreement in person.

The biggest website used to find accommodation in Dublin is daft.ie. If you’re looking this way, a big tip is to set a notification for all new posts – this is what a lot of people do so try to get ahead of them in making an inquiry to improve your chances!

Trinity’s Student Union also has some advice on finding accommodation on their website here: www.tcdsuaccommodation.org

Finding accommodation in Dublin can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can secure a place that suits your needs and budget.

Whether you opt for purpose-built student accommodation, Trinity-owned housing, or a private rental, each option has its own benefits and trade-offs.

The key is to start your search early, stay informed about availability, and be proactive in securing a lease. With a bit of planning, you’ll soon find a comfortable place to call home during your time studying in Dublin.