Student scramble begins for Galway accommodation

The scramble for student accommodation began in earnest in Galway this week – with warnings already that thousands are set to be disappointed.

That’s because of the dearth of available houses and apartments anyway, given the low construction levels of recent years.

Then with upwards of 17,000 students in NUI Galway alone – the majority of them from well outside commuting distance – and GMIT’s numbers on top of that, there is an alarming short-fall in space.

The Leaving Cert results are still more than a week away – to be followed by CAO offers – but already prospective students are snapping up places to stay to avoid being left with a massive daily journey from home.

The new President of NUI Galway’s Students’ Union has already warned his members that they may have to lower their expectations.

Jimmy McGovern assured worried students and parents that there are spaces available – but with the caveat that: “a house of four, with your best friends, close to the college and with cheap rent – it’s difficult to come across a scenario like that.”

Last year was one of the worst ever for students looking for somewhere to live – with many forced to live in hostels or look for digs in family homes.

Those who are lucky enough to secure accommodation will do so at a price far in excess of rents in recent years.

Mr McGovern said that two years ago students could have expected to be paying in the region of €300 per month for a standard letting – a figure that could now be around €400.

An Bord Pleanála recently granted permission for the construction of additional on-campus accommodation – comprising of 429 bed spaces.

This, however, will be of little comfort for students currently looking for somewhere to stay for the coming academic year.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.