One of the most stressful aspects of relocating to another country is finding an appropriate accommodation that is 1) within budget, 2) a reasonable distance from the university, and 3) is livable. University housing fills up practically overnight, most students will be seeking accommodation off campus. 

Housing Crisis in Dublin

Off-campus student accommodation is hugely competitive. Dublin is often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” and it has experienced a significant technology-driven economic boom. Major tech companies such as Meta, Google, and X have established headquarters in the city, attracting highly paid employees who can afford increasingly high rental costs. Another factor affecting the housing market is the legacy of the 2008 economic crash, in which property developers left in droves.  

On-Campus Housing

As mentioned earlier, housing fills up very quickly. However, rooms do become available throughout the academic term. If you begin with a short-term off-campus rental, it is sometimes possible to secure an on-campus apartment after spending a month or two on the waitlist. While on-campus housing can be more expensive than off-campus options, the tradeoff is the convenience it offers—particularly in terms of proximity to classes, access to campus facilities, and overall student life.

UCD Accommodation Pad

I began searching for housing in May 2024 and did not secure accommodation until mid-July. I ultimately found housing through a university-affiliated website called UCD Accommodation Pad, which is accessible only with a student email address. However, student emails are not activated until the fall semester begins in September. International students must contact the website’s staff directly, provide proof of enrollment, and then you can register using a personal email address. One advantage of using UCD Accommodation Pad is that landlords posting on the platform are aware they are renting specifically to students. However, there are several drawbacks: the risk of encountering scammers, many listings do not offer formal rental contracts, and some advertisements specify “weekday accommodation only.” You will likely encounter barebone postings without photos or without clarification on if essential amenities (stovetop, washing machine, etc) are included. 

Other accommodation websites that I tried were: daft.ie and collegecribs.ie. I almost found a place on collegecribs.ie, but decided against it when I found out in the housing interview that the other three rooms in the house were being rented to 18-year old guys. That one would have cost €750 a month and was 30 minutes from campus. 

Communicating with Landlords

Most landlords provide either a WhatsApp number or an email address as their preferred method of contact. In Europe, WhatsApp is effectively an essential application to have on your phone. 

Cost

My housing budget was under €1,000 per month. I was able to secure a room in a family home in Goatstown, located approximately 20–30 minutes walk south of UCD. The accommodation consisted of a small, furnished bedroom with a bed, dresser, chair, and vanity, though it did not include a desk. I also had access to a private bathroom, a small kitchenette, access to a communal kitchen, and use of a shared washing machine for laundry. All utilities were included in the monthly rent.The household included three children, all under the age of ten, and guests were not permitted. The landlord also imposed a gender restriction, renting exclusively to women. The monthly rent was €880, which was relatively affordable compared to some of my classmates. Some people paid over €1,200 per month and had longer commutes.

Paying Rent, opening a bank account

My biggest piece of advice is to open a European bank account as soon as possible. I chose Allied Irish Banks (AIB). To open a student account, the bank required proof of address, which meant I had to wait for a verification code to be sent to me by post. Once that finally arrived, I was able to open the account—but transferring money for rent was still not straightforward. I had to order a physical card reader from the bank, which looked like a small handheld calculator and also arrived by mail. The setup took several weeks and was frustrating for both me and my landlord, as it delayed my rent payment. 

That said, having a European bank account does have clear benefits. There are no international transaction fees, which can quickly add up to hundreds of dollars if you are using a non-European account. However, one downside of opening an Irish bank account is that AIB’s physical branches only exist in Ireland. When I moved to The Netherlands for my second year, I discovered that I couldn’t deposit checks unless I physically returned to Ireland, which made the account far less practical long-term.

Other classmates used digital banking services such as Revolut or Wise. Another large bank in Dublin is Bank of Ireland, which may be easier to open an account with. Many European students in EPH already had existing bank accounts that allowed them to transfer money easily within the EU. 

My experience

Living with a family was both easier and more difficult than I expected. There was a persistent tension that came from trying to remain polite in someone else’s home, and as a result, I never fully felt at ease.

If I had had a higher budget, I would have chosen a different living arrangement. Still, the housing was functional for my needs, and I felt fortunate compared to some of the situations my classmates experienced, many of which were significantly more difficult.

For example:

• One classmate had to move three times before January.
• Another was unable to secure housing for the first month of classes and lived in a hostel.
• Several classmates commuted by bus for one to two hours each way to get to campus, which can be difficult considering the Dublin bus frequently runs late, or does not arrive at all.
• A few classmates relied on short-term rentals and were forced to search for new housing and move again in the middle of the academic year.

Public Transportation

When looking for housing, prioritize locations that are close to a bus line, multiple bus routes, or a train station. While I lived close enough to walk to campus, I still relied on Dublin Bus whenever possible. Bus service covers most of the city, but it can be unreliable, so proximity to multiple routes is a major advantage.

The Luas, Dublin’s tram/light rail system, is generally more reliable than the bus. The Green Line serves south Dublin and drops off near UCD. The DART is the coastal train that runs north–south along the city. If you find accommodation in places such as Bray, Dún Laoghaire, or Howth, this is the train you will likely use. Like the Luas, the DART is typically more reliable than the bus system.

Some students cycled to campus, and I knew several classmates who relied on bikes. However, bike lanes in Dublin can be sometimes dangerous, so cyclists need to be very aware of their surroundings and prepared for inclement weather. If possible, make sure that cycling is not your only commuting option.

Final thoughts

All of this is to say: be proactive in your apartment search. Pay attention to when housing listings are most likely to be renewed—at the end of the academic year, throughout the summer, at the start of the term, and around holidays, when three- or six-month rentals often end. New postings appear constantly but finding one that is both reasonably priced and close enough to campus can be a slow process.

If possible, try to connect with your classmates as early as you can, whether through Zoom or WhatsApp, so you can explore housing options together. There are different and often better options available for two or three people renting together than for individuals, so going in as a group can expand what is realistically available.