College Life

Finding Accommodation

As soon as you receive your college offer, you’ll want to start thinking about where you’re going to live. Some students stay at home or with family and friends, while others need to move to a new town or city. If this is your first time living away from home, purpose-built student accommodation, either on campus or nearby, is a popular choice. Alternatively, you could consider renting a room in a family home (known as “digs”).

Lodgings/Digs

This means renting a room in a family home.

Advantages:

• Meals are usually provided (e.g. breakfast and dinner).
• Less responsibility for cleaning and bills.
• Often cheaper than private rentals.

Possible downsides:

• The household environment may be harder to control, especially if the family isn’t autism aware.
• Less privacy and independence. There may be rules about noise, visitors, or coming home late.

Tip: Ask about house rules and expectations before committing, so you know if it’s a good fit for you.

Student Accommodation

On-campus residences or student halls are self-contained communities designed for students.

Benefits include:

• Meeting other students and taking part in social events.
• Easy access to campus facilities like the library, shops, laundrettes and classes.
• Rent is often paid in two instalments (before each semester) rather than monthly.
• Utilities like electricity, internet and heating are included, so you don’t need to manage bills or deal with landlords.

The cost of student accommodation varies depending on the location, type of housing and facilities included. For the most up-to-date information on accommodation fees, please visit your university’s website.

Tip: Places are limited. Contact your college accommodation office as soon as possible. Most colleges set aside a certain number of rooms for students with additional needs, so mention this when applying.

Non-Campus Accommodation

If you’re renting privately, start your search early. Useful websites in Ireland include:

• Daft.ie, Rent.ie, MyHome.ie, Property.ie – for houses and flats.
• CollegeCribs.ie – student-specific listings for rooms, digs, and shared rentals.

Check your college’s Students’ Union (SU) website for accommodation lists and support. The SU Welfare Officer can help you find options or connect you with other students looking for housemates. On-campus noticeboards often have ads too.

Before You Rent

Don’t rush into the first place you see. Bring someone experienced with you to check:

• Heating, kitchen facilities, and how long it takes to get to college.
• Sensory factors like smells, lighting, or street noise.
• Whether the living arrangements suit your preferences (e.g. do you want a social house or a quiet one? Are you happy sharing a room or bathroom?).

Ask about any rules from the landlord or homeowner, such as limits on visitors or late nights.

Signing a Lease

Before signing, clarify:

• The deposit amount (often one month’s rent) and under what conditions it will be returned.
• Take photos and notes of the property’s condition when you move in and email them to yourself to timestamp them.
• Request an inventory list from the landlord.

If your landlord unfairly withholds your deposit, remember you have rights as a tenant.

Avoiding Rental Scams

High demand for student housing means scams are common.

• Don’t send money before seeing a property in person.
• Be cautious of listings that seem “too good to be true,” especially on social media.
• Check the landlord is registered and visit Threshold.ie for advice on spotting scams and what to do if you’re affected.