Finding accommodation in an unknown country is not an easy task. In fact, many students would agree it can become a focal point, sometimes negative, when it comes to deciding on whether or not to embark in the Erasmus experience.
Hopefully the following guidelines will help you find an option that meets your needs and expectations when it comes to finding accommodation in Irelands´ capital city!
The three most popular options are: to live in a flat, in a residence or with a host family.
1. A room in a flat
Before renting a room you should start by setting a budget. The price of a room in the central areas of the city is usually between 500 and 700 euros per month, with the possibility of slightly cheaper options in the suburbs of the city or in District 1 of Dublin, which has a lower reputation. The budget is closely related to deciding the area you want to live in. Many decide this in accordance with their college but other factors such as transportation links or commercial activity in the neighbourhood may also influence the decision.
Other details of interest when renting a room which you might not be familiar with is that at the time of moving it is highly likely for the landlord to request various documents such as a proof of future accomplishment to pay the rent or student learning agreement. Together with this you will also have to pay a deposit which is regularly equivalent to one month's rent which purpose is to make up for any imperfections left in the house. You must be aware of whether the rent includes heating, water, electricity, gas, etc. before renting the flat because If they aren´t included, you will have to pay the utility bills yourself at the beginning of every month. A major downfall about this is that it may require you to open an Irish bank account to facilitate payments. This, of course, is time consuming and less straight forward. Finally, as with every shared flat, you will be demanded to follow some basic rules to allow for a smooth experience.
2. Student residences
Student residences are usually a very good option if you consider yourself an independent person who wants to interact with different nationalities and is willing to learn about other cultures. Student residences tend to have a more youthful atmosphere and throw many parties, so if you are looking for more peace and quiet it might be better to look for alternative accommodation, or if on the other hand you are a person who enjoys this type of gathering, you will enjoy sharing your Erasmus experience with people from different places and will have a more enriching experience.
Together with this, these residences are located in the city centre and this itself is very advantageous because you don’t depend as much on public transport schedules.
For all of the above mentioned, student residences are a quite popular choice among young people, especially, the Erasmus students since it is generally the most comfortable and safe option for them. Furthermore, these entities facilitate payment methods as they consider factors such as international currency which simplifies the payment process for international students.
3. Living on campus
As a student at the UCD you will be able to apply for on-campus accommodation, although these vacancies are allocated on a completely random basis and the university doesn’t guarantee accommodation for all of those requesting it. Furthermore, there are some rules you must be aware of when residing on campus. All students must comply with the college code of conduct which provide details of the student disciplinary code. In case of breaching any of these “the UCD student code may be treated as a disciplinary matter under the University´s Student Disciplinary Procedures”. Despite this, it´s still the desired home of over 3000 students each year. Here you will find various types of rooms in shared apartments or some which even offer breakfast and dinner. Living on-campus is a fairly advantageous option as its proximity to the faculty makes it time-effective and it also has lower average prices than those offered by other companies in the city centre.
4. Living with a family
This is a less popular choice amongst Erasmus students although it is a great opportunity to improve your English and have a true insight on the country and its customs.
You will live a unique experience with native people with whom you will share their culture and have a complete immersion in the language, as you will strive to speak better with local people. You will also be able to learn more about their tastes, their gastronomy, their way of life and local activities. Staying with a family is cheaper than living in a residence. Most families include breakfast and dinner, which is interesting for those who don´t have a lot of experience with meal prepping and grocery shopping.
My recommendation
There is no clear answer as to which type of accommodation is better. It is different for each one and it depends directly on your needs and personality. Nevertheless, you have to consider the fact that the offer of flats to rent is small and the prices are high with an average-to-low quality. On the other side, if you have a more social personality and like to be surrounded by people from different cultures and nationalities, a residence is more likely to be your best option. Finally, if your goal is to improve your language skills and make the most of your experience to immerse yourself in the culture and customs of the country, living with a family will surely be your best option.