1. Start early
The best options in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Maynooth are usually gone by mid-July. Start looking as soon as you receive your CAO offer — May and June are prime months.
2. Know your options
There are four main options: purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), digs (a room in a family home), shared houses (with other students), and on-campus residences. Browse shared rooms on Lemown Rentals.
3. Digs — pros and cons
Digs are a room in a family home, often Monday to Friday, sometimes with meals. Cheaper than a full rental, calmer environment, and covered by the rent-a-room tax break for the host. Downside: less independence.
4. Purpose-built residences
Usually en-suite rooms in a large complex, priced per semester. Convenience and community, but the highest cost. Book directly with the operator to avoid third-party fees.
5. Realistic prices
Purpose-built rooms in Dublin start around €1,000/month. Digs run €500–€750/month Mon–Fri. Shared houses average €650–€900/month for a single room in a college city.
6. Avoiding scams
Never send money before viewing. Never respond to social-media DMs offering "cheap rooms" without a real ad. Use platforms that let you message and view before paying, like Lemown Rentals.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start looking for student accommodation in Ireland?
Immediately after your CAO first-round offer, in early July at the latest. May and June are ideal.
How much does student accommodation cost in Ireland in 2026?
€500–€1,200 per month depending on city, format (digs vs PBSA), and whether meals or utilities are included.
Is digs cheaper than purpose-built accommodation?
Usually yes — by 20–40% — and it comes with meals and quieter surroundings, at the cost of less independence.
