Galway college students told try last chance accommodation 'method' to secure housing
Anything is worth a shot at this stage
With time ticking closer to the start of a new semester, Galway college students are being urged to try a “last chance” method to secure their accommodation for the year.
The Students Union President for University of Galway Seán de Búrca has confirmed that students will be holding a ‘sleep out’ on Eyre Square to highlight the difficulties facing them when looking for somewhere to live in the city.
President de Búrca has urged anyone who is still without somewhere to live to contact the university's accommodation service for advice as well as looking at StudentPad - a platform for landlords looking only to rent to students.
He told Newstalk’s The Claire Byrne Show: “There'll be some landlords out there who don't want to advertise online and just want to have that one phone call.
“We, of course, would encourage them to have a look at StudentPad - that's one just for people who are renting specifically to students.
“So, you can find sort of nicer landlords there who might be looking for providing a lower rent.”
President de Búrca said that while the new student accommodation by the docks was a welcome addition and the cheapest on the market, it still works out at nearly €1200 monthly.
Elkstone alongside COADY Architects confirmed that the eight-storey, 345 bed Queen Street Place would be ready for students in September and will be operated by the UK company Mezzino.
Joe Bergin who is the chief executive of Elkstone said the opening would be a ’direct response’ to the shortage of student accommodation available in Ireland.
He said: ‘Delivering 345 purpose-built student homes in the heart of Galway is a proud moment for Elkstone.’
The complex at Queen Street will include a gym and fitness studio as well as rooftop terraces, study rooms and even a cinema room alongside 24 hour security.
The company said Queen Street Place will ‘play a meaningful role in relieving pressure from the student bed deficit and housing crisis’ and that ‘student accommodation sits at the acute end of that shortage.’
The Union has issued a plan of action for students when viewing and deciding on their accommodation which they urge people should follow before handing over any deposit or rent.
People are being told to watch out for rental scams, especially renters claiming to be out of the country requesting deposits; to take your time when viewing a property and take photos of any damage already there and to get any repairs needed in writing as proof.
Students are being told to avoid paying the deposit in cash if possible so there is a paper trail and to ensure a receipt is obtained.
To request a viewing before moving in to confirm any issues have been sorted and to ensure the house is well ventilated and heated and that a BER rating is provided.
As well as this, a clear understanding of how long your tenancy is for and what utility bills you must pay is recommended.
Students are also advised to take out contents insurance for their own personal possessions as the landlord’s policy will not cover if anything is stolen.
A second Elkstone project for student accommodation is also underway with a further 240 beds set to be delivered in September 2027.
Director of Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, who invested €75 million into the project, Nick Ashmore said: ‘This is a good example of ISIF’s co-investment strategy at work, in which it can act as a catalyst to attract international co-investment capital to support the construction of new accommodation in one of Ireland’s leading cities.
‘ISIF’s partnership with Harrison Street, announced in 2023, aims to increase the supply of available student accommodation in regional cities to meet the housing needs of students and support the growth of Ireland’s universities.
‘We are delighted to support the continued collaboration between Harrison Street, Activate and Elkstone as together they deliver on new regional student accommodation.
He added: ‘The delivery of this development is aligned with ISIF's ambitious €500m programme to support regeneration in Irelands 5 regional cities, whilst also making a positive contribution to our objective of delivering over 25,000 new homes by 2030. We look forward to seeing the development on Queen Street, Galway progress as part of that work.’