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Accommodation Briefing

April 2023

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Agenda

  • Current Accommodation Landscape across Dublin
  • Summary of accommodation options across Dublin
  • Expectations as a student arriving to Dublin
  • Choosing where to stay in Dublin
  • Navigating private accommodation platforms effectively
  • FAQ’s (Frequently asked questions)

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Current Accommodation Landscape across Dublin

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Summary of accommodation options across Dublin

Purpose built – limited availability. Recommend signing up for waiting lists for places.

Homestay with host family – availability but works of a first come first serve basis

Private searching – online platforms are the best option at the minute.

Leaning on your class / peer network - this is useful for sharing accommodation and can be cheaper in the long term

Short term accommodation options - arriving with no accommodation? Hostels, hotels & Air BnB will be your best option, while you get settled into life at DBS.

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Spot a home

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Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Benefits of the PBSA

Locations across the city

Living with other students

What you can expect?

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Brickworks student accommodation

DBS is partnered with Brickworks student accommodation (Dublin 8)

You can view Brickworks accommodation virtually by clicking here

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Choosing Purpose Built Student Accommodation

Expect to pay €350 a week for a single- ensuite room, with shared kitchen/living area

Still looking for other PBSA places to stay?

      • DBS International Office have published a list of available PBSA with contact details - click here for the comprehensive list

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Homestay (with a Host Family)

What is Homestay?

Where will I be staying?

What can I expect as a student, using Homestay?

    • You live with an Irish Family, in either a single or double room.

    • Food is on a half or full board basis(3 meals a day or no food included)

    • All homestay are 45- 70 minutes commute from the city centre, on main public transport routes.

    • Prices start at €230 PW, single room, half board. Factor in additional €25 PW to commute to college.

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Booking Homestay (with a Host Family)

    • All Homestay bookings are done via DBS Homestay partners, ISA:

https://isaccommodation.com/

    • Application form available on ISA website for all enquiries.

    • Limited availability for January (but keep checking, as rooms do become available)

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Staycity Aparthotels

Address: 135 Francis St, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 P5N2

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Searching for Private Accommodation

What is it like to search through the private market in Dublin?

What can I expect as a student living in the private accommodation market?

What challenges will I have to face?

Take care and be vigilant. Be extra cautious with advertisements on social media e.g Facebook, and whatsapp only.

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Useful Websites when searching the private market

  • https://www.airbnb.ie

  • www.daft.ie

  •  www.hostingpower.ie

  • www.myhome.ie

  • www.collegecribs.ie

  • www.collegeliving.ie

Please be cautious when renting accomodation from private landlords - do NOT pay a deposit or rent without viewing the property in person first.

student.services@dbs.ie

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Some practical advice - being resourceful

  • Leaning on your classmates - this is useful for sharing accommodation and can be cheaper in the long term

  • Using your peer network - new friends and part-time work often lead to word of mouth opportunities for things like accommodation

  • Arriving & viewing properties on the ground - instead of viewing online, and risking being scammed

  • Getting your bearings with the landscape of Dublin/DBS and your commute

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Setting realistic expectations for students

  • Purpose built – €270-350 per week (single private room ensuite)
  • Homestay with host family– €230 per week (single room/half board, excluding transportation to city)
  • Private searching – €650-900 per month (single room) / shared house (€1900-2200 per month)
  • Short-term staying – might be a little expensive, but is safer in the long run
  • Cost of living challenges (highly individual)
  • Succeed and be smart with your week e.g €1 travel public transport
  • Part time work is strongly available across Dublin
  • Using your class/peer network when you arrive

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Choosing where to stay in Dublin?

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Sourcing a place to stay by using effective transport networks across Dublin

Very practical information when choosing where to stay:

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Dublin by area code

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Recap of today’s session

  • Use the advice here
  • Stay positive and optimistic
  • Be smart with your navigation
  • Look outside the city centre
  • Network with classmates
  • Be realistic
  • Good luck!

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Still struggling with sourcing accommodation?

If you are still struggling to find a place to stay, there are still some options available

  • I am worried about coming to DBS because I have nowhere to stay

  • I arrived in Dublin and I don’t have anywhere to stay

  • I am worried about the property that I am looking at, and unsure whether to pay for it before I arrive to Dublin.

  • The landlord wants me to pay in cash before I arrive

  • The accommodation I am viewing seems too good to be true

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Short term accommodation options

  • Sometimes a safer option, if you are unsure before arriving to Dublin

  • Look for accommodation in Hotels, Hostels, Air BnB

  • Check alpharooms, Trivago, Booking.com, etc.

  • We recommend checking for 5-7 day availability

  • It will cost more, but this will give you a place to stay in the beginning

  • When starting class you can network with your peer/class mates for medium term accommodation, also will give you time to view properties whilst you arrive.