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

Summary of accommodation options across Dublin

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

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

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

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

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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

Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

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Benefits of the PBSA

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Locations across the city

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Living with other students

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What you can expect?

Brickworks student accommodation

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DBS is partnered with Brickworks student accommodation (Dublin 8)

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You can view Brickworks accommodation virtually by clicking here

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Choosing Purpose Built Student Accommodation

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

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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

Homestay (with a Host Family)

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What is Homestay?

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Where will I be staying?

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What can I expect as a student, using Homestay?

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

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

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• 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.

Booking Homestay (with a Host Family)

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

https://isaccommodation.com/

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• Application form available on ISA website for all enquiries.

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

Staycity Aparthotels

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

Searching for Private Accommodation

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

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

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What challenges will I have to face?

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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

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• www.daft.ie

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•  www.hostingpower.ie

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• www.myhome.ie

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• www.collegecribs.ie

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• www.collegeliving.ie

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

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student.services@dbs.ie

Some practical advice - being resourceful

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

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

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

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• 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

Choosing where to stay in Dublin?

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

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!

Still struggling with sourcing accommodation?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Short term accommodation options

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

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• Look for accommodation in Hotels, Hostels, Air BnB

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

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• We recommend checking for 5-7 day availability

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

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• 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.