Finding accommodation is usually the first real challenge students face when coming to Ireland — and it is worth sorting out before you arrive, not after. The Dublin rental market in particular has very little slack: places go quickly and prices have risen significantly in recent years.
There are five main options available to international students. Each one has a different cost profile, level of independence, and lead time. Below is a straightforward breakdown of what each option involves.
Host family (homestay)
You rent a room in an Irish family's home. Most packages include breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and three meals on weekends. It is the most structured option — useful if you want to settle in quickly without worrying about food or bills.
The tradeoff is less independence. You work around the family's schedule, there are usually house rules to respect, and some students find the commute from suburban homes into the city centre longer than expected.
Watch out for: distance from campus, house rulesStudent residence
Purpose-built blocks offering single en-suite rooms with shared common areas. Examples in Dublin include Shanowen Square and Hazelwood. Rooms are private and secure — no one else can enter unless you leave the door open.
Demand is high and places are limited. If your university offers on-campus accommodation, apply as early as possible — often before you have confirmed your course offer. Waiting until after enrolment usually means no availability.
Watch out for: limited availability, apply earlyShared private rental
The most common option for students past their first semester. You rent a room in a house or apartment shared with other tenants. Bills are usually split, and most leases run six to twelve months.
Finding a shared room requires lead time. Search on daft.ie and rent.ie — these are the two main platforms used in Ireland. Do not pay a deposit for a property you have not visited in person or on video call. Fraud is a real issue, particularly for students searching from abroad.
Watch out for: scams when booking remotelyHostel or hotel
A useful bridge for your first week or two while you search for longer-term accommodation. Hostels in Dublin city centre are well-located and reasonably priced for short stays. Hotels are more expensive but offer more privacy.
Not a realistic long-term option — costs add up fast, and most hostels have a maximum stay. Use it as a buffer, not a solution.
Watch out for: not viable long-termRenting a full apartment or house
Renting alone or with a partner is significantly more expensive than sharing but gives full independence. One-bedroom apartments in Dublin city centre run €1,600–€2,200 per month. Outside Dublin — Cork, Galway, Limerick — prices are lower by roughly 25–40%.
Use daft.ie or rent.ie to search. Never transfer money for a property you have not seen or verified. If you cannot visit in person before you arrive, ask for a live video walkthrough with the landlord. Legitimate landlords will agree to this; fraudulent listings usually will not.
Watch out for: remote booking fraud, high upfront costs
Quick comparison
| Option | Meals included | Bills included | Flexibility | Typical monthly cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host family | Yes | Yes | Low | €900–€1,200 |
| Student residence | No | Usually | Medium | €800–€1,200 |
| Shared room | No | Sometimes | High | €600–€900 |
| Hostel / hotel | Sometimes | Yes | High | €800–€1,500+ |
| Full apartment | No | Usually not | High | €1,600–€2,500+ |
Before you book
Start searching before you arriveWaiting until you land to look for accommodation puts you at a disadvantage. Dublin is competitive. Start at least 6–8 weeks before your start date.
Never pay a deposit without verificationDo not transfer money for a property you have not seen — either in person or via a live video walkthrough. Fraudulent listings are common on classified sites targeting students from abroad.
Use the right platformsdaft.ie and rent.ie are the main property sites in Ireland. Avoid social media searches for accommodation — the risk of fraud is much higher.
Check transport linksLiving further from campus is often cheaper — but factor in commute time and monthly transport costs. A room in Swords or Tallaght will cost less than one in Rathmines, but the commute adds up.
Need help finding accommodation?We help students find the right option before they arrive in Ireland. Talk to us — the consultation is free.
Get your free consultation
