Two thirds of students are thinking about dropping out of college because they can’t find somewhere to live this year.
And the stress that comes with the hunt for accommodation is having a negative impact on studies for almost four out of five, 77%, of college students. The worsening energy crisis is also having an impact on third level students this year with most students worried they won’t be able to afford the rising costs of heat.
The findings are contained in a students’ survey from Sinn Féin’s higher education spokeswoman, Rose Conway-Walsh. A student from Dublin doing a PHD at UCD said: “Out of a €1,500 per month stipend, €1,000 each month going towards accommodation is criminal.
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“I am left eating beans on toast for all means and cannot afford to do any leisurely activities. My mental health has been severely impacted and I am considering quitting my programme and leaving the country.” Another student from Dublin attending NUI Galway is preparing to sleep on an air mattress on college corridors.
He said: “I was really looking forward to going to college, but this is an absolutely horrible situation, causing huge stress to students and families. There are many house owners completely abusing the situation by charging up to €700 for five-day-a-week digs or expecting students to travel from Tuam or further to get to college.
“There are also very many international students attracted to study in Ireland, giving huge fees to the colleges, but there is nowhere for them to live. It’s a nightmare. If I’m not very lucky and get a room from one of the in-college waiting lists that I am on, I will be moving to Galway with an air mattress and sleeping in a college corridor.”
A parent from Mayo said: “My daughter had to give up her place as digs were a disgrace - the woman of the house locked the kitchen so she couldn’t eat there. “Commuting from Mayo to Limerick was impossible so she dropped out.”
A student from Offaly commuting to college in Dublin said: “I have commuted up to six hours a day to reach UCD from Offaly. I know lads travelling from Longford daily. I am weary.
“I’m in my final year but I cannot face it, I’m deferring.” Ms Conway Walsh is calling on higher education minister, Simon Harris, to set up a special taskforce to direct and monitor the ongoing response for this academic year and to prepare for next year.
The opposition spokeswoman also wants the minister to bring forward a new student accommodation strategy. She said: “The student accommodation crisis is a result of the wider housing crisis that now affects almost every aspect of our society.
“The rush for, and the scarcity of affordable student accommodation is not a new phenomenon. Every year, students scramble for shelter near their chosen college. But it was entirely predictable that this year would present a crisis like no other.”
The survey heard from over 400 students, parents and their families.
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