University students in Ireland might need to look at studying elsewhere in Europe due to the escalating cost of accommodation, according to the head of the national student union, reports RTE.
In an interview with RTÉ’s *This Week*, Bryan O’Mahoney, President of Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn, said that for some, studying abroad may now be a more feasible option.
“There are options across Europe where accommodation is cheaper, and college courses are cheaper. Ireland has the highest costs to go to college,” he said, reports RTE.
“It is getting to the stage where it may be better to study in Europe because of all the hidden costs, the cost of accommodation. Students need to look at all options and do what is best suited for you,” Mr O’Mahoney added, reports RTE.
His remarks come during the yearly scramble for student housing that is currently happening across Ireland.
According to student unions, the accommodation situation this year is more severe than in previous years. Monthly rent ranges between €800 and €1,200 depending on the region.
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Students are encountering major challenges including the dwindling supply of housing, competition with short-term rentals like Airbnbs, and rapidly increasing rents, he said, reports RTE.
Mr O’Mahoney noted that college enrolments have grown in recent years as more places become available.
“The accommodation crisis for students has never been worse and they’re struggling. Some accommodation is up to €12,000 per year. Just look at Cork, 18% of the student accommodation there is publicly built, so there’s no rent control on rents,” he said, reports RTE.
“So, it’s a game of privilege being able to find accommodation, being able to out down multiple deposits in order to go to college,” he added, reports RTE.
Reflecting on his own college days, Mr O’Mahoney recalled when monthly rent was just €250, stating that, “now, you’d be lucky to get accommodation for €250 per week”.
“Everyone’s at breaking point wherever you go around the country Students are also working full-time, and not able to attend classes, because the SUSI grant doesn’t cover the cost of accommodation,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr O’Mahoney also pointed out that rent prices vary depending on the location.
“It’s different around the country, if you look at Cork and Galway, it could be around €800 per month whereas its €12,000 for an academic year. In Waterford, where I’m from it is easily €600 on average per month,” he added, reports RTE.
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