Almost two thirds of students in Ireland's largest university who are not living at home are paying more than €750 a month in rent - a price that is nearly twice the national student average.
The figure is included in a new University College Dublin Students' Union Accommodation report, which has raised fresh concerns over the impact of the wider housing crisis on access to third level education.
The report is based on a detailed survey of 1,553 students between November and December last year, and a similar survey of 963 students in 2021.
Findings in the report include:
- Almost two third of UCD students who are not living at home are paying more than €750 in rent every month, a figure that is higher than the €469 monthly national average student rent outlined in a Higher Education Authority report last month.
- 45% of UCD students who responded to the survey said it is "very difficult" to find accommodation, while a further 26% said it is "somewhat difficult".
- Students are increasingly seeking out unofficial "digs" accommodation instead of more costly private rental and on-campus options, with a 7% rise in students staying in "digs" highlighted in the latest report.
Speaking ahead of the report's launch today, UCD Students' Union President Molly Greenough said the accommodation issues need to be addressed as soon as possible.
She added that the situation is creating a "two tier student experience" in which college life outside of the classroom is beyond the reach of a growing number of students.
"I share the frustration and concerns of consecutive years of students grappling with the challenges of finding safe and affordable accommodation. As students we will need to redouble our efforts to get the political will for student-friendly policies that have been sorely lacking for so long.
"The clock is ticking and we'd like to see the Government act before the Dáil recess on 13 July. We are determined to work with both the university and policymakers to protect student renters and to protect higher education."
UCD Students' Union Welfare Officer Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich added: "We wanted to shed a light on students dealing with precarious situations in digs, afraid to tell their parents because they don't want to worry them.
"I've had so many students ask me about dropping out because they can't find somewhere to stay."
The UCD students' union report comes a month after a similar report by the Higher Education Authority found one third of students are in "serious financial difficulties", with the HEA saying the average monthly student rent now stands at €469 compared to €415 in 2019.
In March, UCD confirmed it has commenced talks with landlords to rent accommodation for students who will be unable to obtain places in university-owned accommodation in September.
The university currently has 4,100 beds in on-campus accommodation, with the CAO holding some of the units in reserve for new university applicants.
The accommodation issues are affecting almost all third level colleges and universities in Ireland, with University of Galway President Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh recently suggesting there are signs of young people choosing to study closer to home in greater numbers.
Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said earlier this year he will make €40m available in State investment for 405 new student beds at DCU, with similar initiatives planned for UCD, Trinity College and UCC under the Government's Housing For All plans.
In a statement, UCD said it "recognises the increased financial pressure on third level students and their families due to the rising costs of living and the cost of accommodation in and around Dublin city".
UCD said it provides accommodation for more than 4,100 students "which is over-subscribed every year", including 1,200 places which are set aside for first year students.
UCD added that due to the ongoing "difficulties of sourcing more affordable accommodation", there is "ongoing collaboration between the university and the Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris on potential State investment in on-campus accommodation".
In a separate statement, a spokesperson for the minister said: "Minister Harris will bring proposals to Government shortly to activate the student accommodation project at UCD. This follows similar projects in DCU, Maynooth, University of Limerick and the University of Galway.
"This involves the State investing in the construction of student accommodation for the first time ever. In addition, Minister Harris will bring a new Student Accommodation Strategy to Government over the coming months."
