4 days ago
High rents may force students to move abroad, USI warns
Third-level students may have to consider studying in other parts of Europe, due to spiralling accommodation costs, the President of the Union of Students of Ireland has warned.
Speaking to RTÉ's This Week, Bryan O'Mahoney said some students may have to pursue the option of studying abroad.
"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.
"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.
His comments come as the perennial rush to secure student accommodation is on all over the country.
Student unions say this year the accommodation is worse than ever before. Rents can range from €800 to €1,200 per month, depending on location.
Students are finding major obstacles and difficulties, such as the growing scarcity of accommodation, competition with Airbnbs and spiralling costs, he said.
Mr O'Mahoney said the numbers of students going to college is rising over the last few years with more places being offered.
"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.
"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.
Mr O'Mahoney said when he first went to college people were renting for €250 a month but added "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.
Mr O'Mahoney said accommodation costs vary nationwide.
"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.
