- NEWS
Appeal for public help in double murder probeA double murder investigation involving more than 50 gardaí got under way in Killorglin, Co Kerry, after autopsies confirmed a Lithuanian woman and her young daughter had died violently.
US research links autism to pollution levels Pregnant women who were exposed to high levels of air pollution were twice as likely to have a child with autism as women who lived in low pollution areas, a US study shows.
- WORLD
Whitey Bulger shot Boston bar owner, says convicted murderer Accused Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger and one of his associates shot dead a bar owner in a phone booth for bragging about helping the "Winter Hill Gang" with another killing, an ex-convict and confessed murderer has testified.
Brand divorced me by text, says Perry Pop star Katy Perry has revealed that Russell Brand told her he was divorcing her in a text message.
- BUSINESS
Aircraft leasing firm buys 10 Boeing jetsShannon-based aircraft leasing firm GE Capital Aviation Services have bought 10 new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for an estimated $3bn (€2.24bn) at list price.
20% of rich see value of assets halved Nearly 20% of Ireland's wealthy people have seen the value of their assets halved as a result of their over-reliance on property.
- SPORT
GPA may get involved over Friday night championship dictatThe GPA could yet act on the behalf of the Carlow and Laois football panels as they have confirmed neither they nor the players were consulted about Friday week's All-Ireland round one qualifier.
Kearney keeps eyes on main prize Rob Kearney might not have felt like putting his best foot forward today as the Lions continued to prepare for Saturday's all-important first Test against Australia but he is experienced enough to know that after this midweek defeat by the Brumbies, it is essential for the main mission of the tour.
- LIFESTYLE
Bradley bares his soul Soul singer Charles Bradley found fame late in life, but is haunted by his past, writes Ed Power
Body of evidence: do we fear nudity or nakedness?Do it together and it's harmless, do it alone and it's criminal, says Suzanne Harrington
16-19C
Breaking stories
One-in-three students fear they will not be able to afford third-level costs
By Noel Baker
More than one-in-three students are afraid they will not be able to afford the costs associated with college according to a survey which also shows that 20% of students go drinking three times a week.
The survey of more than 1,500 students was conducted within the past month and shows alcohol was the highest item of expenditure after food, excluding rent and commuting costs.While 19% said they drank three times a week, 37% said they went out drinking at least twice a week, with another 33% saying they drank once a week.
Going to college did not mark the first time many students began drinking either.
The survey, conducted by myhome.ie, shows that 43% of those questioned said they had first drunk alcohol before they turned 16.
Away from subsistence and socialising costs, the overall cost of going to college is of concern to most students, with 40% worried about being able to afford college life.
With many households under financial strain, three quarters said they lived on less than €100 a week, while 48% said they worked part-time.
Aside from financial matters, other causes for concern were the stress of exams (26% of respondents) and not liking their course (22%), while another 10% said they were worried about not making friends.
Just one-in-five students said they smoked, but almost half said they had taken drugs, with 13% claiming they used drugs on a regular basis. In addition, 56% admitted having had a one-night stand.
Despite the financial struggles to support college living, there seemed to be a general air of optimism regarding job prospects.
Just under 50% said they were hopeful of getting a job while 29% said they were very confident of securing employment. By contrast, 21% said they were either not confident or felt they had no hope of getting a job.
However, 70% said they would consider moving overseas once they complete their studies, with just 13% ruling out that option.
The survey also showed that 80% of students searched for accommodation online, with Dublin the most expensive location. MyHome.ie managing director Angela Keegan said students living on Dublin’s southside were paying about €500 a month on average while those on the northside paid €450.
In Cork the average rent was about €350, less expensive than Galway where the average monthly cost was €380.
The average rent in Limerick was around €300.
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