Students face €8k living costs on back of rent hikes

Rising rents are one of the biggest factors in bringing the living costs associated with attending college to over €8,000, according to compilers of a student living guide.

With a shortage of suitable accommodation in Dublin in particular, Campus Life in DIT is urging students to book accommodation for the coming year as soon as possible.

“Due to the shortage in accommodation, many students are commuting longer distances and the increase in transport costs has not helped,” said manager Brian Gormley.

In its ninth annual cost of living guide, Campus Life shows staying at home is nearly €4,000 cheaper for students and their families, costing just over €7,000 compared to €10,976 for those living away.

Those costs included the €2,750 student charge which all third-level students who do not qualify for a grant must pay, a rise of €250 on last year and a factor in a 4.6% increase in education costs in the March consumer price index.

For those studying away, average monthly rents are €307, but rise to €372 in the capital. Other costs for each of the nine months in college include €172 for food (€65 for students living at home), €132 on social life and miscellaneous expenses, travel (€119), books and class materials €55 to €74), clothes and medical costs (€45), utility bills (€33), and mobile phone (€32).

Tomorrow is the closing date for applications to grant-awarding body Student Universal Support Ireland, which does not require a student to have secured a college place before submitting a claim.

Almost 40% of students now qualify for financial support, but the rates payable have been cut by over 11% since 2010.