'I'm worrying about whether I will manage next year'— UCC student concerned about accommodation

“If I don’t get a place to live on campus next year, then I’m back home to Enniskeane," says Jack Downes.

Jack Downes 18, finance student in UCC. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Jack Downes was lucky to get a place to live on campus at UCC when he began his four-year undergraduate course in finance in September.

However, less than a month into his studies, he says he is living in fear of having no campus accommodation next year because the college rooms are given out in a lottery system.

“If I don’t get a place to live on campus next year, then I’m back home to Enniskeane,” he told the Irish Examiner. “That’s 40km away, but it’s transportation that is the issue.

“The nearest bus stop is 20 minutes away, and then it’s a two-hour journey in total via the bus, depending on traffic. That eats into my studies then. You would have to drive, and the traffic would be mad.

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“It’s the fear of the unknown that is bothering me. I’d have to rent in Cork near the college. You’ll have the fear that the rent will be worse privately, and it will be.

“There is also the possibility of not being able to afford the travel and all that worry about money is not good.

“I worked over the summer and saved up to live on campus, which is €6,000 for the year. My parents helped me too.

“I get a small SUSI grant. But what if I don’t get the accommodation next year again? My whole world will be upended”.

Living close to college is one of the biggest issues facing students all over the country, including the lack of student accommodation and the price of private rental units as well as the cost of living.

“This is only my first year, and this is the scenario,” said Jack. 

I’m already worrying about next year and it’s not my exams I’m worried about, it’s whether I will be able to manage.

“I really don’t know what I would have done had I not secured a place to live while on campus”.

Jack said he is hoping Budget 2024 will be able to provide some assurances to students like him.

He said: “Right now, I’m paying the €6,000 a year, and me and my family have made that work.

“I’m kind of working part time in a bar at the weekends. I manage my money, and I’m trying to live as best I can.

“I would say I need more assurances from the Government that accommodation is an option for students like me.

“It is just to feel like I won’t be stuck next year. It would be great if you were guaranteed accommodation with the course.

“I’ve four years ahead of me in this course, and I could be doing a Masters in UCC. 

Accommodation is the biggest worry I have. It is a very nervy situation.

“I need more options for living, and a basic right of a roof over my head while I’m trying to better myself and my education.

“You also want to have a bit of a social life if you can, but you can’t be guaranteed anything like that. 

"Accommodation is huge, it affects thousands of students.”