Student accommodation shortage 'the worst it has ever been'

Union representatives describe the situation as an 'emergency' with some students on the verge of being homeless and others facing seven-hour daily commutes

First day back after the summer break for students at the South East Technological University on the Cork Road, Waterford, but many students have yet to source accommodation. Picture: Dan Linehan

Students are resorting to taking out loans and in some cases deferring their courses due to the cost and shortage of student accommodation.

While prices have been consistently rising, the lack of rooms available this year has been unprecedented, according to student union representatives.