My daughter is going to UCC — Which type of accommodation offers the best value for money

High rents, travel time, housemates... all things to consider when picking somewhere to live while going to college

Majella Galvin: "Don't compare accommodation on rent alone. Look at the total cost, contract, location, bills, length of stay and the type of living environment."

My daughter has secured a place in University College Cork and because we live in the Midlands we are looking to find accommodation for her in the city. She is our eldest, so this is all new to us. 

Between purpose-built student places, shared houses, digs, etc — which type of accommodation offers the best quality and value for money for a student, in the context of the Cork market?

Thanks, Nóra

Hi Nóra,

Moving away from home for the first time is a big step, but no one type of accommodation is best for every student. I would focus on four things: Cost, location, quality, and the living arrangements.

The Cork student-housing market is challenging, and rents have increased. The latest Rental Price Report shows that rents in Cork were 12% higher year on year in the second quarter.

That doesn’t mean every student room has increased by 12%, but accommodation is increasingly expensive.

So, what are the options?

Renting a room in an owner-occupied house

Digs would be on my list for a first-year student. Digs involve renting a room in an owner-occupied house and can provide a more homely environment.

Digs can feel less daunting than moving into a large student development and the owner-couple might be someone who can give your daughter advice. Digs may also include meals or utilities in the price. However, don’t assume every digs arrangement is the same. Ask what is included, whether it is a five or seven-day arrangement, the house rules, and how much notice is required.

There is also an important legal distinction. Renting a room in an owner-occupied property is a licence arrangement, rather than a standard tenancy, so normal tenancy rights do not apply. View the accommodation, meet the homeowner, and agree the terms in writing before making a financial commitment.

Digs can be an excellent introduction to living away from home.

Campus accommodation

Campus accommodation’s advantages are clear. Your daughter would be close to the university, surrounded by other students, and not have to worry about a daily commute.

However, availability is limited. There are significantly more rooms in private student complexes than in campus
accommodation. Apply for campus accommodation, but don’t make it your only plan.

Private purpose-built student accommodation

Private, purpose-built student accommodation has become a major part of the Cork market.

The attraction is convenience. These developments are designed for students and provide
accommodation and communal facilities. They make it easier to meet other students.

But I would urge parents to look beyond the headline price.

Prices vary considerably depending on the location, room type, and length of contract. Some advertised prices include utilities, while others have separate charges. This is why I would always compare the total cost, rather than simply ask how much the rent is per week.

Find out whether electricity, heating, internet, refuse, and other utilities are included. Check the deposit, any booking or administration fee, the length of the contract, and whether you are still paying during holidays.

A room that appears cheaper at first glance may not be once all of the costs are added.

A house share

Private house shares are another option. Sharing a house with friends is an excellent choice after first year, once they know Cork and have made friends. I would expect a student room in a private house share in Cork to be between €650 and €1,000 per month, with the variation depending on the quality of the property, the location, and what bills are included.

For a first-year student, I would be more cautious. Sharing a house with strangers can be different from living in purpose-built student accommodation. There will be practical issues around bills, cleaning, cooking, transport, and sharing communal spaces.

Location

I wouldn’t sacrifice a good home simply to be five minutes from UCC. Equally, I wouldn’t choose a cheaper property without
considering how your daughter will get to college every day. A room that is €100 a month less expensive isn’t cheaper if it
involves expensive transport and a long commute. Equally, paying a substantial premium simply to be within walking
distance of the university may not be the best value either.

Look for somewhere that is safe, comfortable, suitable, and reasonably well connected.

For a first-year student, I would probably put the quality and suitability of the accommodation slightly ahead of being near UCC. Your daughter will spend a huge amount of time at home, so it should feel comfortable.

Quality of accommodation

Your daughter should be involved in the search and the decision: Does she enjoy having people around? Would she be comfortable sharing a kitchen with several other students? Would she prefer somewhere quiet? Would she be reassured having a homeowner around?

There is no wrong answer. It’s just trying to get the match-ups right.

Rental scams

Be careful about rental scams. The pressure to secure accommodation can lead students and parents to make quick decisions, but don’t allow that pressure to override common sense. View the property in person, establish who you are dealing with, and get the terms in writing before transferring money. Be cautious if asked for a deposit before viewing or if you are pressured to make an immediate payment. If something doesn’t feel right, seek advice.

I wouldn’t necessarily chase the newest or most expensive accommodation.

For a first-year student coming from outside Cork, I think digs can be a particularly good option if the arrangement suits the student. It can provide a gentler transition from living at home, while potentially offering good value. 

If digs aren’t suitable, I would look at UCC accommodation if available, followed by reputable purpose-built student accommodation.

A private house share may become more attractive in subsequent years, when your daughter knows Cork and has friends she would like to live with.

Most importantly, don’t compare accommodation on rent alone. Look at the total cost, contract, location, bills, length of stay and the type of living environment.

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Majella Galvin is a chartered surveyor, estate agent, and registered valuer at DNG Galvin auctioneers Bandon