Challenges of Finding Accommodation for International Students in Ireland

Ireland is becoming very popular with students all around the world to pursue higher education because of all the esteemed universities, amazing standard of living and world-class education. A lot of students shortlist Ireland to go to, but one of the biggest challenges faced by international students in Ireland is finding suitable accommodation. The high demand for affordable housing, along with other factors, presents many challenges that international students need to deal with when looking for a Student accommodation while studying in Ireland. Here are some of the challenges of finding accommodation for international students in Ireland.

Problems with student accommodation in Ireland

1. Finding the perfect student accommodation

When looking for student accommodation in Ireland, students can get a little picky and want some specific features and amenities that might not always be available. Factors like the distance from the university, the stores and entertainment options nearby and the commute also plays a big part. Moving to a new country away from home is difficult enough, but then not finding the right student accommodation in Ireland might make things harder. Finding the perfect balance between the rent, amenities, and location is very important. 

2. Finances

The cost of living in Ireland is comparatively higher than other places and so this can put financial strain on the students. Here is an International Students' Guide to Managing Finances that will help you along with The Ultimate Guide To Budgeting For Students. Students usually have a budget that is not very high, and so finding accommodations that match their preferences and fall within budget can be hard. Problems with student accommodation, like high upfront costs like deposits and rent payments, can be challenges faced by international students that don't have vast financial resources. 

3. Lacking Planning and Research

Students are always excited to start at a new university and especially international students, so they might not plan and research as well as they should. They might find themselves underprepared to deal with the process of finding student accommodation in Ireland. Topics like the rental market, the location of the university and the types of accommodation might be foreign to them and are one of the student accommodation issues that can lead them to settle for student accommodation in Ireland that is subpar.

4. Ignorant of services included 

The services and amenities included with the student accommodation typically differ from place to place and even from accommodation to accommodation. The services included at the Ireland student accommodations might be completely different from the US Student accommodations.  For example, some student accommodations in Ireland may include utility bills, internet, or other services, while others may not. Not knowing what is included and what is not in the rental agreement can cause the students to be hit with unexpected costs that they may not be able to afford. 

5. Lack of Extended support

There are a number of challenges of finding accommodation for international students in Ireland but there are also additional problems like language barriers, unfamiliar rental procedures, or dealing with landlords, making the process more complicated and stressful. It is even more stressful for students that are living off campus as they don't have the support provided by the university. 

6. Safety and Security

Safety and security are one of the biggest concerns of international students when looking for student accommodations in Ireland. Some areas may have higher crime rates, and students should be careful about the security of their chosen areas. Students should also verify the safety measures and security features of their Ireland student accommodation to ensure their well-being during their stay. 

7. Choosing from a diverse range of rental options 

In the Ireland student accommodation market, there are a number of different options to choose from for the students. The different options include shared houses, apartments, and PBSAs. The many varieties of Ireland student accommodation can get overwhelming and may confuse the students as to what kind of housing to get. Stay informed and well-researched to make the right choice.

8. Vulnerability to rental scams

One of the biggest challenges of finding accommodation for international students in Ireland is the Vulnerability to rental scams. Students, especially international have a much higher probability of falling prey to one of the rental scams in Ireland as they are new there. The scammers may target international students with fake rental advertisements, fake deposits, or other practices that can lead to financial loss and disappointment. Here are 8 ways to spot a rental scam.

Look out for these red flags

It is very important for students, especially international students, to be very aware and look out for any of these red flags when booking Ireland student accommodation. It is very important to conduct proper research and seek help if needed. Here are also ways of spotting a rental scam.  Here are some of the red flags to look out for when booking student accommodation in Ireland.

1. Unrealistic prices 

One of the biggest red flags that students will find while looking for housing is unrealistic prices for Ireland student accommodation. Some rental ads may offer prices that are significantly below the average market rates, which will definitely attract students. International students should be very careful of such listings and thoroughly research the rental prices in the area to avoid falling prey to fake rental offers.

2. Cash transactions

Cash payments can also be a red flag when booking student accommodation in Ireland. Cash payments are not illegal but are rarely used in the rental market and can result in lesser documentation and even scams. International students should be wary of Ireland student accommodations asking for cash payments only and be sure to get proper contracts and documentation for the transactions. 

3. No photos, videos or visual tour

Having very few or no photos, videos, and virtual tours can be a very big red flag and a sign that something is wrong. Legitimate landlords renting out student accommodation in Ireland usually give visual representations of the housing to give students a clear idea of the condition and features of the accommodation. If no visuals are provided, some should be requested, and if that is denied, the Ireland student accommodation should not be booked.

4. No background information

Ireland student accommodations that lack background information about the landlord or agent can be a red flag. Legitimate landlords in Ireland usually provide their contact information, background details, and references for verification purposes. International students should be wary of listings that lack or refuse to provide information because it could be a sign of fraud. 

5. Verbal agreements

One of the main things to keep in mind when booking student accommodation in Ireland is to never rely only on verbal agreements. Verbal agreements can be easily misunderstood or misinterpreted, which can lead to disputes or legal issues. A written agreement and contract should be made, and the terms and conditions and the prices and amenities should all be included. This will make sure there are no problems later on. 

A lot of different factors can make finding good student accommodation in Ireland very time-consuming and difficult. Here are things to look for when choosing student accommodation. Despite the different problems and red flags, there are a number of resources that international students can take advantage of and being informed and well-researched is very important. You can look at this Ultimate Guide for International Student Housing for help. Find your dream student accommodation in Ireland with us at amber.