Students are being left “physically and emotionally drained” as they search in vain for accommodation in Galway.

A Tuam-based student who has spent the last year relentlessly looking for a room in the city said despite feeling fortunate that she can commute, hours spent stuck on buses in gridlocked traffic had taken its toll.

A psychology student at University of Galway, Siobhán Kelleher, said her search began last year in her first year at the college but as she enters into a new term, she holds out little hope of finding somewhere before September.

“I’ve been constantly looking for somewhere since last year. The problem is there’s not a lot of places and an awful lot of landlords are reluctant to take students,” said Ms Kelleher.

After months of waiting, an appropriate place came up for Ms Kelleher and a friend, but it fell through at the last minute as the landlord decided to opt for ‘working professionals’ over students.

“We had this place pretty much secured but then working professionals were chosen over myself and a friend. I do understand that students can have a bad reputation but it’s putting huge pressure on students.

“Even on Daft.ie, when you mention you’re a student, a lot of times you won’t even get a response,” she said.

Photo: Still searching…Siobhán Kelleher

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