Key Tips

Finding the right place to live is crucial to a happy university experience. University of Galway are here to offer advice on making the right choice.

While there is a high demand for housing in Galway, various options are available for students throughout Galway City and its surrounding areas. We advise students to be aware of their rights when choosing from different types of accommodation. Owner-occupied accommodation, for example, may be a more accessible option but it is important to come to an agreement with the homeowner on ground rules for your stay.

University students are an asset to Ireland’s cities and regions. Director of Student Services, John Hannon says, “Students are our future leaders… the people who sustain a region like Galway. They ensure our city is one of Ireland’s most multicultural and vibrant regions.”

When searching for student accommodation, you will need to consider security, location, living space and your budget. We have put together our top tips for choosing your home:

Visit Studentpad

The search portal at https://www.uniofgalwaystudentpad.ie/Accommodation is one of the most secure ways to search for private student accommodation in Galway.

You can also search through other websites, however – do not part with any money until you have seen the property in person.

Get informed on your options

There are options both in the City Centre and residential areas. Learn more about accommodation options across Galway here.

Studio residences are uncommon and larger houses generally offer cheaper rooms, so many students choose to house-share. The number of students choosing owner-occupied accommodation also continues to grow. You can learn more about each accommodation option on the University of Galway website.

Search smart

Don’t get caught by rental fraud – always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented and remember to keep copies of receipts and correspondence.

Ensure that keys fit, and rental contract is signed, prior to paying a deposit. Make a list of furniture and appliances with the landlord. Ask the landlord to state in writing that the outstanding repairs will be mended.

Learn more about tenancy safety from the Residential Tenancies Board, An Garda Síochána and threhsold.ie and read up on your rights here.

Budget

Consider other expenses when deciding what you can afford to spend on accommodation each month. Here is a useful overview of the cost of living in Galway.

What is included in the rent?

Some accommodation will offer all-inclusive rent packages. Check whether bills are included in the rent and factor this into your budget.

Start as early as possible

Start refining your choices now. If you are travelling to Galway from abroad, you can book short-term accommodation and view properties upon arrival.

Some CAO places have already been offered, while two rounds of offers are yet to be issued. Key dates to keep an eye on:

Wednesday, 30 August at 2pm   |  Round One offers

Monday, 11 September at 2pm  |  Round Two offers

Galway homeowners – room to spare?

Would you like to earn up to up to €14,000 tax free?

Sign up for the rent-a-room scheme now and advertise your space to 19,000+ students for free.

Rent-a-room offers a way to earn extra income, while helping a student to find their feet in Galway.

Find out more at

www.universityofgalway.ie/student-life/accommodation/rent-a-room/

The scheme advises homeowners to create a lease/rental agreement that sets out the expectations and obligations of both homeowner and tenant.

The Accommodation Office is located on the first floor of the Áras Uí Chathail Building.

For Accommodation queries, email accommodation@universityofgalway.ie or call us on +353 (0)91 49 3540.