There is no denying the beauty of the buildings on-campus, nor the convenience of their location, particularly for final year students, who benefit the most from the rooms and apartments. However, on the other hand, it cannot be contested that these benefits come with a high price, and it’s not only about the financial cost.
Rooms on campus, either single or as part of a shared apartment, range from €170 to €276 a week, with separate fixed utility charges based on the building. These fees have been labelled as “extortionate” and have frequently raised questions about what exactly students are paying for.
The Trinity Residents’ Handbook, mandatory reading for all students housed on campus, not only outlines safety and security guidelines but also provides information on College’s overnight guest policy. It states that residents are permitted one overnight guest. However, this overnight guest must be signed in electronically via the completion of an online request form by the resident before midnight. Furthermore, if a resident wishes for their guest to stay for more than four consecutive nights, they need to email the Junior Dean in order to obtain special permission. The constraints do not end there. Residents are not permitted to have guests during the Christmas and New Year period, or on the night of Trinity Ball. This is in addition to the annual exam periods, aptly referred to by the Campus Accommodation Team as the Restricted Periods.
Worse still, following a hearing held on July 9th 2024, the Residential and Tenancies Board (RTB) found that College’s overnight guest policy was in breach of tenant rights, deeming it “unenforceable”. Subsequently, a spokesperson for College confirmed that Trinity would be appealing the ruling “in an effort to obtain clarity on the matter.” College further maintains that on campus accommodation requires different rules in order to maintain a quiet, orderly environment for residents who need to concentrate on their studies.
It is worth highlighting here that students living in any College accommodation are deemed licensees, as distinguished from tenants, and do not benefit from the same protections afforded to tenants, under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. Students, already in a more vulnerable position due to their need for accommodation and their dependence on College to provide it, lack any and all tenant rights, and cannot seek statutory relief for incidents that may arise during their licence period. This is particularly concerning given that, in the past few years, there have been numerous reports regarding students being subjected to uncomfortable living conditions, including enduring intermittent shortages of running water, unannounced and intrusive room checks, and the occasional extra furry guest.
Overall, these accommodation policies are indicative of College’s dedication to treating its students like children. The constant infantilization of the student population through the enforcement of overly-paternalistic policies is problematic, unnecessary, and ultimately disrespectful.
