In the midst of Dublin’s overwhelming housing crisis, finding the right place to call home can be one of the most daunting aspects of the new school year. For freshers, many of whom are unfamiliar with the city, pinning down the accommodation that is just right, finding that Goldilocks living situation, is all the more overwhelming. While factors like price and convenience often take precedence in decision-making, accommodations are more than just their amenities; each one carries its own unique personality. Though the University Times does not hold the power to spawn more rooms at Kavanagh Court, nor the power to ban Airbnb from snatching much-needed residences, we have compiled a miniature guide to Dublin student housing to provide some insight into what each option has to offer.
Trinity Hall
The most popular student accommodation among freshers lives up to the hype. Nestled in the charming yet happening suburb of Rathmines, “Halls”– as the locals call it–comes equipped with its very own on-site Trinity exclusive social committee (JCR) that facilitates everything from cosy movie nights in Oldham house to sex toy trivia and club nights. The University Times rejects and despises all unfounded rumours that the JCR is a “cult”.
Kavanagh Court
Completed in late 2017, Kavanagh Court offers sleek and modern student living, only a 15-minute walk away from campus on the North side of the Liffey. Unlike Halls, “Kav” hosts both undergraduates and post-grads from multiple universities (though most students there are from Trinity). While it lacks the unifying sense of community present in Halls, its newer amenities and physical proximity to Dublin nightlife more than make up for it. As a bonus feature, Kavanagh Court is perched on top of a lovely brunch spot that offers killer bacon pancakes for all those interested. Just don’t anger the kids with fireworks (if you know you know).
Living at home
Ah, yes, save yourself some money and leech off of your parents a little longer! I would too if I could. In all seriousness, commuting comes with pros and cons that are the most difficult to weigh as they vary situationally. Commuters have said that they feel like they are forfeiting a key community aspect of university life, but in a city where housing fees can be ten times tuition fees, living a reasonable distance from Trinity can be a blessing. And don’t worry, none of your friends are annoyed that you have to crash at theirs after every single night out because the Dart stopped running, and their flatmates, met with the image of you face down on their couch, are just happy you are safe!
Binary Hub
Though less popular among Trinity students, this accommodation punches above its weight with its spacious en-suites and prime location. Offering sprawling views of the Liffey in the bustling Liberties neighbourhood, “B-Hub” is exactly that: a hub of social life. The surrounding area is teeming with various market crawls, jazz nights, and miscellaneous daytime activities that attract a variety of ages living in the neighbourhood. And surely, by semester 2, no one will be saying, “What is that?” when you say you live at B-Hub.
Digs
Living in digs means you rent a room in a home where the landlord also lives; this situation is also known as a homestay. Digs are the definition of “high ceiling, low floor”. Maybe you’ll live with a lovely lady who shares your interests, stays out of your way, and lives for you, living the life of your choosing! Otherwise, you could live with a warlock who curses you nightly, imposes arbitrary rules, and harbours some sympathy for fascism. These are equally likely scenarios. Digs-ers have our sympathy; it’s hard to find affordable housing in Dublin. May the odds be ever in your favour. But it’s a good idea to know your rights…
Dominik Place
With eleven different room types, from twin rooms to en suite studios, this Yugo housing is across the board quite pricey. A 41-week lease for a classic studio will set you back about seventeen thousand quid, making it one of the most expensive on the list. While this property isn’t the best bang for your buck, its proximity to Phoenix park and rooftop deck make its rooms in high demand. But if you want a Dominik Place defender, look no further than Charlie Hastings (Editor of The University Times, Ireland’s best student newspaper, nay, best newspaper), who will back Dominik Place to his final breath.
Brewers Close (sister accommodation of Yugos New Mill and The Tannery)
Unlike most accommodations on this list, Brewers Close is located south of the Liberties in the City Centre. Its sleek, art deco-esque interior design, characteristic of all Yugo housing properties, contrasts with its red brick facade, and acts as an aesthetic microcosm for Dublin: it gives tenants a taste of the old and the new. One might think that the “hidden gem” and “low-key” spirit of this accommodation would provide you with a safe space away from the inevitable dramatics of the Trinity social sphere. But rest assured, you will run into your ex, your ex’s ex, your ex-best friend, and your situationship the second you set foot in that courtyard. Enjoy!
Apartment
If you are one of the lucky few to pin down your very own place (most likely with a few friends), congratulations! Apartment living allows you and your chosen flatmates to be more selective with the amenities, location, and quality of living you value. Many think that having an apartment makes them a capital-A Adult. However, accommodation, digs, and home-dwellers may rest assured that the apartment havers are just like us! They just get to have cute dinner parties, aren’t subject to cruel and unusual rules, don’t stress about storing their stuff over the summer, and, well, whatever.
