Dublin: There is growing demand for the Irish government to address the accommodation crisis affecting international students, including those from India, as they prepare to begin classes in September. With hundreds of students still arriving in Ireland, organisations such as the Union of Ireland have warned that many are facing severe difficulties in securing rental housing.
Foreign students report being exploited by companies charging exorbitant fees, sometimes amounting to thousands of euros, just to facilitate their move to Ireland. Upon arrival, they often find themselves struggling to avoid poverty and homelessness. The crisis is exacerbated by the influx of nearly a quarter of a million Stamp 2 English language students, in addition to approximately 10,000 other international students joining Ireland’s professional colleges.
Despite widespread social media coverage of the housing challenges faced by these students, appeals from the government and universities to local homeowners have not elicited significant responses. With colleges opening in September, many students are left without a place to stay. The rental market in Ireland, particularly in cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway, is unable to meet the high demand, leading to severe shortages.
The UCD Students’ Union has called for urgent action to address the difficulties faced by students. They have reported that students are reaching out to them daily, seeking assistance in finding accommodation. Ireland’s housing crisis is compounded by some of the highest rent rates in Europe, which have had a particularly harsh impact on students. Even when accommodation is found, it is often prohibitively expensive.
The situation is especially dire in Dublin, where rents have skyrocketed. The UCD Students’ Union warns incoming students that finding affordable housing within a reasonable distance of their universities will be extremely challenging. The high demand for housing has also led to an increase in scams targeting students, with fraudsters offering fake rental listings and demanding deposits upfront. International students unfamiliar with the local housing market now view cities like Dublin with caution.
While some universities offer on-campus accommodation at a premium, availability remains limited. Studies show that international students searching for housing in Ireland face a particularly challenging environment, with an increasing number of them returning home due to psychological stress and financial hardship.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp