University of Galway students are set to spend the night in Eyre Square this week as part of a protest highlighting the severe shortage of student accommodation in the city.
The sleep-out, organised by University of Galway Students’ Union, will take place on Tuesday, September 1. Students will gather at the university’s Quadrangle building at 3.30pm before making their way into the city centre and setting up camp in Eyre Square.
The action comes less than a week before the new academic term begins on September 7, with the Students’ Union warning that large numbers of students are still struggling to secure somewhere to live.
Students’ Union President Seán de Búrca said the housing crisis was having a major impact on students, with some facing lengthy daily commutes while others have been forced to rely on temporary accommodation.
“We have students commuting for up to seven hours a day, paying extortionate rent, sleeping on friends' couches or living in hostels. This is the result of years of a lack of Government action,” he said.
“It's not acceptable to expect students to put up with such a dire state of housing. We are calling for affordable student accommodation, digs legislation, and for our public representatives to finally start taking this issue seriously.”
Students’ Union Vice President for Welfare and Equality Molly Hickey said the organisation had been inundated with requests for help from students and their families searching for accommodation.
“It’s heart breaking to hear the circumstances that students are finding themselves in. There’s also been an increase in accommodation fraud which is adding to this nightmare situation,” she said.
The union is urging students who have yet to find accommodation to contact the university’s accommodation service for guidance and to check StudentPad, a platform aimed at connecting students with landlords offering accommodation.
The availability of purpose-built accommodation has increased with the opening of Queen Street Place near the docks. The eight-storey development provides 345 student beds and is operated by UK-based company Mezzino.
The development, delivered by Elkstone alongside COADY Architects, includes a gym and fitness studio, rooftop terraces, study areas, a cinema room and 24-hour security.
Elkstone chief executive Joe Bergin described the opening as a direct response to Ireland’s shortage of student accommodation.
“Delivering 345 purpose-built student homes in the heart of Galway is a proud moment for Elkstone,” he said.
However, despite being described as the cheapest student accommodation currently available in the city, the cost of a room at the new development can still approach €1,200 per month.
The Students’ Union has also issued advice to students looking for private accommodation, particularly as demand rises and the risk of rental scams increases.
Students are being advised to be cautious of landlords who claim to be abroad and request money before a property can be viewed. Prospective tenants should take their time when inspecting accommodation, photograph any existing damage and request confirmation in writing of any repairs that need to be carried out.
The union recommends avoiding cash payments where possible so that there is a clear record of transactions, while students should always obtain a receipt for deposits and rent.
Students are also advised to arrange a further viewing before moving in to ensure agreed repairs have been completed and to check that the property is adequately heated and ventilated. A valid Building Energy Rating should also be provided.
Before signing a tenancy agreement, students are encouraged to establish exactly how long the tenancy will last and which utility bills they will be responsible for.
The union is also advising students to consider contents insurance to protect their personal belongings, as a landlord’s insurance policy will generally not cover a tenant’s possessions in the event of theft or damage.
With the academic year fast approaching, the Students’ Union says urgent action is needed from both the Government and the university to address the continuing shortage of affordable student housing in Galway.
