For the thousands of students receiving CAO offers this summer, securing a college place is just the first hurdle. Finding somewhere affordable and suitable to live has become an increasingly difficult challenge, where demand for student accommodation continues to outstrip supply.
Each year, students and their families find themselves entering what has become known as the “accommodation race” - a frantic search for housing that often begins long before CAO offers are even issued. With limited purpose-built student accommodation available and intense competition for private rentals, many students face uncertainty about where they will live during the academic year.
Galway remains one of Ireland’s most popular student destinations, attracting learners from across the country and abroad to institutions such as the University of Galway and ATU. However, the city’s popularity has also contributed to a highly competitive housing market. Available rooms can be snapped up within hours of being advertised, while rental costs continue to place pressure on student budgets.
The situation has led many prospective students to widen their search areas, considering longer commutes from surrounding towns and villages. Others are exploring alternative accommodation options, including digs, homestays, and house-sharing arrangements.
Navigating the race
Experts advise students to begin their search as early as possible. Registering with accommodation offices, monitoring trusted rental websites, joining university accommodation groups, and preparing references in advance can all help improve the chances of success. Parents are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with common rental scams and to verify properties before committing to any payments.
The challenge is not unique to Galway. Across Ireland, student accommodation shortages have become a recurring feature of the third-level landscape. While universities and policymakers continue to explore long-term solutions, students entering higher education this year must focus on the options currently available to them.
One increasingly popular alternative is homestay accommodation, where students live with host families. These arrangements can offer a more affordable and supportive environment, particularly for first-year students who may be moving away from home for the first time. Homestays can also provide opportunities to integrate into local communities and reduce some of the pressures associated with independent living.
Platforms such as Home4Home are helping to connect students with host households across Ireland. By matching students with suitable hosts, these services provide another avenue for those struggling to secure traditional student accommodation. For many families, particularly those concerned about availability and affordability, such options can offer valuable peace of mind.
Students are also advised to remain patient and persistent throughout the process. Accommodation availability often changes throughout the summer as students confirm plans, defer places, or alter living arrangements. Maintaining regular contact with university accommodation services and checking listings frequently can lead to opportunities that may not have been available earlier in the season.
Despite the challenges, thousands of students successfully find accommodation every year and go on to enjoy a rewarding college experience. The key is preparation, flexibility, and starting the search as early as possible.
As CAO offers approach, students hoping to study in Galway and other major university centres should treat accommodation planning with the same importance as their course choices. In today’s competitive market, securing a place to live has become an essential part of the journey to third-level education.
