The average cost of going to university for a student living away from home in rented accommodation will rise from September to € 13,305 a year, according to a new guide.
This includes the student contribution of € 3,000 per year, but about 40 students are not liable for the contribution because they receive a grant.
The year could turn out to be more than € 7,000 cheaper for students staying at home for their third-level experience. For a student who does not pay for accommodation, the cost for the year is set at € 6,159.
Meanwhile, students who leave home to study in Dublin but live with a host family – rather than renting in the capital – can also cut their costs.
The latest figures come from the annual Dublin University of Technology (TUD) Student Cost-of-Living Guide, compiled by its student services and wellness office.
Dr Rachel O’Connor, TU Dublin Student Involvement and Experience Officer, noted that students who have to live away from home can make significant savings by choosing to stay with a host family.
Rental costs vary across the country, and the national average is set at € 636 per month, which works out to € 5,724 for a nine-month academic year.
The rental figure is based on the EuroStudentVII 2019 survey, adjusted with the inflation rates for 2020 and 2021, but may underestimate the reality in today’s market.
In the current market, students may also find it difficult to secure a nine-month rental in privately rented accommodation, and rates can generally be much higher, especially in Dublin – around € 1,000 per month or more – or other cities.
Dr O’Connor spoke specifically about the cost of renting in Dublin and said private rooms in purpose-built accommodation in the city center cost between € 230 and € 258 per week.
“However, living with a host family this year is typically € 165 per week for a five-day agreement, including utility bills, or € 93 less per week than € 258.
“Not only is this option the most economical, but it also offers the most flexibility as students can choose a five-day lease over 25 to 30 weeks compared to seven days over 40 weeks in a student center,” she said. said.
TU Dublin is currently updating its host family database and invites interested families to register.
The € 13,305 figures break down to an average of € 1,478 per month, and include average costs such as utilities (€ 64), food (€ 194), travel (€ 48), books and other class materials (€ 74), clothing and medical expenses (€ 39), cellphone (€ 14.99), social life (75) and student levy (€ 333).
The travel cost is based on the limited LEAP rate for young adults at € 11.00 per week in an average month of 4.3 weeks.
TU Dublin also recommends that class materials and equipment costs can vary widely, especially for students in arts, science and catering.