DCU SU appeals to homeowners to rent out spare rooms to students

DCU Students’ Union are appealing to homeowners to rent spare rooms for students, ahead of the coming academic year.

Under the Government’s Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme, private homeowners can earn up to €14,000 a year tax-free by letting out a room in their home.

DCU, like many universities across Ireland, is experiencing an unprecedented demand for on-campus accommodation.

Rooms can be advertised on the dedicated DCU Studentpad page, free of charge, with step-by-step instructions available for advertising rooms to prospective students.

Vincent Hynes, VP for Academic Life at DCU Students’ Union, said;

“With the ever growing demand for affordable student accommodation and high costs of renting, a simple bed for college is hard to come by these days. The DCU Students’ Union has been inundated with requests for help to find a bed for the upcoming academic year.

“We wish to call on our local community to lend a hand in assisting students and families searching for accommodation this year. Simply offering a spare bedroom in your house goes a long way towards making the college experience more accessible and affordable to those in need of help.”

Anna Martí Balletbó – Vice President Wellbeing at DCU Students’ Union, said

“Having a safe and stable place to live is fundamental to a student’s wellbeing, confidence, and ability to succeed at university. For many students moving to DCU, finding accommodation is the biggest source of stress before the academic year even begins. By opening your home through the Rent a Room Scheme, you’re not just offering a room, you’re giving a student the opportunity to settle into a new community, feel supported, and make the most of their university experience. A small act of generosity can have a lasting impact on someone’s future.”

The DCU Students’ Union will be hosting in-person information clinics to help homeowners interested in renting a room to students;

Tuesday, July 28th at 7pm: Interfaith Centre, Glasnevin Campus

Thursday, July 30th at 12pm: Cregan Library, St Patrick’s Campus

A virtual session will also be taking place on Tuesday, August 4th, the link to register will be available on the DCU website.