AS THE academic year draws closer, many students across the Northside are scrambling to find reasonably priced accommodation close to their colleges.
A shortage of housing, increased rent prices and a reluctance of some landlords to take on students can make the accommodation search a nightmare.
In an effort to combat these problems, DCU’s Student Union Welfare Officer, Cody Byrne, has devised a plan that could solve the problem.
‘Digs’ accommodation involves students renting a room or part of the house from a landlord or family that live in the house alongside the tenants.
Byrne describes digs as “a win-win all around”.
“From a Student Union’s perspective, we get to house students in safe and secure locations around all DCU campuses, families get extra income per week and it’s cheaper accommodation for the students,” he explained.
Although many students may prefer private or student accommodation for their own freedom, digs can certainly suit some – especially final years or those looking for a cheaper option.
The Welfare Officer points out that digs can be a good transition for incoming students who are leaving their family home for the first time.
“They’re living in a clean and comfortable family home and it’s good for downtime to put a pause on the hectic social scene that is university,” he added.
To find new digs providers, Cody and a team of students have dropped almost 7,000 flyers in the Beaumont, Whitehall, Glasnevin and Drumcondra areas.
There’s a monetary incentive for people to rent out a room, as one can earn up to €12,000 of tax-free rent a year.
Although it was a lot of work, Cody describes the campaign as “a great success”.
There are now almost 200 new first-time digs providers joining those already on the books.
Alongside helping secure more places for students through digs, Byrne has also been taking some steps in an effort to make navigating the accommodation market easier for students.
He monitors the DCU Accommodation Facebook page for scams and posts approved rentals on the SU website.
There is also a tenant/landlord agreement template on the website alongside a PDF guide for looking for accommodation.
Former DCU student Bríd Browne lived in digs for three years and says she found it to be a very positive experience.
“I was really lucky with my digs in that the family was very relaxed and didn’t mind me coming and going,” she said. “Having said that, I always had to be considerate that I was living with a young family and tried not to put them out.
“I’d highly recommend digs,” she added.
“I stayed with the same family for three years and was sad to have to leave.”
REPORT: Roisin Nestor