Off-Campus

Common Accommodation Questions

When should you start searching for accommodation?​

Both on-campus and off-campus student residences start taking applications in February for the following September, and remain open for a few weeks only. Off-campus accommodation providers Westwood and Swuite start taking booking from Early December and January. It's a good idea to accommodation providers’ newsletters to receive alerts for important dates and deadlines.

If you are searching for private accommodation, we recommend that you arrive in Galway early in the summer to arrange viewings.

Can I hear from other students who have found accommodation?

​Click here to read testimonials from other students. 

I am an international student. Can I book accommodation from my home country?​

We advise against sending money to a landlord until you have seen the property in person. ​​

If you are travelling to Galway from abroad, you can book short-term accommodation (like a B&B or hostel) for your arrival, then view properties before committing to a deposit. We recommend scheduling viewings and arriving in Galway well before term time, to ensure that you have accommodation confirmed in good time.​​

Any tips on being a good housemate?

1. Remember to adhere to HSE guidelines on Covid-19 at all times to ensure that the university and wider community stay safe and well.
2. Be clear from the start: agree rotas for cleaning and agree on a guest policy.
3. Ask before borrowing your housemate’s stuff.
4. Address small issues in a respectful way before they become bigger.
5. Shared spaces are shared by all. Don’t leave your stuff hanging around.
6. Be friendly, without expecting to be automatically best friends.
7. Trying new things is a great way to meet people.
8. Treat your roommate how you would want to be treated. In other words, show respect! 
9. Download the OurHome app: a great way to manage tasks and grocery lists among your housemates. Available for iOS, Android & Webapp.

Off-Campus Accommodation

What are the key tips to keep in mind while searching for accommodation?

• Visit Studentpad 
  
  The most secure way to search for private student accommodation. All properties advertised go through a registration process and are regularly updated.

• Search smart
  
  Always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented, bring a friend and remember to keep copies of correspondence. Make sure there is a rental agreement that you understand and have read in full. Sign the contract prior to paying deposit. Stay informed of your tenancy rights.
  
  Make a list of furniture and appliances with the landlord. If there are any outstanding repairs, ask the landlord to state in writing that they will be repaired – take photos if necessary. You can learn more about tenancy safety from the Residential Tenancies Board, An Garda Síochána and Threshold.ie. 

• What is your budget?
  
  Consider your expenses including travel, bills and food when working out how much to spend on accommodation. See here for an overview of living costs in Galway.

• What is included in the rent?
  
  When working out your budget, make sure to check whether bills are included in rental rates, so you can factor this into your budget.

• Start as early as possible
  
  Given the shortage of accommodation throughout Ireland, it’s wise to start refining your choices now. 

How can I safely search for private accommodation?​

• Ideally only deal with established bon-fide rental agencies.​

• Always meet a prospective landlord in the accommodation to be rented.​

• Ask for ID (driver’s licence or photo ID) of landlord/letting agent (take a photo of the document).​

• Pay the deposit to the landlord only – not the person leaving the property.​

• Use cheques or bank drafts to pay the deposit. Keep copies of receipts of payments and any correspondence.​

• Ensure keys fit, door locks and opens, and rental contract is signed, prior to paying deposit.​ 

Don't get caught by rental fraud. Check out important tips from the Residential Tenancies Board, An Garda Síochána and Threshold.ie.
You can also get advice on your rights here.

Are there off-campus private residences nearby?​

1. Dunaras ​
   (26 mins to campus on foot, 8 mins by bike)​

2. Gort na Coiribe​
   (18 mins to campus on foot, 6 mins by bike)​

3. Menlo Park Apartments​
   (26 mins to campus on foot, 10 mins by bike)​

4. Donegan Court ​
   (13 mins to campus on foot, 4 mins by bike)​

5. Atlantis Apartments ​
   (16 mins to campus on foot, 6 mins by bike)​

6. Swuite ​
   (26 mins to campus on foot, 7 mins by bike)​

7. The Westwood ​
   (20 mins to campus on foot, 6 mins by bike)​

8. Galway Central ​
   (21 mins to campus on foot, 7 mins by bike)
   
   

How much does off-campus accommodation cost?​

Digs / Community Accommodation​

In a digs or community accommodation, students pay a homeowner for accommodation which is offered on a full-time or five-day basis (depending on the homeowner). Digs are available throughout Galway city and surrounding areas. Some homeowners are happy to provide meals, while others prefer to give their students access to the kitchen to prepare their own food. Prices vary, usually between €150 and €250 per week (often including bills).

Which areas in Galway are best for student living?

While your first preference might be the city centre, Galway's various residential areas have a lot to offer. Learn more about these here. 

I’m attending the Shannon College of Hotel Management. What are my accommodation options?

If you are in your first year of study at Shannon College, accommodation is available in Castle Gardens at Bunratty Village. All aspects of this accommodation is managed by private company, Rent an Irish Cottage MGMT Ltd.

If you are in year 3 or 4, accommodation is available is at Bunratty West in Bunratty Village, also managed by Rent an Irish Cottage. You can find more private accommodation contacts here.

You can also explore options on Studentpad, a reliable search engine for private student accommodation. Under the “Campus” button heading please select “Shannon College of Hotel Management”. Other sources of private accommodation include Daft.ie, Rent.ie and MyHome.ie – however, caution is urged. Do not part with any money until you have seen the property in person.

For further assistance please contact Student Services Officer, April at april.rushe@nuigalway.ie 

Click here to learn more about accommodation at Shannon College.