Choosing home sweet home

Good accommodation is an important factor in the college settling-in process, and therefore it is worth taking time to search for the best option.

Many students may feel fearful at the thought of living away from home, and for those who want a family setting, 'digs' arrangements are perfect.

First years can stay in a family home for either five or seven days and, crucially, the all-in price covers essentials such as heat, light and sometimes food.

Purpose-built on-campus student accommodation is another good option for freshers. Although this may not always be on the campus, it is usually within walking distance.

It may be too late to apply for a place, but some colleges have waiting lists and others are only opening applications for on-campus accommodation this week.

Many universities and colleges have on-campus accommodation as well as provision available off campus. Relative newcomers to the scene are the Dublin Student Quarter at Heuston South Quarter and apartments at Shanowen Square in Dublin. The Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology's Glasan student village in Galway city has a shop, restaurant and launderette on site.

If you have any queries about accommodation or tenancy agreements, the best advice is to contact the college accommodation services or the student unions for information and advice.

The following is a quick guide to purpose-built student accommodation:

• Colaiste Mhuire, Marino, Dublin

Student residences are available to students attending all Department of Education third-level approved colleges, and the campus is particularly well located for St Patrick's College and the Mater Dei Institute, with easy access to the city centre also. It is offering a €350 reduction on fees for applications before 5pm on August 25.

• Dublin City University (DCU)

Applications were accepted up to midnight last night, and offers will be posted out to students all this week.

• Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

Only students who have accepted a place in TCD can apply for a room at Trinity Hall, a few miles from Dublin city centre, in Dartry. Online application should be made from 4pm on the day the applicant is offered a place.

• National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIM)

First-year students may still apply for the purpose-built campus accommodation in the college today.

Students will compete for places in a lottery, which will be held after 5pm today.

• University College Cork (UCC)

Three of the UCC residences for first years, Victoria Lodge, Castlewhite and University Hall, are all fully booked. However, 33 other on-campus student complexes, which are not owned by the college, still have places available.

• University of Limerick (UL)

Accommodation in UL's five on-campus villages is fully booked, but the college is expecting some cancellations. Students are asked to contact the accommodation office today to be placed on a waiting list.

• Griffith College, Dublin

The private college is still accepting applications for on-campus accommodation on South Circular Road, close to Dublin city centre, from both its own students and others.

• Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT)

The college is still taking applications for its on-campus student residence, Merrion Village, and is urging interested students to apply on its website.

• National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)

Freshers may apply for two student residences, one of which is Corrib Village.

• University College Dublin (UCD)

Room bookings for CAO applicants will commence this Wednesday at 4pm. Bookings are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Residency offers will be made to those who have accepted their place in UCD based on their ranking and how quickly they accept their CAO offer.

- Patricia McDonagh

Irish Independent