Student Accommodation in Dublin

Student accommodation in Dublin 

Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland, located on the east coast along the River Liffey and the Irish Sea. It is home to leading universities such as Trinity College Dublin (TCD), University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin City University (DCU) and TU Dublin, making it a popular choice for students. The city is also a major tech, finance and pharmaceutical hub, with companies like Google, Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn and HubSpot based here. Dublin also offers easy access to the coast, with places like Howth and Dalkey reachable by DART, while its strong literary and cultural history adds to the city’s appeal.

Finding student accommodation in Dublin can be very difficult because of the city’s housing shortage and high demand. Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) is a popular option, especially for international students, and offers secure buildings with facilities made for student life. PBSA rooms can fill quickly, so start your search early. Rent usually includes bills such as electricity, water, waste management, maintenance and high-speed Wi-Fi, which makes it easier to plan your monthly budget.

 

Dublin Student Housing in 60 Seconds

 

Why Choose Student Accommodation in Dublin?

Dublin is a popular choice for students because it is home to some of Ireland’s top universities, including Trinity College Dublin, UCD, DCU and TU Dublin. However, finding a place to live can be challenging because of the city’s housing shortage and high demand. Student accommodation makes this easier by offering fully furnished rooms, modern amenities and secure buildings designed for student life. Most properties also include bills such as electricity, water, maintenance and Wi-Fi, so you can manage your monthly expenses more easily. According to UniAcco data, the average weekly rent in Dublin is €261, with ensuite rooms being the most popular choice among students. Studios are also available for students who want more privacy, although they come at a higher cost.

 

UniAcco Insights:

• Average weekly rent: €261 
• 77% of students choose ensuite rooms, averaging €264/week — the highest ensuite preference of any city 
• 9% choose non-ensuite rooms, averaging €259/week 
• A premium market with strong demand for private, high-quality accommodation 

 

Accommodation Types Available in Dublin

 

Top 10 Affordable Student Accommodation in Dublin

Dublin is one of Ireland's most popular cities for international students. But finding affordable student accommodation in Dublin can be difficult because of the city’s housing shortage and high demand. That is why it is important to start your search early and choose accommodation that fits your budget without compromising comfort and safety. Most PBSA options also include bills such as electricity, water, waste management, maintenance and high-speed Wi-Fi in the rent, making it easier to manage your monthly budget. Below are some of the most affordable student accommodations in Dublin.

• 1 Waterfall Avenue, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, D03 DA24
• GARRYNISK SQUARE
• 53 Slade Castle Avenue
• 35 Rathmill Green
• Nash Street
• Tassaggart House
• 103 Palmerstown Woods
• 43 Brookhaven Drive
• Glasnevin Hill
• One Room in Double Sharing Room, 29 Wellington Street Upper, Dublin (D07 K6Y6)

 

Best Student Housing in Dublin

What makes student accommodation in Dublin the best? It is not just about finding a room at a good price. The best student housing in Dublin offers fully furnished rooms, modern amenities, strong security, and easy access to universities, public transport, and everyday essentials. All-inclusive bills are another big advantage, especially for international students who want to keep their monthly expenses simple. Since student accommodation in Dublin is in high demand, the best options can fill up quickly. Below are some of the top student accommodations in Dublin that offer a comfortable and convenient student living experience.

• 41 Ballinteer
• Charles Street
• 12 THE PARK, CITYWEST VILLAGE
• 13 Grangemore Drive
• Walkinstown, Dublin, D12 E4C9
• 21 THE AVENUE
• 4 Springfield Avenue
• 9 South Circular Road
• 59 S Circular Road
• 195 Barton road east Dundrum

 

Best Areas for Student Accommodation in Dublin

• Rathmines

Rathmines is one of Dublin’s most popular student areas, especially for students at Trinity College Dublin and UCD. It has a large student community, plenty of shared accommodation and landlords who are used to renting to students, making it easier to find a place that suits a student budget. The area is lively and social, with thrift shops, second-hand bookshops, casual restaurants and the famous Stella Cinema. It also has frequent buses to the city centre and is within walking distance of the Luas Green Line in nearby Ranelagh. Trinity is around 12 minutes away by bus, while UCD takes about 22 minutes, making Rathmines a good choice if you want a student-focused area with good transport links.

• Drumcondra

Drumcondra is a good option for students who want a more residential area while still being close to university life. It is particularly convenient for DCU students, with the main campus around 27 minutes away by bus and St Patrick’s Campus also nearby. The area has plenty of everyday essentials, including supermarkets such as Lidl and Tesco, local pubs and food spots, so students can manage their daily needs without travelling into the city centre. Drumcondra also has its own train station and good bus connections, making it easy to travel around Dublin. Trinity is around 30 minutes away by bus, while UCD takes about an hour, so it is best suited to students studying in the north of the city.

• Phibsborough

Phibsborough is a popular choice for students who want to stay close to central Dublin while having plenty of affordable, student-friendly places to eat and shop. The area has a mix of charity shops, cafés, independent pubs and local businesses, giving it a relaxed but lively student atmosphere. TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus is only around a 16-minute walk away, while DCU is about 27 minutes by bus, making it especially convenient for TU Dublin students. The Luas Green Line and several bus routes also make it easy to reach other parts of Dublin. It is a good middle-ground option if you want easy university access without living right in the city centre.

• Stoneybatter

Stoneybatter is a trendy, village-like area that has become popular with students, young professionals and postgraduate students. TU Dublin’s Grangegorman campus is within easy walking distance, making it particularly convenient for students studying there. The area is known for independent cafés, bakeries, traditional pubs and small local shops, so there is plenty to do without travelling far. It is also close to Smithfield and the Luas Red Line, while Dublin City Centre is easily accessible on foot. However, Stoneybatter is no longer one of the cheaper areas in Dublin, so students looking for the lowest possible rent may find better value elsewhere.

• Dublin City Centre

Dublin City Centre is the most convenient option for students who want to live close to universities, shops, restaurants and nightlife. Trinity College Dublin, TU Dublin’s Bolton Street and Aungier Street campuses, and RCSI are all within easy walking distance, so students at these universities can save money on daily transport. The area is also close to nightlife around Camden Street and Harcourt Street, as well as cultural spots around Temple Bar. With most everyday places reachable by walking, cycling or Dublin Bikes, living in the centre can reduce commuting costs, although accommodation is generally more expensive than in areas further from the centre. It is best suited to students who are willing to pay more for convenience and want to be close to everything.

 

Student Accommodation Near Top Universities in Dublin

 

Getting Around Dublin - Student Travel Guide

Getting around Dublin is fairly easy for students, with buses, the Luas, DART, trains, cycling and walking all available across the city. The best option depends on where you live and where your university campus is, but public transport is usually the most convenient choice for longer journeys. A TFI Leap Card can help students save money, with lower fares and daily and weekly caps available for eligible young adults and students. You can also use the Leap Card across Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas, DART and commuter rail within the relevant fare zones, making it a useful option if you use more than one type of transport.

 

Transport options and costs:

 

Student Life in Dublin

• Cafés and Study Spaces

When students want a change from studying in their accommodation or university library, Dublin has plenty of cafés and libraries where they can get some work done. Kaph on Drury Street is a popular choice if you like studying with a coffee, with tables upstairs where you can sit and work on your readings or assignments. Books Upstairs on D’Olier Street is another quiet option where you can study among books and take a break by browsing the shop. Dubray Books on Grafton Street also has a small café and seating on the third floor, making it a good spot for a quiet study session. If you prefer a proper library, Dublin City Library & Archive on Pearse Street and Kevin Street Library offer quieter spaces where you can focus without the usual café distractions. For something more casual, the downstairs seating areas at Costa on Dawson Street and Starbucks near Ha’penny Bridge are also popular with students looking for a laptop-friendly spot.

• Student Societies

Students in Dublin have plenty of opportunities to meet people and get involved outside the classroom, with universities such as Trinity College Dublin, UCD and TU Dublin offering a wide range of societies. Trinity has more than 120 student-run societies, including the College Historical Society, University Philosophical Society, Dublin University Players, Choral Society, Trinitones and groups for interests such as knitting, circus skills, alternative music and international students. UCD also has societies covering cultural, language, creative and sports interests, including the Irish-language An Cumann Gaelach, Africa Society, International Students Society, Horticulture, Draw, Capoeira and Ninjitsu. TU Dublin has more than 60 groups across its campuses, with options such as the Baking Society, Architectural Students Association, Ability & Friends Society, Ethical Hackers and gaming groups.

• Shopping

Dublin has plenty of shopping options, from popular high-street stores to independent shops and local markets. Grafton Street is one of the city's main shopping areas, with stores such as Brown Thomas and Marks & Spencer, along with cafés like Bewley’s. On the north side, Henry Street has high-street stores, Arnotts, the Ilac Centre, Jervis Shopping Centre and the popular Penneys. For a bigger shopping trip, Dundrum Town Centre has more than 100 shops, along with cafés, restaurants and a cinema, and is easy to reach by Luas and bus. Students looking for something different can explore markets such as Liberty Market, Temple Bar Book Market, Temple Bar Square Craft Market, Blackrock Market and Dún Laoghaire CoCo Market. George’s Street Arcade is another good choice for vintage clothes, books, jewellery, art and food, while areas around Grafton Street have independent shops such as Irish Design Shop, Industry & Co and Designist. Students can also visit Powerscourt Townhouse Centre for Irish-made products, art and cafés, or browse the unique shops and bookshops along Cow’s Lane near Temple Bar.

• Sports and Fitness

Students in Dublin have plenty of options when it comes to staying active, with major universities offering gyms, sports facilities and fitness activities. UCD Sport & Fitness has a 50-metre pool and modern gym facilities, while Trinity Sport offers fitness classes, sports clubs and student-focused support through its sports hub. DCU Sport has facilities including swimming pools, squash courts and functional training areas, and TU Dublin Sport offers fitness studios and discounted student rates across its campuses. Whether you prefer swimming, gym workouts, fitness classes or joining a sports club, there are plenty of ways to stay active while studying in Dublin.

• Nightlife and Entertainment

Dublin has a lively nightlife scene, with everything from traditional pubs and live music to comedy shows and late-night bars. Temple Bar is the city's best-known nightlife area, with The Temple Bar Pub and plenty of places offering traditional Irish music. For a taste of Dublin's history, students can visit The Brazen Head, said to date back to 1198, or The Church, which is set inside a converted historic building. Camden Street, Smithfield and Capel Street offer more local options, including late bars, live music venues and cocktail spots such as BAR 1661. Students can also enjoy dinner and traditional performances through shows such as Celtic Nights and The Irish House Party, while the Craic Den Comedy Club is a good choice for stand-up. Pub crawls and musical pub crawls are another fun way to explore Dublin's nightlife and meet other students.

 

When Should You Book Student Accommodation in Dublin

Students who book the best student accommodation in Dublin before the rush get the best deal. The most affordable properties in areas like Rathmines, Drumcondra and Phibsborough tend to sell out early, especially for the September intake. Check out the recommended booking period below: 

 

Why Book Student Accommodation in Dublin with UniAcco?

Follow the steps below and get your favourite student accommodation abroad.

Step 1: Compare prices and properties

First, choose the destination where you want to book the accommodation. Then, from 72 verified listings, shortlist accommodations that suit your needs and lifestyle by comparing prices and properties.

Step 2: Fill in your details 

Once you have shortlisted your accommodation, fill in your basic details, such as your name, mobile number, and email address. Make sure the information you put in is correct.

Step 3: Talk to our expert and get confirmation

Once you fill in the information, our student expert team will reach out to you within hours. They will guide you through contracts, deposits and rental agreements. Basically, they will be there for you 24/7 till you move into your accommodation.