[Advice Wanted] On Campus vs. Off Campus

shewasoctober

I am an international student applying to programs at UCD and DCU. Any recommendations in terms of accommodations? I know finding an apartment in Dublin is difficult and expensive. How are the postgraduate accommodations on both campuses? Are they really strict? I know the rules state that overnight visitors are not allowed, is this enforced? How likely is it that could find an apartment to share within 2 month time frame that would be near either campus, or at least within the city? Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Victor

shewasoctober wrote: »

I am an international student applying to programs at UCD and DCU. Any recommendations in terms of accommodations?

Sharing a house or apartment is much more affordable than getting somewhere by yourself.

How are the postgraduate accommodations on both campuses?

I'm not aware of any targeted at postgraduates. On-campus accommodation tends to be orientated towards first years, although that might include foreign students who haven't lived in Dublin before.

Are they really strict? I know the rules state that overnight visitors are not allowed, is this enforced?

To my knowledge, yes. You might get away with having someone over once in a while, but not as a regular thing or someone visiting for a week.

How likely is it that could find an apartment to share within 2 month time frame that would be near either campus, or at least within the city?

Do you mean that you have somewhere for the first 2 months? If that is the case, you should be able to get another palce easily enough after that.

Talk to the international office in each college.

shewasoctober

Thanks for the response. I have a place to stay for a couple of months, so I will have time to look.

dirtydress

Just to correct some of Victors answers. I have lived on campus in UCD. They have certain buildings (the better ones!) reserved for postgrads and final years (e.g glenomena, blackrock) so you dont have just first years. Also you will hardly ever get checked for having someone stay over unless its on the night of a huge college event (e.g I got stung on the night of the freshers ball!) otherwise they leave you alone.

If you're not familiar with Dublin i would definitely go for campus because its the easiest and also you definitely have a better college experience being on campus. Good luck!

neilled

With recent price increases around the UCD area I would suggest that on campus accomodation offers fairly good value for money should you be able to get it.