Moving for College with a Child?

beansm

Hello, I really need some advice from anyone who has moved for college with a child. I'm currently on one parent family payment and I got accepted into a level 5 course in cork. I live two hours away. I'm a single parent so i'll have to move by myself with my two year old, but thankfully there is a creche in the college. I figured I would be able to find a one bedroom flat or studio apartment, near or in a commuter town close by but oh my god.. it's been impossible to find anything!! i cant house share because my son will be with me. The rent is bonkers! I really don't know what to do, anywhere i've looked I can't even seem to afford the deposit alone, not to mind the rent too! I'll be eligible for rent allowance but I don't even know how to go about it when the rent everywhere is up in the high hundreds! Sorry I feel like I'm coming across totally niaeve but any advice would be hugely appreciated!

catonafence

beansm wrote: »

Hello, I really need some advice from anyone who has moved for college with a child. I'm currently on one parent family payment and I got accepted into a level 5 course in cork. I live two hours away. I'm a single parent so i'll have to move by myself with my two year old, but thankfully there is a creche in the college. I figured I would be able to find a one bedroom flat or studio apartment, near or in a commuter town close by but oh my god.. it's been impossible to find anything!! i cant house share because my son will be with me. The rent is bonkers! I really don't know what to do, anywhere i've looked I can't even seem to afford the deposit alone, not to mind the rent too! I'll be eligible for rent allowance but I don't even know how to go about it when the rent everywhere is up in the high hundreds! Sorry I feel like I'm coming across totally niaeve but any advice would be hugely appreciated!

Hi,
It does sound a very difficult situation to be in.
It's great you have been accepted into a course and that the crèche place is available. However rents are extremely expensive around the city - it's going to be hard to find a place good enough for a kid that anyone can afford.
It's not just the deposit, do you have a plan as to how you will pay the rent each month? With other living expenses!!
One option would be to commute every day? Manageable as an adult but it will make for a long day for your little one - could you commute and leave your child with someone in your home town.
If not, do you drive? Rent allowance will be a more viable option if you go 45 mins outside the city.
Bear in mind most level 5 courses are run over 4 days not 5 or else 5 shorter days.
Could you ask the CWO for help with the deposit.
Most colleges also have a student assistance fund. It's worth ringing your college and asking them about it.
Another option would be to defer your place and use the year to save a deposit etc. but I say this as aware as you are that full time study is easier before your child starts school and you can avail of the crèche.

Lackey

Speak to a social worker
I knew of subsidised housing in dublin for single mothers who can prove they are in education
This was years ago so don't know if it's still in operation
But it might be worth a shot
Might be something similar in Cork?
Good luck