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Cost Of Rent Largest Burden Facing Students

Thursday, 20 April 2023 09:48

By Kamron Clarke X @kamron_clarke

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A new report shows nearly a third of students are under financial strain.

The accommodation crisis is impacting students' ability to attend college.

That's according to President of TUS Student Union, Niall Naughton, speaking as a new Higher Education Authority report shows rent is the biggest burden facing those in third level education.

The report shows almost a third of students are feeling significant financial pressure.

It blames rent as the biggest burden - with average student accommodation costing nearly €500 a month.

The report says many students are spending more than they earn and are having to rely on family to top them up.

That's despite nearly two thirds of students having a job.

The report also says the Pandemic has left its mark on students.

Nearly 60% said their mental health had been affected - with female students suffering most.

Mr. Naughton says the lack of accommodation is forcing many to rely on public transport:

Despite these struggles, students say they're generally happy and the report says there's been a rise in the number of students enrolling in college in recent years.


The President of the Union of Students in Ireland says she's incredibly worried about the cost and availability of accommodation for next September.

Beth O'Reilly says it's the one issue the Government has continued to keep its "head in the sand on".

Beth says once off measures are not working:

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