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  6. Living with a Host Family

For TU Dublin students, living with an owner occupier, commonly referred to as 'digs', is often the most budget-friendly and adaptable living arrangement. Hosts offer accommodation for five to seven days a week, with some are now considering shorter stays to accommodate various needs.

Affordable Student Accommodation Options

In our commitment to support students we have implemented fair rent caps to ensure student housing remains affordable. These measures are designed to benefit students seeking cost-effective living arrangements and homeowners looking for reliable occupancy.

Owner-Occupied (Digs)

Single-Occupancy Room, maximum monthly rent:

5-day stay with all bills and utilities included: €500/month
5-day stay without bills and utilities: €400/month
7-day stay with all bills and utilities included: €700/month
7-day stay without bills and utilities: €600/month


Rooms with a private ensuite bathroom can have an additional €50 added to the monthly rate.

Dual-Occupancy (Twin) Room, maximum monthly rent:

5-day stay with all bills and utilities included: €700/month (€350/person)
5-day stay without bills and utilities: €600/month (€300/person)
7-day stay with all bills and utilities included: €900/month (€450/person)
7-day stay without bills and utilities: €800/month (€400/person)

Entire Apartment/House Rentals: Please note, this category does not include studio apartments.

Two Bedroom Apartment/House: €1500/month
Three Bedroom Apartment/House: €2000/month

Some hosts also offer the option of added comforts like a light breakfast and evening meal.  Note that if meals are included that should be discussed between you and the homeowner. If meals are not included, you must still have access to the kitchen facilities. 

To explore available options, take a look at StudentPad. If you are a current student, register with your TU Dublin student email. Incoming students can use '1234' as a student number but must email studentaccommodation@tudublin.ie for access confirmation. 

Renting a Room in an Owner-Occupied House 

Owner-occupied properties fall outside the remit of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Consequently, homeowners do not need to register these tenancies with the RTB, and both the homeowner and the student do not receive the rights and protections provided under the Residential Tenancies Act. 

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has introduced a voluntary regulatory framework and a sample licence agreement to guide homeowners and students participating in the room rental scheme. This framework outlines key considerations for both parties, clarifying what homeowners should consider when renting out a room, and informing students about what to expect when accepting accommodation offers.  

Before committing, ensure you have a written licence agreement in place with the host and never pay a deposit before viewing the property in person. 

Things to Consider:  

Pros: 

  • Home Comforts: Living with a family offers a homely atmosphere, which can be comforting for those new to living independently. 
  • Supportive Environment: Host families can provide support and guidance as you navigate your new life at university. 
  • Less Responsibility: With fewer household duties compared to renting, you can focus more on your studies and less on managing a household. 
  • Safety: Living with a family can provide a sense of security, especially in a new city. 

Cons: 

  • Less Independence: Living under someone else’s roof means following their rules and schedules. 
  • Privacy: You may have less personal space and privacy than in other accommodation types. 
  • Limited Choice: You cannot choose your housemates as you would in shared student accommodation. 

For those interested in this type of accommodation, you can view a full list of available accommodations on the TU Dublin StudentPad  

Accommodation Support

The Student Accommodation team is committed to assisting students with all accommodation inquiries. Whether you prefer a phone call, an in-person meeting, or an online meeting, we are here to help. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via email at studentaccommodation@tudublin.ie or give us a call at 01 2205600.