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Living with a homeowner, often called digs, means renting a room in the homeowner’s own home. It can offer a more affordable accommodation option, with facilities shared as agreed.
Arrangements vary: some homeowners offer weekday stays, while others accommodate seven-day or shorter stays. Check that the location, travel time, access and household arrangements suit your needs before committing.
Affordable Student Accommodation Options
In our commitment to support students we have implemented rent caps for digs accommodation to ensure student accommodation remains affordable.
| Room type | Stay | Maximum weekly rent per person | Maximum monthly rent per calendar person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single room | 5 days per week | €145 | €580 |
| Single room | 7 days per week | €185 | €740 |
| Twin room (two sharing) | 5 days per week | €110 | €440 |
| Twin room (two sharing) | 7 days per week | €140 | €560 |
All rates include bills and utilities. An additional €50 per month may apply for a single room with an ensuite. For a twin room with a private bathroom shared between the two occupants, an additional €25 per person per month may apply.
Search StudentPad for advertised rooms and contact homeowners directly to discuss availability and arrangements.
Watch the video below for help creating a StudentPad account, searching listings, using the interactive map and contacting hosts.
Understanding Your Accommodation Agreement
When you share a home with the owner, you generally occupy the room under a licence arrangement rather than a tenancy. These arrangements fall outside the Residential Tenancies Board’s remit and do not carry the same protections as a tenancy.
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has published a voluntary regulatory framework to guide homeowners and students participating in the room rental scheme.
Before moving in, agree the terms in writing, sign a licence agreement and ensure both parties keep a copy. Include the rent, deposit, bills, dates of stay, household arrangements, notice periods and conditions for returning the deposit.
Your Digs Quick Checklist
Practical questions to discuss with the homeowner before moving in, covering costs, access, household routines and privacy.
Rent-a-Room Voluntary Regulatory Framework
Guidance on agreeing and recording the terms of a digs arrangement.
Rent-a-Room Voluntary Regulatory Framework Document
Sample Licence Agreement
A template for recording the arrangements agreed between you and your host.
Before You Agree to Stay
- View the property: Visit in person and meet the homeowner before paying a deposit. A video viewing alone does not establish that an offer is genuine.
- Check access: Confirm which days and nights are included, arrangements for weekends and holidays, and whether belongings can remain when you are away.
- Discuss daily living: Agree kitchen and laundry access, visitors, quiet hours, cleaning responsibilities and privacy, including access to your bedroom.
- Confirm costs and notice: Understand all charges, deposit return conditions and how either party can end the arrangement.
- Keep records: Save copies of your signed agreement, payment records and video or photographs of the room’s condition when you move in.
Use Your Digs Checklist.pdf to guide the conversation and read follow our Accommodation Scam Prevention Stop.Check.Pay before making a payment.
If you are interested in this type of accommodation, you can view a full list of available accommodations on the TU Dublin StudentPad
Students Under 18
If you will be under 18 during your stay, involve your parent or guardian in viewing the accommodation and reviewing the proposed arrangements. Tell the homeowner your age before booking and confirm if they are willing to accommodate you.
Parents or guardians should discuss suitability, emergency contacts and any expectations around support or supervision directly with the homeowner. Living with a homeowner does not automatically include parental supervision or guardianship.
Accommodation Advice and Guidance
Students, prospective students, parents and guardians can contact the Student Accommodation Team throughout the year for information and guidance.
If difficulties arise during a stay, we can provide guidance and signpost you to relevant support.
studentaccommodation@tudublin.ie
+353 1220 5600