With the new academic year about to begin, both the University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University (ATU ) are redoubling efforts to address the ongoing student housing crisis.
On Monday, the University of Galway Students’ Union launched a leaflet campaign urging local homeowners to rent spare rooms to students. The appeal comes amid an acute shortage of accommodation in Galway city, with reports of students commuting long distances, paying unsustainable rents, or resorting to hostels and couch-surfing. The significant shortage of available housing resulted in members of the students union leafleting morning commuters arriving at Ceannt Station on Monday.
Speaking about the campaign, University of Galway Students’ Union President, Maisie Hall said, “We are asking Galwegians with spare rooms to please consider renting to University of Galway students. It’s free to advertise on the University website and your room could be the difference between a student dropping out or continuing their studies. We have students commuting for up to seven hours a day, paying extortionate rent, sleeping on friends couches or living in hostels. Students cannot possibly study, live and work under these conditions.”
Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer Paddy Marnane echoed the call, saying, “We are getting hundreds of emails and phone calls every day from students and their families who are desperately seeking housing. It’s heart breaking to hear the circumstances that students are finding themselves in. There’s also been an increase in accommodation fraud which is adding to this nightmare situation.”
ATU celebrates success but continues calls for support
Meanwhile, ATU has reported significant progress following the launch of its own accommodation appeal on August 1. More than 400 student beds have already been secured across Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal, thanks to strong community support.
ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, expressed gratitude to those who responded, saying, “We are deeply thankful to the many landlords and homeowners who have opened their doors and offered rooms to our students. This support is making a real difference to young people and their families at a critical time, giving them the chance to begin or continue their studies with less stress and uncertainty. It is heartening to see communities across our region respond with such generosity.”
However, Dr Flynn emphasised that demand remains high.
“While the response has been hugely encouraging, we still need many more beds. We know there are families, couples, and individuals across the region who may have a spare room and have not yet considered this option. By joining the scheme, you can not only support a student’s education journey but also benefit financially through the tax-free Rent-a-Room scheme. Every single room makes a difference.”
Both institutions continue to highlight the national Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme, which allows homeowners to earn up to €14,000 annually tax-free by renting to students. Beyond financial benefits, universities stress that opening a home to a student fosters community connections, with students contributing through part-time work, volunteering, and placements in local businesses and services.
University of Galway homeowners can advertise spare rooms via the Student Pad website, while ATU has set up regional contact points in Galway, Sligo, Letterkenny, and Mayo.
