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Getting to a decision of moving to Dublin without knowing where I would stay or how I will find a place to stay was honestly one of the most stressful part of my study abroad journey. There are already multiple news articles, YouTube videos, and personal experience blogs that talk about the housing crisis in Dublin, and finding a reliable student accommodation from India felt overwhelming right from the start.
My Background
Hi everyone, my name is Utkarsh Singh. I moved to Dublin in August 2025 to pursue my MSc in Strategic Management from tech Technological University Dublin (TUD), Aungier Street. Like every other Indian student, I selected Dublin as my study abroad destination for its growing opportunities, global exposure, and student friendly environment. But before getting to any of that good part, I had to solve one of the most discussed problem in Dublin i.e., finding a place to stay.
The Challenges I Faced
If you have done even a little research about Dublin, you already know that finding an accommodation here is not easy. The accommodation market is full of scams, and if you are someone who has no friends or relatives staying here prior to your arrival, trusting any ads for accommodation other than a trusted platform is tough, considering that you already have a lot on your plate before arriving here.
When I was looking for an accommodation, my priority was to find a place that fits into my budget, was close to my university, and also not too far from the City Centre where most of the part-time job opportunities are. Adding to my challenges, I was doing all this from India, which made it extremely challenging to verify listings or even trust what I am seeing online. When you start looking for your accommodation, you’ll come across a lot of options, but not all of them are reliable. This confusion, the time pressure, and the fear of getting scammed, it was all adding up and was making this journey really difficult, which I was supposed to enjoy.
Finding the Right Service Provider
Thankfully, I had help while figuring out how to book an student accommodation in Dublin. You will find multiple YouTube videos, blogs, and articles that talk about finding the right and risk-free way of booking a student accommodation. I practically went through each one of these resources and listed out all the service providers that can help me in finding a place to stay. After that, I went through the website and compared these platforms based on the number of options available, difference in accommodation prices, difference in their service charges, and additional services provided. This approach narrowed down my list, and now I had to find someone who can testify for their services. Through my university, I was already added into multiple WhatsApp groups that included potential students for the upcoming batch. I found few students from the same course who already completed the process of booking a student accommodation, and one of them even signed the contract with his Irish landlord. And that is when, I was introduced to University Living. He shared the contact details of the representative that helped him getting an accommodation, and that’s how I got started. I reached out, explained my budget and preferences, and things started becoming more clearer.
The process with a service provider is very structured. I was given a set of options that matched my requirements, and I had to compare different properties and understand what each one offered rather than randomly browsing listings across different platforms. This guidance makes a huge difference for an international student, as it not only gives you options but the much required clarity and trust. There are students who book their accommodation through Facebook listings without the help of any service provider, and their journey is filled with uncertainty and risks. Being able to finalise my accommodation before even landing in Dublin through a trusted platform give me a sense of relief that I can’t really describe.
My Accommodation Experience
I ended up choosing Buckley Hall Student Accommodation, and it turned out to be one of the best decision I made throughout my study abroad journey. It is one of the most affordable options available here, having all the necessary amenities that are required for a student. Yes, there are no fancy amenities like gaming rooms, snooker tables, and bowling alleys, but it was a big win for me because managing expenses as a student is always a priority.
This accommodation is located in the Dublin City Centre, and is very well-connected with the three major modes of transportation in Dublin. The nearest bus stop, Portland Row, is just 300 meters away. Similarly, the nearest train station, Connolly, and Luas (tram) stop, Marlborough, are 350 meters and 900 meters away, respectively. It is also very close to my university, and I can access the city centre without much hassle. The area also have multiple local shops and convenience store nearby, which makes daily life convenient. Over time, display started feeling like home as I have a comfortable and secure space which made it easier for me to focus on my studies and settle into life in Dublin.
Sorting out my accommodation early saved me from the last-minute stress, give me peace of mind during my visa process, and allowed me to focus on preparing for my move instead of worrying about where I would stay. This makes choosing Buckley Hall Student Accommodation and University Living, one of the best decision I made.
Tips for Students Planning to Move to Dublin
- Start your accommodation search as soon as you receive your university acceptance letter.
- Don’t rely on just one website or service provider. It is important to do your own research and compare options as per your budget and preferences.
- Always check the distance from your university and city centre.
- Plan your budget carefully and include a contingency for unexpected expenses.
- Try to finalise your accommodation before applying for your visa, it strengthen your application and increases the chances of acceptance.
Conclusion
Find a student accommodation in Dublin can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re doing it from another country. But with the right approach and timely planning, it is manageable. For me, getting my accommodation sorted early made my transition to Dublin, smooth and stress free. If you’re planning your move, make this your priority and you will thank yourself later.
