Athlone sits in the heart of Ireland and offer students a comfortable and accessible living environment. Whether you are attending a nearby university or college, student accommodation in Athlone is available in reasonable and affordable options. The town’s central location means easy access to public transportation, shopping areas, cultural attractions, and green spaces, making it an ideal place for students. Many student housing options are located close to transit routes and popular neighbourhoods like Cypress Gardens, Valley Court, Willow Park, Athlone Town Centre, Golden Island, and River Shannon Area. These neighbourhoods are known for their affordability, safety, and convenience. You will get convenient and well-equipped student accommodation in these locations.

For assistance in booking a student property, University Living offers a hassle-free platform where students can explore the best housing options and ensure a smooth move-in process, letting them focus on their studies and student life.

Looking for the perfect student accommodation in Athlone? There’s a wide variety of student accommodation options, catering to different budgets and preferences. Whether you choose Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) or private apartments, each option is equipped with essential amenities for student living. These accommodations offer comfort and convenience, with all the modern amenities needed for a positive student experience. Additionally, they provide excellent security, ease of access to public transportation, and closeness to both local amenities and educational institutions. Here's a look at the most popular choices available.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): Students will mostly get this type of student accommodation in Athlone based properties. PBSA refers to housing specifically designed for students, offering modern amenities like furnished rooms, study spaces, and communal areas.

Key Highlights of PBSA Properties

• Fully Furnished Rooms for comfortable living.

• High-Speed Internet for studying and connecting online.

• 24/7 Security measures like Secure entry and CCTV.

• Communal Areas for socializing, studying, and relaxing.

• On-site facilities include laundry services, gyms, and sometimes cafes.

Apartment: Designed for students, this accommodation type offers a private living space designed for individuals or small groups of students. They offer students the independence of living on their own while remaining close to campus and local conveniences.

Key Highlights of Apartment

• Private Living Space

• Fully Furnished

• Kitchen and Bathroom

• Proximity to Campus

Studio Apartment: A self-contained living space ideal for students seeking privacy. It combines a bedroom, living area, and kitchen in one room for a compact and functional living experience.

Key Features of Studio Apartment

• Open-plan layout

• Fully furnished

• Private bathroom

• Kitchenette or full kitchen

Athlone offers a mix of vibrant and peaceful neighbourhoods, perfect for students. These areas are known for their proximity to key amenities, public transport options, and a welcoming community vibe. Here are some ideal neighbourhoods:

Top Student Neighbourhoods in Athlone, Ireland

• Cypress Gardens: Popular for its affordable housing and easy access to public transport, Cypress Gardens is a lively area with a mix of shared houses and apartments. It’s perfect for students who want a vibrant atmosphere close to amenities and the town centre.

• Valley Court: Offering a peaceful residential feel, Valley Court is an excellent choice for students seeking a quieter living space. With a variety of shared houses and good transport links, it provides an affordable option while staying close to Athlone’s colleges and amenities.

• Willow Park: Known for its green surroundings, Willow Park offers students a peaceful retreat. Many students share houses here, enjoying the balance between a relaxing environment and the convenience of being near shops, eateries, and public transport.

• Athlone Town Centre: Ideal for students who thrive in a bustling environment, the Town Centre offers a mix of retail shops, cafes, restaurants, and cultural venues. It’s the perfect location for students looking for easy access to everything while enjoying vibrant city life.

• Golden Island: A serene residential area, Golden Island provides students with a peaceful living environment, just a short distance from the River Shannon and local parks. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility with convenient access to essential amenities.

• River Shannon Area: Perfect for nature lovers, the River Shannon Area offers scenic views and plenty of outdoor activities. Students can relax by the river, enjoy walking or cycling, and still be close to the town's shops and transport links.

Housing Costs

• Shared Apartment/House (Private Room): €550 – €800

Note: Prices can vary depending on the number of housemates, location, and the quality/amenities of the property.

• Studio Apartment (Self-contained): €700 – €1,100

Note: A decent studio likely starts from €700 in a central location.

• Utilities (if not included in rent): €100 – €200

Note: Many purpose-built student accommodations include utilities, which simplifies budgeting.

Daily Living Expenses

• Groceries: €180 – €250

• Dining Out/Takeaways: €80 – €180

• Local Public Transport (TFI Leap Card - Student): €40 – €75

Note: A single journey on a Bus Éireann town fare in Athlone with a student Leap Card is €0.75.

• Entertainment & Social Activities: €60 – €150

Covers leisure activities, cinema, going out with friends, subscriptions (streaming, gym), and personal care items.

Estimated Monthly Budget

• Budget Lifestyle: €1,000 – €1,200

(Includes shared apartment, basic groceries, public transport, limited dining out)

• Standard Lifestyle: €1,300 – €1,600

(Includes private room in shared housing, moderate groceries, some dining out, public transport)

• Premium Lifestyle: €1,800 – €2,200+

(Includes a studio apartment, relaxed spending on groceries and dining, transportation, and entertainment)

Plan Smart with University Living

University Living’s Cost of Living Calculator is tailored for student accommodation in Athlone, helping you manage your budget effectively for both accommodation and daily expenses. From rent and utilities to dining out and entertainment, it provides a clear breakdown of your monthly costs—so you can focus on what truly matters: your studies and student experience in Athlone.

For students in Athlone, commuting is made simple with a variety of transport options. Whether it’s Irish Rail for intercity travel, Bus Éireann for local routes, or ride-sharing services like Uber, students can rely on efficient and affordable options to navigate the town and beyond.

Train:

• Irish Rail operates intercity rail services connecting Athlone to Dublin, Galway, and other locations.

• Athlone Train Station is a major hub, making it easy to travel to and from the town.

• Distance to AIT: Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) is approximately a 35-minute walk from the train station.

Bus:

• Bus Éireann provides a town service within Athlone, linking various areas, including AIT.

• A1 and A2 Bus Routes: These routes run across the town, connecting Monksland in the west to Creggan Court in the east. They pass through the Bus & Railway Station, Town Centre, Golden Island Shopping Centre, and Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT).

• Flagline ATH1 Bus: Runs every 15 minutes, Monday to Saturday, between Golden Island Shopping Centre and AIT.

• Intercity Services: Bus Éireann also operates services to major cities including Dublin, Galway, Ballina, Westport, Sligo, Derry, Belfast, Dundalk, Waterford, Cork, Tralee, and Limerick.

• Private Bus Operators: These services also connect Athlone to other cities.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing:

• Taxis: Available throughout the town for local transportation.

• Uber: Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available for on-demand travel in and around Athlone.

Other Transport Options:

• Transport for Ireland (TFI) Journey Planner App: Use this app to find the best routes for public transport.

• Real Time Ireland App: Provides accurate arrival times for buses and trains in Athlone.

• Tax Saver Tickets: Available for staff members who use public transport.

• TFI Go App: Allows you to purchase tickets for public transport services.

• TFI Local Link: Provides affordable and accessible public transport services in rural areas.

• TFI Leap Card: A prepaid travel card for convenient use on public transport.

Athlone based in Ireland, offers a blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions perfect for students. Whether you want to relax after your studies or explore the town during your free time, Athlone has something to offer.

Top Student-Friendly Attractions:

• Athlone Castle: A historic site offering fascinating exhibitions and stunning views of the River Shannon. It’s a great place to learn about the town’s past while enjoying beautiful scenery.

• Luan Gallery: A modern art gallery featuring local and international art exhibitions. It’s an excellent spot for students who appreciate culture and want to explore creative works from around the world.

• Derryglad Folk Museum: This charming museum offers a deep dive into Ireland's rural history and traditions. Students can experience Ireland’s past through unique exhibits showcasing everyday life and historical artifacts.

• River Shannon Walks and Parks: You will find student accommodation in Athlone that provides the best outdoor and city views; the River Shannon offers beautiful walking paths and parks. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or outdoor activities.