Parents’ Guide to Choosing Student Accommodation in Dublin

As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your children leave home for college (even though sometimes you may be wishing it was sooner rather than later 😀). Choosing the right student accommodation can be a minefield with any number of factors to consider before committing. In this blog, we highlight what we feel are the most important things to consider when choosing student accommodation in Dublin.

Location

Location is key when it comes to student accommodation. Ideally, students want to be able to walk to college or at the very least have a short commute. The location will be hugely important and access to public transport such as the DART, the bus and the Luas is a plus.

Point Campus is located in Point Village, in the heart of Dublin’s regenerated Docklands area. There are convenient transport links, with the Luas Tram running from right outside the door into Dublin, or alternatively a 20-minute walk into the city centre, meaning the city’s universities are very easily accessible.

Security

Another important aspect is security, something parents will naturally worry about. Whether it’s an unsafe neighbourhood or reassurance about the safety and security of the building, choosing the right accommodation is important to negate potentially negative situations and put your mind at ease. Choosing purpose built student accommodation such as Point Campus gives students that extra bit of reassurance and security which they might not get in privately rented accommodation. The Point Campus facility operates reception 5 days per week, security and facilities assistant 7 days per week, access control throughout the building and CCTV monitoring.

Facilities

Unlike privately rented accommodation, purpose-built student accommodation complexes generally have a whole range of facilities as an added extra to student life.  At Point Campus, all of our residents have full access to our gym & fitness studio, private cinema, games room, outside courtyards and rooftop terraces. We also have designated study zones dotted throughout the buildings in addition to the desk areas in each apartment.

Another factor to consider is the condition of the accommodation. Problems like mould and dampness can be particularly prevalent in older buildings, so opting for a newer accommodation offering will eliminate any of these potential problems. When viewing accommodation options, it is important to use both your eyes and your nose in an older building, to avoid getting stuck with any of these problems which can be difficult to get resolved.

Cost

Often the most important considerations when choosing the right student accommodation in Dublin will be the cost or rent. Privately rented accommodation costing between €700 – €800 per month may look like the best option on paper initially, however it’s important to be aware that there are often additional charges which people forget to account for. From heating and electricity to television and broadband, monthly bills can often add up to more than you think.

Unlike privately rented accommodation, students living in a purpose-built student accommodation such as Point Campus will get no financial surprises. Our occupancy fees cover all utility bills so once you pay your rent that’s it, no hidden charges.

Bottom line

At the end of the day it comes down to what works best for you and your children. It’s no secret that we think that the best choice is purpose-built student accommodation like our one here at Point Campus.

If you would like to arrange a viewing of our complex, simply click here and fill out the form on our website. Alternatively, you can just call into our reception and a member of our team would be more than happy to show you around.