NEWS RELEASE

DATE:  29 /  08   / 2023

ISSU Statement : ISSU Deeply Concerned about Student Accommodation Crisis as Members Transition to Higher and Further Education

The Irish Second Level Students Union (ISSU) is deeply concerned about the increasing challenges faced by students transitioning to third-level education in finding suitable accommodation.  Students are losing hours of their Leaving Certificate studies to search for accommodation. The lack of affordable housing options, coupled with rising costs, has created real barriers for students aiming to pursue their dream courses.

ISSU Uachtarán‎ Shari Irfan commented, "The current situation is deeply concerning, as it puts unnecessary stress on students during a crucial phase of their lives. Students are having to plan long commutes just to get to college.  It’s not just about the points race anymore but about not bankrupting their families. This not only affects their mental and emotional well-being but also impacts their ability to focus on their studies and make the most of their college experience."

ISSU Welfare Officer Máirín Harding added to that, “There are students worrying about saving up for college accommodation from as young as fifteen years old. It isn’t fair for them to have the added stress of sourcing available and affordable accommodation while they are trying to succeed in exams, move onto a new chapter of their lives and enjoy the new and exciting experiences. We have reached a point in which students are asking themselves if they were to attend college would they be a burden to their families”.

The ISSU is calling upon the government to create affordable purpose built student accommodation, as well as addressing the lack of legislation around Digs. With the increase in students being scammed we recommend all our members go to the ISSU.ie/accommodation where students can find information on their rights, advice, how to avoid scams and how to contract relevant bodies such as the RTB and Threshold.

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For more information, please contact:

Maeve Richardson ISSU Communications - 01 443 4461/085 872 6480/press@issu.ie

Notes to editor:

The Irish Second-Level Students' Union (ISSU) is the national representative body for second-level school students in the Republic of Ireland. The ISSU towards an education system in which the views, opinions and contributions of students are respected and in which students are recognised as an official partner in creating an education that is centered around and caters best for students.