With over 30,000 students in Galway and limited options available, demand for accommodation has reached critical levels. Student unions are warning that the situation is worse than ever, driven by a sharp decline in available housing, rising rental costs, and increasing competition from short-term lets like Airbnb.

The latest Daft.ie Rental Report shows fewer than 200 rental properties were available in Galway on 1 May, a 35% drop compared to the previous year. Rents now range from €600 to €1,200 per month, depending on location. A survey by the university’s students union revealed that 80% of students struggled to find housing last year, with half taking on part-time jobs to afford their education.

Mark, a final-year student from Offaly, faces a four-hour daily commute due to the lack of available housing. “In the past, it was just expensive. Now, there’s nothing at all,” he said.

Paddy Marnane, Student Welfare Officer at the University of Galway, highlighted the impact of new tenancy protections, which have inadvertently led landlords to favour Airbnb rentals. Despite making multiple calls daily, he has yet to secure a place himself.

Estate agent Colm O’Donnellan described the housing shortage as “worse than ever,” with some parents resorting to buying properties for their children.

PhD student Sage L Alloway narrowly avoided a scam while searching for housing, and others, like Hannah, have ended up in overcrowded and substandard living conditions.

The accommodation crisis continues to strain students emotionally, financially, and academically, with no immediate solution in sight.