As students at the University of Galway prepare for end-of-semester exams, many say the ongoing cost-of-living and accommodation pressures are placing additional strain on their studies and wellbeing.
Despite being well into the academic year, students continue to report difficulties securing affordable accommodation in Galway, with some commuting long distances and others paying high rents that exceed what they can manage on part-time wages.
Sava Kolchenko, a first-year nursing student commuting daily from Ballinasloe, said travelling several hours each day has become overwhelming as exams approach:
“If I had accommodation, I would have four more hours of free time, which I could spend studying or doing other things,” he said. “It’s also very hard on days when I have both an early class and a late one with a five-hour gap in between. Yes, I can spend that time in the library, but I would still feel much more comfortable doing it at home.”
Many students who did secure accommodation say prices remain far beyond what they consider reasonable.
Conor Kelly, a second-year commerce student from Co Roscommon, said the financial pressure is “a scam”, describing how the rising cost of living has left him struggling. “I have to pay €11,000 for accommodation plus €2,000 more for utilities, so that’s €13,000 in total. It’s a scam,” he said.
“A lot of my friends are sleeping on my couch because they either couldn’t afford accommodation or there wasn’t enough rooms for them.”
Rental supply across Galway remains critically low.
A recent search on Daft.ie showed just 62 properties available across the city, with prices ranging from €800 to €2,200 per month for a single-bedroom apartment – levels students say make independent living increasingly unrealistic.
For first-years, the challenge is even more daunting.
Siobhán Leahy, a first-year human rights student from Co Kerry, said affordability now overshadows every part of the college experience. “As a first-year student, trying to find an affordable place to live has been one of the biggest challenges,” she said.
“It is frustrating how money plays such a big role in shaping my university experience.”
Increasing transport costs, food prices and utilities have added to the pressure, with many students relying on part-time work, friends’ sofas or long commutes to manage through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that continues to impact campus life.
Eamon Chin is a Multimedia Reporter for SIN. He is a first-year journalism student at the University of Galway. He is passionate about reporting on current affairs in student life, social issues, and local news affecting young people. Outside the newsroom, he enjoys music, creating digital content, and travelling.