UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) has recently released a report that sheds light on the worsening student housing crisis affecting students in Dublin and throughout the country. The report serves as a follow-up to a previous report issued last year, which brought attention to the dire situation faced by students in need of affordable accommodation.
Despite some positive rhetoric, the report reveals that there has been little to no improvement in the availability of student housing. Student representatives have observed a concerning trend of “buck passing” between policymakers and college authorities, emphasizing the need for both parties to step up and take meaningful action.
Three years ago, UCDSU began surveying students and found that the majority of respondents who did not live at home were paying over €750 per month for accommodation. In the most recent report, this number has increased even further, with three-quarters of respondents now paying this amount or more. The rising cost of housing is a clear and alarming trend.
UCDSU is calling for a significant increase in on-campus or near-campus housing options to ensure that students can live close to their place of study. The report highlights a growing disparity in the student experience at UCD, with access to affordable housing becoming a privilege rather than a standard expectation. Living close to campus is essential for students to fully engage in campus life and academic activities.
The report also addresses students’ willingness to support political parties that do not prioritize student housing. A large majority of students indicated that they would not support such parties, and there is a growing readiness among students to take direct action on campus to advocate for their needs.
President of UCDSU, Miranda Bauer, stressed the importance of affordable and quality housing as a basic right for every student. The report underscores the urgent need for practical solutions to address the housing challenges faced by students at UCD and beyond. Bauer called for a shift in focus from student accommodation as a financial asset to providing accommodations that support students’ academic success.
The findings of the report are based on responses gathered from three anonymous online surveys conducted by UCDSU. The significant increase in respondents from previous years demonstrates the widespread impact of the housing crisis on UCD students. The report concludes that without immediate action, there will be no meaningful improvement in the availability of student beds in the near future.
In addition to addressing housing issues, students are also demanding the complete abolition of tuition fees and further reform of SUSI grant eligibility to alleviate other financial burdens. The report emphasizes the need for the government and higher education institutions to prioritize students’ welfare and take concrete steps to support their academic success.
As students continue to grapple with the ongoing housing crisis, it is crucial for policymakers and college authorities to listen to their concerns and work towards sustainable solutions that prioritize students’ well-being and academic success. The voices of students must be heard as we navigate towards upcoming elections and advocate for positive change in the student housing landscape.
