Guide to: Student Accommodation
Choosing your accommodation is the most important part of your college experience, as it can either make or break your time spent at college. There are many options available in Carlow, including purpose built accommodation, private owned housing and digs. I will break each one down into website links and tips.
Privately Rented Housing
There are several websites online listing leased accommodation. Some useful ones I found are:
www.daft.ie
www.rent.ie
www.property.ie
www.carlow.ie
In my three years living in Carlow I have lived in houses rented by private landlords. I find it easier as you live with a larger group, have more space and plenty of freedom.
Living in estates such as Green Road and Southern Gardens can be helpful in making friends, particularly in first year, as you are moved in with other students typically also in first year.
College parties are an almost weekly occurrence and you end up becoming good friends with neighbours.
Some tips on living in privately-owned accommodation:
1. Never pay a deposit or sign a contract without first seeing the house.
2. Make sure it doesn't contain mould or is extremely dirty.
3. Ask around (if you can) to see if anyone you know has warnings about living there.
4. Make sure to agree on the rent price, bills, date of payment and method of payment before signing the contract.
5. Ensure its within reasonable distance to college.
6. Make a good first impression on your landlord, especially in the first number of weeks.
Some locations and their walking distance:
Southern Gardens, 3 minute walk
Bullock Park, 5 minute walk
College Green, 8 minute walk
College Gardens, 10 minute walk
Granby Row, 10 minute walk
Purpose Built
Carlow contains three purpose built student accommodation:
Arinaga, on campus (www.carlowarinagatownhouses.com)
Carraig Abhainn, across from campus (www.carraigabhainn.ie)
River Bank Apartments, 15 minute walk (wwww.hatchstudents.ie)
Carraig Abhainn is the most popular student accommodation for first years, and is the best place to make friends. Students are grouped in houses of three, with males and females separate. The landlord typically tries to group students doing the same course together. The complex itself is quiet small so its easy make friends with neighbours.
Arinaga is a quieter place, more so reserved for 2nd, 3rd and 4th years. The houses are 3/4 bedroom and are modern inside.
To conclude, it is important to take your time when choosing where to live, and to make sure to keep your options open and of course, view the house before paying!
