It’s not an easy time for students at the minute.
Student accommodation has become a serious issue as of late.
Recently we’ve seen President of Maynooth Student Union removing adverts for accommodation which he felt were too expensive, as well as Irish students being urged to stay safe when signing contracts.
On Monday, NUI Galway Galway Students’ Union and GMIT Students’ Union have strongly criticised prices of ‘luxury’ student accommodation across the city.
This news comes after one student accommodation in Galway has been advertised for €250 per week.
Aaron Burke, the President of GMIT Students’ Union spoke on the matter, saying: “Students are not cash cows and this can bring extreme pressure on both parents and students, especially when people are struggling to stay in college. The rate of the grant has not increased since 2012 yet rental prices have increased year on year for six years straight. This kind of accommodation far exceeds the already high rental prices that exist in the city.”
Megan Reilly, the President of NUIG Students’ Union, added: “We cannot stand by these luxury student accommodation providers taking advantage of the current crisis. At this rate, people could be paying up to €1,250 a month for one room in one apartment; some people wouldn’t even pay that on their mortgage monthly.
“At the other end of the spectrum we have students who are living in hostels or commuting hours to go to college because they can’t afford to live in Galway.’ Both Unions, together with the One Galway Movement, are planning a Crisis Campout in Eyre Square on Tuesday the 11th of September to shed light on the need for purpose built student housing and social housing in general.”
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