Students' concern over finances

More Irish students are worried about being able to afford university life than those who are concerned about their studies, new research has revealed.

More Irish students are worried about being able to afford university life than those who are concerned about their studies, new research has revealed.

Some 40% of those polled said their biggest stress was financial, compared with just 26% who said they were mainly concerned about exams.

Property website MyHome, which carried out the survey, said high rent costs contributed to students’ money woes.

Managing director Angela Keegan warned that people studying in Dublin could pay up to €500 a month, with rent more expensive on the south of the city.

“Once students know where they are going or have accepted a place it’s very important to secure suitable accommodation as quickly as possible given the demand,” said Ms Keegan.

“Rent is likely to be the largest monthly item of expenditure with prices varying greatly depending on the type of accommodation chosen and the location of the college.”

Cork students could expect to pay around €350, while rent in Galway can reach 380 euro.

Ms Keegan said Limerick offers the best value at around €300.

Three-quarters of the 1,500 students polled were living on less than €100 a week, while nearly half (48%) were forced to work part-time jobs on top of their studies to keep their heads above water.

While the majority of those polled said money was their biggest worry, 19% admitted to drinking three times a week.

More than a third (37%) spend money on alcohol twice a week.

MyHome cited alcohol as the second biggest expenditure for students after food, not taking rent or commuting into consideration.

The study, which was carried out over July and August, also found that not liking their course was the main worry for over a fifth (22%) of students.

Not making friends was the biggest concern for one in 10.

Ms Keegan said the research findings should serve as food for thought for current and prospective students – many of whom are expecting the first round of Central Applications Office offers on Monday.

Meanwhile, the study also found that while nearly half of students were hopeful they would find work after education, 70% said they would consider moving abroad.

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