Housing Survey relaunched to gauge student appetite for action
Union to survey students on actions they would be willing to take in 2024
Survey arrives “with elections on the horizon and new university leadership in place” - Ní Riada
All UCD students urged to provide input with ‘a month’s rent’ up for grabs
UCD Students' Union (UCDSU) is launching its Student Housing Survey for the third consecutive year. This survey, which has garnered national attention in previous years, aims to shed light on the challenges faced by students in UCD and nationwide in securing affordable and safe housing that supports their pursuit of education, as well as identifying the types of actions they are willing to take to address these issues.
Over the past two years, UCDSU’s annual housing survey has been instrumental in highlighting critical issues affecting the student community. This culminated in the release of a landmark report in May of this year which helped to shape conversations on student housing over the summer months and in advance of the Budget. The two previous surveys have laid bare the difficulties faced by students when trying to secure accommodation that is conducive to their academics. These include but are not limited to:
Disproportionate Costs: The data from the previous surveys has highlighted the stark reality that UCD students pay significantly more for housing compared to the national student average (€469 according to a recent HEA study).
Competing with Professionals: Students almost always find it challenging to compete in the private rental sector against working professionals, further limiting their housing options and affordability.
Vulnerability in Digs-Style Arrangements: Another alarming trend revealed is that students who end up in digs-style accommodation, as a last resort, are at a heightened level of vulnerability, with inadequate protections and safeguards in place.
This year's survey goes a step further by not only continuing to gather crucial data on the student strand of the housing crisis, but also seeking to understand the type of actions UCD students are comfortable taking to address these issues.
As the country enters an election year, welcomes new university leadership, and experiences significant policy discussions initiated by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, the insights from this year's survey will be invaluable in shaping the direction of the Students' Union's advocacy efforts.
Commenting on the launch of the UCDSU Housing Survey 2023/2024, Martha Ní Riada, UCDSU President said:
"Consecutive years of surveying UCD students on their housing experiences has been instrumental in bringing attention to the pressing issues our student community faces in securing affordable and safe housing. This year, with elections on the horizon and new university leadership in place, it is more critical than ever to empower students to have their voices heard. The data collected will not only highlight the challenges but also fuel conversations that will identify effective strategies for positive change. Whether you are renting, living at home or own your own home, we are asking all UCD students to participate in this survey, as their input is essential for advocating for a better housing situation.”
The survey will run throughout the month of November. Additionally, all UCD students who enter the survey will be automatically entered into a draw for a chance to win a month's rent (T&Cs apply).
You can fill in the UCDSU Housing Survey by clicking here.
ENDS
Competition Terms and Conditions
The prize for the competition is set at €750, based on the results of the last two surveys, which consistently indicated that most UCD students who rent are paying in excess of €750 per month.
To be eligible for the competition, entrants must be registered UCD students.
Entrants must provide their official UCDConnect email address.
A winner will be chosen at random through a raffle in December 2023.
For queries please contact press@ucdsu.ie
