Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Kathleen, or another of our hunters in Galway, will take care of your search
The total monthly occupancy cost for a student renting in Galway typically includes several components. Rent is the main expense: according to the Daft.ie Rental Price Report (Q3 2024), the average open-market rent in Galway City reached approximately 2,189 EUR/month for a full property, but students sharing a house or renting a single room pay considerably less — typically between 600 EUR/month and 1,200 EUR/month per room, depending on location and property type (RTÉ, December 2025).
Utility bills (electricity, gas, broadband) are sometimes included in student accommodation packages but are often separate in private rentals. When not included, utilities can add approximately 100–200 EUR/month to your costs. Always confirm with the landlord whether bills are included before signing.
Security deposit: Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (as amended by the Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021), a landlord cannot request a deposit exceeding one month's rent. You cannot be required to pay more than two months' rent upfront in total (deposit plus first month's rent), as confirmed by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). The deposit is held by the landlord and must be returned promptly at the end of the tenancy, provided obligations are met.
Agency fees: There is no statutory cap on letting agency fees charged to tenants in Ireland, though many private landlords rent directly. Always clarify any fees before committing.
Contents insurance: Not legally required, but many landlords include a clause in the lease requiring tenants to hold contents insurance. Premiums are generally modest and protect your personal belongings against theft, fire, or accidental damage.
Local tax: There is no local council tax equivalent charged directly to tenants in Ireland (unlike the UK's Council Tax). The Local Property Tax (LPT) is a landlord obligation, not a tenant one.
Galway in brief: Two major universities (University of Galway and ATU Galway), a highly competitive rental market, and student room rents ranging from 600 to 1,200 EUR/month. Start your search early, use verified platforms, confirm whether bills are included, and know that Irish law caps your deposit at one month's rent. Best student areas: Newcastle, Shantalla, Salthill, and the City Centre.
Finding long-term student accommodation in Galway requires early planning and a clear understanding of the local rental market. With two major universities — the University of Galway and ATU Galway — attracting thousands of international students each year, demand for rental housing consistently outstrips supply. Rooms in shared houses near campus range from approximately 600 to 1,200 EUR/month, while purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) options offer all-inclusive packages at the higher end of this range. Key neighbourhoods to explore include Newcastle, Shantalla, Salthill, and the City Centre. Irish tenancy law provides strong protections for renters, including a deposit cap of one month's rent and security of tenure after six months of continuous occupation under a Part 4 tenancy.
Galway is one of Ireland's most vibrant student cities, home to the University of Galway (founded 1845, ~19,000 students) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway. The private rental market is highly competitive: according to the Daft.ie Rental Price Report (Q3 2024), average open-market rents in Galway City reached approximately 2,189 EUR/month, with student rooms in shared houses typically ranging from 600 to 1,200 EUR/month (RTÉ, December 2025). Popular student neighbourhoods include Newcastle, Shantalla, Salthill, and the City Centre around Eyre Square. Under Irish law (Residential Tenancies Act 2004, as amended), security deposits are capped at one month's rent, and all private tenancies must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Starting your accommodation search at least six months before your course begins is strongly advised given the acute shortage of rental supply in the city.
Finding long-term student accommodation in Galway requires early planning and a clear understanding of the local rental market. With two major universities — the University of Galway and ATU Galway — attracting thousands of international students each year, demand for rental housing consistently outstrips supply. Rooms in shared houses near campus range from approximately 600 to 1,200 EUR/month, while purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) options offer all-inclusive packages at the higher end of this range. Key neighbourhoods to explore include Newcastle, Shantalla, Salthill, and the City Centre. Irish tenancy law provides strong protections for renters, including a deposit cap of one month's rent and security of tenure after six months of continuous occupation under a Part 4 tenancy.
Galway's rental market is under significant pressure. The Daft.ie Rental Price Report (Q3 2024) recorded an average open-market rent of approximately 2,189 EUR/month across all property types in Galway City — a 10.5% year-on-year increase. For students, the realistic range for a private room in a shared house is 600–1,200 EUR/month (RTÉ, December 2025). Rents in Galway rose by a further 6% year-on-year in Q3 2025 according to Daft.ie data reported by RTÉ (November 2025). Starting your accommodation search as early as possible — ideally six months before your course begins — is essential to secure a room at a reasonable price.
One of the most common mistakes international students make when searching for accommodation in Galway is starting too late. Given the severe shortage of rental supply in the city, rooms are often taken months before the academic year begins. Waiting until August or September to search for a September start is a significant risk.
Other frequent errors include:
Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Fantastic, nothing to add. Mathilde managed to find us an apartment that met all our criteria. Thank you so much for your help and professionalism.
Gaëlle provided excellent service. We finally found accommodation that suited us. At first, I was a little pessimistic, but in the end, everything went well.
Justine was an invaluable help. She quickly found us a rental that perfectly matched our requirements. Her availability, kindness, and responsiveness are undeniable. I highly recommend her services!
With Studentpad, the University of Galway platform that lists checked private lets, then Daft.ie, the main national portal. For a private residence, look at Here! Students and Radical Student Living (Edward Square).
Newcastle and Shantalla are closest to campus, Salthill is 15 to 20 minutes away by bike, and Mervue suits ATU Galway. The Home Finder follows these listings, views homes for you or by video and checks the lease before any transfer.
Irish landlords usually ask for ID (passport or national identity card), proof of university enrolment and references from a previous landlord or employer. A guarantor is not listed among the usual documents; proof of funds does, however, strengthen your application.
Insist on a written contract and a signed, dated receipt for the deposit, which is limited to one month's rent. The Home Finder helps you gather these documents and present a complete application.
A flatshare is the most common option: a room generally costs EUR 600 to 1,200 a month, while a whole home averages around EUR 2,189. Private student residences, such as Edward Square near Eyre Square, complete the supply.
Digs, a room with a host family, are more affordable and reassuring in first year; the University of Galway Accommodation Advisory Service helps students contact these families.
At least five to six months before your course starts: with the housing shortage, rooms are often taken several months before the September start.
Waiting until August or September is a considerable risk. Have your ID, proof of enrolment and references ready from the outset, check Studentpad and Daft.ie, and never pay a deposit for a home you have not viewed in person or by verified video call.
Allow EUR 600 to 1,200 a month for a room, depending on location and type of property. If electricity, gas and internet are not included, add around EUR 100 to 200: a room advertised at EUR 700 can reach EUR 900.
At the start, you cannot be asked for more than two months' rent in total, including a one-month deposit. Letting agent charges are not capped: clarify them before you commit. No local tax is charged to tenants.
First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.
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