No matter where you want to live, you can get help finding it from the college accommodation office and the Students Union. They will provide you with a base to start your search, lists of digs and rental properties which other students have used in the past, and advice including sample rent books and leases.

Asking around at college and checking notice boards on campus are useful ways of finding out what might be available – fellow students might be aware of places that are newly vacant or in need of another housemate.

Newspapers and websites such as www.daft.ie and www.myhome.ie are also very useful sources of information. You will generally have to act quickly as many places are filled a few hours after the paper goes on sale or the ad appears on the internet.

Local estate agents can also help students find somewhere to live, but they tend to charge for their services.

Many students start looking for accommodation the day after they accept their CAO offer. Finding somewhere to live is a pretty important part of the preparing for third level process, and the best places tend to fill up quickly.

It takes a bit of thought and work to find a place that is right for you, but if students do their research and act sensibly, then they should find a nice, comfortable spot to lay their hat during their time at college.