Commuters canvassed in bid to source student accommodation | Tuam Herald

COMMUTERS and workers around Galway’s trains and bus stations will be handed leaflets this week in a bid to

The initiative by the Students’ Union at University of Galway hopes to encourage more people to consider renting out a room as the university prepares for the return of 20,000 students from Monday, September 7

Hundreds of emails from worried students and their families are received by the Students’ Union every day outlining their desperation in seeking accommodation for college. Some are facing having to travel long daily commutes or possibly sleep in cars if they can’t find a place to rent

“We will be distributing up to 1,000 leaflets this week in town and to housing near campus,” said Seán de Búrca, Students’ Union President, University of Galway

“Our students are among the worst affected by the continuing housing crisis. Each year we have students commuting for up to seven hours a day, paying extortionate rent, sleeping on friends’ couches or living in hostels,” he explained

Members of the public with a suitable spare room can offer it to student renters and avail of the rent-a-room scheme, which allows homeowners to earn up to €14,000 per year tax-free

“It’s heart breaking to hear the circumstances that students are finding themselves in. There’s also been an increase in accommodation fraud which is adding to this nightmare situation,” remarked Students’ Union Vice President/Welfare and Equality Officer, Molly Hickey

Those wanting to advertise their extra room to students can do so for free on www.uniofgalwaystudentpad.ie

Source: www.tuamherald.ie