With another academic year lying in wait, reports of the student accommodation crisis come rolling in. Many students will rent with families, staying for five days a week and returning home on the weekends. This arrangement, commonly called Digs, is presented as a helping hand to students. It is certainly preferable to a 4 hour commute, or sleeping overnight in your car.
However, underneath Digs’ exterior lies a hidden drawback. a student may experience feeling as though they are intruding on a family’s personal space, but this pales in comparison to its financial setback .The monetary constraints of this arrangement are complicated and frustrating.
Securing employment can be a challenge for students in rural areas, especially when we are still developing our skills in our respective fields. (rearrange previous 3) In fact, the last time I visited Indeed, there was only one suitable position I could apply for. Upon securing an interview, it is a delicate balance between wanting to accept as many hours as possible without overworking ourselves. It is oftentimes a case of throwing your CV at multiple openings and waiting to see which one sticks. However, the opportunities are scarce.
This is especially true in sectors like retail and hospitality where nepotism seems to have the upper hands. It snatches opportunities up, like a seagull swooping in for your chicken fillet roll. This scarcity could make one stay in toxic workplaces for far too long, as they know starting the process again will be, oftentimes fruitless.
So naturally, the thought of moving to Dublin, with its unending Indeed listings, is appealing. Students from small towns may be excited to leave their quiet country life for a bustling city full of opportunities. Here’s the reality check: finding a job becomes a challenge when employers aren;t keen on hiring someone with limited availability during the week and none whatsoever on the weekends. It’s a loophole that puts more pressure on us as students
It can feel ungrateful to complain about our accommodation when others are left without any. I would argue that it’s important to consider these factors when making a decision regarding housing. I would argue that it is important to make the best financial decision in regards to choosing housing.
Deputy Opinion Editor, Jessica Ene