College Pricewatch - how much is it going to cost?

When it comes to day-to-day costs, all colleges are definitely not the same, whether you’re talking about essentials such as accommodation and food or a pint in the on-campus bar

GOING TO college is an expensive business. No wonder most students are stony broke. You will become an expert at wrangling cheap nights out, cooking dinner for 75c and figuring out how to get things for free, but no matter how prudent you are, life simply ain’t cheap.

Costs vary of course. Dublin is more expensive than other parts of the country, but what about individual colleges? How do their students fare when looking for accommodation or buying dinner on campus? We decided to find out.

UCC

On-campus accommodationYou’ll pay between €73 and €150 per week for college-owned accommodation. Some of this is on campus and the rest is nearby.

Off-campus accommodationShared house accommodation will set you back between €60 and €85 per week. €90 for a single room in a shared house is the maximum rent allowed by the college accommodation office. Utilities are usually extra.

A pint in the college bar€3.10 for Fosters

Dinner on campus€5 for Therese’s signature curry in Club Áras. There are other €5 meal deals available as well.

Campus shop essentialsBottle of Lucozade: €1.55 Refill pad: €1.10 Packet of Tayto: 85 cent Sandwich: from €2.80 for chicken and stuffing to €3.90 for a wrap

NUIM

On-campus accommodationFrom €92 to €110 per week for a single room on campus. If you’re a Gaelgeoir, it’s possible to request accommodation with like minded people if you fancy living trí Ghaeilge.

Off-campus accommodationBetween €70 and €100 per week for a house share.

Pint in the college bar€2.50 for a can of whatever beer is on special

Dinner on campusIt changes but a decent feed will set you back about €4

Campus shop essentialsBottle of Lucozade: €1.19 Refill pad: €1.50 Packet of Tayto: 95 cent Sandwich: €2.99 (standard)

NUIG

On-campus accommodationThere is accommodation that is college owned but not on-campus per se. Corrib Village is the on- campus complex. Rates go from €72 per week for a standard twin room to €125 per week for a double ensuite there.

Off-campus accommodationThere is plenty of landlord-owned student accommodation in Galway. Prices vary but range from about €80 per week sharing or €103 per week for your own room in an apartment. Renting a house will set you back between €70 and €100 per week each, depending on how many people are sharing.

Pint in the college bar€3 for Fosters

Dinner on campusCurrently €5 for a carvery lunch. This is expected to come down, possibly to €3.50.

Campus shop essentialsBottle of Lucozade: €1.40 Refill pad: €1 Packet of Tayto: 65 cent Sandwich: Currently €3.95 but they’re working with the supplier to provide a cheaper option for about €2.75 although the price has yet to be confirmed.

UL

On-campus accommodationLots of on-campus accommodation in UL. Plassey Village prices, including utilities, range from €3,483 to €3,999 per year. This works out at about €92 to €105 per week.

Off-campus accommodationRental properties in Castletroy are pretty reasonable. You will end up spending between €50 and €80 per week for a single room in a house close to college.

Pint in the college bar€3.30

Dinner on campusAbout €5

Campus shop essentialsBottle of Lucozade: €1.45 Refill pad: €1.20 Packet of Tayto: 70 cent Sandwich: €3.30

DCU

On-campus accommodationTwo sets of on-campus apartments (Larkfield and Hampstead) are available to school leavers. Prices range from €4,049 to €4,234 per annum depending on where you stay and whether you have a single or a superior room. Utilities are extra.