Could you dig a Dublin mammy?

Louise Holden has some last minute advice for accommodation seekers

Living in digs can be a great option for first years, and for some the arrangement suits long term. Students have been known to refer to their "Dublin mammy" and to develop lasting friendships with their host families.

For others, it's just a useful transitional arrangement on the road to independent living. If you're going for digs remember that tenants legislation does not apply and it is important to set out all agreements on bills, meals, deposit and notice to quit from the outset.

Tommy Hannan, UCD accommodation officer, says that ground rules are critical. "I'm advising students to negotiate all aspects of the living arrangements from meal provision to house rules before moving in.

"I also tell them to pay only a two-week deposit in case the arrangement is clearly not working from the outset. On the other hand, we also caution students to be patient, and to talk out any problems with the landlord before walking out."

When digs work, they are a great housing solution, Hannan maintains. "Because all your living costs are included, there's less financial pressure on parents, fewer unexpected costs springing up during the year and more money in student's pockets."

The supply of digs around Belfield in Dublin is expected to go up by about 60 per cent this year, according to Hannan. "We have nearly 500 names on our list already and they are coming in at a rate of 50 to 60 a day. It's just as well because the demand is enormous and we expect another surge when the second round offers come out."

The second round of offers may trigger a sudden change of plan for some students. If you're bound for a different college as a result of today's offers, you're coming to the accommodation scene late and you'll need to get in touch with the college accommodation office as soon as possible.

The first thing to do is ring the accommodation office in the original college and see if they can help you to get out of the first arrangement without incurring a penalty. Then, contact the office in the new college to find out what they have on offer.

The Union of Students in Ireland's website has fairly extensive advice for accommodation hunters at www.usi.ie/services/information/accommodation.htm.

For listing of the accommodation offices of the various colleges, check out www.findahome.ie/searches/colleges.asp.

For advice on your rights as a tenant, visit www.threshold.ie.