Cork City has a variety of accommodation types that are available to students. We advise that you consider all options when searching for safe and affordable accommodation.
The search for accommodation should begin in early January. Many options will be unavailable by the end of February each year. If you are a returning student you should begin discussions with your current provider at this time as well, if you are happy to stay there again.
Campus Accommodation may be your preference but you should also consider all of the alternative accommodation when starting your search. There are almost three times as many rooms available in the private complexes than in Campus Accommodation but the application windows, standard and price tend to be very different throughout.
Explore the link circles below to help you navigate the relevant webpages.
Please scroll down to find general accommodation information.
Our office is situated in the South Lodge, on the main UCC Campus, behind the Boole Library. We operate an open-door policy for all UCC students, and residents within our community. We offer all UCC students an Accommodation and Advisory Service. We support students both in their search for accommodation and during their time as a tenant.
Our team is committed to aiding students in their accommodation search, answering queries around current and on-going tenancy’s, and the management of UCC Student Pad.
Keep an eye on our website and social medias to keep up to date with our latest news!
Our contact information is available below!
UCC Campus Accommodation offers full academic year accommodation across six different complexes. These complexes range in price, location and size but all exist close to UCC main campus. A great option for students getting to know the area or looking to be around their peers, applications for campus accommodation are put through a lottery system with successful applicants being selected at random. The lottery opens for 1 month every year, with further details on this year’s application being available below.
Please note our office does not manage or control the UCC Campus Accommodation Lottery, as this is managed by Campus Accommodation directly.
To learn more about UCC Campus Accommodation and the application process please click the button below
In Cork there are many more rooms available through privately run student apartment complexes than Campus Accommodation. When looking for accommodation it is important to keep these buildings in mind from the very beginning even if Campus Accommodation is your preference. The buildings closest to our campus will fill very quickly once they open for applications.
Private student complexes are open for bookings for 2026/27 now. To increase your chances of securing accommodation, we recommend:
If private student accommodation is fully booked when you begin your search, we recommend checking back regularly for cancellations, as rooms may become available closer to the start of the academic year.
We strongly encourage students to consider all available accommodation options, including private student complexes. We have compiled a list of these options on our webpage. This includes:
Please note our office has no oversight or influence in securing privately booked accommodation.
The list can be accessed by clicking the link below
It is possible to find private rental and house-share accommodation at any time of the year. However, if you are interested in this option, we recommend starting your search early and being prepared to continue looking for several months. Availability tends to increase in April and May, so patience and persistence are key.
Once available, they will not last long. Be prepared to travel to Cork to secure accommodation at short notice. Do not pay a deposit or rent without seeing the property. Only rent the property if you feel that it is safe and affordable.
You can find house-share listings through:
Before paying a deposit, always view the property in person and ensure you feel comfortable and safe before securing the tenancy.
Owner-occupied accommodation, also known as ‘digs’, is available throughout the year. However, if you are considering this option, the best time to search is during the summer months when more listings become available. You can find digs through platforms such as:
Renting in an owner-occupied property is a licensee arrangement, meaning that standard tenancy rights do not apply. Because of this, it is crucial to agree on clear terms in writing before committing to this type of accommodation.
If you find a suitable option, we strongly recommend:
To learn more about Private Rentals, House Shares & Digs, please click the button below
UCC StudentPad is an online search engine that lets you search for rooms, houses and apartments. It also details the minimum standards when looking for accommodation.
You will find rooms in private rentals -rooms in shared houses and owner-occupied residences through UCC Student Pad the UCC SU Accommodation Search Facebook group to look at options in student and owner-occupied houses. We would encourage you to register for studentpad now, as there are new adverts being uploaded by landlords/home owners daily.
You can apply with your UCC Student Number, UCC application number or alternatively you can use this code to register 124000000. Please note only prospective and current UCC Students can register for UCC StudentPad.
Any queries in relation to Student Pad can be shared to studentpad@ucc.ie
If you have any concerns about a StudentPad advert, or a person you are in contact with regarding accommodation, then please send us a screenshot of the correspondence via email, and we will assist you as best we can.
To learn more about the UCC Student Pad website and create your account, click the button below
It is important for all students looking for accommodation to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as tenants. Following the link below, you will find some key facts you should be aware of when renting for the first time. Please note that these points do not apply to owner occupier rentals. Your main rights and responsibilities as a tenant come from landlord and tenant law, as well as from the lease or tenancy agreement you have with your landlord.
To learn more about being a tenant and your rights/responsibilities click the button below
Listed below are links and publication’s that may be helpful when looking for accommodation.
If you need help understanding your options, looking for accommodation or understanding the supports available there are several places you can turn to for free information and advice:
Please click the button below and take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions regarding Accommodation.
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