Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequent questions we get when students are deciding what accommodation will work best for them! If your specific question is not answered below, please feel free to get in contact with us directly. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of all our web pages.
Campus Accommodation
Please note our office does not manage or control the UCC Campus Accommodation Lottery, as this is managed by Campus Accommodation directly. Further information on the lottery process as well as the campus accommodation complexes can be provided by hitting the link below!
Campus Accommodation | University College Cork
1. How many Campus Accommodation complexes are available?
There are six purpose-built student apartment complexes operated by UCC Campus Accommodation, all within walking distance of the main campus.
2. Is the Campus Accommodation Lottery open for 2026/27?
The Campus Accommodation Application window dates for the 26/27 academic year are as follows:
Applications Open: February 9, 2026
Applications Close: March 9, 2026 at 5 pm
Applicants will have 1 month to complete their application to be included in the accommodation lottery. A Booking Deposit is not required to make an application.
For full details, please visit the Campus Accommodation website.
3. Does the Accommodation & Community Life Office manage the Campus Accommodation Lottery?
No, our office does not manage or control the Campus Accommodation Lottery. This process is administered independently by Campus Accommodation.
4. What should I do if I have an issue with my Campus Accommodation application?
If you are experiencing any issues with your application, we strongly recommend contacting the relevant Campus Accommodation complex directly via phone call to resolve your query. You can find their contact details on the Campus Accommodation website.
5. What are the payment requirements for successful applicants?
If you are offered a place, you must:
- Pay a €300 deposit to secure your booking.
- You will receive correspondence over the Summer, with details as to payment options (installments, bulk sums, etc), once costs are finalised by Campus Accommodation
- Please note utilities are a seperate charge to rent, of €650
6. What if I was unsuccessful in the lottery? What other accommodation options are available?
If you were unsuccessful in securing Campus Accommodation, we strongly encourage you to explore alternative accommodation options, such as:
- Private student apartment complexes
- Shared private rentals
- Digs (owner-occupied accommodation)
- Short-term accommodation providers
For a list of available options, please visit our Alternative Accommodation Guide
Private Student Apartment Complexes
UCC does not manage or endorse any external accommodation provider. Students are advised to contact the complexes directly for up-to-date information. A list of private student accommodation complexes frequently used by UCC students as well as their distance from UCC and estimated cost (taken from previous years) can be found by hitting the link below!
Private Apartment Complexes | University College Cork
1.How do I apply for a private student complex?
Each private complex has its own application process and should be contacted directly. A list of accommodation complexes frequently used by UCC students as well as their prices and distance from UCC can be found HERE
2. Can I apply for accommodation in multiple private complexes?
Yes! You can apply for as many private accommodation complexes as you’d like. It is important to keep in mind that many of these providers require a booking fee. If you want to apply for rooms in multiple accommodations, it is essential that you research their booking policies and cancellation fees.
3. Can I apply for the campus accommodation lottery and the private complexes?
Yes! You can apply for the UCC Campus Accommodation lottery and private student complexes. Again, it is essential that you research their booking policies and cancellation fees.
4. If I am only in UCC for a single semester, can I still stay in private accommodation?
Yes! Many of the private student complexes offer single semester stays and alternative rates for the times periods. It is important to be aware of course start/finish dates when booking check-in/check-out dates, with the aim being to avoid your lease starting after your course begins or ending before your course is finished. Each private accommodation will have to be contacted directly with regards to their single semester rates and booking process. We highly recommend doing this well in advance of arriving in UCC for your single semester.
5. How to leave my private student complex early?
If you wish to terminate your lease, the first thing to do is contact your accommodation provider. Each complex will have its own specifications for existing early, so it is important to read the provided lease before signing. Many of these providers may require a replacement to be found for the room. If possible, it is highly recommended to have this replacement organised as early as possible to avoid situations such as paying rent for both old and new accommodation or potential breaching of the lease agreement.
UCC students are welcome to use Studentpad, to advertise rooms in private complexes. When logging into Studentpad, instead of using your ‘student’ account, for the purpose of room advertisement, a new landlord account will need to be made as well as a property listing and advert.
Any questions regarding this process can be directed to studentpad@ucc.ie
6. My partner and I are both students; can we live together in private accommodation without other housemates?
Private student complexes that facilitate couples specifically are rare, Bottleworks, Coleman Court and some Fresh complexes have advertised studio apartment style accommodation in the past. We recommend contacting the providers directly when looking for accommodation as a pair. Although still rare, listings suitable for couples would become available on Studentpad from time to time. Most students looking for accommodation as a couple, would do so through alternative accommodation search engines such as Daft.ie, with studio apartments being a great and at times, more affordable option.
7. Are the Private Student Complexes just for UCC students?
No. Students from other 3rd level education providers within Cork city can also apply for accommodation in private student complexes. It is important to note that if you are not a UCC student, Campus Accommodation as well as UCC Student Pad are not available to you. We would recommend getting in contact with your college/institution for additional advice on housing.
Private Rentals (House Shares/Digs)
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 can find the Student Pad website as well more information on private rentals by hitting the links below!
UCC Student Pad: The Accommodation Search Engine
1. What are Digs?
Digs are rooms available to rent in homeowner occupied properties. You would be living with your landlord essentially. Unlike traditional rentals, Digs can operate on a 5- or 7-day availability meaning that you could potentially only be able to stay in the room Monday-Friday.
2. What is a Private Rental/House share?
Shared whole/properties are slightly less common on student pad but this would be referring to either a completely vacant property that is looking it be filled or a room available in a house or apartment with existing tenants (Usually fellow students), none of which own the home. It is important to note that the majority of students find rooms in house shares through word of mouth.
3. What is 5- or 7-day accommodation?
The terms 5- or 7-day stays refers to the period you are allowed stay in accommodation on a weekly basis. This terminology is only used when discussing Dig style accommodation as all campus and private complexes are automatically 7-day stays. The most common time frame for 5 day stays are Sunday night to Friday evening, with each individual homeowner having their own take on this. If going home on the weekends is something you were planning on doing, 5 day digs could be a brilliant option for you.
4. How do I find a house share or Digs?
Many students have found rooms in house shares or digs through UCC Student Pad, which is an accommodation search engine designed for students. If you are a UCC student, you can register for Student Pad free of charge with your Student number. From there you will be able to see and apply for all ‘Live’ listings that may suit your budget and accommodation needs.
5. How much are Digs?
The best advice we can give when looking for up to date and accurate pricing is to look at UCC Student Pad currently. The pricing is dependent on many factors with the most important being the 5- or 7-day time frame, location, and the size/style of the room. At times homeowner may view their homes as ‘luxury’ or ‘premium’ accommodation, which can be reflected in the price, but Digs are viewed as a more affordable alternative for many students.
6. If I stay in Digs in for 1st year, will I ever be able to live in campus accommodation or the private student complexes?
Yes. Some of both the campus accommodation and private complexes have restriction son 1st years applying for certain locations but bar that, there are no restrictions stopping students further along in their studies form applying, regardless of where they lived in the first year of their studies.
7. What are my rights as a tenant in Digs?
In legal terms the agreement between landlord and renter, a licensee in this case, in owner occupied rentals is considered a contract rather than a tenancy. As such the renter, known as a licensee in this case, does not have the protections given to a tenant by the Residential Tenancies Act. For this reason, it is very important that you have a written contract with the landlord and you are happy with all the points of this agreement.
You should ensure that the contract:
- Protects against any rent increases within a reasonable period, ideally a full year.
- Stipulates the terms for ending the agreement.
- Lays out notice periods.
- Identifies penalties for ending the agreement early.
Monetary disputes with your landlord can be referred to the Small Claims Court.
If you are searching for a room in a private rental you should take the time to familiarise with the relevant rights and responsibilities.
Need Advice or Support?
If you need help understanding your rights, ending your tenancy, or resolving a dispute, there are several places you can turn to for free information and support:
UCC Accommodation & Community Life Office:
- Located in the South Lodge, behind the Boole Library on the UCC main campus
- Advice and guidance on tenancy rights, accommodation searches, and moving out
- Email: resservices@ucc.ie
Threshold – National Housing Charity
- Free, confidential advice for tenants and licence holders
- Specialists in deposit disputes, tenancy rights, and landlord/tenant issues
- Cork Office: 22 South Mall, Cork City
- Phone: 0818 438 438
- Website: www.threshold.ie