At a glance
On-campus & university-owned residences
| Residence | Who it's for | Room types | From | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Patrick's College (Drumcondra) | First-years (cheapest) | Single, shared shower/toilet | €6,155.36/year | 30 Aug 2026 – 5 May 2027 |
| Larkfield (Glasnevin) | First-years (single-gender) | Single, sharing bathroom + kitchenette | €6,276.88/year | Full year |
| O'Donnell House (All Hallows) | First-years | Single shared / single en-suite | €6,324–€7,006/year | Full year |
| Hampstead (Glasnevin) | Returning students (mixed) | Single en-suite | €6,666.24/year | Full year |
| College Park / Superior | Returning students | Single / double en-suite | €7,006–€7,442/year | Full year |
- Utilities are billed separately, monthly — NOT included in the figures above (unlike UL).
- WiFi + wired internet, desk and wardrobe in all rooms. A €50 non-refundable admin fee + a refundable deposit (≈ one month) apply.
- Allocation is by lottery, with further lotteries as cancellations arise; disability/medical applicants get preference for adapted rooms.
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) nearby
DCU doesn't list third-party PBSA partners and no DCU-adjacent private block could be verified with current pricing — the on-campus DCU Rooms stock is the primary purpose-built option. Realistic alternatives are digs and private rental.
Digs & rent-a-room near DCU
Drumcondra, Glasnevin and Whitehall are strong digs areas (often weekdays only). Dublin digs commonly run ~€120–€180/week midweek; source them via Daft.ie and DCU Students' Union supports.
See our guides to student grants & costs and how to apply.
Private rentals & house shares
North-Dublin neighbourhoods near DCU: Glasnevin, Drumcondra, Whitehall, Santry and Phibsborough (closer/pricier); Finglas, Beaumont and Coolock (cheaper, further). Room shares are broadly ~€700–€1,100/month (≈€160–€250/week).
Never pay a deposit before viewing — read how to avoid rental scams.
How to get to DCU
All three campuses are bus-based, ~15 min to the city centre. Glasnevin is served by many Dublin Bus routes (3, 4, 9, 11, 13, 16/16A, 33, 41, 46X, 103/104/105 and others). Private commuter coaches run direct to Glasnevin from Dundalk/Drogheda, Monaghan, Mullingar/Longford and more. Young Adult/Student Leap 90-min fare is €1.00, with a Dublin fare cap €3/day, €12/week. Nearest rail: Drumcondra station.
Application timeline for 2026 entry
- 13 February – 31 March 2026 — First-year & undergraduate applications (lottery).
- 21 April – 31 May 2026 — International & postgraduate window.
- 321 Aug 2026 — Leaving Cert results.
- 426 Aug 2026 — CAO Round 1 offers — deposit refundable (minus €50) if you don't get your DCU course.
Tips & pitfalls
- Utilities are extra at DCU (unlike UL) — budget a separate monthly charge on top of the rents above.
- The Feb–March window is narrow for first-years; international/PG have a separate later window — don't miss your stream.
- The €50 admin fee is non-refundable but keeps you in rolling lotteries — usually worth paying.
- Larkfield is single-gender; Hampstead is mixed.
- Cheapest: St Patrick's (€6,155) and Larkfield (€6,277); dearest: College Park Superior (€7,442).
Read our latest 2026 guide
DCU spreads rooms across three campuses and bills utilities separately. Here's how to plan — and why commuting works.
How to Find Accommodation at DCU (2026)Frequently asked questions
How do I get on-campus accommodation at DCU?
Apply through the DCU Rooms portal during the 3 February – 31 March 2026 first-year window (international and postgraduate students have a separate April–May window). Allocation is by lottery, with a €50 non-refundable admin fee that keeps you in rolling lotteries.
How much is DCU on-campus accommodation?
From €6,155/year for a St Patrick's room up to €7,442/year for College Park Superior — but utilities are billed separately on top, unlike UL where bills are included.
Are utilities included in DCU accommodation?
No. DCU bills utilities separately each month on top of the room rent, so budget an extra monthly charge when comparing DCU rooms with bills-included options.
What's the cheapest accommodation at DCU?
St Patrick's (€6,155/year) and Larkfield (€6,277/year) are the cheapest on-campus rooms; digs in Drumcondra, Glasnevin or Whitehall (~€120–€180/week) are often cheaper.
Can I commute to DCU?
Yes — DCU has a strong commuter-coach network with direct services to Glasnevin from Dundalk, Drogheda, Monaghan, Mullingar and Longford, plus frequent Dublin Bus routes and Drumcondra rail station.
Official links & support
Other Dublin colleges
Last updated: June 2026 · Researched against official DCU, SUSI, Revenue and RTB sources. Prices and dates change each cycle — always confirm on the college's own page before paying. Back to all university accommodation guides.