DCU's on-campus rooms span three campuses — Glasnevin, plus St Patrick's and All Hallows in Drumcondra — and are allocated by lottery. The detail that catches families out is that utilities are billed separately on top of the rents, unlike UL. The good news: DCU has one of the strongest commuter networks in the country.
For the full breakdown of every residence, price and deadline, see our Dublin City University accommodation guide.
Know your stream and your window
First-years apply during a narrow 3 February – 31 March 2026 window for residences like St Patrick's, Larkfield and O'Donnell House. International and postgraduate students have a separate April–May window — don't miss your stream. Allocation is a lottery, with a €50 non-refundable admin fee that keeps you in rolling lotteries. For the full residence list, see our complete DCU accommodation guide.
What it really costs
On-campus rents run from €6,155/year (St Patrick's) to €7,442/year (College Park Superior) — but remember utilities are extra, billed monthly. When you compare DCU rooms with bills-included options like UL, add a separate monthly charge to the headline figure.
The €50 admin fee is non-refundable, but it's usually worth paying because it keeps you in the rolling lotteries as cancellations free up rooms.
Why commuting is a real option at DCU
DCU has a genuinely strong commuter-coach network, with direct private services to Glasnevin from Dundalk, Drogheda, Monaghan, Mullingar and Longford. Add frequent Dublin Bus routes, the Drumcondra rail station and the €3/day Leap cap, and living at home or in a cheaper commuter town becomes a sensible money-saver.
Backup and money
Drumcondra, Glasnevin and Whitehall are strong digs areas (~€120–€180/week midweek), and north-Dublin house shares run ~€700–€1,100/month. If your home is 30 km or more from DCU you qualify for SUSI's higher non-adjacent rate, and the €1,000 Rent Tax Credit covers digs. Our grants and costs guide and scams guide have the details.
Ready to plan it out?
See the full Dublin City University accommodation guide with every price, deadline and official link.
Dublin City University accommodation guidePublished: 18 June 2026 · Last updated: 18 June 2026 · Researched against official college, SUSI, Revenue and RTB sources.