How can students afford it?

DCU students have been left angered and frustrated after off-campus student accommodation has risen to unreachable levels. Many are left with the only options of paying €9,000 for an apartment for 9 months, live back at home or commute, which can see some students sit on buses and trains for five hours at a time. Neither of these options are viable, and many protests have taken place this week - however, Shanowen Hall and Shanowen Square have yet to comment on the matter, making students even more upset and angry. One twitter user, @no1seshgoth, has shared her story, saying that she was left feeling insulted and mistreated by the accommodation management:

#ShanowenShakedown

Today I walked to campus, went to the library, and walked home again. This is the last year I will have this luxury - extortionate student accommodation means we are being priced further away from college, with many even having to commute. — kez ? (@no1seshgoth) March 30, 2018

Affordable student accommodation close to college should be a right.

DCU has a thriving social life which is mainly due to the closeness in which everyone is to campus. Students moving further across the city due to rent increases will seriously hinder society and college life. — kez ? (@no1seshgoth) March 30, 2018

The managements at Shanowen Square, Shanowen Hall and Gateway Student Village are taking advantage of students during a housing crisis and it has to stop.

We can't pay these prices, and we refuse to. Rent increases of 27% should be illegal.#ShanowenShakedown @RichardbrutonTD — kez ? (@no1seshgoth) March 30, 2018

Also - outrageous that Shanowen Square management have still refused to comment on #ShanowenShakedown.

After Christmas I notified them that I would be two weeks late paying my rent (which is paid in two large lump sums) because I was waiting for money to come in. — kez ? (@no1seshgoth) March 30, 2018

Suddenly me and my family were hounded with calls from the General Manager demanding payment.

She called me into the office, locked the door and (I'm not joking) made me turn off my phone. A fellow DCU student was present when she discussed MY personal financial situation. — kez ? (@no1seshgoth) March 30, 2018

It was upsetting, insulting, and demeaning. I left the office in tears.

Two weeks late. For a second semester payment. Shanowen have a turnover of millions each year, yet their greed knows no bounds. 15,000 signatures and they are still silent. Interesting. #ShanowenShakedown — kez ? (@no1seshgoth) March 30, 2018

Yesterday, the Dáil raised the issue of Shanowen rent prices, with TD Mattie McGrath calling on the government to regulate the sector and cap rent increases.

Yesterday in the Dail I raised the issue of #ShanowenShakedown, the extortionate 24% rise in student accom costs for @DCUSU students. I urge the gov to regulate this sector & cap rent increases. €9k for 9months accom is totally unachievable for anyone, particularly students. pic.twitter.com/KacPbuzhTP

— Mattie McGrath TD (@mattiemcgrathtd) March 30, 2018

You can read more student's stories under the #ShanowenShakedown hashtag on Twitter. Images: DCUSU