'We are sleeping in cars and serial couch-surfing': Dublin students appeal to homeowners to ...

This article from the Irish Times covers Dublin student accommodation crisis and grassroots efforts by university students' unions to address housing shortages.

UCD and IADT students' unions have launched a street campaign to convince Dublin commuters to rent spare rooms to students through Ireland's rent-a-room tax relief scheme. The initiative comes as students face severe housing challenges, with some sleeping in cars or couch-surfing. UCD has the country's most expensive on-campus accommodation, with en-suite rooms costing €11,888 annually, leaving many students unable to afford campus housing.

• Students are canvassing at busy Dublin locations like St Stephen's Green, offering flyers about the €14,000 tax-free rent-a-room scheme
• International students face particular vulnerability to rental scams and exploitation due to unfamiliarity with Dublin's housing market
• Personal stories highlight the crisis's impact, including students working excessive hours in unsuitable arrangements and experiencing mental health challenges
• The campaign represents a "last-ditch effort" to secure accommodation for incoming students starting their academic year