With a record number of first round CAO offers this year, the race is on for student accommodation around the country.
But is there enough accommodation to go around? And what kind of conditions are people being faced with?
Barry Murphy, Communications Officer of UCD Students' Union, explained that for weeks people have been searching for properties online, but "when they get to some of these properties, they're in a deplorable state and landlords are charging outrageous amounts of money."
"The first property I went to, they were trying to squeeze 15 people into three rooms. The landlord was planning to put mattresses on the floor. It was €150 a week plus bills, and there were cracks, mould and holes in the wall."
Enda McGuane of Winters Property Management said, "It's first years who lose out most, as all the purpose-built and rented accommodation we would have is pretty much gone for the last number of months."
In some cases, Enda said, students are unable to take up their offer due to the lack of accommodation.
"We're seeing situations where students who have worked very hard simply can't get accommodation to take their course choice."
