If you’re heading off to third-level, it can be difficult to find suitable accommodation at decent prices. On-campus options tend to fill up quite quickly, and then you’re generally at the mercy of the open market, with rising prices and longer commutes. But what if you could simply switch your old bedroom for a new one at no cost?
That’s the idea behind new start-up switchingrooms.ie, which has been described as the ‘Airbnb for students’. The process is simple – sign up online with your details, advertise the room being left behind, search the database for your chosen location, and directly switch rooms with someone from your new host family, both in Ireland and abroad. Most importantly, you avoid paying rent, leaving your funds for vital college expenses such as books and parties.
Listings will include photos and a brief synopsis of the accommodation, room details, public transport information, amenities such as WiFi, house keys, heating and weekend availability, and available dates. The company advises that all parties should meet in person in advance, and agree on accommodation arrangements and rules in advance.
The service is open to all users, so those living away from home Monday to Friday for work or other reasons can also avail of the service, though you should make it clear in your profile that you’re not a student.
“Switching Rooms allows you to take the headache away from moving to a new area for work or study,” the company says. “By simply creating an account and adding your room details you could be on your way to switching rooms to a new location.”
