Student Renting Alone

Fukuyama

Hi all,

I'm looking to rent a one bedroom flat in Dublin at the start of the academic year in September.

I have an income of around 1500 per month. Most of which comes from a part time job and the remainder from a little regular work online.

I have two main questions.

First, would a landlord be apprehensive about letting to a student alone? Maybe he/she thinks I couldn't afford the rent or would trash the place?

Secondly, below is a rough budget of mine. I'm no stranger to scrimping. I don't eat much and could easily survive on 30 euro a week for food.

Income = 1500

___________

Expences
___________

Rent = 750
Food = 160
Utilities = 100
UPC = 40
Mobile = 20
Clothes = 50
Transport = 60 (could be zero, I cycle to work so could cycle to college)
Household = 20
Social = 200

TOTAL EXPENCES = 1400


Transfer 100 to savings account at month's end.


I've worked out a few scenarios to see if I could cope in a disaster such as loosing my online work and, mathematically anyway, I'd be okay without touching my credit union.

Thoughts? Advice?

Cheers!

Fukuyama

Anybody?

Giblet

I think you're crazy and too modest on some costs. Do a house share, and a cheap one at that. Also, part time isn't a secure job, even over 8-9 months.

StillWaters

Sorry, but I think you are crazy too. 50% of your income on housing is too much.
Are you a mature student? If so seek out a houseshare with fellow mature students.

Victor

You are suffering from what is known as optimism bias.

What about the actual costs of being a student - books, fees, stationery, college trips, etc.? Medical expenses? Will you eat your lunch from a plastic box every day?

Will you be able to maintain your job through projects and exams?

I would suggest that you share with at least one other.

Fukuyama

Thanks for the replies guys!

I've lived with other people for a few months at a time (on holidays, staying down the country etc...) and I feel I'd be much better off on my own. Also, with the online work that I do I need peace and quiet.

The rent I could get down to 600 for a flat in Dublin 8 it seems so that'd reduce some of my expenses.

The course I'm doing doesn't cost that much with books, stationary etc.... I have my fees saved up in my CU from working during the summer so I'm okay in that regard.

With my budget (with the reduced rent) I could be stowing away a few hundred every month. I have a small savings as it is so surely that'd be enough to cover any disaster?

I live with my parents at the minute but we all have to move out sometime. I'm not expecting the same living standards as I have at home. My dad worked all his life to achieve this - I'm starting off. I like Lidl food anyway!

What do you guys think of my budget? How much would ESB and GAS be for a one bed flat??

Thanks,
Dean

Edit: I should also point out that I'm 20 so not a mature student as has been suggested!

Marcusm

Why not look for a bedsit at 450.

Jesus Shaves

Stay at home throughout college and continue saving, that will put you in a great financial position once you leave and you'll be glad you did.

Giblet

Dean0088 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys!

I've lived with other people for a few months at a time (on holidays, staying down the country etc...) and I feel I'd be much better off on my own. Also, with the online work that I do I need peace and quiet.

The rent I could get down to 600 for a flat in Dublin 8 it seems so that'd reduce some of my expenses.

The course I'm doing doesn't cost that much with books, stationary etc.... I have my fees saved up in my CU from working during the summer so I'm okay in that regard.

With my budget (with the reduced rent) I could be stowing away a few hundred every month. I have a small savings as it is so surely that'd be enough to cover any disaster?

I live with my parents at the minute but we all have to move out sometime. I'm not expecting the same living standards as I have at home. My dad worked all his life to achieve this - I'm starting off. I like Lidl food anyway!

What do you guys think of my budget? How much would ESB and GAS be for a one bed flat??

Thanks,
Dean

Edit: I should also point out that I'm 20 so not a mature student as has been suggested!

ESB and gas could easily top 100 a month in the winter, especially if the place is cold, you could be up to 400 euro combined every two months easily. Also, be aware that ESB might require a deposit in some cases unless you setup a direct debit. The biggest surprise is that your social budget is more than your food budget and household combined! 30-40 euro a week is pretty paltry for 3 meals a day, you'll be buying bags of pasta and tinned tomatoes for a while anyway!

fasttalkerchat

Why not go for something like Broadstone Halls? You have your own ensuite room and a shared kitchen/living room. I stayed there for one semester and it was good but dearer than a shared house in Blanchardstown.