Move out or stay at home? That is the question students and soon-to-be students (don’t forget their parents!) are asking themselves at the moment.

Most colleges are undertaking blended learning, meaning there will be both on-campus and online classes.

With this, in the main, lectures are being delivered online, while an effort is being made to facilitate face-to-face labs and tutorials.

Most colleges contacted said they will prioritise on-campus time for first years.

To help you decide on accommodation and travel arrangements, Irish Country Living has compiled what universities and institutes of technology are doing with regard to time on campus and accommodation offerings.

University of Limerick

University of Limerick (UL) students will rotate the weeks they are on campus. Different year groups will be allocated different weeks.

First years will spend a week on campus followed by two weeks of online learning. Other years will have a week on campus followed by three weeks of online learning.

These rotational timetables are available online at www.ul.ie/covid/new-and-existing-students

Students can access services and facilities on campus during the weeks they are online learning.

Campus Life Services, the company that manages campus accommodation in UL, are offering some students on campus accommodation for just the weeks they are physically in college.

First-year students are unable to avail of this. They can only take up full semester accommodation. A statement from the college said this is because they are on campus more frequently than others.

Additional rooms will be made available on campus for first years this semester, however.

The rooms available are all private, single rooms, with UL’s controversial decision pre-COVID to offer double rooms, scrapped.

Mary Immaculate College

Academically linked to UL, Mary Immaculate College (MIC) is adopting a similar approach in returning to on-campus teaching.

Depending on their course, MIC has issued students with a rotational one in two, three, four or five week timetable to be on campus. This is available at www.mic.ul.ie/news/2020/information-for-new-and-existing-students

Courtbrack accommodation in MIC Limerick is available for rental on a weekly rotational basis. Due to public health guidelines, the Halls of Residence will not open.

Limerick Institute of Technology

Students at Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) will be on campus every week. Some once a week and others up to four times a week.

An indication of how much time students from each course will spend on campus is available at www.lit.ie/News/LIT-Unveils-Plans-for-New-Academic-Year

LIT said first-year timetables are available in advance of CAO offers.

LIT students will be requested to comply with a new LIT COVID-19 Charter, which sets out guidelines and responsibilities for students and staff, including the wearing of face masks.

University College Dublin

University College Dublin (UCD) is aiming to provide as much face-to-face teaching and student activities as possible.

Large lectures will take place through digital methods. Some of these may be arranged so that, while a smaller than normal number of students will attend, others will access these lectures online.

Planning has taken into account the need to maintain a two metre physical distance, but in classes where this is not possible, a one-metre distance will be adhered to, with students wearing face masks.

In relation to on campus accommodation, returning students have already been allocated rooms. First years will be offered accommodation in the days after CAO offers are made.

Technical University Dublin (formerly DIT)

In Technical University Dublin (TU Dublin), face-to-face teaching should make up 20% of students’ timetables, but more physical interaction for first years in semester one is a priority. TU Dublin does not have on campus accommodation.

TU Dublin advised students not to take up accommodation until they receive their timetable, and that this accommodation should, where possible, be close to their campus, whether that is in Dublin city, Tallaght or Blanchardstown.

All students will have timetabled access to the library.

Trinity College Dublin

Like others, Trinity College Dublin is aiming to provide as much face-to-face teaching as possible.

The amount of time needed to be spent on campus will vary depending on the course and year of study.

Access to the library reading rooms for staff and registered students has resumed. Masks are now mandatory in all library rooms.

On accommodation, a college spokesperson said it is likely most students will have a significant portion of face-to-face teaching as part of their programme, so being close to Trinity will make it easier for students to attend lectures, seminars and tutorials.

Trinity is currently working on a scheme to make temporary accommodation available to students hoping to travel to college for a limited number of days.

Dublin City University

Dublin City University (DCU) is planning for students to be scheduled on campus for “a reasonable length of time”, ie no less than half a day at a time.

DCU is planning to offer students flexible on-campus accommodation, as it is unlikely students will be on campus for more than a few days per week. Though it is possible these days could be concentrated in specific weeks.

Students will be able to book on campus accommodation for specific days, weeks or months for the 2020/21 academic year.

Once timetables are issued, students who have booked on campus accommodation already will have the option to change their accommodation requirement. If they no longer require accommodation, their deposit will be refunded.

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)

In its blended approach, Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) will deliver a “significant” proportion of teaching, learning and assessment remotely. How often students are expected to be on campus will depend on their academic discipline. Where classes are on campus, CIT said it will endeavour to keep the number of days as small as possible. With regard to accommodation, CIT advised when making accommodation and travel arrangements, that students ensure these arrangements are as flexible as possible.

University College Cork

University College Cork (UCC) is also aiming to provide as much on-campus engagement as possible.

The delivery of each programme will be different. Some smaller classes have already had blended learning arrangements outlined.

A statement from UCC said that for programmes with large class sizes this is more challenging, but it is something that is being progressed as a matter of priority.

The library has opened with a limited capacity.

With regards to on-campus accommodation, there are no plans to offer daily rentals. Vacancies that arise will be offered through a lottery system.

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) said almost all lectures in semester one will be delivered remotely.

It is aiming to deliver some practical classes on campus. A statement from DkIT advised students to make plans to be on campus for approximately one to two days per week. DkIT is primarily a commuter college, the statement said, approximately 80% of students commute. The college recommended students consider commuting this year.

Waterford Institute of Technology

In WIT all lectures, tutorials and practical classes will be delivered remotely for the academic year of 2020/21.

Labs and workshops that require special equipment will occur on campus.

WIT advised students who will have to be on campus to make arrangements that are as flexible as possible with regard to accommodation and travel.

It is exploring the possibility of renting out accommodation for flexi-stays. Either a three-night or a five-night package at a rate of €40 per night. Details will be available once academic timetables are released.

NUI Galway

NUI Galway (NUIG) is encouraging all its students to be in Galway from September, to be available for on campus learning and “to experience the fullest student learning experience possible”.

Every student will have on campus learning built into their timetable. The college’s on-campus accommodation is fully booked with a waiting list. They will not have accommodation for short stays.

The library will open from 9am to 5pm and users will need to reserve a seat in advance. NUIG students and staff will have to sign up to a community promise, pledging to follow NUIG and the HSE COVID-19 guidelines.

Galway Mayo Institute of Technology

The majority of courses in Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) will be delivered through blended learning. Practical classes and workshops will take place onsite for essential learning.

GMIT has given a commitment that where a weekly presence on campus is required for practical classes and workshops, they will be organised across consecutive days.

Information on how many days on campus each course will have is available online at www.gmit.ie/general/student-faqs

GMIT has no on campus accommodation. Information on accommodation listings are available online at www.gmitstudentpad.ie/housing

The GMIT Student’s Union has secured a B&B rate for students who may seek one, two, three or more nights’ accommodation when required for on-site visits.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LyIT) is aiming to provide as much face-to-face teaching as possible. Particularly for first years, with a target of providing at least 50% on-campus delivery.

LyIT does not have on campus accommodation. The Students’ Union accommodation list, comprised of third-party accommodation, will be made available to all registered students as soon as CAO offers are made.

Institute of Technology Tralee

Face-to-face and online classes are being timetabled for students across the week at Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT).

Classes will take place in two periods, 9am-1pm and 3pm-6pm. The on campus classes will be grouped together in either of these periods, so you might have on campus classes in the morning and online classes in the evening, or vice versa.

ITT does not have on-campus accommodation. A list of accommodation offered locally can be obtained by calling 066-7191 685 or 066-7171 722.

Athlone Institute of Technology

Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) is planning to have all students back on campus in conjunction with online learning. There will be a particular emphasis on giving first year students time on campus. AIT does not have on campus accommodation, but information on student apartments, private houses and digs is available at www.aitsu.ie/accommodation

Maynooth University

Maynooth University (MU) said students will be on campus regularly throughout the semester. “For most students the time on campus will be significantly less than half what would be expected in a normal year,” a statement from the college said. On campus learning will be supported by online teaching. A proportion of the class will be invited to each lecture and the remainder will be able to view online, either live or later.There is on campus accommodation available on a per semester basis and limited accommodation available on a per night basis. The library is open from 9.30am to 5pm. Capacity is limited. Face coverings must be worn when entering and leaving the library.

Institute of Technology Sligo

Students at Institute of Technology Sligo (IT Sligo) will spend approximately 20% of their course time on campus, primarily to facilitate practical classes. This could vary by course.

The remainder of coursework will be delivered online.

IT Sligo has no on campus accommodation, but information is available at www.itsligo.ie/cao/accommodation

No more information was available from Sligo IT at the time of going to print.

Need to know

If you are taking up accommodation this year, here is some helpful advice from the Union of Students in Ireland:

  • Make sure you have read the licence agreement before signing it and that you are happy with the conditions.
  • Take photos of all rooms, different areas and electronic appliances. This serves as record for what the accommodation was like when you moved in.
  • Be vigilant against scams. Ensure the accommodation you hope to move into is real and that you are protected by licence agreements.
  • Top tip

    Contact your course director, whose email should be online, for specifics around how many days and what days you will be on campus this year. This will help you make your decision around accommodation.

    Read more

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    Going to College 2020: giving students a reason to be on campus

    Going to College 2020: expand your horizons and enjoy the journey

    Going to College 2020: socialising and social distancing