Well, there's good news and bad news. The bad news is for those of you looking for accommodation in Dublin; things are at least as bad as anticipated. The same unfortunately applies in Galway. However, elsewhere, finding a place to live is not all that difficult this year. But even in towns where supply exceeds demand (yes, for some lucky students this does happen!) at this stage you probably won't be spending the year lolling about on your deck watching the sun go down across the bay. In fact, you may have to contend with a shared room, a bit of a trek from college, and quite possibly, no view.

In Dublin in particular, thousands of students will spend the next few weeks waiting half the day in a queue to see a hovel which costs five times the weekly grant. By and large, despite the obviously critical nature of the situation, there seems to be a lack of response from the Government. Rents continue to rise outrageously, landlords continue to get away with not registering their properties, and anyone on a low income is plunged into a nightmare trail around the city finding a place to live.

Last month USI organised a a conference on housing. Among the proposals arising out of the conference were; the need for legislation to encourage minimum levels of on-campus accommodation; enforcement of the register of landlords and the promotion of tax incentives for those investing in residences for students. Bernie O'Reilly is the deputy president of the students union at the DIT Bolton Street.

"We have students in here panicking every day," she says. "It's mental in Dublin now. Rents have increased dramatically; even sharing a bedroom is ludicrously expensive. "It's bad now, and it will get worse before term starts. This year we'll see even more students spend the year in hostels, or having to commute for hours from the family home every day. I'm advising everyone to go into digs, even if it's just until Christmas, to take the pressure off and get settled".

Dublin

On-Campus: TCD is still processing application forms for first years looking for accommodation at Trinity Hall. If you are interested in a place you are advised to fill out your form correctly and get it in urgently. At UCD on-campus places for first years have already been allocated. DCU's on-campus accommodation was booked out before first round offers were made.

Off-Campus: There is an awful lot of hype and heartache associated with flat-hunting in Dublin. It isn't easy, but there is no need to panic. Head straight for your college accommodation office or your college students' union for advice and support. There are plenty of digs around; otherwise check out college notice boards for share ads. Digs are the most economical option this year. In Dublin you'll be looking at paying between £55 and £60 a week for five days and up to £80 a week for seven. Sharing a house or flat with a number of other students averages out at about £50 per week.

Galway

On-campus: NUI Galway's student accommodation at Corrib Village is booked out.

Off-Campus: Things are very busy at this stage in Galway and you are advised to get to the college straight away and contact the accommodation officer Margaret Faherty. "Until you've found yourself a place to live, you can't settle in and get going with your studies," she says. Although there is a building boom in Galway, most of the new accommodation is too expensive for students, so there is quite a bit of pressure to find a suitable place. Expect to pay around £50 per week sharing a one-bedroom apartment. Three-bedroom houses that accommodate up to five students cost between £120 and £150. Lodgings cost between £55 and £70, depending on whether you stay five or seven days. Prices are similar for students going to the Galway-Mayo It. Contact the accommodation office there for a list of accommodation.

Limerick

On-campus: All accommodation at UL is fully booked at this stage.

Off-Campus: Things are going nice and smoothly at UL at the moment. According to the accommodation officer, Frances McNamara, "most of the first years are sorted out now. Things are better than we had anticipated. There seems to be plenty of accommodation available this year." However, if you are still not sorted out, you are advised to get to the college right away, get a list and get looking. House shares average out at around £40 per week, while the college recommends between £50 and £70 for digs. At Limerick IT, contact the students' union for advise and information.

Cork

On-Campus: All on-campus accommodation at UCC is now taken.

Off-campus: According to Eoin Hyland, welfare officer at UCC, "things are not bad here at the moment. If you are willing to spend a day or two, you'll find somewhere. Expect to pay between £60 and £80 for digs, and around £40 to share a house".

Cork IT has a list of accommodation, there is a bit of a scramble, but if you get there immediately, you shouldn't have a problem.

Athlone

There is still a surplus of accommodation space for students going to Athlone IT. Earlier worries about high prices are dissipating fast, as digs remain around the £50 mark for five days and house sharing is at approximately £35.

Carlow

Things are also fine in Carlow at the moment, according to Caroline Dermody of student services, Carlow IT. Expect to pay around £55 for digs for five days and £30£35 to share a house or apartment.

Dundalk

There is even good news in Dundalk at this stage. "Things are easier than anticipated," says the students' union, but you are advised not to delay. The price of digs is around £50 for five days, and rented accommodation averages £30 a week.

Letterkenny

At the moment there is no crisis for students going to Letterkenny IT. Get there are soon as you can and expect to pay around £25 a week for five to six students sharing.

Sligo

The college students' service office at Sligo IT provides a comprehensive accommodation service, so get there fast. Digs cost around £45 for five days and house sharing starts at £25 a week.

Tralee

Things are grand for students going to Tralee IT. Don't leave it until the last minute, though; get to the accommodation office immediately. Flats average £30 per week, while digs cost around £45 for five days.

Waterford

At the moment there is still no real accommodation shortage for students going to Waterford IT. Get there as soon as you can to ensure getting a place. Digs cost £45 for five days, while rented accommodation costs between £25 and £35 per week.