Accommodation in the host country

Each outgoing Erasmus+ student is responsible for organising his/her accommodation abroad. University of Galway cannot provide this service. It would be expected that your host organisation would at least offer you some guidance on finding accommodation; in some cases, accommodation might be arranged for you as part of your internship package, although you will probably have to pay for it yourself.

If you are going to be based at a university abroad, you might have the option of applying for student accommodation. If this type of accommodation is available, it’s advisable to take advantage of it. University of Galway students who previously attended your host university may also be able to recommend a particular student residence. You may be requested to pay a deposit in advance – pay this on time to avoid disappointment. Your rental contract will most likely oblige you to pay in full for each month, even if you might not be there for all of the final month. It is worth noting that some student accommodation abroad may not be of a very high standard, particularly if it’s very cheap, and it may be located a distance from the university. You may find that cooking utensils are not provided and that a number of people could be sharing communal cooking and bathroom areas. If you are not comfortable with this, you may be better advised to seek accommodation in the private sector. On the other hand, some university accommodation is of a good standard and highly recommended by past University of Galway students. Research your options thoroughly and speak to returned Erasmus+ students before you make a final decision.

Most traineeship students will have to rent accommodation on the private market. You should ask your mentor or contact person at the host organisation if they can offer you any advice or support in your accommodation search. You should only sign a rental contract after having viewed the premises in person: never pre-book over the internet, especially where a deposit is requested, unless you are certain that the person with whom you are dealing is bona fide. Accommodation scams are becoming increasingly common, and you stand to lose a substantial amount of money in this way.

You may need to give yourself a week or so to find accommodation after you arrive in the host country. You should book into a hotel or hostel to allow yourself time to search. Try to find out about different neighbourhoods in terms of their safety and their proximity to your workplace, and get an idea of the going rates for monthly rent. You are also advised to be careful signing contracts – read the small print. And remember that it is not advisable to accept accommodation if you have any reservations about the security and safety of the property.

Once you have secured your accommodation, make a note of and report anything damaged or missing. If, during your stay, you cause damage to the property, the cost of repairs will be deducted from your deposit. If you encounter issues such as mould or mildew, be sure to notify the landlord/agency/ manager so that this is dealt with promptly.

Students who live at home while attending university in Galway may find the search for accommodation the most daunting aspect of the stay abroad. However, with careful and early planning most students don’t have any major problems.

Consider carefully the following points:

• What types of accommodation options are available and what is the cost of each option?
• Are any forms needed to book accommodation, and what is the deadline?
• What deposit, if any, is required in advance?
• What facilities (toilet, shower, cooking, etc.) are available? Are they shared?
• Is bed linen, etc. supplied or will you need to bring/buy your own?
• Is the property furnished?
• Are utility bills (electricity, gas, etc.) included in the rent?
• From what date will accommodation be available?
• Will you be bound by a contract, and for how long?
• In the case of student residences, what are the opening hours of the reception desk? (If you are arriving outside of office hours, you may need to make advance arrangements to gain access to your room.)

Students renting accommodation in France may qualify for financial assistance from the Caf (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales), and you can apply for this online, but please read the notes on this on the section on France in Country-specific funding.

You will not receive any Caf payment in respect of the first calendar month of your tenancy, which means that if you have the chance to move in at the end of August, for instance, you may be eligible to receive a payment later in respect of the month of September, whereas if you move in on the 1st September, your first payment will be in respect of the month of October. Your income and your Erasmus+ grant will be taken into consideration, as will any earnings in the previous calendar year: you will be asked for your P60. Income in the current or previous year can have a substantial impact on your Caf allowance. You’ll also have to provide a copy of your employment contract and your payslips, as well as proof of your University of Galway student status (registration statement). It will several months for your first payment to come through, and you will need a French bank account in order to receive the Caf. You need to consider whether it is worthwhile to apply for the Caf if your Erasmus+ visit to France is of only a few months’ duration.