A LETTERKENNY student forced to defer her place at Maynooth University because of the accommodation crisis has already begun looking for somewhere to live next September.
Caitlin-Faye Maniti (19) received a first round CAO offer to study entrepreneurship, but instead has opted to take a gap year so that she can save up for rent and relieve some of the pressure on her parents who had been trying to help her find accommodation since January.
Caitlin, who is President of the Irish Second-Level Students’ Union (ISSU), previously spoke to the Donegal News highlighting her plight.
She said the rental emergency was placing students “under pressure” and tainting the college experience for so many.
She told the Irish Independent she was very taken aback by how easy it was to secure a deferral, highlighting just how desperate the situation is.
“I was shocked at how easy it was to defer, which has me concerned for what it will be like next year.
“This is freshers week and it is the week you start to make new friends and get integrated into college life, but students are facing this huge burden of still searching for somewhere to live and it is tainting the whole experience,” she said.
Some of the quotes Caitlin-Faye received for accommodation included one for €1,000 for a room in digs.
While disappointed by having to defer her college studies, Caitlin-Faye said her role as ISSU President will keep her occupied throughout the year.