Concern over decrease in registered student accommodation in Athlone

The Athlone IT students' union has voiced concern about a decrease in the amount of student accommodation which landlords have so far registered with it ahead of the upcoming academic year.

A representative of the students' union told the Westmeath Independent that, due to uncertainty around Covid-19, there had been "a significant dip" in the number of student properties registered by landlords compared with this time last year.

"The college is reopening in different phases, and will be reopening from September 14," said Niall Naughton, the vice president for welfare and equality with the AIT students' union.

"At the moment, the level of accommodation that has been registered with us is low, so we are trying to encourage more landlords to register on our website."

While the number of apartments in Athlone that are being registered for students has held up reasonably well, a decrease has been noted in the number of houses and rooms available for rent as digs.

AIT's plan for the 2020/21 academic year was announced last month, and the Institute said it would be prioritising face-to-face learning on campus where possible.

"Students will primarily experience traditional on campus learning, as face-to-face interaction with lectures and peers is an integral part of the student experience," said AIT President, Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin.

Landlords who wish to advertise a property for rent can register it with the AIT students' union at a cost of €30 for the academic year.

More details are available by calling: 090 6474388 or emailing: suvice@ait.ie