Many third level students are missing out on the full college experience as a result of the housing crisis, according to the Trinity College provost.
Dr. Linda Doyle made the remarks at the MacGill Summer School in Donegal, adding she believes the crisis is 'eroding university life'.
It comes as students face a race against time to secure accommodation ahead of the new academic year in September.
Rachael Dunphy, a DCU student, says she faces commuting from Waterford if she can't find somewhere to live:
"From where I am in Waterford, you're looking at about three and a half, if not four hours round trip. I had one lecture on a Monday last year. I used to leave my house at half seven in the morning and go to Dublin and for my one and a half hour lecture, and be back in my house in Waterford at half eight, it's not sustainable."
