Upon receiving my offer to study at RCSI, the first thing I needed to arrange was accommodation. I went straight to the RCSI website for guidance.

The Mercer Court and Millin House student residences stood out to me, both reserved for first-year students and located on campus. Being just five minutes from 123 St Stephen's Green and 26 York Street, and right by Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre with Dunnes and Boots, made them very appealing. The nearby Luas and bus stops are also excellent for getting around the city.

I chose Mercer Court Apartments in Med 1, where I stayed in a four-bedroom flat with my own room and bathroom, sharing a kitchen with three others. For me, it was the perfect balance – I had my own space but also the chance to socialise and cook together. Some of my closest friends at RCSI are people I first met in Mercer, which made settling into Dublin much easier. For those who prefer a bigger room and might not use the kitchen as much, Millin House is a great fit. Both residences are very popular, so I recommend applying as soon as you secure your RCSI offer.

Since Mercer and Millin are only for first-years, most students start planning next year’s accommodation by the start of Med 1 semester 2. Aparto Stephen’s Quarter is a good option, exclusively for RCSI students from all years and only a seven-minute walk from campus. It offers a variety of rooms, and if booked early, you and your friends can secure rooms in the same apartment. It is also a great way to meet students across different years and programmes. Other popular options like Yugo’s Tannery, New Mill and Brewers are about a 15–20 minute walk from RCSI and open to students from all Dublin universities, but they remain very popular among RCSI students.

For those seeking more independence, private apartments such as Adelaide Square, Castleway or Newmarket Yards offer privacy and space. These are in high demand, so it helps to know someone moving out.

Overall, RCSI students have several popular choices. My advice is to start in Mercer Court or Millin House to ease your transition into Dublin, especially if you are an international student. You will meet amazing people and, once settled, you can explore other options with more independence.