CAO Students Show Increased Preference For Maynooth, But They Might Not Be So Happy Once They Get Here

Maynooth University records its highest number of first preference CAO applicants, but amidst current scandals and discussions on the lack of resources for students, it appears to be a mixed blessing. 

MU has seen a 2% rise in first preference CAO applications, with the Arts Degree recording the highest number of first preference applicants in the CAO. MU President, Prof Eeva Leinonen, says these “are key indicators of our innovative curriculum, offering students an extraordinary level of flexibility and control over their educational experiences.” While this may true, we, along with student representatives, are concerned for the standard of living they will achieve will here. 

Expected Homelessness 

Alex Balfe, current VP for Education and recently elected MSU President for 2023, has previously noted that we are expecting high levels of student homelessness next year “because of the CAO deadline, because of the Leaving Cert results, it's pathetic that the government are putting this on us, but it’s predicted.” 

It appears Alex’s comments holds truth. The Government recently agreed €40 million for student accommodation for Dublin City University in phase one of a plan to provide 405 beds. Further agreements have been made with UCD, UCC and Trinity. Maynooth University is not amongst the universities the Government has agreed to work with in providing student accommodation. This is particularly troubling as MU has one of the highest rates of commuters, coming in at over 80%. Students are unable to find affordable and adequate accommodation near campus or Maynooth town. Many students who have moved away from home are facing inadequate living conditions, with damp and mould being an all-too-common part of the student experience. Furthermore, many students who have to move away from home are only able to find accommodation that still requires commuting, thus adding to the stress students face financially in affording their degree, their accommodation and travel expenses. It is no longer an exercise in weighing up whether accommodation or commuting is more affordable or accessible, but a begrudging acquiescence to both out of necessity. 

The National Youth Council notes that the number of young people facing homelessness has more than doubled in the last four years. Many are considered part of our ‘hidden homeless’ as they bunk with friends, family or live in other precarious situations. They note that the effect of this on young people is not to be overlooked: “Young adults are at a crucial point in their emotional, cognitive and social development, transitioning from adolescence to adulthood and experiences at this stage have lifelong impacts.” 

While Maynooth’s commutability used to add to its appeal, it now appears to be a hindrance to the student experience and appropriate standards of living. Lucas Jeanniot has noted that Maynooth is not like other uni-towns, such as Galway. We do not have the same cyclical movement of students in and out of the town; due to its proximity to Dublin and in light of the capital’s housing crisis, people are moving into the town and staying. This exacerbates the issue as students cannot fill vacancies in previous ‘student homes’. 

Student Spaces 

With a high commuter population, you would think we have a high standard and wide array of student spaces, but this is far from the truth. Last years ‘Where’s My Levy’ campaign highlighted just how put out students feel about the lack of facilities on campus. With a small room of mainly unusable microwaves, and overall lack of seating, many students find themselves facing harsh Irish weather as they are stuck outside in-between classes. While the new TSI building has plans in place for an additional café with 80 seats, this constitutes a drop in dry well. 

While the SU’s ‘Where’s My Levy’ campaign demands were met, a member of the SU executive tells us it’s likely to take another five years before we see the student centre built. This means that these new CAO students will likely never see the student centre, leaving us with another generation of disillusioned students. 

Attendance 

I am sure that by now I am not the only student who has heard lecturers harp on about the importance of attending classes, and noticed the alarming dip of people on campus. While it is true that being unable to attend classes may affect the standard of education received, attendance cannot improve until the material conditions of students do. We do a strong disservice to students as we push them into mouldy houses and a campus is inaccessible to most: their ability to access the education that they are breaking their backs to pay for is greatly hindered. We are likely to see a new wave of students who struggle to attend all their classes.  

But What Now? 

Alex Balfe has plans of introducing discreet vouchers systems for students who can’t afford to eat while on campus, and the SU campaigns to improve student well-being and conditions. But the improvement of material conditions should not be left with just the Union. It would be impossible and distinctly unfair for the Government and our University alike to dump their failings on the Union and the students it represents. We need the University to begin lobbying with us and advocating for us.  

This is also largely reflective of wider issues in Ireland today. While rents remain disgustingly high around the country, most notably in our capital, Maynooth will continue to be a commuter town, for both students coming in and workers coming out.  

Student voices and engagement reached new highs during the ‘Where’s My Levy’ campaign, but we still need them. Write to your TDs, write to your papers, write to the University; speak loud, scream, shout, find every way for our voices to be heard. We need to make them uncomfortable in watching our suffering. We do not deserve another generation of homeless, disillusioned students.