WHILE it emerged this week that CAO applications to IT Tralee increased by 23% and there will be 565 international students staying in town, they’ll have no shortage of places to stay.

Apparently, Tralee is one of the cheapest places in Ireland for students to find accommodation according to ITT Students Union President, Ben Slimm.

“There’s no problem finding a place to stay in town,” said Ben. “In fact, there is a surplus of accommodation for students. The average rent in the purpose-built student apartments is about €65 a week, while rent in private dwellings costs about €45 plus a week for students sharing,” he said.

Ben and the team in the SU have been working all summer preparing for the September influx, but it was Monday when his phone started ringing in earnest.

“It started at 7.30am and it’s been busy since. You have students ringing from all over the country to get information on the best place to stay, what campus they’ll be in and just info on the town,” said Ben.

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Tralee has also seen an increase in international students, which Ben feels is good for the town culturally and financially.

Among the nations represented in the ITT this year will be Brazil, Germany, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Canada.