Housing for students

I and a fellow college friend went on a mission to get a new house in Dundalk yesterday (7.11.08). It seemed like an easy task at first. I mean how hard could it be?? Turns out pretty hard.....

As we drove around Dundalk in all it's glory, we saw many signs that had "TO LET" posted outside these wonderful apartments. It was like looking at a scene from a film with the beautiful design of the buildings. Sarah and I could almost taste the interior.....

We went in search of the estate agents and with just the right amount of luck we found it! Our hearts were racing as we entered the office with the leather bound chairs, oak tables covered in laptops, papers and coffee mugs. There was only one woman in the office at the very back. She wore half moon glasses and had red dyed hair! It felt like a sugar rush. She was a helpful char actor right up to the point were she realised that we were students....

What?? Is this not discrimination?? Can people not be liable to be sued for such antics of refusing students accommodation? I find this ridiculous! The sugar rush just turned to blood boiling. All those magnificent properties she had just mentioned were just going to be a faint memory to us now.....just because we are students. The estate agent said she could get us a viewing for one particular property, but will it be of any good? I doubt it!

As we roamed around the area of Dundalk we entered and exited many of the estate agents DUFFY, JPG, GUNNE...but it was the same story everywhere..."You are students?? Ooohhhh.....No we have nothing!"

Bad tenants are giving good lodgers a bad name and it is not fair that we are deprived of a good venue of accommodation just because of the labels students have got. I can understand where they are coming from but a simple, short interview would be an idea before people make their own presumptions!

I am fuming about the whole situation and the problem should be addressed immediately as I will be taking action if I am discriminated as a student!! I am a well- mannered tenant who believes cleanliness should be of the highest standard! So estate agents and landlords watch out because Grace Shields is on a mission!