“A STUDENT RESPONSE TO THE ACCOMMODATION CRISIS“
We are a group of students & alumni from Cork City third-level institutions that are establishing a Student Housing Co-operative.
The cost of living is constantly rising. Mold-infested rooms and run-down housing is becoming the standard for students. There’s also been an increase in internationally-owned luxury accommodation across Cork City.
We’ve had enough; the students are ready to take matters into their own hands.
THE CO-OPERATIVE PRINCIPLES
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VOLUNTARY AND OPEN MEMBERSHIP
DEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL MEMBERS’ ECONOMIC PARTICIPATION
AUTONOMY AND INDEPENDENCE EDUCATION, TRAINING AND INFORMATION
COOPERATION AMONG COOPERATIVES CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY
We aim to provide AFFORDABLE, ETHICAL, DEMOCRATICALLY RUN AND NOT-FORPROFIT ACCOMMODATION FOR ALL STUDENTS struggling with living in mainstream student accommodation or rented accommodation in Cork City.
We aim to introduce students to the Cooperative housing model whilst giving them a TRUE HANDS ON EXPERIENCE OF LIVING COOPERATIVELY.
OUR MISSION OUR VISION
To provide affordable STUDENT CONTROLLED AND RUN ACCOMMODATION that is Safe, transparent and nondiscriminatory, so that it may become a viable and prevalent option for students when choosing accomodation in Cork City.
We strive to provide the FIRST STUDENT-RUN HOUSING MOVEMENT IN REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, and look to be free from landlords and corporate entities composed of private shareholders.
HOW WILL THE CO-OP RUN?
• Tenants will contribute to the upkeep of the living quarters (financially through rent and through scheduled cleaning rotas)
• Attendance at weekly / monthly meetings discussing the co-op
• Student interaction (sociocracy)
• Pay a small membership fee to entitle you to a share in the co-op
WHO DO WE SERVE?
We aim to provide student accommodation for THIRD - LEVEL STUDENTS of Cork City Institutions in any level above (QQI 6) including apprenticeships.
STUDENT HOUSING CO-OP EXAMPLES
EDINBURGH
Edinburgh Student Housing Cooperative Ltd was founded in January 2014. The Co-op is owned and run democratically by its 106 student residents.
BRIGHTON
SEASALT was founded in spring 2018. The Co-op is run democratically by its 7 student residents. SEASALT has raised funds through a share offer from Brighton and Hove Community Land Trust.
GENEVA
La Ciguë is a non-profit cooperative that offers affordable housing for students and young adults. They help to run a number of unique and innovative housing co-operatives across the city of Geneva.
THE NEXT STEPS
• We are looking to secure a property in Cork City that would be suitable for our purpose.
• Dereliction is currently a very poignant issue in Cork City. These derelict housing stock could be transformed into a progressive and livable space for students, who are leaving Ireland due to lack of accommodation.
BECOME PART OF THE MOVEMENT JOIN US @corkstudenthousingcoop Cork Student Housing Co-Operative @CorkHousingCoop corkstudenthousing cooperative@gmail.com
CORK STUDENT HOUSING CO-OPERATIVE