Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has said student accommodation policies need to change.
He was speaking as people struggle to find accommodation across the country and grapple with the rising cost of living.
But Minister Harris told Newstalk Breakfast while he has big plans, they won't help people this year.
"I've got to be blunt: we need to change the student accommodation policy.
"And we need the State to do what it has done before - which is invest in colleges building college-owned student accommodation.
"I got agreement for that to happen in July, I believe it is going to be a game-changer.
"But I also want to be truthful: that's not going to help anybody this September.
"This September, I think what we need to do is make sure that we can maximise what is available to students.
"The traditional digs - or the Rent-a-Room scheme, as it's known - does provide an option to lots and lots of young people to rent a room in somebody's house".
He said latest figures show some 737 rooms are available under the scheme.
"Every college in Ireland is now maintaining a register of rooms to rent in their community", he said.
He also pointed to changes to try and make the scheme more attractive.
"You can earn up to €14,000 renting out a room and not pay tax.
"Secondly we've changed the social welfare system, so you don't lose your social welfare", he added.
