Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that opens doors to new cultures, education systems, and career opportunities. However, one of the key aspects to consider while planning your journey is securing comfortable and safe accommodation. The type of housing you choose can greatly affect your academic success and overall experience. There are various factors you need to consider before choosing your accommodation. This guide will help you navigate the complex world of student accommodation abroad, ensuring you find the best option suited to your needs.
How to find the best student accommodation
Finding the right student accommodation abroad is crucial for a smooth transition. There are several factors you should consider:
- Research early: Start your search months before your departure to ensure you find a place that fits your budget and preferences.
- University housing services: Many universities offer on-campus accommodation or can guide students to verified off-campus housing.
- Online platforms: Use student accommodation websites, social media groups, and forums to find potential listings.
- Professional agencies: Some countries have licensed housing agencies that can assist international students in finding secure study abroad accommodation.
- Network with other students: Reach out to current or past international students for advice and recommendations.
Types of Student Accommodation
Students abroad can choose from several types of accommodation, depending on their needs and preferences:
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University dormitories (On-campus)
- Pros: Close to campus, usually affordable, and fosters a sense of community.
- Cons: Limited privacy, may have shared bathrooms, or strict rules.
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Private rentals (Off-campus)
- Pros: More privacy and freedom, ability to choose location, and options for shared or single occupancy.
- Cons: Higher costs, potential for long commutes, and additional utility bills.
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Homestays
- Pros: Cultural immersion, includes meals, and a family environment.
- Cons: Less independence and privacy.
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Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
They are often high-rise buildings or large complexes featuring a variety of room types, from shared rooms to studio apartments.
- Pros: Fully furnished, modern amenities, designed for student life.
- Cons: Can be expensive in prime locations.
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Shared apartments or houses
The accommodation can vary widely, ranging from modern apartment units to older, more affordable homes. Rooms are typically furnished with a bed, wardrobe, and desk, but it may depend on the agreement with the landlord. Shared spaces like the kitchen and living area are usually communal and vary in size and layout.
- Pros: Split costs with roommates, flexible locations, and varied accommodation types.
- Cons: Personality clashes with roommates and shared responsibilities.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation involves considering various factors to ensure comfort and safety:
- Proximity to campus: How far is the accommodation from your university? Is public transport easily accessible?
- Safety: Research the neighborhood’s safety and check for secure building access, surveillance, and emergency protocols.
- Cost: Always factor in rent, utilities, and transportation costs to determine if it's within your budget.
- Furnished vs. Unfurnished: Decide if you want a place that comes with basic furniture or if you’re willing to buy your own.
- Lease length: Verify the terms of the lease – some rentals require long-term contracts, while others are more flexible.
- Community and support: Check if the accommodation offers opportunities for social interaction with other students or services like study rooms and communal areas.
Tips for Finding Student Accommodation
Here are some practical tips for students looking to secure housing abroad:
- Start early: Begin your search at least 4-6 months before your intended move-in date.
- Budget wisely: Keep in mind that rent is often your biggest monthly expense. Ensure you budget for utilities, internet, and transport as well.
- Join student housing forums and Facebook groups: These platforms can provide real-time listings and reviews from fellow students.
- Visit the accommodation (if possible): If you’re already in the country, visit potential accommodation in person to verify the property’s condition.
- Clarify all details: Before signing a lease, clarify the rent, deposit, utility costs, and any other associated fees.
- Understand your contract: Make sure to read the entire lease or housing agreement and understand the termination policy.
Common Accommodation Scams and How to Avoid Them
Unfortunately, accommodation scams are common, especially for international students unfamiliar with the local housing market. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Avoid paying upfront: Be wary of landlords who ask for full rent or a large deposit before you’ve seen the property or even receive a formal contract. Always insist on paying through a secure method after confirming the legitimacy of the accommodation, ideally after viewing the property in person or through a verified virtual tour.
- Check the legitimacy: Research the landlord or study abroad housing agency and read reviews before signing a lease. Fraudulent landlords or agencies often create fake listings with attractive prices to lure unsuspecting students.
- Beware of prices that seem too good to be true: Scammers often advertise properties at unrealistically low prices to catch your attention, making the offer seem like a "once-in-a-lifetime" deal. Be cautious if the price is significantly lower than other listings in the area; it’s always worth doing a market comparison to identify potential red flags.
- Use secure payment methods: Always use trusted methods for deposits and rent, avoiding cash transactions. Fraudsters often ask for money transfers via unsecured platforms like Western Union or through untraceable methods like cash deposits. Always use bank transfers, PayPal, or other traceable and secure payment platforms, and avoid making payments directly to individuals without proper documentation or contracts in place.
- Get everything in writing: Ensure that all agreements are documented, including rent, deposit, and tenancy terms.
Student accommodation websites
Figuring out how to live abroad as a student requires careful planning, from securing accommodation to navigating local customs and building a support network. Several student accommodation websites cater specifically to students seeking accommodation abroad. Some trusted options include:
- University Living: University Living is a very user-friendly student accommodation website, which provides a range of services starting from listing the accommodation to hassle-free booking services. It is one of the most trusted websites for study abroad housing facilities. It operates in over 210 cities globally, offering students modern and secure living options in close proximity to universities. This online platform specializes in purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) around the world. They have a dedicated and 24/7 support team of accommodation experts to help you through the start-to- end process.
Key features:
- Extensive listings of properties
- 100% verified properties
- 7 Mn+ night bookings
- Advance and easy-to-use search filters
- Transparent pricing and policies
- Partnership with educational institutions and accommodation providers
- 24/7 customer support and live chat assistance
- Exclusive deals and discounts
- Host of value-added services
- Unilodgers: Unilodgers is a global student housing marketplace that helps students find, compare, and book accommodations in major cities around the world. They offer a variety of options, including shared apartments, studios, and en-suite rooms, tailored to students’ needs.
Key Features:
- virtual tours
- verified listings
- round-the-clock support,
- offers exclusive deals and discounts,
- cost-effective option for finding quality accommodation.
- Student.com: Lists accommodations for students, providing an easy search and booking system. Student.com is one of the largest online platforms dedicated to helping students secure housing in over 400 cities worldwide. It focuses on purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) that are close to university campuses and major city centers.
Key Features:
- filter searches by budget, location, and amenities
- multi-language support for international users.
- secure payment options,
- detailed property descriptions
- reviews from past tenants
- safe and transparent booking process.
- Homestay.com: Homestay.com connects international students with local host families, offering a more immersive cultural experience. The platform allows students to live with a family while studying abroad, which is especially helpful for those looking to practice language skills or adapt to a new environment.
Key features:
- Read host family reviews
- Direct communication with hosts
- Flexible booking options
- Short-term and long-term stays
- Ideal for semester or longer homestays
- Campusboard: A marketplace for student accommodation, offering both short- and long-term rental options. It is specifically designed for students looking to rent accommodation or find roommates. It allows students to list or find rooms and apartments close to their universities, making the search process more localized and student-friendly.
Key features:
- Highly visual platform
- Clear photos and descriptions
- Easy connection with landlords/roommates
- Verified listings
- Fraud prevention
Cost of accommodations in top study abroad destinations
The cost of student accommodation varies depending on the country and city you are studying in. Here's a general idea of average costs in some of the most popular study abroad destinations:
United States
The cost of student accommodation in the U.S. can vary greatly depending on the city and type of housing. On-campus university dormitories range from $600 to $1,200 per month, depending on location and amenities. Off-campus private rentals in cities like New York or San Francisco can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per month for a single room in shared housing. College towns like Austin, Texas, or smaller cities like Gainesville, Florida, offer more affordable options, with shared housing typically costing between $500 and $1,000 per month.
Here is an average range of cost that students pay for accommodation in the USA.
On-campus: $800 - $1,200 per month
Off-campus: $600 - $1,500 per month
United Kingdom
In the UK, student accommodation costs vary significantly depending on the city. In London, one of the most expensive cities, students can expect to pay between £700 and £1,200 per month for university dorms or PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation). Off-campus housing is even more expensive, often reaching £1,500 or more in central London. In more affordable student cities like Manchester, Leeds, or Glasgow, rent ranges from £400 to £700 per month for a shared apartment or university accommodation.
Here is an average range of cost that students pay for accommodation in the UK.
On-campus: £400 - £1,000 per month
Off-campus: £500 - £1,200 per month
Australia
Student accommodation costs in Australia also depend heavily on the city. Sydney is the most expensive, with shared housing costing between AUD 250 to AUD 600 per week (around AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,400 per month). Melbourne and Brisbane offer slightly more affordable options, with rent typically ranging from AUD 200 to AUD 500 per week. University-provided study abroad housing tends to be slightly cheaper, with options available for AUD 150 to AUD 400 per week, though demand is high, and spaces are often limited.
Here is an average range of cost that students pay for accommodation in Australia.
On-campus: AUD 440 - AUD 1,000 per month
Off-campus: AUD 600 - AUD 1,500 per month
Canada
In Canada, the cost of student accommodation varies between cities, with Toronto and Vancouver being the most expensive. On-campus dormitories cost between CAD 700 and CAD 1,200 per month, while off-campus rentals range from CAD 1,000 to CAD 2,500 per month, depending on the location and type of housing. Cities like Ottawa, Montreal, and Calgary offer more affordable options, with shared accommodations costing between CAD 500 and CAD 1,000 per month.
Here is an average range of cost that students pay for accommodation in Canada
On-campus: CAD 700 - CAD 1,400 per month
Off-campus: CAD 600 - CAD 1,200 per month
Germany
In Germany, student accommodation is generally more affordable compared to other Western countries. Student dormitories managed by universities or student organizations cost between €200 and €400 per month. Off-campus private rentals range from €300 to €700 per month, depending on the city. Cities like Leipzig and Dresden offer more affordable housing options, while cities like Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt are more expensive, with rent for private rooms reaching up to €800 per month.
Here is an average range of cost that students pay for accommodation in Germany.
On-campus: €200 - €400 per month
Off-campus: €300 - €800 per month
France
In France, student accommodation costs vary widely, with Paris being the most expensive. In Paris, students can expect to pay between €500 and €1,200 per month for student residences or shared apartments. Off-campus private rentals can cost even more, especially in central districts. In cities like Lyon, Toulouse, or Nantes, accommodation costs are more affordable, ranging from €300 to €700 per month.
Here is an average range of cost that students pay for accommodation in France
On-campus: €250 - €500 per month
Off-campus: €400 - €1,000 per month
Conclusion
Choosing the right place to stay abroad can greatly impact your overall experience and comfort. Finding the right student accommodation abroad requires careful planning and consideration of various factors like budget, location, and safety. With the right research, the support of university housing services, and awareness of scams, students can secure a comfortable and conducive place to live while studying abroad. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your academic journey in a home away from home.
