For so many students, study abroad programs is like a dream come true. Millions of them aspire every year to take the flight towards your dreams and to travel to a new land. There are thousands of perks of being an international student- being far away from your home is an excellent opportunity to discover yourself, learn new culture and language, make new friends, develop your personality, and of course, travel the full world!
But are you worried about your stay at foreign? Of course! study abroad programs is a big life-time opportunity, and the next important step is to find a home for you. Every city is different, and some may have their own rules and regulations, or maybe some have shortages making a roof over your head. But there’s no need to freak out, as we’ve created this essential guide to help you choose a place that suits your need.
Where to find Study Abroad programs Housing options
First, it’s necessary to find various sources for your homestay. There are various national versions of advertisements sites with sections devoted to jobs, housing, for sale, items wanted, services, and many. Also sometimes it not always your best option, especially when you’re a new person to the city you just can’t rely on word of mouth when you study abroad programs
However, here are some options that you can use to find your home in an unknown city –
- You should first approach the point of contact at your host university. Always start with your university accommodations official sites. These websites have a dedicated section for on-campus student accommodation which includes pricing, photos, and other important details. And if you want to live outside the campus, then also some universities direct you to affordable, common, and safe areas around campus that students choose to live in.
- Another approach can be if you rely on third-party these sites can help you locate housing and also find a roommate. Some sites that have a good reputation:
- Amber Student – https://amberstudent.com/.This site is very helpful around the world to find accommodation close to universities and colleges. They’ll help you find a home, fill out the necessary paperwork, and get everything done so that your arrival as smooth as possible.
- Uniplaces – https://www.uniplaces.com/. This site will help you locate great housing options if you studying in Europe. They have good reviews in providing customer services but are only applicable inside Europe.
- Study Abroad Apartments – http://www.studyabroadapartments.com/. The name says it all! This site helps to find houses for students to study abroad programs but keeps in mind that they currently have only 13 global cities listed.
- Housing Anywhere – https://housinganywhere.com/. Their simple engine search allows finding off-accommodation in numerous cities across the world. They also have partnerships with universities across the globe.
- International student advisers are very helpful. One can give them a call or send an email asking about the percentage of students living on-Campus and off-Campus. They will help you to find a dormitory or recommend nearby neighborhoods that are good for students
- You can also join various social media groups, where other students might look for housing. You can join Facebook groups where people search for roommates, compare rental prices, and share links to local apartment listings.
- If you already have some connections in the city you’re going to study, then you can use your network to search for a home for you. This will benefit you from renting any relation and might get a good home at an affordable rate and a friendlier experience since you’re not such a stranger.
Types of study abroad Housing
There are various types of student housing available. Your experience in the city might differ from each type of accommodation.
- Homestay – study abroad programs will always make you feel homesick. But with a homestay option, you can give a home with a family overseas that will provide you the warmth of a community. Plus, a homestay can be a much better option for language and cultural exchange. You’ll live here, as you used to live with your real family. Generally, you’ll have a private room but a common bathroom. Food is also included in the stay and you may be imposed with certain rules and regulations. It is quite affordable, as you be familiar with the surroundings, transport, and the city’s culture.
- Dormitory – Not all universities will offer this type of hosing, but these dormitories are very meaningful for study abroad programs experience. It is the ultimate way to build connections and make new friends. You may have a private room with a private bathroom, or have a roommate and shared bathroom as part of the suit. It will vary according to money and city. There will be common areas such as study spaces or kitchen. There various rules regarding your stay in dorms like- if your friends or family visits you, then your dorm will not allow overnight guests, so this might also factor into your decision-making.
- Private Apartment – Renting a whole apartment will bring liberty, privacy, and independence that you won’t enjoy in homestays or at dorms. Private apartments come with heavy price tags, apart from the rent you have to manage the bills, utility, Wi-Fi, food groceries, miscellaneous, etc. all on your own. You also need to pay the security deposit before renting, which will be returned once you move out of the house, deducted if any damage has been taken place to the house. It will give you the courage to live it up on your own but also can cut off from meaningful cultural experiences and relationships with locals. You need to make extra efforts to build contacts in the city to study abroad programs
- Private rental halls – These are almost similar to dorms but are off-campus and supplied with more amenities. You can book a private room, a shared room, and even private studious. The price will vary according to the room size and amenities. These are modernized and well furnishes with high-speed internet, athletic utilities, cinema rooms, game rooms, and much more. They also organize many events throughout the year to facilitate building connections.
- Shared Apartments – This type of accommodation are very affordable and comfortable for students. You live with a roommate who perhaps is your colleague, another study abroad student, or a young professional from the area. It also happens to be a lot of fun! The apartment depends on the apartment you choose and for how much. Sometimes the roommates become best friends, but other times there are lots of clashes and communication barriers. So it’s helpful to have an idea of the type of person you’d like to share an apartment with you to avoid these fights (e.g. social, quiet, non-smoker, etc.).
