Guide to Student Accommodation Abroad - Residence & Housing Types

A house is made with walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Surely, a home is where the heart is! A home is a place where immeasurable heaven can be found with ever encouraging smiles. In this dual carriageway of chasing your dreams, always choose a road that will lead you home again. Selecting a university where education is didactic and choosing a perfect accommodation that leaves you with a homely feeling counts equally on the balance machine of studying abroad.

The dream of studying abroad has always been so close to so many students' hearts. Every year, millions of them dream of travelling overseas to embark upon the next stage in their careers, fulfilling a fantasy of exploring a new land, new culture, new friends, and whatnot. Once you have been accepted into the university of your choice, finding student housing becomes a succeeding priority.

While many students plan to pursue higher education in nations such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Germany, other countries are witnessing an increase in international students. In fact, the number of students pursuing higher education abroad has exploded in recent years.

International students have a variety of options when it comes to finding accommodation, from dormitories to apartments in the neighbourhood. There is no denying that locating a safe place in a city across native land is like getting blood from a stone. But do not fret, we have compiled this essential guide to help you find a place that suits your necessities and will ensure you have a great experience abroad.

Our study abroad experts can help you with all your queries related to finding a residence and different types of accommodations to study abroad.

How Important is Student Accommodation While Studying Abroad?

Beyond any doubt, when it comes to choosing where to study abroad, student accommodation is of paramount importance, but it should not be just your main concern. Depending on a student's preferences and budget, almost all universities abroad offer a variety of housing options. As far as your safety and comfort go, the accommodation may be of concern to your parents and family.

Types of International Student Accommodation

International students usually have a housing management organisation to meet their housing needs in each country. Several universities provide dormitories on campus whilst others offer limited accommodations and therefore assist students in finding apartments or host families where they can live.

International students have numerous options for accommodation when it comes to living abroad for studies, such as dormitories, shared apartments, single apartments, or living with a local family. A student can select the most appropriate option depending on their personal needs, budget, and preferences. We will examine some of the types of accommodations students can find abroad.

On-Campus Student Accommodation to Study Abroad

Students who wish to stay on campus have the option to do so. Living on campus has several benefits for students. Typically, international students choose to live on campus because of the proximity to university buildings where classes are held. It makes attending classes on time easy.

Additionally, students are also assured of a safe and secure environment. Accommodations offered by the universities also include various utilities and facilities. Some housing areas are catered while others are non-catered. This allows international students to adjust quickly to the new setting.

Additionally, classes, cafes, and libraries are all easily accessible, and students can make use of them. Good relationships are fostered through social interaction among everyone. On-campus, students can attend a variety of events and activities, cook together in the dorm kitchens with friends, or hang out in common areas to help build new relationships with peers. International students often find this to be the least expensive form of residence.

Despite this, there are a few disadvantages to the situation such as the room size, bed discomfort or other adjustments and the quality of the people who share the room with you. The limited access to outside facilities and strictness are some of the topics of concern.

Off-Campus Student Accommodation to Study Abroad

Hardly ever, does it happen that international students may not find on-campus accommodations, for this, they need to search for accommodation alternatives. To tackle this situation, university housing offices provide suggestions on where to find safe and comfortable accommodations.

They also provide suggestions to book a room/ flat with their trusted brokers to keep their students conned. Hence, international students should consider private accommodations only when they are accustomed to the area or have spent at least one in university accommodation.

Outside of the universities, students live in communities that are very different from a university environment. Generally speaking, accommodations in private accommodations can be quite expensive. On the other hand, it adds various benefits to a person's social life. Students are free to cook what they like and clean their rooms at their own pace without being restricted to dorm hours and can explore the city with their friends.

Additionally, students who live in private accommodations benefit from having their own space. They can either rent one bedroom or the entire apartment based on their individual needs.

Living with Local Families While Studying Abroad

International students often choose to live with local families in many countries, which is also known as homestays. In any case, it is a wonderful experience that helps the students to feel less homesick when they are away from home. They get a sense of belonging. The accommodation rent includes meals as well.

Moreover, the university itself sets up the accommodation of international students with suitable families. The comfort of living with a family, the comfort of home-cooked meals, and a sense of safety are reasons why international students and their parents prefer this type of student accommodation.

Finding the Best Accommodation to Study Abroad

Finding the ideal home or the best accommodation to study abroad can be tricky. International students have a variety of options when it comes to finding accommodation, from dormitories to apartments in the neighbourhood.

When looking for a home, one of the most crucial factors to consider is the location. Check for neighbourhood safety while choosing an apartment. It is pointless to put your safety at risk in order to save money. Prior to deciding which type of accommodation is best suited for you, do not forget to consider checking the following points:

• Are there study desks for laptops or PCs available?

• Is basic furniture provided in terms of living standards?

• Are there enough basic cooking utensils provided in the kitchen?

• Are there any extra costs for certain services?

• Does your phone have internet access or are you required to pay extra for that service?

• Is the bedding clean and hygienic, as well as the laundry facilities available?

• Which documents are required for the contract and what are the accommodations charges?

International Student Accommodation FAQs

Check out the frequently asked questions by international students aboutchoosing accommodations to study abroad:

Q. How Soon Should I Begin Looking for Student Housing?

A. In the first month of their first year at university, almost a quarter of first-year university students begin searching for houses for the following year. Be the first to take advantage of this opportunity and get in during your first term.

Q. Do I Have a Good Chance of Getting On-Campus Housing?

A. Most probably! For international students in their first year, most universities provide enough accommodation on campus. This procedure helps students find accommodation outside of campus and deal with reputable third-party landlords and letting agencies for succeeding years.

Also, students from other countries may not be able to visit the country in order to see the accommodation facilities before the beginning of their courses. International students can also feel comfortable in a familiar environment on campus rather than in a strange city where they are isolated from staff and other students.

Q. If I Study Abroad, Can I Get Accommodation Arranged from My Home Country?

A. Let us start by saying you should not stress too much about arranging accommodation in another country. Even though it might seem challenging at first glance, it is a process every international student has gone through before you, and your university will go through it this year too. So, relax, and do not let your adrenaline rush.

Thanks to the accessibilities of the World Wide Web and social media, you can browse every single option (including virtual tours and photos). The university manages social media groups where you can ask questions; students and staff can respond to them directly there. Also, you can contact the university by phone and email.

Aspects to Consider When Choosing a Student Accommodation

Check out the following aspects that international students must consider while choosing their residence abroad:

#1 Check the Cost of Utilities

Make sure that you check whether utilities are included in the rent amount or not before picking out an apartment. There are times when certain utilities are included in the rent while others are not. Crucial utilities like water and electricity bills, laundry room services, gas costs, internet, trash pickup, and water and sewage costs comprise utilities.

Note: There are usually utilities included in the rent for on-campus accommodations, but off-campus apartments usually charge for utilities separately.

#2 Book Your Accommodation in Advance

When looking for lodging overseas, the cliche "success is for first-comers" is completely appropriate. It is critical to plan and book your chosen accommodation well in advance for this since most student lodgings fill up quickly, and you may end up with something that is far from your university or even substandard. Alternatively, you may end up in a hotel and rack up a hefty charge. Advance arrangements can save you from last-minute stress and perhaps get you some offers or discounts.

#3 Do not Forget About the Amount of Deposit

If you have to pay a deposit, it should not be more than your rent. You are asked to do this as a safety precaution by the apartment, which will be returned after you move out and you adhere to the move out terms outlined by the apartment. It is also known as a damage deposit.

#4 Make a Wise Choice of Roommates

The right friend can make or break a person's life. As you will be living in the same house as your roommates, choosing your roommates wisely is very important. Ideally, you would be living with your friends who are moving to the same university as you. However, remember, you will need to make a lot of adjustments to your new life.

#5 Be Aware of Your Rent Budget

If you are worried about money, make a wise choice. Prices are subject to change depending on the college or university, the location, and whether a meal plan is included (for on-campus housing and homestays).

#6 Choose the Right Location

There is little incentive to leave the comfort of your bed to commute to a lecture theatreif you can get there in less than an hour. Staying close to your university will ensure you have fewer commuting worries. As a result, if you need to commute, there are transit options, but you must follow the bus or train schedules.

#7 Take Short-term Courses

A master's degree typically takes 1-2 years, while an undergraduate degree takes 3-4 years. They come at a high cost in terms of effort, money, and time. Short-term courses often last only a few months and are an incredible method to get a sense of what to expect. They can provide you with perspectives on studying abroad while also saving you time and money.

#8 Do Not be Neglectful

Relocating to a new nation necessitates careful planning, preparation, and, most importantly, research. It saves you time, hassle, money, and effort that would otherwise have been wasted. You can also seek review or feedback from online channels and learn about the ratings given to your university and housing to make your decision wisely.

#9 Understand the Lease Terms

The last step is to read the lease carefully and make notes about the length of the lease, the move-in date, and the move-out date. Also, make note of any additional fees mentioned. In the event that you need to relocate, be sure to note any lease breakage fees and the terms of the sublease.

There are some significant distinctions between visiting a foreign country and living in one as a university student for the first time. For this, preparation and anticipation are essential. Whether you choose off-campus/on-campus student accommodation or homestays, do not forget to take the above-mentioned significant aspects into consideration.

Still concerned about what if you could not find the perfect accommodation for your needs when studying abroad? If yes, then drop us a line at abroad@collegedekho.com. and resolve your queries at your fingertips.