STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Moving away from home is a big change for international students. Packing your life into two suitcases can be daunting task and you do need a place, a home away from home to unpack your stuff. Housing is an integral part of studying abroad, but is also the part international students tend to postpone till the last minute.
Living abroad is expensive, especially in places like New York, London etc. You are likely to spend anything between $600-$900 on rent per month. Housing will constitute a major chunk of living expense, so it’s better to know all your options beforehand.
Check out the university campus. If there’s decent accommodation available on campus, then you might save yourself from a massive headache. Look at the total price for student accommodation for the semester and divide that up by month, if you think you can find something better in that budget then you may want to hunt around. Since looking for a place to live abroad is totally new to you, you’re probably wondering what are your options exactly. Well fret no more as we are here bringing you exactly that. Let’s discuss student accommodations.
UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION OR STUDENT DORMS
Student dorms are usually situated right at the university campus and are a great way to meet people and make new friends. Since they are located right at the university campus, you can catch up on some morning sleep. Sometimes classes are even on the same buildings. Also if you are anxious about an upcoming exam there is always someone available to talk about it.
Typically, this option tends to be pretty affordable and will pretty much always come furnished. However if staying in university provided accommodation isn’t your cup of tea, then there’s….
HOME STAY
In a home stay you will be set up with a family, which can range from an entire family, a couple or a single host parent. Typically you are given a room, either private or to share with another student. The fee usually includes rent, utilities and food costs. It’s a great way to immerse yourself into the local language, lifestyle and food. In home stays you will be living with a family and hence will be required to respect the rules set for the same. On the downside, a home stay lacks the privacy and freedom an apartment can provide you.
APARTMENT
With no one to hold your hand, an apartment allows you unlimited freedom, flexibility and independence that is there in the world. It is the most expensive option of the three. However once you start living in an apartment you are unlikely to adjust in a dorm or a home stay. You can also share your apartment with fellow students to lower your costs.
Splitting a flat with friends or strangers comes with lots of ups and downs, and there are many questions to ask yourself before diving in. For example, can you get along with potentially conflicting personalities? While abroad having a place to call home is crucial to a successful experience.
Also, look for furnished apartments. Otherwise, you’ll have to purchase and leave behind many items you will need for the time spent abroad and will be looking at some unnecessarily high costs during move in.
Avinash Singh is a study abroad consultant with over 10 years of experience helping students achieve their academic goals. He is an expert in the US, Australian, German, and Canadian education systems and has helped hundreds of students secure admission to top universities around the world. In his spare time, Avinash enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is also an avid reader and loves to learn new things.
