Student Accommodation in USA for Indian Students and Tips

Last Updated on August 28, 2024

You only get to stay in your dorm after you travel to the nation of your choice to attend the college of your dreams. If you are coming well in advance, you must make arrangements for a temporary stay. Most students decide on their lodging after landing and having a chance to visit the room or house.

Even so, it can be challenging to locate short-term housing. It can get costly to rent a room at a hotel or motel. But there are less expensive options out there. A list of other options is provided here for your consideration.

Types of Accommodation for Indian Students in USA

There are generally two types of accommodation for students who want to study: one is temporary and the second is permanent. We will look at the cost of each student’s accommodation in USA.

Temporary Accommodations

There are two types of Student Accommodation in USA:

On-campus student housing

See the table below to learn how much accommodation costs at the best universities in the United States.

University Name	Cost (USD)	Cost (INR)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	$11,980	₹9,83,581.96
Stanford University	$18,600	₹15,27,311.10
Harvard University	$19,500	₹16,01,213.25
New York University	$15,000-24,000	₹12,32,027 – ₹19,71,244
University of California	$17,800	₹14,61,620.30
Yale University	$18,000	₹14,78,043
Columbia University	$10,000-16,150	₹8,21,135 – ₹13,29,158.75
Princeton University	$10,960	₹8,99,837.92
University of Pennsylvania	$11,800	₹9,68,803.60
Brown University	$14,800	₹12,15,279.80
Cornell University	$9,000-11,000	₹7,39,931 – ₹9,04,847
Duke University	$50.45/day	₹41,556.13/day

Off-campus student housing

The cost of lodging varies according to US cities. It could be costly to find off-campus housing in the most desirable cities. Check the table below to learn the cost based on the town.

Cities	Cost (USD)	Cost (INR)
Boston	$1,500-3,000	₹1,24,248.75 – ₹2,48,497.50
New York	$1,700-3,000	₹1,40,328.25 – ₹2,48,497.50
San Francisco	$2,200-4,000	₹1,82,231.50 – ₹3,31,330
Chicago	$1,000-1,500	₹82,832.50 – ₹1,24,248.75
Los Angeles	$1,500-2,500	₹1,24,248.75 – ₹2,07,081.25
Washington DC	$1,500-2,500	₹1,24,248.75 – ₹2,07,081.25
Philadelphia	$1,200-1,500	₹99,399 – ₹1,24,248.75
Pittsburgh	$750-1,050	₹61,957.50 – ₹86,718.75
Atlanta	$1,200-2,200	₹99,399 – ₹1,81,571
Baltimore	$1,500-1,800	₹1,24,248.75 – ₹1,49,098.50
San Diego	$1,400-2,400	₹1,15,965.50 – ₹1,98,798

Permanent Accommodations

Most students in the United States live on or near campus. Students who live off campus can find a place just miles away. It is free to go to camp. The American educational experience is not limited to the classroom; you learn more from your fellow students than from the teachers.

If the university offers on-campus housing for international students, consider living there for at least the first year. Since this may be your first visit to the US, on-campus housing will help you transition to life in the US. As you get to know the area better, consider moving off campus.

Renting is the only option if you share an apartment with other roommates. The cost of renting an apartment varies greatly depending on the region of the country and local supply and demand. A one-bedroom studio apartment in Alabama can cost $400 a month, while a one-bedroom apartment in Chicago and New York can cost $1,200 or more. The financial aid or college housing office can estimate how much it would cost to rent an apartment off campus.

How to find Accommodation in USA?

Here are a few methods for locating suitable housing.

• Start by checking the university’s website and visiting the Office of International Students for help with on-campus and off-campus housing options. 
• Use online platforms such as Uniplaces, Nestpick, UniAcco, AmberStudent, Spotahome, and Homelike to find accommodation in the US. 
• Ask seniors or students who know about good housing options. Use websites and social media to find international student housing and connect with roommates. 
• Talk to your university’s student advisors for guidance on housing options that suit your needs. 
• Check campus housing boards and bulletin boards for off-campus rooms and accommodations. 
• Check local newspapers, especially Sunday editions, for additional housing listings. If you want, contact a real estate agent, although it’s best to search your classified ads.

Tips to consider while choosing student housing in USA

Students should consider that they will be residing in their selected area for an extended period when searching for appropriate housing. Choosing the proper housing is essential, particularly for students needing more flexibility to travel around a lot. Here are some things Indian students studying in USA should consider when choosing housing. 

1. Safety and Security: When looking for student housing in the US, it is essential to ensure safety and security. Consider things like the crime rate in the area, the neighborhood’s reputation, and the safety measures the home offers. Look for features like secure entry systems, CCTV monitoring, and security guards. 
2. Living near a university: There are many advantages to living near a university. This will reduce time and costs, and you can take advantage of campus facilities, quickly attend courses, and participate in extracurricular activities. Living close will help you get involved in the campus community, make friends, and actively participate in events and clubs. 
3. Availability of daily necessities: Make sure that the area where you plan to rent a home has good access to necessities such as shops, supermarkets, medicine, and other vital areas. Staying in an area with shops nearby will save you time and effort.
4. Places to stay: Renting a room with places to stay, like cafes and restaurants, can improve your social life. Being close to this allows you to meet new people, socialize with friends, and explore the local culture. 
5. Public transport: Living in an area with access to public transport can be very beneficial, especially if you live close to your university. Being close to bus stops, train stations, or subway lines makes it easier to get around.
6. Hospital: It is crucial to consider how close medical facilities, like hospitals or clinics, are to your lodging. Even though most institutions have on-campus medical facilities, having a nearby hospital is helpful in an emergency.
7. Have a backup plan: It’s critical to conduct an in-depth study and consider other possible housing possibilities. Due to the strong demand for student accommodation, your first option might not be available. If your initial pick doesn’t work out, you may guarantee you have an acceptable hotel option and minimize last-minute stress by creating a backup plan.
8. Consider renting a room with roommates or sharing an apartment; these options can be more affordable for students. By dividing the rent and utilities costs, you may lower the cost of living. Nevertheless, ensure that you are at ease with the thought of cohabitating with others.
9. Make a budget: Establish your budget and set aside money before looking for a place to stay. Consider things like groceries, utilities, rent, and other living expenses.
10. Deposit: Before you move into a residence in USA, property owners will request the first installment, which is the same as in Indian accommodations. Get the specifics of the agreement procedure and others beforehand, and ensure the amount is within your budget.

Cost of Accommodation in USA for International Students

Types of Accommodation	Cost in USD	Cost in INR
On-Campus	$11,000 – $15,000/ year	₹9,07,769.50 -₹ 1237867.50
Off-campus/private accommodation	$6,000- $49,000/year	₹ 495147 – ₹ 4043700.50
Homestay	$7,000 (a year) + $300 up-front fee	₹ 5,42,696 – ₹ 23,258.40
Student Hostel	$15 – $45 (a night)	₹ 1237.87 – ₹ 3713.60

Final Insights!!

Indian students in USA can find affordable accommodation options, both on-campus and off-campus, based on their budget, lifestyle, and transportation needs. Top universities in USA offer many courses and job opportunities, but living costs can be high. On-campus housing helps transition to life in the US, while off-campus accommodations are often found a few miles away. Finding suitable housing in USA is crucial, and students should prioritize safety, security, proximity to the university, daily necessities, hangout spots, public transportation, and medical facilities. Shared accommodation can be a cost-effective option.

FAQs

How to find accommodation in USA for Indian students?

Indian students can find accommodation in USA through university housing, online platforms like Zillow and Craigslist, student housing websites, and Indian student groups on social media, which often share valid leads and recommendations.

How much is student accommodation in USA?

Student accommodation in USA can cost anywhere between $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the city, type of housing (shared or private), and proximity to the university.

Where do Indian students live in USA?

Indian students often live near their universities in areas with convenient access to public transportation, groceries, and community centers. Popular cities include New York, Boston, Chicago, and California’s major cities.

Is living in USA expensive for Indian students?

Yes, living in USA can be expensive for Indian students, with significant costs including rent, food, transportation, and healthcare. However, budgeting wisely and exploring affordable housing and food options can help manage expenses.