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Studying abroad also comes with the right student accommodation abroad. If you are looking for an affordable living, then living with a roommate can help you save your pennies. And that’s where co-living spaces for international students come into the picture.
For all who prefer co-living, it is necessary to understand its benefits as well as challenges before moving ahead. In this guide, we will help you understand the pros and cons of co-living spaces for international students and whether it’s the right choice for you.
This Blog Includes:
What is Co-Living for International Students?
Co-living is a modern take on shared accommodation. Think of it as a more organised, flexible, and often fully-furnished version of traditional student housing. Instead of renting a flat on your own, you live in a shared space with other students or young professionals.
These co-living spaces usually offer:
- Private or shared bedrooms
- Common kitchen and living areas
- Fully furnished rooms
- Utilities and Wi-Fi included
- Housekeeping services
- Events and community programs
One big reason shared housing for international students is growing fast? Convenience. Most co-living providers take care of everything, so you can focus more on studies and less on bills, rent contracts, or buying furniture.
Popular co-living providers include:
- The Collective (UK)
- Common (USA)
- Habyt (Europe and Asia)
- Your Space (India, with some international tie-ups)
Also Read:
- Exploring the Different Types of Student Accommodation in the USA
- Tips to Booking Accommodation Abroad [Updated]
Pros of Co-Living Spaces for International Students
Moving abroad comes with culture shocks, homesickness, and lots of responsibilities. But co-living spaces make the transition smoother in many ways. Here are some of the benefits of co-living spaces for international students.
1. Easy and Hassle-Free Setup: Most co-living spaces are fully furnished. You don’t have to worry about buying furniture, setting up Wi-Fi, or dealing with utility bills.
Example: In cities like London or Berlin, renting a private apartment often means buying furniture and handling multiple contracts. Co-living spaces simplify it all into one monthly payment.
2. Built-In Community: Feeling lonely abroad is common, especially in the first few months. Co-living means living with roommates as a student, so you’re never alone. There are regular events, group dinners, and common areas that naturally help you make friends.
3. Cost-Effective in Big Cities: In many major student cities, renting your own place is expensive. Co-living offers a more affordable option without compromising on location or comfort.
| City | Average Rent (Private Flat) | Co-Living (Shared) |
| London | GBP 1,200–GBP 1,500/month | GBP 700–GBP 900/month |
| Toronto | CAD 1,500–1,800/month | CAD 900–1,100/month |
| Berlin | EUR 1,000–EUR 1,300/month | EUR 600–EUR 800/month |
4. Cultural Exchange and Networking: Living with people from different countries means exposure to new cultures, food, and ideas. These friendships can last a lifetime and help you build a network across the globe.
5. Flexible Lease Terms: Unlike traditional rentals that require long-term leases, many co-living spaces offer flexible durations, from a few weeks to several months. Super helpful if you’re just staying for a semester or short-term program.
Cons of Co-Living Spaces for International Students
Of course, co-living isn’t for everyone. It comes with its own set of challenges. By understanding the challenges that co-living offers, you can understand whether co-living is for you or not. Here are the cons of co-living spaces for international students that you should know before moving to co-living.
1. Lack of Privacy: This is probably the biggest drawback. If you’re someone who needs their personal space and alone time, co-living can sometimes feel a bit crowded.
2. Clashing Habits: Not everyone has the same standards of cleanliness, sleep schedules, or noise tolerance. Living with roommates as a student means you might need to compromise often.
3. Limited Personalisation: You usually can’t repaint walls, buy your own furniture, or modify the space much. If you like making your space “your own,” this could feel restricting.
4. Higher Costs in Some Areas: While co-living is cheaper than a private flat, it’s often more expensive than traditional shared rentals (where students rent a flat together informally). You’re paying for convenience and services.
5. Rules and Regulations: Most co-living companies have strict rules, no parties, no overnight guests, etc. These might feel restrictive for some students.
Also Read:
- Step Inside Your Dream Accommodation Abroad: A Room Tour
- When to Apply for Student Accommodation: Best Timing and Tips
Who Should Consider Co-Living Spaces?
Co-living spaces are ideal for students who value community living, shared expenses, and cultural exchange. If you’re open-minded, social, and looking for affordable housing, living with strangers abroad might suit you perfectly. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide if co-living spaces for international students are right for you:
| Ideal For | Not Ideal For |
| First-time international students | Students on a tight budget |
| Short-term study programs | People who prefer privacy |
| Students who love socialising | Light sleepers/noise-sensitive people |
| Those who don’t want housing stress | Students with large friend groups (might prefer group rentals) |
Co-living spaces for international students offer a mix of convenience, community, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for first-time travellers. However, they may not suit everyone due to shared spaces and limited privacy. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to choose the right accommodation for your study abroad journey.
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FAQs
Co-living spaces are shared housing arrangements where students live together in a communal setting. They often offer private rooms with shared common areas like kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, designed to foster a sense of community.
Co-living spaces offer affordable housing, a chance to meet new people, shared facilities, and opportunities for networking. It’s an ideal setup for students who want to be part of a community while living abroad.
Co-living spaces tend to be more affordable than traditional student accommodation, especially in expensive cities. Rent is shared among all residents, and utilities and maintenance costs are often included in the rent.
While co-living spaces offer many advantages, they can also present challenges like a lack of privacy, difficulty adjusting to different habits, or conflicts with roommates. It can be harder to manage personal space in a shared environment.
Yes, many co-living spaces have strict safety measures, including security guards, surveillance cameras, and secure entry systems. However, students should research the safety of a particular space and its neighbourhood before committing.
Absolutely! Co-living spaces provide opportunities to interact with students from diverse backgrounds, helping international students build friendships, learn about local culture, and adapt more quickly to their new environment.
Co-living spaces might not be ideal for students who highly value their privacy, as they involve shared common areas and communal living. However, private rooms are usually available, though shared spaces remain.
Yes, many co-living spaces organise regular social events, workshops, and networking opportunities to encourage interaction among residents. These events help students create connections and friendships, both locally and internationally.
Co-living spaces are becoming increasingly popular and can often be found in cities with large student populations. It’s important to research available options near your university, checking amenities, costs, and reviews.
To choose the right co-living space, consider factors like location, budget, amenities, and the size of the community. It’s also essential to check reviews, talk to past residents, and understand the house rules before moving in.
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