One app for all your study abroad needs
Deciding to study abroad is an exciting journey, and one of the most critical steps in planning is figuring out where you’ll live. Your housing choice will profoundly impact your daily life, social experiences, and, most importantly, your budget. The average cost of student housing varies dramatically by country and city, so a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. For instance, while on-campus dorms in the United States can cost anywhere from USD 800 to USD 1,500 per month, a shared apartment in a smaller Canadian city might be as low as USD 700 per month. In contrast, a private apartment in a major European city like Paris could set you back over EUR 1,000 per month.
This guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the most common student housing options for studying abroad, offering insights into each type of accommodation’s advantages, disadvantages, and average costs to help you make an informed decision for your unique adventure.
This Blog Includes:
Types of Student Housing Options for Studying Abroad
Navigating the housing landscape is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning to study abroad. Your choice of accommodation will not only shape your budget but also your social life and cultural immersion. While costs vary significantly based on your destination and the type of housing, understanding your options is the first step to finding a home away from home.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary types of student housing for studying abroad, along with a general idea of their average monthly costs.
| Housing Option | Description | Average Monthly Cost (Approx.) |
| On-Campus Housing | University-provided dormitories or residence halls, often with shared rooms. | USA: USD 800 – USD 1,500 UK: GBP 400 – GBP 800 Canada: CAD 700 – CAD 1,200 |
| Off-Campus Housing (Shared) | Renting a private room in an apartment or house and sharing common areas with roommates. | USA: USD 500 – USD 1,000 UK: GBP 300 – GBP 700 Canada: CAD 600 – CAD 1,000 |
| Off-Campus Housing (Private) | Renting a self-contained private apartment or studio. | USA: USD 1,000 – USD 2,500 UK: GBP 800 – GBP 1,500 Canada: CAD 800 – CAD 1,500 |
| Homestay | Living with a local family in their home. | USA: USD 700 – USD 1,200 UK: GBP 500 – GBP 900 Canada: CAD 500 – CAD 800 |
| Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) | Private, off-campus buildings with student-specific amenities. | Often comparable to or slightly higher than on-campus housing. |
Factors to be Considered for Student Housing Options
Choosing the right student housing is about more than just finding a place to sleep. It’s about finding a home that supports your academic success, well-being, and overall experience. When you’re an international student, these factors become even more important as you navigate a new culture and city.
Here are the impportant factors you should consider when making your decision:
1. Budget
Your budget is often the most significant factor. Don’t just consider the monthly rent. Think about the total cost of living, which includes:
- Rent: The base cost of your accommodation.
- Utilities: Are things like electricity, water, gas, and internet included in the rent, or will you have to pay them separately? All-inclusive options simplify budgeting.
- Security Deposit: Many places require a deposit, which can be a substantial upfront cost.
- Transportation: A cheaper apartment that’s far from campus might end up being more expensive in the long run due to daily commuting costs.
2. Location
The location of your housing can make or break your experience. Consider the following:
- Proximity to Campus: How close is your accommodation to your university? Living within walking distance can save you time, money, and stress.
- Public Transportation: If you’re not living close to campus, is there reliable and affordable public transportation nearby?
- Local Amenities: Check for nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, cafes, and restaurants. A vibrant and convenient neighborhood can significantly enhance your quality of life.
- Safety: Research the neighborhood’s safety record. Look for well-lit streets and secure buildings. Your university’s international office can often provide guidance on safe areas.
3. Amenities and Facilities
The amenities offered can greatly influence your comfort and convenience. Think about what is essential for you:
- Internet Access: Is there reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi included? This is crucial for your studies and staying connected with family and friends.
- Laundry: Do they have on-site laundry facilities, or will you need to find a laundromat?
- Kitchen: Is the kitchen fully equipped, or will you need to buy your own appliances and cookware?
- Social Spaces: Look for common rooms, study lounges, or gyms if you want a social environment or a place to work out.
4. Lease Terms and Flexibility
Understanding the fine print of your contract is critical, especially as an international student.
- Lease Duration: Does the lease term align with your study program? Many apartments require a 12-month lease, which may not be suitable for a semester-long program.
- Lease Agreement: Always read the contract carefully. If you don’t speak the language fluently, have someone you trust or a university advisor review it with you.
- Cancellation Policy: What are the rules if you need to end your lease early?
5. Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
Your housing choice should reflect your personal needs and what you want to get out of your study abroad experience.
- Privacy vs. Social Life: Do you thrive in a quiet, private space, or do you want to be in the middle of a lively social scene? This will help you decide between a private studio and a shared dorm or house.
- Cultural Immersion: If immersing yourself in the local culture is a top priority, a homestay might be a better fit than living with other international students.
- Roommates: If you’re considering a shared living space, think about what kind of roommates you want. You can often find groups on social media or through university services to connect with potential housemates.
Documents Required for Student Housing Options
Navigating the documentation for student housing abroad is a critical step that requires careful planning. The specific documents you’ll need can vary depending on the country, the housing provider, and the type of accommodation you choose. However, there is a common set of documents that you should prepare in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
Here is a comprehensive list of documents you’ll likely need, categorized by the type of housing:
- Passport and Student Visa
- University Acceptance/Enrollment Letter
- Student ID Card
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of Financial Support
- Guarantor Letter
- Proof of Income
- Rental Application
- Rental History/References
- Emergency Contact Information
- Health and Medical Information
10 Best Student Housing Websites to Find Your Home Abroad
Student housing websites can be useful when a student is looking for accommodation abroad. Here are some of the best and most popular websites that you can check out.
- FlyHomes
- Nestpick
- Home & Co
- UniAcco
- AmberStudent
- Spotahome
- Study Abroad Apartments
- Roomi
- Homelike
- Housing Anywhere
How do I Organise Accommodation from Abroad?
Finding accommodation to study abroad can be unfamiliar. Hence, it is best to consult experts at provide accommodation services such as FlyHomes. Here are some useful tips that can help a student find accommodation abroad.
- Researching the student housing options and finding the best accommodation provider
- Attending virtual open days at the university the student wants to take admission.
- Connecting with the university accommodation office for further information. For example, costs and other requirements. It can also help the student in applying for the accommodation early.
Spend some time determining which foreign student housing choice is ideal for you. Housing possibilities vary with places, so carefully evaluate how living in a specific country will affect your education, social life, participation in university or college extracurricular activities, and professional life.
FAQs
International students typically need to submit a valid passport and student visa, proof of enrollment from their university, and financial documents to show they can pay rent. A guarantor or co-signer is also often required, especially if you lack a local credit history.
Student housing options for studying abroad include on-campus dormitories, which offer a convenient and social environment; off-campus apartments, providing more independence either shared with roommates or as a private studio; and homestays, where you live with a local family for an immersive cultural experience. Additionally, purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) offer modern, private rooms with amenities in a student-focused community.
Off-campus apartments can be an excellent housing option for students studying abroad. They offer greater independence, privacy, and a chance for deeper cultural immersion than traditional on-campus dorms. However, they also come with more responsibility, as students are typically in charge of managing utilities, leases, and other household tasks on their own.
Related Blogs
Evaluate all study abroad options with Leverage Edu. Stay tuned with Leverage Live classes and realise your dream of studying abroad
60,000+ students trusted us with their dreams. Take the first step today!