Coming to the United States for a study abroad experience? If so, then one of the priority items on your “to-do” list is likely finding housing near your school. Navigating the student housing market as an international student might feel like an added stressor, but with a few tips in mind, you can better prepare to find your home away from home.
Understanding the U.S. Housing Market for International Students
Numerous factors are currently influencing the housing market in the U.S., especially as it relates to the availability of international student housing.
Key Factors Influencing Housing Choices
As more international students choose to study abroad in the U.S., a shortage of housing options has created problems near many college campuses. As a result, international students may have a harder time finding affordable housing now than they did several years ago.
Overview of the U.S. Real Estate Landscape for Students
The good news is that there is still a range of options when it comes to housing for international students. Many schools, for example, offer on-campus housing in the form of dormitories or apartments. Meanwhile, many international students find success in renting out individual rooms or even taking part in homestays as part of their study abroad experience.
Housing for International Students: Exploring Your Options
Which housing option is right for you? Consider the following as you explore your choices:
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Living
For many international students, on-campus living is ideal in terms of location and convenience. By living in an on-campus dorm or apartment, you avoid having to commute to your classes each day. Living on campus also helps you immerse yourself in the campus culture, special events, and more.
On the other hand, off-campus living may be preferable for those who need more space or desire to live away from the hustle and bustle of a busy campus. In this case, exploring local apartments and houses or rooms for rent may be ideal.
Comparing Dormitories, Apartments, and Homestays
There are three main types of on-campus and off-campus housing for international students to consider:
- Dormitories – These on-campus housing buildings usually consist of one room that is shared by two or more students. Additionally, most dormitory buildings have shared bathrooms and showers.
- Apartments – These large buildings with individual apartment units may be found on and off campus. In each unit, there is typically a living area, kitchen, bedroom(s), and bathroom(s). Apartments may be rented out by an individual student or shared with several students, depending on your preferences.
- Homestays – With a homestay arrangement, an international student lives with a local family during their time in school. They may have their own bedroom as well as access to common areas within the home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Your Ideal Student Housing
Now that you have a better idea of the kinds of housing available, what are some steps for finding international student housing that meets your needs?
Starting Your Search Early: Tips and Tools
First, avoid waiting until the last minute to start looking for housing. With a nationwide shortage, starting your search early is better. As soon as you know which school and program you will be attending, inquire promptly about their on-campus housing and research off-campus options.
How to Use Online Platforms and Social Media in Your Search
Plenty of online resources can help you find temporary housing while you are studying abroad. A few reputable platforms include:
Social media may also be a useful tool for finding housing. Consider joining Facebook groups or similar social media communities from your future college as a means of locating potential housing options. You may either create a post yourself stating the type of housing situation you are seeking or keep your eye out for posts from locals who might be subleasing rooms or apartments.
Navigating Legal and Financial Aspects of Housing in the U.S.
If you are going to rent an apartment or other dwelling during your time in the United States, it is essential to have at least a basic understanding of how leases work and the other expenses you might face.
Understanding Leases and Rental Agreements
You typically need to sign a rental or lease agreement before moving in. Read your agreement carefully to make sure you understand any tenant rules and restrictions along with the length of your lease and your cost of rent. Be aware that there are usually substantial fees for breaking your lease before its term ends—with typical lengths for students being six months or one year.
Budgeting for Rent, Utilities, and Other Expenses
In addition to rent, you might be responsible for paying utilities (such as water, gas, electricity, and internet). Be sure to budget for these expenses accordingly, whether this means taking out additional student loans or picking up a part-time job to cover the costs of living while in school.
Making International Student Housing a Home Away From Home
Once you have secured housing, consider the following ways to make your new place feel more like home:
Decorating and Personalizing Your Space on a Budget
Take time to decorate and personalize your space as much as possible. Some affordable ways to do this include hanging up photos and posters, adding window treatments, and even painting (if your lease agreement allows). To acquire basic furniture items, browse around at antique shops, secondhand stores, or online resale marketplaces to get the best deals.
Building a Support Network in Your New Community
Meeting new people as an international student may feel daunting at first. However, by going out of your way to attend campus events and connecting with fellow students (especially other international students) in your classes, you can gradually build your own support network in a new community.
Safety Considerations for International Student Housing
No matter if you live on or off campus, keep in mind the following safety considerations:
Essential Safety Tips for Living Off Campus
Follow basic safety and security practices when living off campus. This means always locking your door when you leave as well as remaining aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not sleep with windows open, particularly if you live on a ground-floor unit. In the United States, dialing 9-1-1 will connect you to police, fire, and ambulance services in a matter of seconds to address critical or life-threatening situations.
Resources and Contacts for Emergency Situations
Know who to call for help in the event of various types of emergencies. When living with roommates, it is wise to make sure they have the contact information of your trusted friends or family members back home (and vice versa) to serve as an emergency contact in the case of unforeseen circumstances.
If you reside in on-campus housing or a dormitory, there may be on-call campus security and resident assistants (RAs) with 24-hour emergency lines available in the event you have an urgent need or are locked out of the building. Similarly, save the contact information of landlords or apartment management companies, along with any round-the-clock emergency maintenance line they might offer.
Overcoming Challenges Faced by International Students
Prepare yourself for studying abroad by being aware of common challenges international students face and how to overcome them.
Homesickness and Cultural Adjustments
Missing home is something almost every international student experiences at some point. Make time to video chat or otherwise stay in contact with your loved ones back home to help fend off homesickness. Also, seek out connections with other international students with whom you may connect about your culture and experience abroad.
Effective Communication With Landlords and Roommates
Communicating with landlords and roommates could be a challenge, too, especially if English is not your first language. It may be helpful to put things in writing or to use a translation app for important conversations. If you do face language barriers, do not be afraid to ask peers for help navigating certain social situations or for clarification on lingo you may not understand.
Maximizing Your Study Abroad Experience Through Housing Choices
When you find the right housing, you can really make the most of your study abroad experience in the U.S.
How Your Housing Situation Can Enhance Your Cultural Immersion
Being housed with roommates who turn into close friends, as well as staying on campus, allows you to integrate with the campus culture and get the most out of your time there.
Opportunities for Language Practice and Local Engagement
Immersing yourself in the local community and campus also presents opportunities for language practice and social engagement, so do not hesitate to get out there and be a part of the college community.
Learn More About International Admissions and Housing at Post University
With the guidance of the practical tips above, you can navigate the process of finding housing for international students as smoothly as possible. If you are still looking for more resources on studying abroad or finding housing, Post University is here to help. We offer a wide range of support services for international students, including residence halls of varying sizes to meet your needs.
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