Student accommodation options abroad: Pros and Cons

Accommodation is an essential part of student living, and there’s no doubt that where you live can make or break your university experience. As an international student, it can feel especially challenging to find suitable university accommodation. However, with a bit of preparation and research, it doesn’t have to be. Universities can offer advice and guidance on reputable options on and close to campus, and online resources are available to educate you on all the local options. So even if you don’t have the opportunity to visit an area in advance, it is possible to research and secure housing that meets all your needs, entirely from overseas. Usually, university support teams help students in finding the right kind of on-campus accommodations.

On-campus accommodation options

Campus living puts you at the heart of university life, surrounded by other students and close to university facilities. It is a popular choice, especially for students keen to experience the stereotypical college lifestyle and ease into living away from home for the first time.

There is often a cost-benefit to living on campus, with most universities offering options to suit many budgets and flexible tenancies designed to fit around the academic year (commonly nine months instead of 12 months). Rooms are fully furnished, and the price usually includes utilities and WiFi. 

You can choose between a self-catered residence or catered accommodation, where meals are cooked for you in a communal dining room.

Catered accommodation is usually more expensive, with the price of meals either included in the cost of rent or subsidised. 

Halls of Residences or University Dorms

Halls of residence, also known as student dorms, where hundreds of students live in the same building or block, are perhaps the most famous style of university accommodation. Most do not have specific eligibility criteria, but some universities offer halls of residence specifically for international, postgraduate, or female students. 

Halls of residence generally feature single occupancy and shared rooms, with plenty of communal areas for socialising. In some countries, such as the USA, it is common to have a roommate, whereas this is less common in countries like the UK. Rooms may be en-suite (with attached bathroom) or have access to a shared bathroom.

Advantages of University Dorms

1. Halls come with food and laundry services often and are based on the campus of your university.
2. Living on campus can save you significant time and money spent on travelling.
3. Another advantage of living in halls is you get easy access to various clubs and societies and be part of the union.

Disadvantages

1. Living on campus comes with a lot of rules to follow, giving you less privacy.
2. You may be required to share many facilities like the kitchen and bathroom with other peers.
3. Though you get to meet a lot of different people on campus, they could be a source of distraction for you during crucial times like projects and exams.

 University-owned student apartments

Another style of campus living is in student apartments or houses, enabling small groups of students to live together. Each residence typically features some private bedrooms linked to a communal living area, bathroom, and kitchen. Apartments are usually part of a broader student complex, meaning residents still benefit from a community atmosphere.

 Off-campus accommodation options

If living on campus isn’t for you, most universities also have plenty of private accommodation options nearby. Living off campus can give international students a better taste of independence, life and culture in a foreign country. 

Private halls of residence

Private halls of residence are a great choice for those who want to experience a student community off campus. Similar to university-owned halls of residence, rooms are typically furnished, with communal areas including kitchens, bathrooms and study areas. The main difference is that private halls of residence cater for students from different universities and other educational settings. 

Rooms in private halls of residence vary in cost but are often more expensive than their university-owned counterparts.

Private rentals

Most universities have many private rentals available locally, with many landlords specifically marketing properties for students. Many students choose to share a house or apartment with others, and most universities have forums and platforms dedicated to students looking for flatmates. For more independence, you may opt to live alone, though this is a more expensive option.

Renting privately can be expensive, and bills are often not included in the rent, so budgeting for these will be essential, including any local taxes (such as council tax in the UK). You’ll also need to check what furnishings are provided in the property and the length of the tenancy (often 12 months).

If you want to rent privately, it’s a good idea to contact your university for advice or guidance or speak to other students to get an idea of reputable landlords and agencies in the area.

Advantages of private apartments

1. An apartment gives you a lot more freedom to move around. And you don’t have any curfew to follow or rules to abide by.
2. You can cook your own food and manage the house the way you like.
3. One of the major advantages of living in an apartment is you can choose to have a roommate and share the rent, and also lay down certain rules that you both agree to follow.
4. You can choose an apartment that’s close to your institution or away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Disadvantages

1. A private apartment could be pricey.
2. When you share an apartment with someone, you might chance upon a roommate who is poles apart from you. This could be a challenge.

1. In highly unlikely situations, you will have to buy or rent your own furniture if the apartment is unfurnished.

Homestays

A popular choice for international students on a budget, homestays offer the opportunity to live with a pre-approved family to experience the local culture and cuisine first-hand. You’ll have a private room within a family home, with plenty of opportunities to improve your language skills. 

Of course, homestays do not offer the same opportunities to mix with classmates, but many students simply choose to join extra clubs and societies to make up for this. 

Advantages of homestays

1. A host family can offer you a wonderful experience, offering attentive care and helping you with any needs, especially during any emergency.
2. Homestays could prove to be cost-effective, plus offer you homely comfort and opportunities to know more about the culture and traditions of a different group of people.
3. Living with a host family can be a boon for you, especially when you want to improve your language skills be it the English language, or any other foreign language that piques your interest, which is also spoken by your hosts.
4. One of the advantages of living with a host is you don’t have to do any household chores, unless you want to.

Disadvantages

1. The languages spoken by your host family might be different, which sometimes might put you off when you struggle to make them understand what you want and don’t want. Though we are living amongst digital tools like Google translate, it shouldn’t be a big problem, but you might feel getting slightly misunderstood at times. This lack of proper communication, though it’s harmless, can lead to an uneasy situation for both you and your host.  
2. A host family can pressure you to adhere to house rules, and follow their timings for activities like staying out or talking over the phone (if you are using theirs). 
3. Besides your room, you may not find any other place in your host’s house with privacy.

Factors to consider while choosing your accommodation

To find the most suitable student housing for your needs, consider factors like:

• Cost: this should include not only the overall rental cost but also what is included in it. For example, utilities, WiFi, or meal plans.
• Distance from campus: think about how far you are prepared to travel to campus, remembering to include any public transport costs in your budget. 
• Amenities: understand exactly what facilities and furnishings are provided and what you must purchase for yourself.
• Safety and security: make sure that accommodation is legitimate, secure, and safe. Most universities are happy to provide advice and guidance regarding reputable housing options, and may even have a list of approved accommodation providers.
• Personal preferences: perhaps you have always dreamed of having a roommate, or are keen to cook? Reasonable personal preferences are important when making accommodation feel like home during your studies, and should be considered accordingly.

How to find the best student accommodation

Finding a place to live as an international student can feel daunting. Follow these top tips to ensure you secure the best student accommodation:

• Start early: determine your budget and begin your research as soon as you can.  
• Explore your options: consider all the different types of accommodation available, and compare the ones which best meet your needs.
• Use university resources: browse your university’s website for accommodation resources, or contact the international office for more bespoke support.
• Research online: browse student accommodation platforms in the local area and use student portals or social media to connect with other international students and access relevant local knowledge and tips.
• Apply promptly: once you have found accommodation that meets your needs, apply as soon as you can in advance of any deadlines.
• Communicate: correspond efficiently and effectively with agencies or accommodation representatives to find out exactly what you need to provide to secure your place.
• Prepare your documentation: you may need to provide a copy of your passport, visa, proof of finances, or other important documents.
• Have your finances in order: most accommodation requires some form of deposit and/or an advance rental payment to secure your place.

Once you find the perfect student accommodation, make sure you read the tenancy agreement carefully before signing. Don’t be embarrassed to question anything you’re not sure about, as it’s important to understand all the details and can be very difficult to withdraw from once you have ratified the document.

IDP Student Essentials Services

Remember, you can connect with an expert and receive assistance finding and applying to student apartments and homestays in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. IDP has accommodation partners in these countries, offering you special rates and deals.

The best source of information for accommodations would be a university prospectus that will give you loads of information on where to stay during your studies and how much it would cost you. Why don’t you pick one prospectus and read through it?

Editor's note: This article was originally published in June 2018 by our content writer, Doodle Nandi. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.