How to Find Student Accommodation as an International Student

Accommodation is one of the most important things that come to your mind when you consider studying in any foreign country. For international students, there is an option to stay in the university-owned student hostel. Most universities offer student hall for international students, but they are limited in numbers and in order to get these halls you must send your application at the earliest.

Moving away from home to study abroad is a big change for anyone be it domestic or international students. One way to minimize the impact of this transition is to find a place which feels like a home away from home.

So, as soon as you get your acceptance letter and you accept that offer, start exploring the study abroad apartments. This will give you plenty of time to weigh all the choices available to you, and you can pick the one that is best suited for your needs – both in terms of budget and convenience.

International Students Accommodation in the UK

The United Kingdom is a great country made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is one of the major hubs of education in the world with some of the best universities like Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics, University College London, University of Nottingham, King’s College London, and more. The stay options which are available to international students are the ones given below:

1. Halls of residence

These are campus halls which are owned, operated and maintained by universities. If you’re an international student of first-year then accommodation in halls of residence is usually guaranteed for you. All utility bills, including the internet, are included in your rent so you don’t have to worry about any hidden charges.

2. Private halls of residence

The private halls of residence are quite similar to the university halls, such as both offer rent inclusive bills and shared common areas, but private halls are slightly more costly. This extra cost is due to the modern facilities that they offer like bike storage facilities, gym, games room, and more. There is plenty of purpose-built student accommodation(PBSA) located in various cities in the UK. These off-campus housings offer a variety of room types based on your budget and other preferences like student studio, apartments, student en-suite and shared rooms, and flats.

3. Private accommodations

Renting a private student room is a popular choice amongst students once their first year of study is complete. Renting privately is totally independent, and it is necessary to understand that in such housing you will be responsible for all bills and cleanliness of the property.

International Students Accommodation in Australia

Australia is one of the 7 continents comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, numerous other smaller islands, and the island of Tasmania. The country offers diverse landscapes, wildlife, dazzling beaches, cosmopolitan metropolises, and large expanses of outback. It is also home to some of the most renowned universities in the world such as the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, Monash University, The University of Queensland, RMIT, and more.

The residence options which are available to international students in Australia are the ones given below:

1. Homestays

A homestay might be a good option if you’re visiting Australia for the first time, as you get all the comforts of living with a local family in their home. Homestay programs are quite famous among foreign students who are enrolled in short-term courses because this gives them the opportunity to stay with an Australian family at an affordable cost.

2. On-Campus Accommodation

Majority of Australian students live in private accommodations off-campus while some Australian universities do provide housing for their students through campus halls of residence, apartments, or residential colleges. The prices and accommodation options at residential colleges v ary from institution to institution, so you should contact the institution you're interested in for full details.

3. Private Accommodation

Living in a private accommodation can be very attractive and comfortable, especially as an international student in a new country. These types of accommodations are quite popular in European countries and are slowly becoming popular here in Australia as well. The best part of staying in these types of residences is that you can choose from a wide variety of room types like studios, apartments, shared or en-suite rooms.
University Living offers student homes to both domestic and international students in various cities like Sydney, Canberra, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, and more. The accommodations are quite good both in terms of quality and comfort. The rents are also quite pocket-friendly and can be paid in easy installments.

4. Guest House Accommodation and Hostels

Some international students may choose to stay in hostels or guest houses because these tend to be cheaper than university or homestay accommodations. The kitchen and bathroom are common and shared between the residents. They are also great if you want to enjoy your social life as they provide an excellent opportunity for interaction among other international students.

International Students Accommodation in the USA

The United States of America (USA), commonly referred to as the United States or America is an incredibly diverse nation with people from all over the world immigrating here. It is the third most populous country in the world with its capital as Washington, D.C.
The student residence options which are available to international students in the United States are the ones given below:

1. Campus Dormitories

Some American universities provide accommodations for international students on-campus or close to the school's classrooms. Once you’re enrolled in a particular university, the Admissions Department or International Student Office will most likely send you a "pre-departure orientation" packet which also has options for where to live. Dormitories can be a mixed or gender-specific student dorm where residents typically share large bathrooms.

2. Private Student Apartment

Private accommodations are considered the best option by international students as it gives them a chance to explore the American cities and their lifestyle closely without any deadlines. It is also a less expensive option in comparison to on-campus accommodation as the charges are comparatively lesser than those charged by universities for dormitories and halls of residence.
These off-campus private housing usually comes with plenty of onsite amenities so that you have a comfortable and hassle-free stay. You can enjoy sports like volleyball and basketball in their outdoor courts. There are resort-style swimming pools, computer labs with printing facilities, spacious outdoor areas, parking facilities for your vehicles, communal areas, study spaces, and more.