Last-Minute Student Accommodation Tips for International Students

So, you are headed to the university that you have always dreamed of studying at. Congratulations! The journey of studying in a new country is rewarding and transformational, if done right. While getting into the right university is important, it is equally important to rent the right student accommodation abroad.   

Your term is about to start, and you are still scrolling through hundreds of listings, hoping to find your ideal home away from home. The panic creeps every second, and now it is time to get on the flight. So, what do you do?  

Simple. You trust University Living when it comes to last-minute student housing search. The guide below helps you lock in the perfect student accommodation when the clock is ticking. 

Panicking Doesn’t Help 

The first rule is pretty basic. Don’t Panic! We know it’s easier said than done, but panicking right now will only make it worse. Take three deep breaths and break down what you actually need. 

Ask yourself these: 

• How much budget can I manage per week/month? 

• Do I need a personal student room, or am I okay with sharing? 

• How far can I live from campus without facing any problems? 

Once you have sorted out these questions, your search for a student apartment will become easier. But remember, keep your options open for studio rooms, en-suites and shared apartments.  

Widen Your Search Distance 

You might have dreamt of waking up, rolling out of bed, and reaching your lectures. But it’s time to widen your search. Consider student rooms that are a little far away from the campus.  

Sometimes living 15-20 mins away from your campus can save you hundreds of bucks and give you the comfort and space that accommodation near campus couldn’t. Think of it this way: you get to explore undiscovered cafes, local shops, and peaceful student areas. So, don’t be picky, and explore all possibilities! 

Use Verified Student Housing Platforms 

One of the biggest fears international students have is getting scammed by housing providers. We get you. Your fear is absolutely rational. That is why it is important to approach the right platforms.  

University Living only offers verified and authentic student accommodation near campus. All our properties are designed for student comfort and are 100% legit. Whether you are looking for student accommodation in London, New York, or anywhere else, we are available for you 24*7. 

Since it’s way past the ‘right time to book’, you can try contacting your university housing portal as well. Sometimes they save a few rooms for late arrivals. If you’re lucky, you may get it! 

Lookout For Red Flags 

You have a few options left. You are panicking. You are desperate. Thus, you are on every scammer’s list. Sadly, student housing scams are quite common these days. But if you are prepared, you will know when you are the target. 

Signs to run away: 

• The accommodation rent is too cheap to be real. 

• The landlord is asking for full payment before giving you any paperwork. 

• They refuse or delay showing you the photos of the accommodation. 

• They try to push you towards payment by saying there are others in line. 

Tip: Always check reviews of the property you have eyes on. Try to get in touch with students of your uni, and ask them which accommodation is great. Research the locality, talk to people, and ask hundreds of questions. After all, it is your new home. 

Look for Short-Term Tenancy 

The likelihood of you finding accommodation that doesn’t match what you dreamt of is quite high. But when it comes to finding last-minute student accommodation, you have to compromise sometimes. 

Students often rent studio rooms and shared apartments for the short term. Basically, until they find the one where they want to live for the long-term. Many platforms offer short-term student housing.  

Tip: Keep checking Facebook/Telegram groups. Many people post last-minute openings there. Grab it as fast as you can! 

Last-Minute Student Housing Hunt: To Do’s 

Finding student apartments abroad at the last minute is overwhelming. But with the right guidance, you can find a comfortable place to call home. Follow these simple tips below: 

• Stay Focused: Breathe, plan, and shortlist. Rushing will only worsen things. 

• First Prioritize: Know what you are looking for. From amenities, budget to room type, decide all. 

• Flexibility: ‘Perfect’ doesn’t exist at the last minute. Be open and flexible to alternatives. 

• Verified Platforms: To save yourself from scams and stress, trust platforms like University Living for student accommodation. 

• Beware: Desperate times can sometimes blind you. Make sure you are able to recognize when you are being scammed. 

• Read Contracts: Read the whole contract twice before signing. Don’t rush. Ask if something seems off. 

Conclusion 

We understand the stress of booking student housing at the last minute. But don’t worry, we are here to help you. University Living aims to ease your search for your new home abroad. So, stay calm. Because no matter how last-minute it feels, there is always a comfortable place waiting for you to call home.