How to find student accommodation abroad: Tips for Indian students

As you move closer to the date when you board your flight to your destination country for higher education, you’ll want to know more about the life you can expect there. Your accommodation contributes a lot to your experience. 

International students can choose from on-campus and off-campus accommodation types. Of course, there are pros and cons to both. So, we have put together this guide to help you understand exactly what to expect from each type.   

Let’s get started.

An introduction to student accommodation 

Looking for student accommodation abroad is an important step once you secure your admission spot in the desired university. 

Generally, student accommodation abroad is classified into two types:

1. On-campus accommodations
2. Off-campus accommodations

With each category, you have multiple options to choose from. Each offers different benefits depending on what you’re looking for. 

If you’re a first-year undergraduate, you must follow the university’s accommodation policy, which often mandates living on campus. However, if you are a Master’s student, you will have the flexibility to choose between on-campus student accommodation and off-campus student accommodation.

Many accommodation types fall under these classified options based on convenience, community, or cost-effectiveness.

Let us discuss those in detail.

Types of Student Accommodation 

There are two types of accommodations for students to choose from. Let’s discuss them in detail below.

On-campus accommodation

If it’s your first time studying abroad, on-campus accommodation is a perfect choice. It offers housing near the campus. The main types of on-campus accommodation are university dorms and residence halls. This option also provides the significant advantage of being near libraries, classrooms, and other campus facilities. Now, let’s understand the types of on-campus accommodation. 

1. University accommodation

University accommodations are popular among Indian students in destinations like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. These are on-campus housing options managed directly by the university. 

You’ll mostly find these accommodations fully furnished with beds, desks, chairs, and probably everything needed for a comfortable stay. Living on campus helps you build a sense of community and interact with peers, making it easy for you to settle in.  

2. Private halls of residence

Private halls of residence, also known as student halls, are located on the university campus and offer students a comprehensive experience of both university support and private living. 

These student residence halls are privately owned but functional under the guidelines of the universities. They offer furnished rooms and shared facilities like kitchens, common areas, and study spaces to students. 

Naturally, it offers a regulated living environment similar to university housing but with more independence. 

Off-campus accommodation

These types of accommodations are situated outside the campus area. They include different types of housing arrangements, such as apartments, houses, or shared rooms. Invariably, off-campus accommodation offers more freedom to students. Let’s understand the main types of off-campus student accommodation. 

1. Purpose-built student accommodation

Also known as PBSA, this is an accommodation option solely for international students studying abroad. It comes with all the possible benefits and amenities a student may require to live and study abroad. 

Unlike on-campus accommodation, it is more affordable and offers a more independent atmosphere unlike any other university accommodation or private residency hall.

2. Homestays

Homestays involve living with a local family, which can be a great cultural experience. This option helps you stay like a guest with a local family. Homestays generally include meals, a room to sleep in, and access to a separate washroom.

The charges you pay generally include meals, lodging, and laundry. This means homestays offer an all-around advantage over student accommodation abroad. You can find host families through references or portals–for example, in the USA, a popular website to find homestays is the American Homestay Network (AHN). 

You can also reach out to your university to connect you to local study-abroad host programs.

3. Private rentals

If you’re looking for more independence and privacy, private rentals are a great option. This means renting an apartment or house, either by yourself or with roommates.

You might prefer privately rented houses because of three unmatched benefits: 

• You’ll have your own space, free from the rules and potential noise of shared accommodations
• You can choose a location that works for you, whether that’s closer to campus, public transportation, or specific amenities
• You can decorate and arrange your space however you like

However, please note that private rentals are more expensive than other options. The costs can be particularly huge if you’re renting alone. Factor in utilities (like electricity and internet) when you estimate the cost of a private rental. 

Many universities offer a list of accredited homes, which are reliable and safe sources of finding affordable private rentals. For example, in the UK, Manchester University offers Manchester students homes for international students. 

4. Hostels

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for your initial days abroad, hostels can be a great starting point. They offer a safe and social environment where you can meet fellow students and travelers.

Hostels typically offer the lowest cost per night compared to other accommodation options. However, you’ll most likely share a room and bathroom with other guests, so privacy is limited. Also, remember that hostels can be noisy, especially if you’re in a dormitory-style room.

Tip: Look for hostels that offer additional services like free breakfast, Wi-Fi, or organized social activities. These can help you settle into your new surroundings with ease.

Remember: Hostels are a great short-term solution, but not ideal for students to stay for an extended period. 

Now that you know all the options, let’s find out how you can find the one that suits you best. 

How to find the right accommodation abroad?

1. Start your search early

Don’t wait until the last minute to start your accommodation hunt. The earlier you begin, the wider your range of choices will be. This is especially true if you’re aiming for on-campus or popular private accommodation. However, ‘early’ could mean different things depending on your situation.

For on-campus housing, deadlines for university housing applications are a few months before the semester starts. So check your university’s housing portal for specific dates and requirements.

For private rentals, start looking at least 2-3 months before your intended move-in date.

If you’re arriving during a peak season (e.g., the Fall session in an American university, which is the most popular among international students), start your search even earlier to avoid disappointment.

2. Know where to search

Here are some more useful tips:

1. Sites like AmberStudent, Casita, and University Living cater specifically to students and expats. They often have filters for budget, location, and amenities
2. Use platforms like Zillow (US), Rightmove (UK), or Immobilienscout24 (Germany) to find private rentals
3. Create your search filters and set up alerts on these websites
4. Contact the university’s housing office; they may even have lists of reputable landlords or resources for finding off-campus accommodations
5. Join Facebook groups or online forums for international students in your destination city. These groups often share housing leads 
6. Student clubs or associations, especially those for international students, can provide recommendations
7. A real estate agency can help you navigate the local rental market
8. Talk to friends, classmates, professors, or even alumni living in the area. They might have leads or valuable advice

Note: Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially online. Never send money or personal information without verifying the legitimacy of the landlord or agent.

3. Location research

Some of the factors you must consider include:

• The safety of the neighborhood and security measures in place
• Proximity to your university and public transportation
• Proximity to restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores
• Proximity to the pharmacy and medical facilities

4. Set your budget

Consider all the costs you’ll need to bear when you choose what kind of accommodation you want while studying abroad. 

Key costs to consider apart from the rent:

Utilities – These include electricity, gas, water, internet, and sometimes even garbage collection

Deposit – Many landlords require a security deposit, equivalent to one or two months’ rent

Furnishings – Factor in the cost of purchasing or renting furniture and appliances

Commute – Consider the distance to your university and the cost of transportation

Hidden Costs – Consider potential costs like cleaning supplies, laundry, and renter’s insurance

The next section offers some insights into the average accommodation costs in major international destinations for Indian students. 

Cost of accommodations in top study abroad destinations

Once you’ve shortlisted a few accommodation options, you will need to estimate the cost of living annually.

Here’s a breakdown of the average accommodation costs in some of the most popular study destinations.

Costs vary widely depending on the country and city. So, research thoroughly and budget accordingly. 

If you need help, get in touch with us today. At GradRight, we help students at every stage of their study-abroad experience, including accommodation search. 

We connect you with leading accommodation providers abroad that offer multiple accommodation options across a range of price bands and locations. This abundance of choice ensures that you will find the perfect match for your lifestyle and budget.

Here are some of the benefits we offer:

• We work with reputable companies known for their quality housing, safety standards, and student support services

• Whether you prefer the convenience of on-campus living, the independence of a private flat, or the cultural immersion of a PBSA, our partners offer a diverse range of choices to suit your needs and budget

• As a Gradright student, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts on accommodation

Contact us to know exactly how we can help you. 

FAQs

What are the common types of accommodation available to international students studying abroad?

The most common types of accommodation that international students choose are university dormitories, on-campus housing provided by universities, off-campus apartments, homestays, hostels, and private student residences.

What factors should I consider when choosing accommodation for my study abroad experience?

You must consider location, cost, amenities (kitchen, laundry, cleaning services), and safety. You should also check your finances and choose the accommodation that suits your budget. 

How do I apply for university dormitory accommodation as an international student?

You can begin by contacting the university’s housing office and reaching out for specific application procedures. You can also find online portals for housing applications; apply with these applications and pay the application fee if required. 

What is dual occupancy student accommodation?

Dual student accommodation means two students share one room or apartment. This option is more affordable and ideal for friends or couples studying together.

Why is student accommodation so expensive?

Student accommodation is very expensive because of the high demand from students studying abroad. Other factors like prime locations and the inclusion of various amenities and services also affect the prices of student accommodation abroad. 

Can I cancel my student accommodation?

Yes, you can cancel your accommodation. However, some universities have cancellation policies and charge a certain fee, while others allow free cancellations with a notice period. Hence, you must always read the cancellation policy carefully before signing any agreement.