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International student accommodation
So you've decided to study abroad. You now need somewhere to stay. This will be your home for the next few years, where you will live, eat, sleep and quite often where your social life will be founded. So take some time to research and explore before making your decision.
Overview
Accommodation is bound to be one of the first things that comes to mind when you consider study abroad and your final decision will be based on a number of factors. There are a variety of options when it comes to international student accommodation, and also a number of considerations and checkpoints you should run through before making your choice - which is also bound to be partially based on personal preference. Whatever your budget, and whether it be university housing or something in the private sector, there will be an option for you.
As an international student, this may be the first time you’ve lived on your own, or perhaps even your first time abroad. It may also be the first time you have had to manage costs and deal with any aspect of accommodation. It is, therefore, important to realise at the outset that this is a major decision. Your student accommodation will be a place you relax, study, and probably most importantly, meet friends, natives and fellow travellers.
Planning, support and advice
The general rule to bear in mind is that you are responsible for finding your own accommodation, but it is common for your institute to offer help or support – especially when it comes to university accommodation. This support may range from them going as far as actually finding a place for you (should you want to leave this to their judgement), to offering a range of options, to simply advising you the best practise to follow.
As well as advice and assistance from your university, specific organizations exist in most countries whose purpose is to advise and take the burden off the whole process. They also often have connections with various organizations and may be able to find you somewhere should you be having difficulty. (See international study guides for more information on these specific international student accommodation associations). Also be sure to check student notice boards, (especially for house sharing) and local newspapers also often advertise rooms, apartments and houses for rent.
Depending on your preference, and also how well you plan ahead and research the student housing market in your chosen destination, you could end up in anything from a newly refurbished house, to a rundown student haunt.
Types of student accommodation
Depending on where you decide to study, your choices of student accommodation may be quite varied and provide very different experiences. You will also find that in some countries, finding somewhere to stay will be as easy as falling off a log, whilst in others you will have to plan far in advance and often spend more than you may have envisaged.
University housing - Campus accommodation/ Halls of Residence
Campus accommodation is university run accommodation, and usually within the confines of the university. There are numerous advantages to this, and as such, this is more often than not the first port of call and the most beneficial choice. You will be close, if not living in the university grounds, so travel is not a concern. Safety is also often taken care off, especially in the UK for example, where there are usually staff or security, day and night, patrolling the housing.
In term of your social life, this is as good a place as any. You will find yourself immersed in the cultures of other international students who have made the same decision as yourself, and also the natives who often stay in Halls for the social aspect of university life. Many Halls of Residence regularly organise social events to spur this on.
There may be some downsides to staying in Halls, but it is often worth making some sacrifices. Kitchens and social areas will be shared. Bathrooms may be en suite, but will quite often also be shared. The quality of the accommodation and amenities may also vary. So be sure to check this out before committing.
Student Survival Guide