Thinking about your options to study abroad? You’re probably aware of the benefits of studying in a country that offers benefits beyond education. You make more friends, meet new people, live a lifestyle different from yours, open up your mind to new possibilities, and experience a new culture altogether. 

You have the opportunity to study abroad and are exposed to global standards of education. Once you gain admission at a university you applied to in a foreign country, the next few steps are crucial. They will define how your journey will be, including your visa application, health insurance, PTE / IELTS preparation, and your study abroad accommodation options, among other relevant and influencing variables.

As an international student, it can get confusing and challenging until you adopt certain ways to settle in the new environment abroad. To further add, finding the right accommodation too makes a huge difference for you. In this blog, we’re going to share some relevant tips to help with your student accommodation options.

Tips that will help you find the right student accommodation

Making sure that you’ve prepared well in advance for your arrival in the country you’re going to study is important. There are various accommodation options like halls of residence or college dormitories, renting a room or an apartment, and arranging for a local homestay.

There are various sites available online and even social media groups that post about student accommodation abroad. Researching your options can help you make a more informed decision, including the tips we’re about to share.

Here’s what you need to know while selecting your accommodation.

• Choosing the location wisely

Choosing the location factors in your distance to the university, safety, travel options, and money spent on travel. While choosing your accommodation, try also finding out more about the neighbourhood in question. Is it a safe neighbourhood, are there frequent burglaries and other criminal activities reported in that area? Again, join some social media groups that talk about student accommodation as there may be existing international students who can provide more insights. In addition, you can always reach out to us to learn more about your options for student accommodation. 

• Price-wise rent options

When selecting an apartment, sorting out the rent becomes the next more crucial step. You need to check your options and choose the apartment or room with the most reasonable rent. The trick is not to choose the cheapest apartment but to compare them with the amenities provided to you. The area, the daily travelling distance and cost to your university, the local stores nearby, and so on. Checking these factors will help you estimate a monthly budget and the likely expenses you might make every week.

• Cross-question the lease terms and conditions 

Before booking your accommodation, you will be given a lease or contract to sign. The lease typically includes your duration of stay, the renewal period, deposit, and other relevant terms and conditions. You need to make sure that you understand the accuracy of every bit of information, question every term and condition, and also ask about the points that are probably not mentioned in the lease. Probably have an expert, a trusted friend, and parent look at the contract as well. There are fake accommodation firms out there, so you need to be aware and alert at the same time.

You can check if the accommodation offers certain relevant utilities, cable, Wi-Fi, etc. Furthermore, you must visit the location and apartment before signing on the lease. You may also be given a viewing slip for your assigned unit. Once you sign the lease, you will be asked to pay a security deposit along with your first month’s rent. The security deposit is usually one month’s rent and is refunded to you at the end of your lease.

• Share the apartment with a peer

If the rent is too high to pay by yourself, you could consider sharing the apartment with a fellow international student. At the same time, if you’re the type who prefers single accommodation, the decision is based on your preference. However, it might be a burden on your pockets unless you have the finances to back you up for the rest of your study period abroad.

So, you must make your decision well in advance if you are interested in sharing your room or apartment with someone. You can then choose your study abroad accommodation options based on the decision you make. For instance, if you can easily adjust to living with four more people, accommodating their lifestyle and habits, you might like the company. You can rent the whole apartment, while splitting the monthly rent among yourselves. Many international students choose this option as it proves economical more than any other option. At the same time, they get to make more friends, and having shared company always makes your study abroad journey easier and less overwhelming.

• Choose your apartment mates

Choosing your apartment mates may not be entirely in your control. It’s also important to understand that you’re not going to get along with everyone who’s renting along with you. Having to stay with someone you get along with can really mean the world to you, especially since you can count on them for so many things, including a good conversation.

If you’re already aware or have found out who is going to live with you in the apartment, try connecting with them. Get to know more about their habits, likes and dislikes. You can try and identify any conflicting traits. For example, some housemates may be a morning person, while you may be used to keeping up late at night and studying. It’s mostly never a good fit in the same house, but working out ways to adjust with one another might do the trick. Of course, this depends on how understanding and patient each housemate can be with each other. 

Need assistance in knowing more about your student accommodation abroad? Connect with our expert team to help you.