Studying abroad is a dream come true for many. But it can be a little difficult if you aren’t able to find the perfect place for yourself. Many factors affect your choice when it comes to your accommodation. Some people prioritize privacy over cost. Others might prefer a more cultural experience. Some international students may also have a language barrier making it difficult to converse with landlords. So, finding that perfect home might seem like a big feat.
There are some options international students can choose from when looking for accommodation. We will share these options and talk about the advantages and disadvantages. Read this article to find out temporary accommodation options for students and find what works best for you.
Before you begin: Always research online before looking for accommodation. You should map the best way to reach your university. Will it be easier to take the train or the bus? Which of these are nearest to your college? Your university might also offer city guides. Look through them to get a clearer picture of ground realities. Talk to fellow students on university forums and ask them about the cost of living, housing types, storage situations, and preferred neighbors. Make necessary plans for these eventualities. If you are moving to a place like Shreveport Lousiana, you should know that there is limited house storage in the area. You can consider renting a self storage Shreveport to overcome this drawback,
Then, prepare all the documents you might require for your accommodation. Now you are ready to start accommodation hunting!
- Homestays: If you’re big on local culture, then homestays are the best option for you. With homestays, you can live with a host family and get fully immersed int the local culture. Living with the locals will also make it easier for you to learn the language. You will have a separate room with some shared spaces. Some hosts also offer home-cooked meals to foreign exchange students. The biggest con is that you will have to follow strict rules during your stay. You might have a long commute to your college as well since most families live away from university campuses. Contact your university to ask about family accommodation options.
- Dorms: A dormitory is a type of on-campus accommodation. Most dorms have long corridors with rooms on either side. Dorms are the best places to make new friends. You might have to pair up with a roommate in dorms with bigger spaces. Dorms usually have shared utilities like bathrooms, kitchens, and entertainment rooms. Dorms are also pricey, and they have strict curfew timings. Most dorms do not allow guests or visitors. Apply early for dorm accommodation since universities have limited rooms, and the waitlist is long.
- Apartments: If you value privacy above all, then you should think about renting a private apartment. The best part of renting a place is that you can follow your timings. You can also choose the location that is best suited to your preferences. But the biggest drawback is that apartment accommodation is costly since you will be paying rent and utility bills. You will also have to buy groceries and furnish your place. Use different sites to look for furnished apartments if you don’t want to waste time and money buying furniture.
Most students share apartments to make it more affordable. So, each of them pays half the expenses with twice the fun. You can have separate rooms with shared common areas if you rent a big enough place. A significant risk with a shared apartment is that you will have to share your space with another person. Your life might get very tough or very comfortable, depending on how well you both get on. Look for roommates with similar lifestyles to avoid this situation. Some excellent websites offer detailed filters to help you in your search for the best roommate.
Other Things To Keep In Mind
Think about your financial situation before committing to a place. Living abroad is expensive, so you should try to cut down the costs where you can. It might be cheapest to share accommodation with a roommate. Trendy places have a very high cost of living. So you might have to pay double for utilities and groceries if you get accommodation downtown.
While living further from the city might mean a longer commute, it will also come with lower living expenses.
It’s best to go through relevant local laws if you’re renting accommodation. By doing so, you get a rough idea about your tenant rights. Ask a university advisor to help you with the rental agreement if you’re facing a language barrier. Check the terms of the contract and inspect the property before signing on the dotted line. Ask the landlord for separate copies of your tenancy agreement.
Conclusion
Finding temporary accommodation might not be easy, but it doesn’t have to be too difficult. The best thing to do before you begin is to research the area. Keep your preferences in mind, and consider your financial situation. Look for a homestay option if you want a fully immersive cultural experience. Consider dorm life if you fancy living closer to your campus and the student population. Or spring for an apartment if you value your privacy and independence. Just beware of scammers before you commit to a place.
