Getting an accommodation for your studies abroad is a whole lot of work you need to sort out before traveling for your studies. Here is why this blog has been written not only to help you with the necessary steps you need to take to find suitable accommodation abroad but also to provide you with a website that would help you book your accommodation with ease.
Without further ado, here is how to get study accommodation abroad.
Steps To Consider When Finding A Study Abroad Accommodation
Check The Student Accommodation From the University
The first step to take is to check the accommodations provided by the university for International students. This is the safest and most guaranteed way to find a place to stay while studying abroad.
Although, some universities only give space for domestic and long term in-term international. So, if you are studying for a shorter period you might have to find accommodation outside the university but then always check with your program coordinators to see if you are eligible.
Do Your Research
If you are not eligible to use the university’s provided accommodation or you probably do not like the spaces provided, then you will need to do your research on the different options available to you.
Lookout for available spaces around the university’s location, the cost of living of the environment, access to wifi, the neighborhood and amenities, etc. This phase will help you set realistic expectations and get a view of the environment around your campus.
Choose The Right Location
One important thing to decide when looking out for an apartment is to decide what location you will be living in. This should be around the campus you are studying in, for easy access to and from your campus.
Ensure you are not living on the other side of town away from the cool places you need to access during your study or worse, being stuck in a commute while running late for a class.
The following questions will help you decide the right location to stay while looking out for accommodation;
- What is the walking distance of your campus from the apartment or is there a train/bus station close to the apartment?
- Can you access public spaces like a Café/library/supermarket from your apartment?
- Would you love to live in a hustle & bustle environment with lots of facilities or a green countryside with the cozy comfort of life?
Consider Your Budget
The next thing to decide on is the affordability of the apartment. How much can you spend every month to pay for rent?
Deciding a budget and sticking with a budget for rent is very important. Also, as you get familiar with the environment and cost of living, ensure to set realistic expectations around your budget.
Look out for the apartment description and read cautiously to see if it tallies with your budget. Also look out to see if some bills like electricity, water, wifi, etc are included as they will help you manage your bills.
Lookout For Safety
While considering your budget and location, ensure to look out for the safety of the environment and apartment. Is there dedicated 24-hour surveillance and advisories on personal safety provided?
Do research on these details and also check out the ratings around safety in your preferred location and decide after getting assurance on the safety of the apartment.
Ask For A Viewing
Most times, what you see on the website might not be the real thing. So before deciding on an apartment, ask for a viewing.
If you have a friend or family member living in the study destination, you can ask them to check out the apartment for you or you could also book online viewing of whatever sites you are using to book the site.
Avoid Being Scammed
There are always people who are trying to scam international students around rental properties. Be cautious while enquiring about apartments and giving out personal information before verifying the details of the landlords or brokers.
Also, do not pay upfront without receiving official receipts for the same, and while reading the agreements, ask questions if some time is not clear. Ensure to read thoroughly the legalities of the rental contracts. Always ensure to be well informed before making final decisions.
Check Out Different Websites
If you can not find exactly what you are looking for, do not give up.
There are a lot of websites you can check out for different accommodation options that are student-friendly. From Amberstudents to Uniplaces, Nestpick, etc. So, do not panic, you will always find something suitable even if not exactly what you envisioned it to be.
Websites You Can Check Out For Student Accommodation
- Nestpick
- AmberStudent
- Spotahome
- UniAcco
- Roomi
- Housing Anywhere
- OCXEE
- Homelike
- Study Abroad Apartments
- Uniplaces
- 4stay
- University Rooms
- Facebook groups
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad should not be a hard task and that is why we are here to help you with your application processes.
If you need help making a choice, applying for a scholarship, or you need help with applying for a Visa to any of these countries; USA, UK, Australia, Canada and Germany. You should reach out to us for a consultation. One of our counselors will speak with you to assess your situation and offer professional advice.
Lastly, feel free to join our community of people aiming to study abroad, on Telegram, where you also gain answers to many questions related to studying abroad and our webinar which is exclusive to community members.