There are many things you must consider while applying for overseas education. One of the hardest challenges that you come across is navigating affordable housing.
It can be tricky to find both affordable and adorable housing in the new country if you are unaware of the local housing market.
To experience a new culture, learn new languages and make friends, it is essential to have a “home away from home”. In this blog, we will help you with some useful tips for navigating affordable housing near your university.
Why is affordable housing near your university important for International students?
Finding affordable housing is a challenge for many students aiming to study abroad.
Let’s understand why affordable housing is important for international students:
- Budget Constraints: Budget is one of the primary issues that students think about while applying for international universities. It is difficult to manage expenses with a limited budget. Affordable housing will help them save money for other needs like education, food, and transport.
- Safety issues: Safety is very important to students studying abroad. Finding a safe & secure place to stay must be every student’s priority. A safe area will help you stay in your comfort zone stress-free while studying abroad.
- Adapting to a new Country: Moving abroad can be challenging. Students need time to settle in a new country. Therefore, accommodation near to their university can be more secure & comfortable.
- Convenient to campus: It is important to find a house nearby to the university. It helps in saving transportation costs. Also, students can get to their classes quickly.
- Builds Social Network: You get a chance to live with other students when you choose affordable housing options. This helps you to make new friends, build social circles and feel homely in the new country.
- Smart Financial Plan: Students can manage their finances really well once they find affordable housing. It can eliminate financial problems, and they can plan their budget smartly. Also, they can save more and live stress-free overseas.
Types of Student Accommodation in Abroad
| Type | Description | Pros | Cons |
| Universal Dormitories | Many universities provide on-campus dorm facilities to students. | 1. It is close to campus. 2. Many facilities like food and electricity are incorporated within the rent. 3. Helps in building social circle & make new friends | 1. It has limited privacy. 2. It costs more than off-campus housing. |
| Shared Housing | It usually involves renting a room in a house or apartment | 1. It helps to maintain privacy. 2. It helps in reducing expenses. 3. Cost-effective housing option. 4. Helps in making new friends | 1. It may sometimes lead to conflicts with housemates. 2. Unevenly shared responsibilities |
| Home stays | It involves staying with a local family in abroad | Enriching cultural experience. 2. Cost-saving alternative. 3. Meals are often included. 4. Scope of networking. 5. Safety issues are resolved | 1. Less scope for independence. 2. Limited homestay options in limited localities |
| Co-living Spaces | It provides private bedrooms with shared living areas | Cost-effective & shared responsibilities. 2. Builds social circle. 3. Shared facilities with extra amenities | Less privacy. 2. Different lifestyles can lead to conflicts. 3. Less personal space. 4. Uneven distribution of chores |
How to find affordable housing Overseas?
- Begin your search early: Start your housing search as soon as you receive an acceptance letter.
- Use Resources from University: Many universities can help international students find accommodation options. They have a list of various dormitories, co-living spaces, and homestays.
- Explore Housing Options Online: Many websites like Amber, Uhomes, Uniplaces and many more specialize in student housing facilities. These websites filter housing options according to your preferences. They filter housing options based on budget, location and housing type.
- Join Community Groups: There are many social media groups & forums designed for international students. These forums regularly share certain tips to find affordable housing.
- A must-visit before commitment: Visiting the property before signing the lease is important to check whether the house meets your needs and expectations. Clarity is important for safe & secure accommodation. Make sure to look for accommodation that comes with contract.
Therefore, it is essential to find a safe & secure place to live overseas. It will help you to have a great study abroad experience. Affordable housing helps students manage their finances, focus on their education, build social networks and feel homely in the new country.
Apart from budget, students should also consider other factors like location, utilities, transportation, and food before choosing accommodation. You can make your study abroad experience smooth, exciting, and comfortable by taking enough time to explore affordable housing options.
Are you ready to pack your bags to study abroad? But do you need help finding affordable housing? Hello, Uni is here for you!Start your search early, use university resources, and plan your budget accordingly. With Hello Uni, you can find a great place to live without budget constraints. Feel free to reach out to us and make your study abroad journey smoother.
FAQs
What additional costs should I consider when budgeting housing?
When budgeting housing, you must always consider extra costs like transport, internet and maintenance fees. This helps you to manage your money effectively.
Are there any scholarships or financial assistance for accommodation?
Yes, many universities provide scholarships to cover the housing costs. One can always ask the universities to help with scholarship assistance to cover accommodation costs.
What parameters must be checked in a lease agreement?
You must check for the rent amount, the date on which rent needs to be paid, start and end date of lease agreement, deposit date of termination of the lease agreement and inclusion of utilities while signing a lease agreement
