After deciding which college in the United States you want to attend, you will need to make a major living decision.

It might be difficult to find fantastic student housing in a new city or even a foreign nation. Make sure the pricing is within your means while also selecting the ideal location. It’s up to you whether you want to live with other international students to experience the local culture or with American students to advance your language abilities. There are a lot of students in your situation because there are over 900,000 international students in the United States, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible.

• Select the student housing choice that is best for you.

Private apartments and shared dorm rooms in university-run residence halls are both options for student living. The type of room that will work best for you typically relies on the rooms that are available and, of course, your budget. There are several possibilities available, whether you want to live in a college dorm with other students, rent a private apartment with roommates, or find a home on your own. Many international students prefer the social environment of shared accommodation to aid in making friends in their new city.

• Discover the BEST place for you by conducting local research.

Your preference as to whether you would rather live on campus in the centre of the action or a short walk or bus trip away from college is entirely up to you. Living off-campus has several advantages, including having a new neighbourhood just outside your door to explore and being close to the centre of campus. You won’t have to worry about the cost of commuting and will have convenient access to all the college study advantages if you choose university housing. Many students choose on-campus university living for their first year and then, after they know which places appeal to them, move into a private apartment or house with friends for the balance of their degree.

• Choose a cost that works for you.

At a university, housing costs for students are the biggest expense. Making the proper choice is crucial, whether you decide to spend a little more on a private, ensuite room or move farther from the city centre to save money on rent. The cheapest accommodations are typically dormitory-style quarters at universities, but what you save on rent you could lose in privacy. As your meals will be provided, choosing catered housing is frequently a wise decision to save money as you’ll (hopefully) eat out less.

• US Student housing guidelines

1. You will be required to pay a deposit for your new home, often equal to one month’s or six weeks’ worth of rent. If the property is still in the same condition as when you signed your lease, the money will be refunded to you. 

2. When comparing prices, keep in mind that utilities (such as electricity, internet, water, and cable) are typically extra in private housing. This is typically included in your monthly rent when living in university residences.

3. In some apartment buildings, there may be extra charges for things like parking, laundry facilities, or concierge services.

4. You must look for furnished housing, just like international students, or order the furniture and appliances you’ll need once you get there (unless of course, you want to ship these from home). Verify that your home has utilities like a refrigerator and a washing machine. Some accommodation alternatives even include bedding for international students.

5. Some apartment buildings and university residence halls offer access to amenities like a pool or gym, saving students the cost of separate memberships.

6. Know what security features your lodging offers, such as secure door access, security guards, or CCTV in common areas. You’ll feel more secure as a result, as will your home family.

Typically, you can apply for a room on campus through the website of your university. There, you can specify choices such as catered or self-catered housing, single-sex or mixed dorms, ensuite or shared bathrooms, private or communal beds, and ensuite or shared bathrooms. The institution will make an effort to place you with the best neighbourhood, roommates, or neighbours.