When you go to the country of your choice to attend the institution of your choice, you are not immediately permitted to move into your dorm. If you are coming long in advance, you need to make arrangements for the short stay. After arriving and personally seeing the room or house, the majority of students studying in USA make their accommodation arrangements.
The cost of renting a hotel or motel room might rise significantly. Even then, finding temporary lodging could be challenging. However, more affordable choices are available. The additional options from which you can choose are shown below.
Temporary Accommodations
You'll need a place to stay temporarily while you search for permanent housing when you first go to the new nation. Many institutions will offer temporary residence for overseas students who arrive before the semester starts. Contact the housing office or the adviser for international students for information about temporary accommodation.
In order to facilitate visits by international students, the majority of foreign cities have councils for international visitors or other similar organisations. They can arrange for you to spend a few days with a local family. Such plans need to be prepared far in advance. When you get to the airport, look for their contact information in the phone book or enquire at the Traveler's Aid counter. You may find a Traveler's Aid desk at every significant bus terminal, train station, and airport.
You may find youth hostels in many cities. While you search for a permanent residence, hostels are an excellent location to stay for a few days. They offer lodging in the form of dorm rooms with bunk beds. The price each night might range from $5 to $25. If you belong to the International Youth Hostel Federation, a one-year membership is $25, and you will be able to stay at the youth hostel at a reasonable price.
You may always use a hotel or motel as the last option. This is the most expensive choice, and you will need to use a credit card to make a reservation for a hotel. In addition to hefty parking fees, hotel rooms sometimes charge extra for long-distance calls.
The prices of studying abroad may be prohibitive, and even if the cost of tuition is already expensive, paying a hefty housing cost can hurt your finances. Numerous US locations excel in terms of university rankings, employers, and employment chances, but when it comes to affordability, all students must deal with relatively expensive living expenses. After saying that, there are
In order to better assist you, this blog will assist you in weighing the advantages and disadvantages of US student housing, comparing expenses, comprehending the variables to be taken into account when renting off-campus student housing, and selecting the option that is ideal for you.
Permanent Accommodations
In the US, the majority of college students reside on or near the campus. Off-campus residents typically find housing a few miles away. This makes travelling to and from school convenient. The educational experience in the US extends beyond the classroom, and you will gain knowledge from both the instructors and your fellow students.
You should think about living on campus for at least the first year if the institution provides housing on campus for overseas students. On-campus lodging will ease your transition to living in the US, as this is probably your first visit. Then you may think about leaving campus after becoming more accustomed to the area.
Renting a home is your only real option if you plan to share it with other individuals as roommates. Based on the local supply and demand conditions and the geography of the country, apartment rent varies greatly. A one-bedroom studio apartment in Alabama may cost $400 a month, which is far less expensive than comparable flats in Chicago or New York. The university's housing or financial aid offices can estimate the cost of renting an off-campus residence. However if you are getting an education loan for USA then cost of your hostel can be taken care of in that loan.
Finding an Apartment
Before you start looking for an apartment, you should do the following:
- Find out which areas are safe by speaking with the housing office and existing students.
- Choose whether or not you wish to share an apartment with other people in order to save money.
- To get a feel for the place, spend a few hours in the neighbourhood. Take note of the bus stations and other public transit facilities. Since you'll be going to school and eating most of the time, consider where the eateries and grocery stores are.
- Find out if your friends and fellow students know of any decent apartments. They could be relocating themselves, or they may know someone who is. Due to their rapid rental rates, such flats are rarely marketed.
- People may post apartment ads on a bulletin board on the campus. Both landlords and students wishing to sublease their lease will have postings. You can check out amber student for that.
- The local newspapers also have listings for apartments. Purchase a Sunday newspaper as it contains more apartment listings than the midweek edition.
- A real estate agent should be contacted as a last option. You might be better off browsing the classifieds yourself, though.
Types of Accommodation in the USA for Indian Students
There are two forms of student housing in the United States: on-campus housing and off-campus living. Let's talk about the many possibilities for student accommodation in the United States:
On-campus Student Housing
For international students studying in the United States, on-campus living is the most well-liked and reasonably priced option. Some colleges even mandate that all freshmen live on campus. Let's examine how on-campus student housing operates:
- The term "student dormitories" refers to the different residential halls, flats, and private suites found in US colleges.
- You will be assigned a room in one of these dorms based on your selection.
- The annual cost of housing at US universities ranges from $9,500 to $11,000.
- First-year, second-year, and senior-year students each have a designated dorm.
- Students who live in dorms often have access to a common area, TV, kitchen, laundry facilities, meal plans, basic furnishings, bathrooms, etc.
- Depending on your package, they will provide meals in the dining halls on time.
Off-campus Student Housing
You can select an apartment or a homestay while looking for off-campus student accommodation. To assist you in selecting the best alternative, we'll review each option. If you are applying for masters such as MiM and MBA in USA then off campus housing can be ideal.
Student Apartment in the USA
- The majority of students who want to live independently in the US choose this option.
- Most students in their senior year and graduate students choose to live in student residences.
- If you are searching for a house in a central area, it is typically a more expensive alternative.
- Apartments cost between $800 and $1,500 per month, sometimes much more.
- There are several things to consider when renting an apartment, including the distance from your university, the neighbourhood's safety, the accessibility of daily essentials, public transportation, restaurants, etc.
- You will have access to a private room, a communal or private kitchen, bathroom, living space, and other facilities in the home if you rent an apartment.
Homestays
- Homestays are fairly common in the USA and are likely the best choice for newcomers travelling alone for the first time.
- You will receive a private room, meals, and housing with an American family.
- Compared to student flats, it will only cost you between $600 and $ 1,000 per month.
- Your location will be within 20 to 40 minutes of your university.
- It will help you learn a lot about American culture and way of life while also giving you the comfort of living with a family.
- Because the American Homestay Network monitors the security and calibre of homestay, it is a rather safe alternative.
- Homestay is unquestionably a practical alternative for international students in Chicago, Washington, and Portland.
How to Locate Student Accommodation in USA?
Many overseas students choose to live on campus during their first year of study before moving into a private student apartment in the United States for their second and third years. They can use this time to choose which area best fits them. One of the following methods will help you find student housing in the United States:
- Your university's website is the best location to start looking for student housing in the USA. The international student office at your institution can help you identify suitable off-campus housing choices by providing connections to rental ads and contacts for agents and helping you find on-campus lodging.
- In addition, several websites, like Uniplaces, Nestpick, UniAcco, AmberStudent, Spotahome, and Homelike, will provide you with all the information you need to find suitable student housing in the USA.
- You may also ask your seniors for helpful tips on an apartment rental.
Points to Consider Before Renting Student Housing USA
Safety comes first for international students looking for student housing in the USA. Don't forget to look into many aspects of everyday necessities and emergencies in the neighbourhood where you rent an apartment. For courses that are one year long IE MiM in USA you can consider these points. The following considerations must be taken into account while looking at housing options in the USA for Indian students:
- Distance from the university: Look for lodging close to the school so you may enjoy college life and use campus resources while exploring a new neighbourhood and meeting new people.
- Daily requirements: If you choose to live off-campus, you may sometimes need to run to the grocery store to get your daily necessities. Therefore, be sure to verify whether or not your community has access to nearby everyday essentials.
- Cafés, restaurants, and hangout areas: Renting a room near cafes, restaurants, hangout areas, and shopping centres can let you fully take advantage of the social life.
- Make sure the space is secure and accommodating for students. Look for accommodations with CCTV, security guards, and locked entry doors, among other amenities. You may research this online or speak to other students attending that school.
- Public transportation accessibility: Using public transportation to go to and from your place of residence will save your travel expenses and save you a lot of time.
- From the hospital, how far? The epidemic has taught us that it is preferable to have a hospital nearby if there is ever an emergency. Even though there are medical services on campus, it is wise to be ready, particularly if you plan to live alone.
Estimated Cost of Accommodation in the USA
The biggest expenditure you will face while moving to the USA is the cost of housing. Therefore, it is important to establish a budget in advance and search for accommodations in accordance with it. When evaluating your housing budget, keep the following in mind: necessary housing deposit, additional charges for parking, laundry, heating, and other services not included in your rent.
| University Name | Average Annual Rent |
| Stanford University | $18,600 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $11,980 |
| New York University | $15,000-24,000 |
| Harvard University | $19,500 |
| Yale University | $18,000 |
| University of California | $17,800 |
| Princeton University | $10,960 |
| Columbia University | $10,000-16,150 |
| Brown University | $14,800 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $11,800 |
Student housing expenses vary greatly across various American cities. Depending on the amenities you want, the location, the accessibility of cooking and restroom facilities, etc., cities that house some of the finest universities in the USA might differ substantially. Check out the average rent prices in some of the most accommodating cities for students in the USA and compare for yourself:
| Cities | Average Monthly Rent of Accommodation |
| New York | $1,700-3,000 |
| Boston | $1,500-3,000 |
| Chicago | $1,000-1,500 |
| San Francisco | $2,200-4,000 |
| Washington DC | $1,500-2,500 |
| Los Angeles | $1,500-2,500 |
| Pittsburg | $750-1,050 |
| Philadelphia | $1,200-1,500 |
| Baltimore | $1,500-1,800 |
| Atlanta | $1,200-2,200 |
| San Diego | $1,400-2,400 |
A comparison of on-campus and off-campus housing for students:
Selecting the appropriate lodging is crucial. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of on-campus and off-campus students living in the USA is essential. You will find it simple to study in the United States and save money if you think about the best student housing for you.
Pros of On-campus Accommodation
- Staying on campus ensures safety because security is always on duty, and CCTV surveillance is commonplace.
- You will save a tonne of time and money by not having to commute between the university and your lodging.
- You will be near university amenities and have access to them whenever you want if you live on campus.
- Events held on campus will be considerably more convenient to attend.
- As a member of the residential community, you will have the opportunity to network with elders and learn a lot about various cultures.
- The cost of food, energy, and other necessities will all be included in the rent for on-campus housing.
- You won't need to fill out lengthy applications or sign leases if you wish to live in student housing on campus.
Cons of On-campus Accommodation
- It would be best if you abode by all university policies and guidelines.
- The university will assign you a roommate, so you won't always have a choice in who you live with.
- You will be required under your contract to remain on campus for at least a year.
Pros of Off-campus Accommodation
- You'll be given the power to live your life as you like.
- You'll also get a lot of budgeting knowledge by living off-campus.
- If you share a room with students from several universities, you will fully round out your study abroad experience.
Cons of Off-campus Accommodation
- All utility management and budgeting will be up to you.
- Electricity, food costs, and other costs are not included in the rent for off-campus housing.
- On-campus amenities are not always available.
- Going from your residence to school might take a lot of time and money.
This was all about housing for Indian students in the United States. We hope this blog will provide a clearer understanding of student housing in the USA. Speak with a Yocket counsellor immediately to help identify students' best off-campus housing choices. Consider the above factors before finalising your housing arrangements, and you'll have a wonderful time as a student.
Frequently Asked Questions about Accommodation for International Students in USA
1- How much does housing for students in the US cost?
In the United States, lodging is more expensive. If you live off-campus, you can choose from apartments that cost up to $3,000 per month to shared rooms with rent starting at $450 to 600 per month.
2- Is it possible for overseas students to reside in off-campus dorms?
International students can live away from school, yes. However, some institutions may not provide on-campus amenities, and not all universities allow overseas students to reside off campus. Universities help international students choose a suitable off-campus location.
3- How many international students rent student housing in the United States?
A rental application, a passport or other picture ID, a letter from your institution accepting your application for a student visa, financial records, etc. are all required to rent a student apartment in the United States.
4- Where may overseas students look for student housing in the United States?
Uniplaces, Nestpick, UniAcco, AmberStudent, Spotahome, Homelike, etc., are some of the top websites for international students to look for off-campus housing.
5- What is the greatest choice for housing international students in the United States?
For overseas students, on-campus accommodation is typically the best choice. In reality, US institutions prioritise accepting overseas students while allocating rooms that would otherwise be accessible on a first-come, first-served basis.
