What to Expect From Your Study Abroad Housing

Studying abroad is a common goal for college students, it’s the chance to experience life abroad without major commitments. While you may prioritize getting any applications together and figuring out which program works for you, you may not be paying much attention to the smaller details, like the housing you will end up with while studying abroad. Not sure where to start with study abroad housing? Keep reading for what to expect from your study abroad housing.

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Consider your university-offered options

If you are studying abroad through a university, take advantage of the resources they have available to exchange students. The housing options can vary from university to university, but be sure to explore their options before you set out on your own for study abroad housing.

Some universities will offer their own dormitories or on-campus housing to students studying abroad. For some students, this is a preferred option as they get to experience campus more and interact with students, while others prefer to live on their own to have full control of their study abroad experience.

Other universities may not have on-campus housing for students studying abroad but have programs in place to help students find housing during their study abroad experience. Be aware that on-campus housing may be more expensive, but can be worth the convenience and reduced stress of navigating a housing search in a foreign country.

Know that your housing can help shape your experience

Whatever housing you end up with during your study abroad experience, know that it can have a great impact on your overall experience. Think of some things you want to prioritize during your study abroad. Do you want to spend more time on campus? Prioritize housing options that are close to campus. Do you want to explore the surrounding area on your own time? Consider housing options that allow you to travel about freely, such as within walking distance of reliable public transportation to get you where you want to go.

Your housing isn’t going to control your life, but it’s important to remember that it can help you shape your study abroad experience the way you want it to. For example, if you want to learn more about the culture, living with locals can be a better choice for you than living with someone who is also studying abroad. A homestay can allow you to develop your language skills and learn more outside the classroom, but remember you will be living in someone else’s home and will be living under their rules.

If you want to cut costs, consider the proximity of your housing location to places you are going to frequent, such as bus stops, campus locations, and so on. Finding housing near where you want to be can help cut back costs and time during your study abroad experience.

Ask those who have taken the same program

You are not the first college student to study abroad, and will not be the last. Tap into your network to see who has studied abroad in the same location that you are going to be in. They can share their experiences living abroad and give you insight into how their housing decision affected their study abroad experience. how they navigated their housing search, and what they would do differently if they were to study abroad.

Knowing someone who has gone through the experience you are about to go through can help give you some peace of mind as you can get some answers from someone you trust, rather than reading a random review online.

Be on the lookout for housing scams

If you have had to look at housing during college, you likely have seen a scam or two during your housing search. The same practice can be applied to your study abroad housing, so be careful not to fall victim to housing scams. Unfortunately, things can make it easier to be scammed – you are unfamiliar with the area, you may not be able to tour a place before signing a lease, or you may be on a time crunch.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it is likely a scam. Make sure to spend some time researching the area you will be living in – what does the typical housing situation look like, what is the market rent, and so on. If you find a good “deal” make sure that it’s a reasonable one.

If you don’t have the chance to tour a location in person, ask for a virtual tour instead of settling for the stock pictures the house listing may have.

These are just some things you should consider when it comes to your study abroad housing. With some research and preparation, it can be one less thing to worry about during your experience abroad – good luck!