As exciting as it is to move away from your home and begin a transformative educational journey abroad, the truth is that it needs a lot of prep, planning and asking around. Upon arrival, you will find that one of the main concerns of international students in countries like the UK or Australia is finding the right accommodation. And although you have a wide variety of accommodations available, it’s good to know all your options before you make a decision. The first step to finding your new home is to estimate some factors like budget, distance from the university and accessibility to the city center.
Once you have all the information you need, you can choose from homestays, on-campus accommodation, studios, and private rental apartments. Some universities make it mandatory for first-year students to live on campus, but each university is different. So check for the guideline on campus before starting to look elsewhere.
If you’re not a first-year student, then you probably want to live off-campus for some advantages like increased privacy, more space, and amenities (like pools, study rooms, and lounge areas). Many off-campus housing options even come fully furnished and include utilities in your monthly rent. Here are the most popular accommodation options that you can choose from:
For your first month, living in a homestay can be a great option for you. They are widely available and are usually quite easy to find online. But your best bet would be to book your homestay through a provider suggested by your educational institution. Homestays are usually run by a local family and they rent out one of their rooms. They are great for a cross-cultural living experience. Homestays are generally available for both short- and long- terms.
You get a furnished room at the host’s house, properly arranged meals, and all utilities. Homestays are also comparatively cheaper than other types of accommodations.
Usually affiliated with or owned by institutions, these are either located on campus or close to it. International students can rent out a single bedroom and share facilities such as kitchen, bathrooms, etc. Some institutions offer apartment-style rooms with private kitchens and bathrooms as well. Utilities like gas, water, and electricity are included in the fee. You will also get free internet in your room.
These rooms and apartments can also be shared among students. Most of the facilities are self-catering, which means that you may be responsible for your cooking and cleaning. Almost every major college and university in countries like Australia and the UK offers on-campus accommodation to international students.
One of the biggest perks of living on campus is being able to meet new people and socialize. You can have the time of your life with weekly parties, formal balls, karaoke nights, club events and so much more happening every other day!
Another student accommodation option is living in a studio apartment. This form of accommodation both ensures your safety and provides a lot of freedom and independence in terms of living on your own. They can also be single or shared. Studios are well-equipped with amenities like WiFi, on-site management and maintenance, and laundry facilities. They are also furnished with beds, a kitchenette, and ample space to store all your stuff.
With studios, you can choose to live at your favorite spot in the city as there are plenty to go around.
This is the best accommodation option for international students who want to fully integrate into a new country. When you lease out a private rental, you essentially tap into a lot more freedom, flexibility, and space. You can choose to live alone or with friends, according to your preference.
Private rentals are more on the pricey end as compared to other accommodations. Usually, these rentals do not come with furniture, so you will have to arrange all of that on your own. Rental agreements need a payment of rent in advance and the security payment known as a bond. The bond is a payment of one month’s rent paid up-front. You also have to pay bills for gas, water, and electricity separately.
Private rentals offer a lot more independence than other accommodations. They help you become self-sufficient and responsible by teaching you household chores like cleaning, paying your bills, and even dealing with property managers or landlords.
Finding accommodation in a new country can seem frustrating but if you do your homework, it can be a simple and smooth process. Start by charting out your budget and then you can choose from on-campus and off-campus options. Next, speak to institution housing advisers and visit available accommodations. If you are choosing an off-campus location, make sure it is near your university or institution. Finally, if you have any financial restrictions, try to get in touch with your university as they might even provide financial aid for housing. This way, you will be able to find your new home in no time!
Date Published: Jul-21-2022
