It’s the summer before your study abroad experience begins, and there’s only one thing on your mind. No, it’s not how you’re going to pack your entire life into a suitcase (as terrifying as that is!) or student visas (which you should have organised already). It’s time to think about international student housing.
Finding somewhere to live is stressful, even when you’re a home student, but as an international student, you have a lot more to consider. With student housing shortages rising across Europe, it’s important to start thinking about where you’ll live early.
In this guide, we’ll run through the main types of international student housing and how to find a place to live. We’ll also give you tips straight from student reviewers on EDUopinions, who can offer real-life insights into what it’s like to search for international student housing.
Finding Housing as An International Student
We don’t want to sugarcoat it: finding international student housing can be a really stressful experience. While universities and international student support teams will try to make the process easier, in some countries, you’ll find that home students are still given priority.
Plus, the process of finding accommodation and the type of housing available can vary greatly depending on where you’re studying.
For example, in the UK, first-year bachelor’s students are almost always housed in private or university-owned student halls of residence. After the first year, students generally look for accommodation on the rental market, either with other students or as solo renters.
Given the rise in the number of international students in many European countries, competition for student accommodation is getting intense. You should start your search early and make sure you know what kinds of accommodation are available at your university of choice.
What types of International student housing are there?
Universities usually offer many different kinds of housing for students, though some accommodation may be restricted to bachelor’s or Master’s students.
The first decision you’ll have to make is whether you want to live on-campus in university-provided accommodation or off-campus. There are advantages and disadvantages to both—on-campus accommodation is usually more social, but off-campus gives you a good introduction to your chosen destination.
We’ve tried to cover the wide variety of student housing options that are available to international students, but be aware that your study location will greatly influence the available housing (or not available, as is probably the case).
For each form of accommodation, we’ve endeavoured to find a real review from a student so you can see exactly what it’s like to live in that type of international student housing.
Student Residence Hall
This accommodation type is usually owned by the university, meaning your rent is paid directly to your institution. Your residence might be located on campus, close to other university buildings, or elsewhere in your local town or city.
You can usually choose from different room sizes in student residence halls, ranging from single rooms with en-suites to shared bathrooms and studio rooms. Generally, you’ll share a kitchen with other students in your apartment/floor, though some residence halls may offer studio apartments with kitchen facilities. Some residence halls have a common dining hall, with the option to include some meals with your rent payment.
Student residence halls are favoured by first-year university students, as they’re a great way to meet other people at your university. They may not be as cheap as finding accommodation elsewhere in your town or city, but the convenience and proximity to your university mean they’re a great way to settle into student life.
Hear from a Student
The Universitat De Valencia’s housing offers comfortable and practical living arrangements for students, offering a diverse range of options to accommodate various preferences and financial means. The residential communities are effectively administered and actively contribute to a cohesive student community. Residing on campus enhances the overall university experience.
Private Student Residence Hall
Some universities don’t own their halls of residence. Instead, these are managed and run by a private company. Some of the biggest student residence companies include Unite and Collegiate AC. You’ll find this option is very popular in the UK, especially for international students.
Private student residence halls will generally look very similar to university-owned accommodations. You’ll have a choice between rooms with en-suites and rooms with shared bathrooms and generally share kitchen and living room facilities with other students.
These residence halls can be more expensive than university-run accommodation, but you might benefit from additional facilities. For example, some halls will include cleaning services, study rooms, a gym, gardens, and even breakfast options.
Hear from a Student
This university’s perk is that they provide assistance to foreign students even before they arrive in Germany. For instance, they have partnerships with the student houses here in Hamburg (similar support is also offered by a few other universities in Germany). Thus, international students can make use of this service to secure housing prior to their arrival in Hamburg. As soon as you arrive in Hamburg, tutors are assigned to assist you with the formalities.
Privately Rented Flat/Room
For most international students in Europe, renting privately is the main option for accommodation during their studies. In France, 75% of students look for accommodation in the private sector, renting either a room, studio, or house from a private landlord.
Private rooms in a larger shared house can vary in quality and size. It’s also not uncommon to find mixed-gender shared houses, so if you prefer a women’s or men’s-only house, make sure to check the details in the listings.
However, in many cases, it’s easier to look for a privately rented student house in a group, especially if you’re new to the country and don’t speak the local language. If you want to share a house with other incoming international students, try to get in touch with students through student groups on Facebook.
Hear from a Student
I’ve loved my time at St Andrews. The town is absolutely beautiful and the tuition is amazing. I personally really liked that you can study different subjects in your first and second year, though I know some people can find this tedious if they know exactly what they want to do. The Professors that I’ve been lucky enough to have had have always been so supportive and dedicated to helping me progress. Accommodation and living-wise, it’s quite expensive for both uni owned halls and for renting in the town so a lot of people live further away from the town centre because it’s cheaper. However, it’s rarely ever more than a 30/40 minute walk. In terms of the social side, the town is small so people who want a massive club scene may not find what they’re looking for; it’s more a pub/house party kind of vibe or ‘ironic’ clubbing in our one and only club (basically a glorified room with a bar), so I would definitely suggest visiting beforehand to check that it’s your cup of tea. If it is, you’re sure to find likeminded people. All in all, it’s been perfect for me and I couldn’t imagine anywhere else I would have wanted to go to university.
A Homestay
In places where student housing is more challenging to find, it can be more beneficial for international students to participate in a homestay. This option means staying in someone’s home for the duration of your course (or just for a year if you’re on a multiple-year bachelor’s degree).
The benefit to a homestay is that you’re usually more affordable than private rental options, and you may even get some meals included during your stay.
However, accommodation won’t be as consistent, as every home will be different. In some homestays, for example, you might share a bathroom with other people in the household, while in others, you might have your own en-suite bathroom.
A homestay can be really beneficial for students who want to practice their language skills during their study abroad programme. Living with native speakers of the language and sharing mealtimes with them will give you plenty of opportunities to become more fluent and offer insights into the local culture.
However, a homestay can be difficult to adjust if you’re expecting to move abroad and live independently. Although you’ll have a key and be able to come and go as you please, dropping in at 2am every night after a social probably isn’t ideal.
Step-by-step Guide to Finding International Student Housing
By now, you should know what to expect when searching for student accommodation. But where do you actually start? Here’s a step-by-step guide to organising your student accommodation.
1. See What University Support is Available.
Your university should always be your first point of contact when considering student housing.
Every university will offer at least some assistance to international students with finding and applying for housing. However, this is usually limited to first-year bachelor’s students and new postgraduate students. So, if you’re heading into your second or third year of a degree, this guide probably won’t apply to you.
The assistance you get will vary depending on the university. The international student department might help you apply for a room on campus or put you in touch with companies who can help you navigate the private rental market if on-campus accommodation isn’t available.
2. Apply for University-Supplied Accommodation.
If your first choice of accommodation is a room in a university hall of residence, you should ask your university for the application details as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute, as there’s always a chance that they won’t have a room for you, and you may need to look privately.
On your student accommodation application, you can choose between different halls or order them according to preference. Sometimes, there may be waiting lists for accommodation, so always have a backup plan!
3. Browse private rentals online.
If you’re struggling to find university-rented accommodation, many websites help you find a room during your studies. These include:
- Erasmate.com
- Erasmusu.com
- Uniplaces.com
If you want to look for privately rented accommodation in your town or city, refer to local rental portals.
- UK: Zoopla, Rightmove, Spareroom
- France: PAP, FUSAC
- Netherlands: Funda, Kamernet, Pararius
- Germany: Immobilienscout24, Immowelt, WG-gesucht
Most private landlords or rental agencies will ask for proof that you can afford the rent for the duration of the contract. So, you might be asked to provide proof of savings, regular income, or pay a portion of the rent up-front before you move in (for example, 50% of the year.)
Navigating the private rental market in a different country can be confusing, especially if you don’t speak the language. Local rental portals will be in the local language, and you may have to communicate with letting agents in that language, too. If it’s unmanageable, ask your university if they can assign a translator or mentor to help with the process.
4. Read and sign the accommodation contract.
Once you’ve decided on an accommodation option (whether through the university or a private provider), read your contract thoroughly. Make a note of how long the contract is for, what it includes, and any charges you’re expected to pay on top of your rent.
The contract will provide you with the date the accommodation is available. In some cases, if you have to be on campus earlier for events or to fulfil visa restrictions, you might need to organise a hostel or hotel room for a period of time before your official move-in date.
Top 5 Tips from Students for Finding International Student Housing
Thousands of students have reviewed their university experience on EDUopinions—and that experience includes their student accommodation. We’ve scoured reviews for top tips from students about looking for and choosing the right international student housing so you know what to expect.
1. Start Looking Early
The University provides excellent lodging options that are specifically tailored to meet the requirements of students, guaranteeing a pleasant living experience while also upholding an atmosphere that is favorable for academic activities. Even though the housing facilities are equipped with necessary conveniences, a conscious decision has been made to maintain a fine line that prevents students from becoming overly relaxed, acknowledging that their main purpose on campus is their academic pursuits. This delicate balance plays a pivotal role in cultivating a perfect environment for educational growth and scholarly investigations. The institution places a high emphasis on establishing a climate that not only promotes focused studying but also values the comfort and welfare of the students.
Our Advice
In many cases, university accommodation will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. When this isn’t the case, it’s always better to organise your accommodation early, so you have some time before your course begins to focus on preparing for the move!
It can be competitive if you’re looking for a room in the private rental sector, especially in large cities. It helps to start looking early, at least six months before your course starts so that you don’t have to worry about not having anywhere to live when your course begins.
2. Consider The Location of your Accommodation
Lancaster University is very unique. Since it is not in a city, it is filled with students, has many accommodations on campus, and is very safe. The campus has a variety of shops that make it feel more like a little town. Everyone is very friendly, and the professors I encountered are very professional and have relevant experience in their teaching courses. The facilities are excellent, and many of the lecture halls are newly renovated and comfy for the students. As a marketing student, I have access to a number of software and different equipment, such as PCs and books, that are needed to complete the assignments. However, there are still a few things to consider. As the campus is not situated in the city, it takes about 20-40 min by bus to get to the city, depending on the time. However, Lancaster is a lovely town that has a market twice a week and is very green. It feels very down to earth, but there is generally little to do. Overall, the university is very lovely, and the professors are good in their teaching subjects. They all have different teaching techniques and attitudes, but they know what they are talking about overall. The university is good nature-wise, has ducks, squirrels, and rabbits roaming around, and there is a lot of other adorable wildlife. There are also lovely places like the botanical garden and the lake where you can sightsee or hang out.
Our advice
Although you might be tempted to opt for a more affordable room or apartment to save money, check how far away this is from your university. In large capital cities, you might find that to live in the more affordable areas, you’re stuck with a long commute to university each morning. Nobody wants to travel one hour for a 9am lecture!
Your housing location can drastically change your university experience, so think about what you want to prioritise. Do you want to be immersed in city life? Or do you favour a more relaxed experience on campus, surrounded by all the amenities you need?
3. Always Ask What’s Included
The University offers great student support and counselling, and the Union is fairly modern. The best part of my course are the lectures. My favourite thing to do in the City is sightsee, as I love Cardiff. The ASSL library and the John Percival building need updating. My student accommodation is quite old/basic but has a great atmosphere.
Our advice
Whether you’re getting a room in a university hall of residence or a private room, always clarify what’s included in your rent. If you’re worried, ask the estate agent or university accommodation provider to clarify in writing what you’re paying for and what services come with extra costs.
For example, you’ll want to make sure you know whether your private accommodation is furnished, semi-furnished, or unfurnished (meaning you’ll have to provide your own bed, desk, sofa, etc.) Make sure you know what amenities are included in your rent, too (things like WiFi, gas, electricity, and water.)
If you’re renting a room specifically designed as student accommodation, either through the university or a private provider, they’re usually equipped with the basics. So, you’ll typically have a bed and mattress, a desk, wardrobe or other storage space, and shelving as standard.
4. Remember most accommodation is only for a year.
The teaching quality is excellent, and it is clear that the lecturers geniunely care about teaching alongside research. The collegiate system has enabled me to make close friends in a smaller settings, while through clubs and societies I have met people from the wider university. A word of warning that I wasn’t aware of before coming here is that there is a housing crisis, and finding student accommodation for the second and third year is a challenge.
Our advice
Of course, this might depend on your rental contract, but most student housing will only be available for one full year. So, if you’re in a residence hall, you might be expected to leave and find a room or house through the private rental market.
If you’re already privately renting a room or a house with others, clarify with your estate agent or landlord what happens at the end of your contract. If your landlord is happy for you to stay, you may be able to get a new contract drawn up.
Additionally, always check if your accommodation is for a full year (12 months) or only for an academic year (usually 9-11 months).
5. Make the most of your time in Student accommodation.
In my experience, The University of Edinburgh was the most solid and secure stepping stone I was fortunate enough to cross on my way to the real world. The thing that made the university really stand out for me is the diversity that can be found within it. From subjects, to buildings, to staff and to students, you will meet people and experience things from all walks of life. I studied English Literature and Italian, and found myself surrounded by some of the most intelligent, passionate and genuinely caring tutors I have ever met. My course was everything I expected it to be and more. Lessons are engaging and interactive, and I felt that everything was taught and learned with a view to helping everyone improve – students and tutors alike. The genuine love that my tutors had for their subject is what I enjoyed the most. Getting taught by someone who takes a genuine interest in what they teach, who they teach and why they teach it only makes students want to engage further, and, in the end, do better. As well as this, the location of the university couldn’t be better. You will study in the centre of the city, never far from cafes, bars, shops and clubs that are never empty of new people to meet. The student union is second to none, and provides a vast array of facilities from study spaces to bars, cafes and of course nightlife events. As well as this, should you want to meet like minded people, the union sets up events for specific interests such as open mic nights and slam poetry events. Many people will also live in student accommodation for their first year and later. I lived in halls during my first year, and the people I lived with went on to become my flatmates for the rest of my university career. Halls is a fantastic opportunity to meet people from all over the world and cultivate friendships you never thought you’d make. It’s a very special experience. There is also never a shortage of different events, programs and unions to get involved in. Whatever you are interested in, and in whatever field, there is an association for absolutely everyone. I would strongly recommend joining such programs, as it opens up a whole new world of people and experiences, all the while in keeping with your specific interests. I’ve recommended the university to all of my younger peers and would continue to do so as it really is a fantastic place to study – in the heart of the cultural capital of Scotland with all the buzz of city life, but at the same time, a rural sense of community with course mates and friends. The one thing I would say is always keep an umbrella, even in summer. You are in Scotland, after all!
Our advice
If you’ve decided to live in shared accommodation or in a large residence hall while studying abroad, make the most of it! While daunting, this is a great opportunity to meet other students outside of your chosen course.
Form connections with as many people as possible in your residence halls—this will make it easier if you need to find a group to share a house further down the line!
Conclusion
Finding student housing can be one of the most stressful parts of applying and heading off to university. However, as long as you start your search early, make sure you know what you’re paying for, and ask for help from your university if you need it, the process will go much more smoothly.
Are you still debating where to study in Europe? If you’re prioritising affordability while making your decision, read our blog on the most affordable cities to study in Europe.
Related Posts :
Recent Posts
It's the summer before your study abroad experience begins, and there's only one thing on your mind. No, it's not how you're going to pack your ...
Over 40,000 international students enrol in South African universities every year, drawn by the unique culture of this African country and the ...
Studying in a major city can offer international students an incredible experience, from days spent exploring hidden cultural gems like museums and ...