A Student Accommodation Guide to Find the Best Place to Live in a New Country

Young and primed to achieve success, international students in a new country have a lot of factors to consider when choosing where to lay their heads at night. There are many options for student accommodation, each with its own unique set of pros and cons. So, how does one decide?

To help you out, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to finding the best student accommodation in a new country. We’ll cover the different types of accommodation available, what to look for in a good location, and how to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

So without further ado, let’s get started!

The Different Types of Student Accommodation

There are four main types of student accommodation: on-campus housing, off-campus housing, homestays, and shared apartments.

On-Campus Housing

Many universities and colleges offer on-campus housing for their students. This can be a great option if you want to be close to your classes and have quick access to all the campus amenities. On-campus housing is also typically cheaper than other types of accommodation. However, it can be difficult to get into on-campus housing, as there are often more applicants than spaces available.

The downsides of living on campus are that you may have to share a room with another student, and the quality of the accommodation can vary widely. Some on-campus housing is old and in poor condition, while others are brand new and luxurious. So, it’s important to do your research before you apply for on-campus housing.

To stay on campus, you’ll need to apply for housing through your school. The application process is usually competitive, so it’s important to submit your application as early as possible. If you’re not selected for on-campus housing, don’t despair – there are plenty of other great accommodation options available.

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Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing refers to any type of accommodation that is not owned or operated by the university or college. This includes private apartments, dormitories, and even houses. Off-campus housing is usually more expensive than on-campus housing, but it can be easier to find and usually has more amenities.

Some of the reasons why international students may choose to stay off campus are because they want more independence, they need to be in a specific location for their program, or they want to live with friends.

You can find off-campus housing by searching online listings or contacting a local real estate agent. It’s important to start your search early, as the best properties tend to fill up quickly. International Student Office can also help you find off-campus housing.

Homestays

A homestay is when you live with a local family in their home. This is a great option if you want to experience the local culture and learn the language. Homestays are typically cheaper than other types of accommodation, but they do not offer as much privacy as other options.

Some of the things to keep in mind when considering a homestay are whether you want your own room or will be sharing with another student, what kind of meals are included, and how close the homestay is to your school or workplace.

Homestays are a good choice for students looking for a cultural experience and those who want to improve their language skills.

Shared Apartments

A shared apartment is exactly what it sounds like – an apartment that you share with other people. Shared apartments are a popular option for students because they are usually cheaper than renting a private apartment and offer more independence than living in a dormitory. However, shared apartments can be noisy and messy, so make sure you choose your roommates carefully!

If you have a good roommate, it’s easy to bond over shared interests and have a great time living together. In a new country, you can take care of each other. If you are enrolled in the same course, you can study together and help each other with assignments.

But if you don’t get along with your roommate, it can make for a very unpleasant living situation.

A shared apartment can be a great way to save money on rent and have your own space. Just make sure to sign a roommate agreement so that you know who is responsible for what bills and chores.

What to Look for in a Good Location?

When you’re looking for student accommodation, it’s important to consider the location. You want to make sure you’re living in a safe neighbourhood that is close to your school or workplace. Here are some other factors to consider when choosing a location:

• Transportation: How easy is it to get around? Are there public transportation options? If you have a car, is parking available?
• Amenities: Are there grocery stores, restaurants, and other amenities nearby? Does your accommodation offer laundry and mess facilities?
• Safety: Is the neighbourhood safe? Are there police patrols? Are there security cameras? Who lives next to you? You can assess the safety of a neighbourhood by doing an online search or talking to local students.
• Noise level: How much noise does the neighbourhood generally have? Will you be able to study or sleep peacefully?

How to Get the Best Value for Your Money?

Student accommodation can be expensive, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money. Here are a few tips:

• Compare prices: Don’t just choose the first accommodation option you find. Shop around and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Check for discounts: Many universities and colleges offer discounts on student accommodation. Ask if your school has any deals or discounts available.
• Negotiate: If you’re not happy with the price of your chosen accommodation, try negotiating with the landlord or property manager. They may be willing to lower the price if you sign a longer lease.

Should you go for a private apartment or a shared apartment?

Many study-abroad students leave their homeland for the first time. They are excited to explore a new country and culture, but they are also apprehensive about living on their own in a foreign country. One of the biggest decisions you will have to make is whether to live in a private apartment or a shared apartment.

You should choose a private apartment if:

• You want your own space and don’t want to share with roommates.
• You are willing to pay more for the privacy and convenience of having your own place.
• You want to be able to come and go as you please without having to coordinate with roommates.
• You are very shy and/or introverted and you are not comfortable with the idea of sharing an apartment with strangers.
• You prefer to live in a quiet environment where you can study or relax in peace.

If any of the above describes you, then a private apartment may be the best option for your student accommodation.

You should choose a shared apartment if:

• You want to save money on rent by sharing the cost with roommates.
• You are outgoing and sociable and you enjoy living with others.
• You want to meet new people and make friends from all over the world.
• You are comfortable with the idea of sharing an apartment with strangers.

If any of the above describes you, you should go for a shared apartment.

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How to Choose a Good Roommate?

Have you heard of roommate horror stories? My friend in Melbourne shared an apartment with a guy who used to steal her food, blast music at all hours of the night and bring strange people home. Needless to say, she was thrilled when he moved out!

Choosing a good roommate is important, but it can be hard to find someone you click with. Here are a few tips:

1. Define your must-haves: What are your deal-breakers? For example, do you need your own bedroom or can you live in a shared room? Do you want a roommate who is tidy or messy? Make a list of the things that are most important to you in a roommate.
2. Give everyone a fair chance: Don’t write someone off just because they don’t meet all of your criteria. Everyone has their own quirks, so give each person a fair chance.
3. Trust your gut: In the end, you’ll have to go with your gut feeling. If you don’t click with someone or feel comfortable around them, it’s probably not going to work out.

How to own your space in a dormitory or shared apartment?

Dormitories and shared apartments are often small, so it can be hard to find a place for all your stuff. Here are a few tips for making the most of your space:

1. Get creative with storage: Use under-bed storage boxes, over-the-door hooks, and wall shelves to maximize your space.
2. Keep it clean and organized: A tidy room will feel more spacious than a cluttered one. Make sure to put away your things when you’re not using them.
3. Personalize your space: Add some photos, posters, or other personal touches to make your room feel like home. In a new country, adding some trinkets from back home may help you feel more comfortable.
4. Be considerate of others: Remember that you’re sharing the space with others. Try to be considerate of their things and noise levels.

In conclusion, finding the best student accommodation can be a challenge. However, if you consider the different types of accommodation, what to look for in a good location, and how to get the best value for your money, you’ll be sure to find a place that’s just right for you.

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