For most students, moving to a different country while studying is nothing less than an adventure. However, that also means newer responsibilities and challenges, as you now have to handle and figure out multiple aspects of your independent life on your own.
One question that students commonly ask is: How to pay for student accommodation? It’s a valid question because managing your expenses alongside study can be an uphill battle if not managed properly.
However, the good news is that it’s still possible to rent student accommodation abroad while still being within your budget.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the five best ways to take care of your accommodation costs abroad so you can enjoy your college days without worrying about accommodation costs.
Student accommodation for international students
International students choose their place to live, way before setting foot in the university.
Typically, students have two options to choose from: one is on-campus housing, and the other is off-campus housing. They can choose on-campus housing offered by the university and off-campus accommodation types that are both private and rented, like shared apartments or studios.
However, both options require international students to pay the deposit in advance only.
Mostly, first-year students apply to live in university accommodations or on-campus accommodations to get familiar with the university campus, make friends, and settle in with campus life. However, if you’re choosing off-campus living, then you’ll have to manage the extra responsibility of paying rent.
Hence, both types of accommodation come with their benefits and disadvantages.
However, the bigger question you may have is how much foreign students pay for accommodation. The price of accommodation varies from place to place and is mostly based on your chosen housing type.
Most of the time, the accommodation fees are included in the education loans that students take to study abroad.
There are also other ways too; here’s an overview.
- Using your savings for accommodation
One of the most common ways to pay for your accommodation is by using your savings. It’s a practical choice for students who want to avoid debt by taking loans and worrying about repayments after their studies.
However, you’ll need to budget carefully since you’ll be solely responsible for sponsoring yourself for your entire living expenses abroad. So you’ll have to budget in a way that ensures that your savings last throughout your stay.
- Using scholarships and grants
Another excellent way to cover student accommodation is through scholarships and grants. These also don’t leave any repayment burdens as you don’t have to return anything after your studies.
Different countries, universities, governments, and private organizations offer scholarships to fund international students. Some cover only tuition fees, while others provide additional support for living expenses, including accommodation.
To find these opportunities, research the scholarships available in the country where you plan to study, as well as what your chosen college offers. However, securing scholarships requires strong academic performance, a well-written application letter, and references.
- Using the funds from your education loan
An education loan can help you pay for most of the indirect expenses of studying abroad, apart from the main expense of tuition fees. So, you can use the funds obtained via your education loan to cover your accommodation costs.
However, you must remember that student loans have to be repaid with interest. Hence, you must do all the calculations, including your cost of stay, travel, and other utilities like electricity and gas bills, before you decide on your student loan amount. This also means you need to consider your accommodation choices and the associated costs well before you arrive at your university.
- Using income earned while working part-time
Income from part-time work is the most common way for students to pay for their accommodation abroad. Many students take up part-time jobs alongside studying to save up for accommodation expenses and save up some extra dollars to pay for food, groceries, or other utilities.
The pay in these jobs is calculated at an hourly rate. In the USA, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, and not more than that. The number of hours you are allowed to work during your studies differs across countries.
- Reducing expenses by choosing affordable housing options
The cost of accommodation can differ greatly depending on the location and the type you choose. University accommodation is the most hassle-free and inexpensive, as it is conveniently situated right within the college and includes a lot of additional facilities within the monthly rent.
If you want to live off campus, you could rent an apartment with other students. By sharing a house with others, you can reduce the total expense of accommodation.
The right approach towards finding affordable accommodation is to research different housing types, including university dormitories and shared or private apartments. Invariably, once you consider a variety of options, you will find something that is reasonably affordable. You can also look for advertisements on house-search websites about student housing, social networks, and local bulletin boards to find this housing.
Once you have a few options, compare prices, including any extra fees for utilities (if applicable), internet, and travel expenses. We recommend you begin your search as early as possible because some of the best places get booked quickly.
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2025
How do you find affordable housing/accommodation abroad?
Every year, the number of students going abroad is increasing. So, finding suitable housing or accommodation can be challenging. Here are some tips and resources to help you find affordable options:
- Start researching early
You should begin looking for housing as soon as you get your acceptance letter. Early movers get good deals, not to mention the best selection before prices skyrocket from high demand. So, start exploring all options, including university housing, private rentals, and even shared accommodations.
- Choose the right housing type
Every type of accommodation has its pros and cons. For example, dormitories and shared apartments are usually the most affordable and provide a social atmosphere that is ideal for making new friends. However, if privacy and independence are important to you, then you can consider a studio apartment, but be prepared to pay more. Homestays, however, provide cultural experiences and meals, which could cut down on the cost of living.
- Plan your budget accordingly
Understanding your budget is essential before committing to any housing option. Consider rent, utilities, internet, food, transportation, and don’t overlook hidden fees like deposits or agent charges.
You should estimate how much you’ll be paying in your home currency and have the funds ready beforehand, even before converting. This will save you from last-minute hassles. It’s also wise to set aside some emergency funds for unexpected expenses.
To gauge prices based on your budget, you can use sites like Numbeo, which offers a good overview of the cost of living in various locations, helping you plan accordingly.
- Know your location
The location of your accommodation can significantly impact both your finances and your lifestyle. For instance, while most amenities are easily accessible in the city centers, accommodation in such an area can be very expensive.
So, you can look for housing in neighborhoods slightly further from the city center but still well-connected by public transport. This can reduce your rent while keeping you close to campus.
Use Google Maps and public transport apps to check travel times and transportation costs.
- Get in touch with landlords and residents
Direct communication with landlords can sometimes lead to better deals, as there may be room for negotiation.
Avoid booking through intermediaries when possible, as they often charge additional fees. Connecting with current residents or local student groups can also provide insights into the quality and reliability of different accommodations.
Facebook groups, student forums, and WhatsApp groups are all great ways to network and find affordable options.
- Avoid accommodation scams
Sadly, housing scams targeting international students are common. Never trust anything that seems too good to be true. Never make payments without seeing the property in person or through a reliable live video tour.
Be sure to check out reviews for a place and talk to the current tenants to ensure the listing is legitimate. So, only use trusted rental sites, and never give out personal information or send money through any means other than the provided secure channels.
Seek advice from your university’s housing office when in doubt.
So, it’s clear that choosing a place to stay abroad is a different challenge that demands time, guidance, and a lot of research. Whether you choose an on-campus housing option or private or shared apartments, you’ll have to take into account different aspects like its location, lease terms, budget, facilities, etc.
But looking for accommodation can be overwhelming if you’re a newbie. Many students resort to middlemen to get their perfect accommodation while staying abroad, and some even get scammed in the process.
This is where GradPack makes life easy. More than that, it makes your entire study abroad journey much more affordable.
Also Read: Accommodation In USA For Students: Complete Guide
How to save money on studies, accommodation, health insurance & forex with GradPack?
GradPack is an all-in-one package for all your study abroad needs. You don’t have to wander different places or sites to cover different aspects of your study abroad needs.
You get all services ranging from low-interest education loans to scholarships to best deal forex cards with low markup to safe and budget-friendly accommodation, all in one place. GradPack makes your study abroad easy, seamless, and friendly in your pocket.
With GradPack, you’ll be able to save up to ₹23 lakh.
So, start planning with GradPack today for Spring 2025 admissions. Start now.
Also Read: Indian Student Expenses in USA: Complete Guide
FAQs
You can apply your personal savings, family savings, or any extra funds at hand to meet any costs incurred in student accommodation. This is a good method to pay as you will be loan-free and worry about the interest accrued on the loans. Before going overseas, make reliable estimates on all the accommodation fees you will likely incur during your study to avoid disappointments if the funds are limited.
Many students work part-time to earn money for accommodation and other living expenses. However, they’re allowed to work only a few hours a week and are paid hourly. Moreover, students in certain countries can exceed their working hours during vacation time.
Yes, many scholarships and grants give a lot of consideration not just to the tuition fees but also to help cater for the living expenses, including accommodation. These scholarships are offered by universities, governments, and private organizations.
Shared apartments, student dormitories, and homestays are some accommodation alternatives that students will consider as they are affordable. They are typically less expensive than signing a lease to a private apartment.
You can pay for student accommodations using your savings or by getting an education loan that covers your accommodation expenses as well. You can also apply for scholarships like NAFSA to help you pay for your accommodation while studying abroad in the USA.
