Finding the right housing is one of the first challenges international students face when moving to a new country. Where you live can significantly impact your academic performance, social life, and overall comfort, so learning how to prioritize your housing search is essential. With many options available, choosing the best one can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
From understanding your budget to deciding whether to live on or off campus, here’s everything you need to know about finding the right international student housing.
What to Consider Before You Begin
Budget
Start by understanding your financial limits. Factor in rent as well as additional expenses like utilities, commuting, and groceries. Will you need to furnish your housing? Are there upfront costs like deposits? Having a clear financial plan will help you eliminate options that don’t fit your budget.
Location
Proximity to your university or college is essential, but so is access to public transportation, grocery stores, and other amenities. Prioritize safety and convenience when choosing where to stay.
Length of Stay
Your housing needs may vary depending on whether you’re staying for one semester, a full academic year, or several years. Make sure you know the duration of your lease agreement and check how flexible the terms are before committing.
How to Find Housing
There are multiple ways to find international student housing, and using a combination of these resources can help you find just what you’re looking for.
Check University Resources
Your university will likely have housing departments or advisors who can guide you toward on-campus options or recommend off-campus listings. They may also provide forums or bulletin boards where students share housing opportunities.
Use Online Platforms
Websites like Wharton Rentals are perfect for students exploring off-campus options. These platforms allow you to filter listings based on price, location, or number of bedrooms.
Engage with the Student Community
Social media groups and forums for your university are great places to connect with fellow students. Many students look for roommates or advertise spaces for off-campus housing on Facebook or Reddit. Just make sure to tour the place in person and ensure the listing is legitimate before signing anything or paying a deposit.
Types of International Student Housing
On-Campus Housing
Living on campus is convenient and can make transitioning to a new environment much easier. Benefits often include proximity to classes, utilities included in housing fees, and access to dining halls and facilities. However, campus housing can be costly and may offer less privacy than off-campus options.
Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus housing offers more independence and flexibility, but also more responsibility. Here are three key options to consider when living off-campus:
- Apartments: A great choice if you want more privacy. You might share with roommates or rent a unit on your own.
- Shared Houses: Perfect if you enjoy community living and want to split costs. Shared houses often provide more space than apartments.
- Homestays: Live with a host family for a more immersive cultural experience. This option can be an ideal choice for younger students or those new to the country.
Wharton Rentals specializes in off-campus housing that caters to students’ needs. With several properties in Athens, OH, you can balance convenience, comfort, and affordability.
Living Alone vs. With Roommates
The Case for Roommates
Living with roommates can make housing more affordable since you share expenses like rent and utilities. It also offers a built-in social group, especially helpful for easing homesickness and adapting to a new culture.
The Case for Living Alone
If privacy is important to you or if you need a quiet space to concentrate on your studies, living alone might be a better choice. Keep in mind that living solo will be significantly more expensive, as you’ll shoulder all expenses on your own.
Dos and Don’ts of Finding International Student Housing
Dos
- Do Start Early: Begin your housing search as soon as your university confirms your admission. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have.
- Do Consider Safety: Research the neighborhood thoroughly. Look for areas with low crime rates and proper security.
- Do Think Long-Term: Choose a place that accommodates your needs for the entire duration of your stay to avoid frequent moves.
- Do Read Reviews: You’ll find valuable insights about landlords, properties, or areas from current or former tenants.
Don’ts
- Don’t Ignore the Lease Terms: Understand your lease agreement fully before you sign, including move-out policies, repair responsibilities, and deposit return terms.
- Don’t Focus Only on Price: Cheaper isn’t always better. Consider factors like safety, condition, and convenience instead of focusing solely on the cost.
- Don’t Overlook Transportation: Evaluate how you’ll get to campus daily. If a property is inexpensive but far from campus, you may end up losing money on commute costs.
- Don’t Wait Too Long: Available spaces can fill up quickly, especially during peak moving seasons for students.
Stress-Free Renting with Wharton Rentals
Navigating the housing search process becomes much easier when you opt for reliable services like Wharton Rentals. Specializing in off-campus housing, we offer quality homes that ensure a positive living experience.
Explore our property listings today and step closer to finding your ideal space!
