Student accommodation is one important thing to consider while planning to study abroad. Just as it is important to focus on visa, admission, and travel expenses, ample consideration should also be given to accommodation. Accommodation availability will vary from country to country depending on your study destination; however, there are important things to note and useful tips to apply to make the journey easier.
In this article, we look at the five easiest ways to get accommodations in the US and Canada.
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Below are some helpful tips that will come in handy when choosing the right accommodation for international students:
It is important to start the search for suitable accommodation abroad as early as possible. While it is possible to apply for university-owned accommodation, you can also look for private accommodation options depending on your preference. Searching early means that you have access to different options to choose from.
Additionally, if you plan to pair with other people, you may find better deals that will be more suitable. As soon as you get your offer letter, which signifies that you have been accepted into a university, start looking for accommodation immediately. This will help you save money, open you up to more options, and give you ample time to plan for it.
Moreover, there are different types of student accommodation, and they include:
Before settling on any accommodation, it is equally important to consider location. It is advisable to get accommodation that is within the same area as the school you are studying at. Also, there are important questions you need to ask yourself before settling on a particular location. These questions include:
These questions and more are some of the things you need to consider when deciding on the location of your accommodations.
While searching for accommodation as an international student, it is important to get the opinions and suggestions of other people, especially those who have gone before you. Joining social media groups like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram can also be helpful. People share opportunities that you might find helpful and useful. You can ask questions and get answers from people who have gone through the same process as you have.
As an international student seeking to study abroad, you must not do this in isolation. Network and connect with other people; you might even get people to pair with, which will, in turn, reduce the cost for you. Additionally, your university will most likely have a social media group, whether on Facebook or any other site. Leverage it and use it to get the necessary information you need.
Before making payment, it is important to check out the accommodation before proceeding to pay for it. If it will be impossible to check it out physically in person, have them send you pictures and videos of the place so that you can get a visual description of what the accommodation looks like. You can opt for the virtual tour option if you will not be present physically.
Additionally, take note of what is present and what is missing, as this will help in your budgeting. Ask yourself questions like:
Take note of the things missing in the apartment and make plans on how to get them.
Before settling for accommodation as an international student, you must find out who the contact person is. Save their name and phone number, and get in touch when necessary. You can also ask the person practical questions about the accommodations. Having a contact person is very important so that, in the case of emergencies, you will not be stranded. Additionally, it is important to know the terms of your contract, the rules, and the regulations before finalizing the deal. It is also useful to know your rights so that you will not be taken advantage of. Know important details like:
Get to know all of these things before finalizing the agreement, as it will save you a lot of stress.
Read Also: What Can A Study Abroad Consultant Do For Me?
University | Accommodation Type | Cost (CAD) |
McGill University | Studio Apartment/dormitories | $932–$1,090 (monthly) |
University of Toronto | Single Room/Double Room | $14,000–$16,000 |
Seneca College | Bachelor/1 bedroom 2 bedroom | $1,000 to $1,200 $1,500 to $1,700 |
University of Alberta | Single Room Double Room | $5218–$9983 $4449–$8506 |
Queen’s University | Single Room/ Quad Room/Loft Double Room | $9,000 – $17,000 |
Western University | Single Room Double Room | $9,000 $8,000 |
If you are living in off-campus housing in Canada, here are the average costs:
Type of Accommodation | Cost (CAD) |
Townhouses | $250–$650 |
Shared Apartment | $400–$800 |
Unfurnished Apartment Rentals | $300–$500 |
Dormitories | $350–$600 |
Note that it depends on the size and location of the accommodations.
Most universities in the USA offer on-campus options like dormitories or residence halls. The cost of on-campus housing depends on:
Off-campus apartments are popular among international students who wish to work and study. But the costs depend on the city’s (location) and its rental market. In major cities like New York, rents are higher.
As stated at the beginning of this article, it is important to properly budget for your student housing and make plans on how to sustain it so that you do not get stranded. When it comes to budgeting, some necessary factors to consider include:
However, it is important and advisable to spend wisely only on important things while you save or invest more.
As an international student living in another country, you must stay safe and adhere to all the rules at all times so that you do not get into trouble. Below are some tips that can help you:
Looking forward to studying abroad? Enrolling in the top universities in the world can increase your chances with employers. Unfortunately, it can be quite expensive to study abroad due to the current economic crisis. But this shouldn’t limit you, as there are other options you can explore to enhance your career.
MPower Finance and Prodigy Finance are some of the best student loan providers for international students. They also do not require a cosigner or collateral before an application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consulting services for international students to help make their journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.
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Read Also:
10 Affordable Colleges in the USA
5 Effects of UK Visa Fee Increase on International Students
10 Affordable Colleges in Canada
This post was last modified on September 8, 2023 11:04 am