When choosing the right study abroad location, it is important to also consider your student accommodation. You are certainly not going to be spending the next week of your life in another country, you’ll need to stay there for at least a year or more to complete your program before deciding whether to stay or to come back to your home country. International students need to pay attention and pick the best available option so that they can have peace of mind, and in turn, will be able to concentrate on their studies. Are you wondering about the best cities for international student accommodation? We have compiled a list for you!
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Table of Contents
Factors to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation
Before settling for any accommodation as an international student, you must consider certain factors. This will help you make the right decision and choose the option that is best for you. They include:
1. Location
Before you settle for any accommodation as an international student, you must consider the location and the proximity to your university. It is not beneficial to pick a school that is so far from your school, it would not make studying easy as you will get worn out from going to school every day. It is important you, first of all, consider its proximity and it should not be only to your college alone, consider its closeness to important facilities like the hospitals, bus stations, train stations, markets, malls, etc. These places are important places you will have to visit often so your place of abode must be close enough to these places to save you stress.
2. Cost
If the duration of your course is going to span more than one year, then it is important to consider the cost and affordability of your accommodation before paying for it. If you are going to be sponsored by someone else, probably through a fully funded scholarship or through family, the cost of accommodation might not be a problem. However, if you are using the student loan facility and it only covers the tuition, then it means you will have to figure out the accommodation aspect by yourself. Some of the ways you can properly plan to help with accommodation expenses include:
- Get an estimated idea of the cost of living in that area before you move there. It will give you an idea of what to work with and help you plan properly.
- Take advantage of discount sales at the malls and other outlets in other to cut costs.
- Learn to save.
- Get a job to help with the expenses.
3. Examine the facility
Ensure you check out the facility and you are comfortable with it before you pay for it. If you are unable to examine the accommodation in person before paying the rent, have them send you pictures and videos of the location. You can also request a visual tour so that you see what it looks like and know what to expect and what to include when you finally occupy it.
4. Listen to Feedback
As an international student, you must interact and network with other students. Your school should have a Facebook, WhatsApp, or Telegram group chat that you can join where you can request the opinions of other students, especially the ones who have gone ahead of you. They can share useful opportunities that you will find helpful.
Read also: Student Accommodation 101: 5 Great Tips For International Students
5 Best Cities for International Student Accommodation
We have compiled a list of the best cities in the world for international student accommodation. Additionally, these cities are also part of the top picks for international students who desire to further their studies abroad. We looked at a wide variety of factors like affordability, cost of accommodation, cost of living, and career prospects.
1. London, United Kingdom.
Average cost of accommodation: US$1,200 per month
The United Kingdom is a popular destination for international students. There is an increase in the number of international students currently studying here compared to previous years. It has a rich variety of cultures and international students can also get to explore. London has over 40 universities giving international students a variety to choose from. Additionally, there is a place for everyone in London. It is home to a variety of libraries, museums, art galleries, theatres, and so on. It also houses some of the best universities in the world and many competitive professional sectors. Students with the Tier 4 visa can work full-time during vacations and 20 hours per week when school is in session. Some of the top universities include Imperial College London, UCL, Kings College London, and others.
2. Seoul, South Korea
Average cost of accommodation: US$903 per month
Okay, K-drama and K-pop fans will love this one. There’s more to South Korea than entertainment. It houses some of the top universities like the National Institute for International Education, Korea Foundation for Advanced Studies, Seoul National University, and so on. It also has a vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. It is on the list of preferred destinations in Asia for international students. Additionally, it has museums, excellent food outlets, markets, a rich, culinary and cultural landscape, and more. Students with student visas can apply for a work permit in the immigration office which allows them to work for 20 hours per week when school is in session and as long as they desire during holidays.
3. Zurich, Switzerland
Average cost of accommodation: US$2,146 per month
Zurich in Switzerland is also a recommended city for student accommodation. The tuition fees are considerably lower compared to countries like Australia and the USA. There are also scholarships and bursaries to help with study costs. When it comes to employability, it is easy to find a job in Zurich, and the degrees obtained here are generally accepted and highly valued. Although the standard of living might be a bit on the high side, getting a scholarship and a job to help will make things manageable. Students with student visas can apply for a work permit in the immigration office which allows them to work for 15 hours per week when school is in session and as long as they desire during holidays but this is only after they have been living in Switzerland for at least 6 months. Some top universities include ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, etc.
4. Melbourne, Australia
Average cost of accommodation: US$1,282per month
Melbourne is a wholesome place to study for international students. It is affordable and equally houses some of the best universities in the world. Some of the top courses offered include engineering, IT, biotechnology, ICT, medical research, environmental, energy technologies and more. Students with student visas can work for 20 hours per week when school is in session and as long as they desire during holidays. The city also offers support for international students in areas like providing language services, accommodation, social connections, etc. Some top universities include Monash University, University of Melbourne, RMIT University, etc.
5. Berlin, Germany
Average cost of accommodation: US$1,129 per month
When it comes to music, arts, and fashion, Germany is not doing badly. It is an affordable place to live in. Additionally, it is vibrant and multicultural and has free intra-city travel and discounts at several retail and departmental stores, galleries, and libraries. Furthermore, Berlin offers a wide range of courses for international students with high employability. There are also scholarship opportunities available. Non-EU students are permitted to work for 120 days while school is in session. Some top universities include Freie Universität Berlin, Technical University Berlin, ESMT Berlin, etc.
Read also: 10 Affordable Colleges In Canada
Safety Tips for International StudentsÂ
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:
- Keep in contact with people. Make friends easily and let the people close to you know about your movement. If you have a roommate, let them know where you are going and update them on your movement when necessary.
- Make sure you study your surroundings and you are alert at all times. Know what is going on around you and perhaps you feel uncomfortable at any point, leave the location right away.Â
- If you are in a country where the language they speak isn’t one you are familiar with, learn the language as soon as possible so that you can blend in. Before you travel to the country, Know the surroundings, get familiar with the climate, know how the system works, and what is required of you. This information will come from the study abroad office but you can equally ask past students to prepare your mind ahead of time.
- Don’t be too flashy for security reasons. Properly keep your valuables safe at all times. Don’t discuss sensitive things in public too. Be as natural as possible.Â
Start with us
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 any cosigner or collateral before application. At EdXtra Associates, we can help you with your loan application process. We also provide educational consultancy services for international students to help make your journey easier and faster. You can reach out to us, as we’d love to guide you through this journey.
Read also:
Top 5 Countries To Stay Back In After Graduation?
5 Effects Of UK Visa Fee Increase On International Students
Top 10 Countries With The Highest Salaries For Nurses
