Find Housing as a Student in the USA
As an international student in the USA, finding affordable and safe housing can be a tough challenge. Besides your studies, housing will likely be the biggest expense during your time abroad. There is therefore a lot to consider when you start looking. How close to campus do you want to live? Do you need to share housing with roommates? How much is reasonable to pay in rent? Below we share some tips and tricks that will hopefully help you find housing as a new student in the US.
Search for Housing Together
It can be a good idea to get in touch with other new students who will be starting at the same school, or current students who already live there and have a room available. If you manage to connect with one or more potential roommates before the search begins, you will likely improve your chances of finding something really good together. The network becomes larger and the search easier. In addition, a deposit is usually required before a lease can be signed, and it of course helps to be able to split that cost. Everything becomes easier when you help each other!
Use the School’s Resources
Once you have been accepted into a program, you can also make use of the resources at the school. Every American college and university has departments dedicated specifically to helping international students. Some schools even have departments specifically designed to help students find housing. There are likely staff members there who have tips about housing areas and may even collaborate with apartment complexes or landlords near the campus. Even if you are not there yet, you can still contact the relevant offices at the school for advice. The staff in these departments receive similar questions every year when new international students arrive and have plenty of experience to share.
Beware of Scammers
To get an idea of the average rent in the area, it can be useful to check larger listing sites online, such as Craigslist (a popular online classifieds site). But be careful, there is a risk of encountering dishonest people with fake listings and identities. It can be difficult to find housing close to the school, and international students are unfortunately an easy target for scams. Especially now, when you may not have the same opportunity to attend viewings or meet potential landlords in person. If you do find something, always make sure to carefully verify that the landlord is trustworthy and never pay in advance without confirming the recipient.
Find Roommates You Get Along With
Finally, make sure you find a living situation where you can feel comfortable and at home. Living with others is often a necessity rather than a choice. As a student on a tight budget, having roommates is usually essential to maintain an affordable and sustainable living situation. But it can also be a lot of fun to live with others. Having roommates is simply part of the college experience. Make sure to start your search early so you can find people you truly connect with instead of settling for a last-minute solution. It can be a great experience to build a new household with wonderful people, a “home away from home” where you can feel comfortable during your time as a student.
Are you ready to take the step and start studying in the USA? Calistudies collaborates with several schools and can help you with your application, completely free of charge. Questions? You’re welcome to contact us!
