Finding Affordable Accommodation as an International Student

Relocating for studies in the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia is exciting but also brings the challenge of finding affordable student accommodation. International students often worry about securing a safe, budget-friendly place to live in a new country.

Budgeting and Early Planning for Housing Abroad

Planning ahead is key to affordability. Many experts recommend beginning your search 3-6 months before arrival to ensure you have a good selection to choose from. Keep in mind that rents often follow seasonal trends: in many student cities, prices peak between July and September before the new semester, while winter months see lower demand and sometimes cheaper deals. Remember to account for utilities, internet, food, and transportation when setting your housing budget.​

Types of Accommodation: Dorms, Shared Housing, and Homestays

• University Dorms / Halls: On-campus housing (such as dormitories or halls of residence) is a popular choice, especially for first-year students. University housing typically comes furnished and may include utilities or meal plans, making costs predictable. The downside is that campus accommodation can be limited in availability and sometimes slightly more expensive than living off-campus.
• Private Rentals and Shared Housing: Many students rent apartments or houses off-campus, often sharing with roommates to split costs. However, renting privately means taking on adult responsibilities: you’ll likely need to set up utilities, buy or rent furniture if unfurnished, and manage bills each month.
• Homestays and Other Options: A homestay involves living with a local host family and can be a great cultural immersion experience – meals and utilities are often included in the fee. Homestays are common in countries like Canada and Australia. Another budget-friendly option, especially for short-term stays, is student hostels or guesthouses where you rent a single room and share facilities.

Searching for Reliable Listings and Securing Housing Before Arrival

First, use official and reputable sources for housing listings. Check if your university has an accommodation office or an approved off-campus housing database. Join online student forums or social media groups for your university, where you can find postings from other students seeking roommates or subletting rooms​.

If possible, view the property (virtually) before committing. While an in-person visit may not be feasible from overseas, ask for a video tour of the room/apartment or see if a local friend can check the place on your behalf​

Be careful with advance payments – you should usually not have to pay more than one month’s rent as a security deposit to reserve a student accommodation, though we’ve seen examples of landlords asking for up to 12 months upfront for international students​. Always confirm the identity and legitimacy of the landlord or agent before sending money. To make this easier, consider using a secure payment platform like Vavita for your accommodation expenses. It allows you to pay in your local currency (from your home bank account or card), and then Vavita transfers the funds directly to your university or landlord in the destination country​.

Understanding Rental Contracts and Deposits

Rental agreements can be complex, and as an international student you’ll want to know exactly what you are agreeing to. Carefully review the lease terms and conditions – look at the length of the lease, rules about ending the contract early, which utilities or services are included, and any clauses about rent increases or house rules​.

University Housing vs Private Accommodation: Differences by Country

• United Kingdom: Most UK universities offer halls of residence, especially for first-year international students, which can simplify your transition. After the first year, many students in the UK move into private shared houses or flats. Private rentals can be cheaper than university halls, but you’ll have to handle bills and possibly deal with letting agencies. The UK also has many private student dormitories (run by companies like Unite Students), which offer modern amenities but often at a higher price than university-owned halls.
• United States: U.S. colleges place a big emphasis on campus life, and on-campus dorms are very common. In fact, many U.S. universities require freshmen and sometimes international students to live on-campus for at least their first year. Dorms in the US often come with meal plans and have Resident Advisors to support students.
• Canada: Campus residences in Canada offer close proximity to classes and often a strong community vibe. An added benefit is that living in residence might not require a hefty security deposit – some campus housing simply charges a fixed fee each term​. Off-campus, Canadian students frequently rent apartments or houses, or stay in homestays. The cost of living can vary widely by city (Toronto and Vancouver being on the pricier side, for example).