Are you planning to study abroad but haven’t sorted out your accommodation yet? Are you feeling lost about where to even start? Looking for student accommodation is not as easy as it may seem. If any of your answers to the previous questions was yes, then this article is for you!

Start from the beginning

The first steps to choosing accommodation when studying abroad are:

1) define your budget

2) know the size of your new city

3) choose what kind of experience you are looking for

These are important things to be aware of before identifying the preferred location for your accommodation.

Student Housing

Student housing is usually one of the most popular picks for international students, and here is why:

• Close to campus – it is convenient, specially if you go to a city with over 100.000 inhabitants.
• Great way to make friends – it will offer a sense of community.
• Social life – through organized activities or even by just hanging out in the common areas, you will rarely feel alone while away from home.
• Safer – you will be less likely to find yourself alone as there are always people around.

Student housing can sometimes be pricier than living off-campus, but depending on what you are looking for it can be a great way to live the full study-abroad-experience.

Most universities have on-campus housing for international students. So, make sure to ask your new university about their housing options!

Private Rentals

Every person is different, so student housing may not be for everybody. Renting an apartment with other students is also a great option when arriving in a new city:

• Independence and privacy – you will have your own private space, and as they say “your house, your rules.”
• Cheaper option – usually cheaper than student housing (if you share with more people).
• If your destination city has less than 100.000 inhabitants, renting an apartment might be a great option too.

Websites like Uniplaces, HousingAnywhere, or Spotahome offer great options to choose from different private houses. These sites have verified listings, making it safer and easier to find a place to live while you are studying abroad.

Are you traveling on an Erasmus+ Program?

Special sites for Erasmus student housing are also something to explore. Erasmus Play helps Erasmus students find places to live in Europe. It collects verified options from trusted sources, so students can find a place to stay quick and easy.

Also, if you become a member of your section’s Erasmus Student Network and get your ESN Card, you can enjoy discounts on rental websites like Spotahome and many other services!

Extra tips you should take into account when searching for student accommodation

• Check your future destination city and find where the university is located.
• Plan your accommodation in advance. The best places get booked fast!
• Whether you decide to choose a student housing or a private rental, make sure you stay with other students. This will make you experience 100x better.
• If you haven’t done so yet, get your travel insurance now to ensure that both your belongings and your daily life in your new accommodation are covered.

To wrap it up!

Don’t wait any longer! Whether you want to live the full study-abroad-experience in student housing or have a more independent experience at your own apartment, there is always an option for you! Check with your university, browse online, and ask former abroad students about their experience. At OnCampus Abroad we are sure you will find the perfect student accommodation for you, so your experience abroad will be unforgettable.