Living On-Campus as an International Student

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Meridean Overseas

Updated On 10 May 2023 & Read Time 9 minutes

1.7k

Overview

As the world opens up to new adventures, you've made the bold decision to embark on a journey to study abroad. Exciting, isn't it? The idea of experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and exploring the unknown is thrilling. But amidst all the excitement, one thing that can be daunting is choosing the best student accommodation. It's like finding a needle in a haystack, with so many options available - from homestays that feel like a home away from home, to campus accommodation that offer independence and freedom, to off-campus apartments that allow you to live like a local. Each option has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

 

In this blog, we will explore the different types of accommodations available to international students and provide an overview of the pros and cons of each. We will also discuss why accommodations in other countries, besides India, are often better and more exciting.

Why Accommodation on Campus is Better and Cooler in Other Countries Besides India

Accommodations in many other countries, especially in Europe and North America, are often more modern and well-equipped than those in India. In these countries, students can expect to find state-of-the-art facilities such as fully furnished rooms, high-speed internet, and advanced security systems. Many campus accommodations also offer amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools, 24-hours security, vending machines, and recreational areas, providing students with a well-rounded university experience.

 

Moreover, living on-campus in other countries often means being at the heart of the university experience. Students have easy access to academic resources, extracurricular activities, and social events. They can also easily connect with their peers and form lasting friendships. Living on-campus provides students with a sense of community and helps them feel more connected to their university.

Best Student Accommodation Options

Homestays

Homestays are a popular option for international students who want to experience the local culture and improve their language skills. In a homestay, students live with a local family in their home, sharing meals and common spaces. Students can get to know their host family and participate in family activities, such as meals or outings.

 

One advantage of homestays is the opportunity to experience a new culture firsthand. Students can learn about local customs and traditions, try new foods, and improve their language skills by speaking with their host family. Homestays can also be a more affordable option than other types of accommodations, as meals are often included in the cost.

 

However, living with a host family can also have its challenges. Students may have to adjust to different living arrangements and routines, and may feel like they have less privacy than they would in other types of accommodations. Additionally, it may be challenging to find a host family that speaks the student's native language, making communication difficult at first.

 

On-Campus Dorms and Private Rooms

On-campus dorms and private rooms are a popular choice for international students. They provide easy access to university resources and social activities and allow students to form close bonds with their peers.  Many universities have events and activities specifically designed for dorm residents, such as game nights or movie screenings. Students can also join clubs or organizations to meet like-minded individuals.

 

One of the main advantages of accommodation on campus is the sense of community that it provides. Students can easily connect with their peers and participate in campus events and organizations. Living on-campus also means being closer to academic resources, such as libraries and study spaces, making it easier to succeed academically.

 

Campus accommodation is often well-equipped with amenities such as fitness centers, recreational areas, and high-speed internet. Additionally, living on-campus can be more affordable than other types of accommodations, as utilities and other expenses are often included in the cost.

 

However, living on-campus also has its drawbacks. Students may feel like they have less privacy than they would in other types of accommodations, and may have to deal with noise and distractions from other students. Additionally, on-campus accommodations can be in high demand, meaning that students may not be able to secure a room in their preferred location.

 

Off-Campus Apartments

Off-campus apartments are another option for best student accommodation for international students who want more independence and privacy. They provide students with more space and freedom than campus accommodations, allowing them to create their own schedules and routines. Students can make friends with their roommates, as well as through attending events or activities in their community. Joining local organizations or groups can also be a great way to meet new people.

 

One of the advantages of off-campus apartments is the level of independence that they provide. Students can live in a space that feels like their own, with more freedom to decorate and organize their living space as they see fit. They also have the ability to cook their own meals, which can be a cost-saving measure.

 

Off-campus apartments can also be more affordable than accommodation on campus, especially if students are willing to share the space with roommates. Living off-campus can also provide students with a greater sense of the surrounding community, allowing them to explore the city or town in which they are living.

 

However, living off-campus can also have its drawbacks. Students may have to deal with a longer commute to campus, which can be a hassle if they do not have access to reliable transportation. Additionally, off-campus apartments can be more expensive than on-campus accommodations if utilities and other expenses are not included in the cost.

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Pros and Cons of Best Student Accommodation

To summarize, here is a list of the pros and cons of each type of accommodation:

 

Homestays:

Pros:

  • Opportunity to experience local culture and improve language skills

  • Can be more affordable than other types of accommodations

Cons:

  • Lack of privacy

  • Difficulty in finding a host family that speaks the student's native language

 

Campus Accommodation:

Pros:

  • Sense of community and access to university resources

  • Well-equipped with amenities

  • More affordable than other types of accommodations

Cons:

  • Lack of privacy

  • Noise and distractions from other students

  • High demand for rooms

 

Off-Campus Apartments:

Pros:

  • More independence and privacy

  • Ability to cook meals and save money

  • Greater sense of the surrounding community

Cons:

  • Longer commute to campus

 

More expensive if utilities and other expenses are not included

Security

When choosing a place to live, safety is always a top priority for international students. Fortunately, most universities and colleges take safety seriously and offer secure accommodations.

 

Homestays are generally considered safe, as students live with a family that has been screened and approved by the university. However, it is always a good idea for students to take necessary precautions and make sure they feel comfortable in their living situation.

 

Campus Accomodation is also usually safe, as it is equipped with security measures such as key card access and security cameras. Universities also have staff members who are responsible for monitoring the safety and security of the campus.

 

Off-campus apartments can vary in safety, as they may not have the same level of security measures as on-campus accommodations. However, it is possible to find safe and secure off-campus apartments by doing research and choosing a reputable property management company.

Websites to Find Best Student Accommodation

There are many websites that international students can use to find accommodation in different countries. Here are a few popular options:

 

  1. HousingAnywhere: This website allows students to search for apartments, rooms, and homestays in over 400 cities around the world. The platform also provides a secure booking system and customer support in multiple languages.
     

  2. Student.com: Student.com offers a wide range of best student accommodation options for international students in popular study destinations such as the UK, US, Australia, and Canada. The website also provides helpful resources and guides for students navigating the accommodation process.
     

  3. The University website: Most international university websites have all the information you need to get started on your accommodation hunt. They usually recommend that you stay in a campus accommodation for the first year.
     

  4. Nestpick: Nestpick offers a range of accommodation options for students in over 100 cities worldwide, including apartments, shared flats, and student residences. The platform also provides helpful guides and resources for students navigating the housing market in different countries.
     

  5. EasyRoommate: EasyRoommate is a global platform that connects students with potential roommates and landlords offering shared apartments and rooms for rent. The website also offers helpful tools for students to search and filter listings based on their preferences.
     

  6. Craigslist: While not specifically targeted to international students, Craigslist can be a useful resource for finding accommodation in many cities around the world. The platform offers a wide range of housing options, including apartments, rooms, and sublets.

 

When using any of these websites, it is important to be cautious and do your research to ensure that the accommodation is safe and legitimate. It is also helpful to read reviews and connect with other students who have used the platform to find accommodation.

Final Thoughts

Living on-campus as an international student can be a fun and exciting experience, providing opportunities to learn about new cultures, make friends, and pursue academic goals. Choosing amongst the options for best student accommodation is an important decision, and it is essential to consider factors such as safety, affordability, and proximity to campus.

 

Regardless of which type of accommodation a student chooses, it is important to be open-minded, take necessary safety precautions, and actively seek out opportunities to make connections and explore the surrounding community. With the right attitude and approach, your experience as an international student can be transformative and enriching.

 

Whether you are planning to start your study abroad journey to the USA or are in the process of finalising accommodation,  we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counselors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you are unable to travel to our offices, we offer online counseling services via our website. Our dedicated counselors will provide you with the best guidance regarding your application to study overseas. Don’t hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

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