Being an international student and finding accommodation in the country you are studying in can be a stressful and tricky affair. However, if you are a British student heading to the US to study, here are a few things you need to know about finding somewhere to live. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/three-men-laughing-while-looking-in-the-laptop-inside-room-XkKCui44iM0

Types of Housing 

Firstly, there are several types of accommodation to choose from – namely, residence halls, self-catering halls, shared housing, luxury accommodation, and homestays. 

Residence Halls 

From the biggest to the smallest universities, USC to MIT, residence halls are incredibly popular. Many universities have student housing that allows students to live on campus, ensuring they have most of their needs met. In simple terms, residence halls are on-campus living facilities available to almost all students. Washington University, Bryn Mawr College and USC student housing have the best reputations for on-campus accommodation in the USA. 

Self-Catering Residence Halls 

Self-catering residence halls are very similar to regular ones, except you have a bit more freedom. Students have access to a communal kitchen where they can cook whenever they like; these residences are perfect for those with erratic schedules or those who appreciate more flexibility. 

Shared Accommodation 

Another common housing choice for students is shared accommodation. Whether it be an apartment near Harvard or a house next to Columbia, students share the rental cost and have much more privacy and freedom than in residence halls. 

Luxury Accommodation 

Universities like Washington University and MIT offer luxury accommodation to students. This type of residence is typically much more expensive than regular residence halls, but you get a lot more for your money. On the other hand, they are usually hard to get as most students are after them. 

Many US cities have luxury apartment blocks dedicated to student living. Still, you can often run into the problem of being unable to get one as they get booked up incredibly quickly. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/potted-plants-on-table-ti4kGLkGgmU

Homestay

Finally, a homestay is when an international student, or a student from a different state, lives with a family in their home. Homestays are safe and provide all the necessities you need to live, and for international students, it provides a great cultural experience of the US. 

Many students use homestays to learn about American life while being a calm place to live. You also have fewer financial burdens, as everything from meals to your bed is provided. 

How To Find Accommodation 

Finding accommodation doesn’t need to be complicated; here are several ways to give yourself the best shot at finding the perfect place. 

University Housing Information

University websites and resources are great for finding residences and open spots; they should be your go-to for on-campus housing. The resources are typically updated regularly and provide all the information you need. 

Websites 

You can use rental websites to find accommodation off-campus, and many of these sites will also specify if a building is for student housing or not. If you want to live off-campus, this is where you will find your new home. 

Other Students 

Many students also simply ask classmates about housing. You will often find classmates who want their own space but can’t find roommates. This is the best way to find a house or apartment with roommates who study what you study, have similar schedules, etc. 

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

Once you have done your housing research, you will have to decide to live on or off campus – both have pros and cons.

On-Campus Pros & Cons

The biggest pro for living on-campus is that you have most of your needs met and easy and quick access to all of your classes, the library, computers, etc. It is relatively simple but focused living that helps you maximise your learning. 

On the other hand, you will have to home roommates, sacrifice a lot of privacy, and sharing a hall with people who don’t all share your schedule can be loud and distracting. 

https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-white-cocnrete-building-low-angle-photography-koH7IVuwRLw

Off-Campus Pros & Cons

Off-campus living provides far more options and flexibility to students. You can live with whoever you want or by yourself, live in an apartment or house, and live a more “normal” life that isn’t dominated by university. 

On the other hand, if you don’t have financial support from family or friends, you will need a job to pay for everything. Depending on what you study, you may find yourself spending all day doing university work and all night working your job. This will take time and energy away from your studies, potentially hindering your progress and results. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding accommodation in the US as a British student doesn’t have to be a stress-filled nightmare. Multiple options are available, many ways to find a home or room, and the flexibility in choosing or not choosing roommates. Hopefully, this has given you the information you need to find your perfect university home.