Student accommodation abroad is one of the most significant aspects of studying abroad. Since many students are going to live away from home, it is important to find comfortable student housing. Moreover, the accommodation chosen by the student can have a huge impact on the overall university experience. After all, it is the place where most of the time is spent. Keep reading to know more about the importance of student accommodation, types, and how to look for the perfect student housing.
Check Student Accommodation Abroad
Table of contents
- Why is Student Accommodation Important for Study Abroad?
- What is a Student Accommodation?
- Types of Student Accommodation Abroad
- Factors to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation
- How Student Accommodation Affects Your Study Experience
- Common Challenges Faced by International Students in Accommodation
- Cost of Student Accommodation in Popular Study Destinations
- FAQs
Why is Student Accommodation Important for Study Abroad?
Student accommodation abroad is the place where a student is going to stay for the duration of the course. Therefore, the importance of student accommodation can’t be denied. There are plenty of reasons a student accommodation is important. These are listed below:
- Student accommodation gives a sense of belonging and safety to the student
- Moreover, feeling settled in a living environment can help reduce stress, increase confidence, and help the student to focus on other areas of life.
- Several college students use student accommodation as a place of study. The reason is, that it is not always possible to find a library environment.
- Accommodation is also a place where students can socialize, and make friends.
- Overall, it helps to create a positive living environment. Cooking, playing, and socializing with others can help in improving the mental health of the student.
What is a Student Accommodation?
Student accommodation abroad refers to the type of housing specially designed for students pursuing higher education. In several countries, the majority of students live away from their parents for higher education. Hence, they look for accommodation near the university. For an international student, student accommodations are of particular importance.
They are temporarily living in another country, and they need comfortable housing near the university to socialise, sleep, study, etc. Therefore, the importance of student accommodation is that it impacts the overall university experience of the student. Student accommodation can be on-campus or off-campus. Some best student accommodation abroad options:
| 1 | Student Accommodation in Ireland |
| 2 | Student accommodation in Australia |
| 3 | Student accommodation in Canada |
| 4 | Student accommodation in the USA |
| 5 | Student accommodation in UK |
Types of Student Accommodation Abroad
There are mainly two types of student accommodation available. These are on-campus accommodation and off-campus accommodation. An on-campus accommodation refers to accommodation that is situated either at the university or near the university. For example, Halls of Residence.
On the other hand, off-campus accommodation refers to accommodation that is located beyond the university campus. These accommodations can be far from the university. For example, PBSAs and homestays. The importance of student accommodation cannot be denied. Hence, we have described the types of student accommodation in detail:
Halls of Residence
The Halls of Residence refers to the accommodation that is provided by the university or college during the study tenure. These are based on-campus or at walking distance from the university. Students prefer this as there is no stress from the commute, and it is easy to socialize with other freshman students.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy socializing with the student community on campus | Lack of privacy |
| Free from commuting stress | Do not have extra facilities like game rooms, cinemas, etc. |
PBSA
Purpose-built student Accommodation (PBSA) is built by private developers. They are usually well-built and provide all the amenities and services required by the students. PBSAs are located in prime locations. For example, they have game rooms, cinemas, saunas, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
| Located in prime locations | Monthly/Semester payments |
| Facilities like a game room, sauna, cinema room, and more | Guidelines established by the corporation overseeing. |
Also Read: Study Abroad Application: Basic Timelines and Documents
Homestay
Homestays are designed to give in the comfort of being at home for students. Generally, applications are made for homestay options by connecting with the local host families through popular websites, or university websites. This type of student accommodation might not have the luxury of the PBSA. However, they provide the warmth of home-cooked meals and family bonding time.
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Following family rules and regulations |
| Can be helpful in understanding the culture of the country | Lack of privacy |
Shared apartments are a popular budget-friendly accommodation option where students rent a flat together. This allows them to split the rent and utility costs while enjoying more independence and privacy compared to university halls or homestays. Students can find shared apartments through rental websites, student forums, or local real estate agents.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More affordable than private student housing | Need to manage bills and rent independently |
| More privacy compared to university dorms | Potential issues with roommates |
Also Read: Study Abroad Checklist
Factors to Consider When Choosing Student Accommodation
One of the first things, international students do when going to study abroad is choosing student housing. The importance of student accommodation is that it helps in providing safety, comfort, and security to the student. However, choosing student accommodation is not easy. There are plenty of things a student must consider before choosing student housing.
Budget
Rent is usually the biggest expense for international students. Compare accommodation options and see what fits your budget. In cities like London, Sydney, or New York, rent can be quite high, while smaller cities offer cheaper options.
2. Location
Living close to the university means you’ll save time and money on transport. But sometimes, staying a little farther can be more affordable. Always check:
✔ Distance from university
✔ Nearby public transport options
✔ Grocery stores and medical facilities nearby
3. Safety & Security
Safety is a major concern for South Asian students. Always check:
✔ Crime rate of the area
✔ Security features like CCTV, gated entry
✔ Reviews from other students
4. Facilities & Amenities
Your accommodation should have basic facilities like WiFi, laundry, kitchen, and heating/cooling systems. Check what’s included in the rent to avoid extra costs.
5. Social Life & Networking
Studying abroad is not just about academics—it’s about making new friends and experiencing a new culture. Choose a place where you can interact with other students and build connections.
How Student Accommodation Affects Your Study Experience
Choosing the right student accommodation is just as important as selecting the right university. Where you live affects your focus, routine, mental well-being, and overall experience while studying abroad. A bad choice can lead to disruptions, financial stress, and even academic struggles. Let’s break down how accommodation can impact your study experience:
1. Study Environment: Your surroundings can make or break your ability to concentrate. Living in a noisy neighbourhood or a party-heavy student area can distract you from studying. On the other hand, a peaceful environment with a dedicated study space can boost productivity and focus.
2. Mental Health: Moving to a new country can be overwhelming. If your accommodation feels unsafe, lonely, or uncomfortable, it can take a toll on your mental health. Staying in a friendly, inclusive environment with like-minded students can help you adjust and feel at home.
3. Daily Routine: Long commutes can be exhausting, leaving you with less energy and time to focus on your studies. If your accommodation is close to campus, public transport, and essential services, your daily routine becomes easier, giving you more time for classes, assignments, and socializing.
4. Budget Management: Rent is one of the biggest expenses for students. Choosing overpriced accommodation can lead to financial stress, making it difficult to manage tuition, food, and other expenses. A well-budgeted place ensures you can live comfortably without unnecessary financial pressure.
Common Challenges Faced by International Students in Accommodation
Finding the perfect student accommodation abroad isn’t always easy. You might face high rents, scams, cultural differences, or even difficult roommates. But don’t worry! With the right approach, you can avoid most of these challenges and find a comfortable place to stay. Let’s go through some common issues and how to handle them:
1. High Rental Costs: In cities like London, Sydney, or New York, rent can be very expensive. Student-friendly areas fill up quickly, leaving fewer affordable options. Tip: Start your search months in advance and look for budget-friendly areas near public transport.
2. Rental Scams: Fake landlords and fraudulent listings are a real problem. Scammers might ask for money upfront before you even see the place. Tip: Always verify listings, use trusted university resources, and never transfer money without proper documentation.
3. Cultural Adjustments: Food, living habits, and daily routines might be completely different from what you’re used to. Some students struggle with shared kitchens, different meal timings, or house rules. Tip: Try to embrace the new culture, communicate openly with flatmates, and find communities from your home country
4. Finding the Right Flatmates: A bad roommate can make life stressful—messy habits, loud music, or not paying bills on time. Tip: Before moving in, discuss expectations like cleanliness, noise levels, and shared expenses. If possible, choose student accommodations with set rules to avoid conflicts.
How to Avoid These Challenges?
✔ Start Searching Early – The best places go fast. Don’t wait until the last minute.
✔ Use University Accommodation Services – They offer verified and secure housing options.
✔ Check Student Forums and Reviews – Get insights from other students before booking.
✔ Always Visit (or Take a Virtual Tour) – Never book a place without seeing it first.
Cost of Student Accommodation in Popular Study Destinations
Here we have mentioned the cost of student accommodation in a popular destination for study abroad. We have shared the estimates—your actual rent will depend on the city, type of accommodation, and facilities. Here’s an estimated cost of student accommodation in different countries:
| Country | Average Rent (Per Month) | Cheapest Student Cities |
|---|---|---|
| UK | GBP 500 – GBP 1,200 | Sheffield, Manchester, Nottingham |
| USA | USD 600 – USD 1,500 | Houston, Atlanta, Pittsburgh |
| Canada | CAD 500 – 1,300 | Winnipeg, Quebec City, Edmonton |
| Australia | AUD 700 – 1,800 | Adelaide, Hobart, Gold Coast |
| Ireland | EUR 600 – EUR 1,500 | Limerick, Waterford, Galway |
Your student accommodation isn’t just a place to sleep—it directly impacts your academic performance, well-being, and overall experience. That’s why choosing wisely is essential to make the most of your study abroad journey.
FAQs
Student accommodation is important because it provides a safe, comfortable, and stable place to live. It helps students focus on their studies, adapt to a new country, and manage their expenses effectively. A good accommodation also ensures access to essential facilities like transport, markets, and healthcare.
The importance of student accommodation in the study abroad experience lies in providing a distraction-free study environment. Living in a peaceful and well-equipped space helps students concentrate better, get enough rest, and maintain a structured routine, leading to improved academic performance.
Some of the most important things to consider when looking for student accommodation are the location, availability of rooms, prices, ratings, reviews, pet rules, safety, and other facilities offered.
A good accommodation provides all the facilities required by the student and is situated near the university. Moreover, the safety and security of the student is taken care of. There is staff to quickly resolve the accommodation problems. Additionally, a good accommodation falls within the budget of the student.
Student accommodation helps students meet people from different cultures, practice new languages, and adjust to local customs. Shared living spaces encourage friendships, social interactions, and support networks, making the transition to a new country smoother and less lonely.
University-managed accommodation is often safer, closer to campus, and provides student-friendly facilities. Private housing offers more independence but may require handling bills and contracts. The best option depends on personal needs and budget.
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses for students. Choosing the right housing helps manage costs efficiently. University dorms and shared flats are usually cheaper than private apartments. Living close to campus also saves money on transport.
Students should book at least 3-6 months in advance to secure the best options. Delayed bookings may lead to higher costs or limited choices. Researching early helps find affordable and well-located housing.
A good living environment reduces stress, loneliness, and homesickness. Having a safe, comfortable place to stay ensures a positive study abroad experience, helping students feel secure and motivated.
Common mistakes include booking without research, ignoring safety aspects, not checking lease agreements, and underestimating the cost of living. It’s essential to read reviews, compare options, and understand contract terms before finalizing accommodation.
The importance of student accommodation lies in the fact that it affects the overall university experience of the student. Student accommodation provides the facilities a student needs. Moreover, the safety and security of the student is taken care of. It is also a place where students can socialize and make friends. To discover more articles like this one, consult the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.
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