Things to Keep in Mind While Booking Accommodation Abroad: When you are planning to study abroad, you will be required to make many decisions. This includes choosing a course and university, managing finances, and finding the perfect accommodation. The latter is the most difficult of them all as it is very hard to find a place that meets your requirements and at the same time fits your budget. To help you find the right accommodation for yourselves, in the sections below, we have covered some things to keep in mind while booking accommodation.
Table of contents
Go for a Furnished Accommodation
Before selecting a student accommodation, make sure you know what is inside. For this, either discuss it with the property owner or ask for a virtual tour. The things that you should look out for inside the property are a bed, a study space that includes a table and a comfortable chair, a shower with a curtain, etc. This will help you arrange beforehand any essential furniture items that are missing inside the property. However, it would be a great idea if you could find a place that provides all the furniture items because in future it will become easier for you to relocate and also save you some money.
Also Read: Not sure how to find roommates while studying abroad? Our blog will help you – How to Find Roommates Abroad?
Safe and Convenient Location
Location is the most important factor that should affect your decision of choosing an accommodation. In addition to the university campus, you are going to spend a lot of time here, so make sure that the location at which the property is situated is safe. Also, the accommodation will be your base so you should make sure that it is near your university campus and other places of interest like restaurants, bus stops, cafes, hospitals, shopping centres, etc. This way, you will be able to commute with ease and also save a lot of time and effort.
Rent Should Fit in Your Budget
The first thing that you should look out for while checking out an accommodation is whether it fits in your budget so that you are comfortably able to pay the rent every month or week. Do not make a hasty decision thinking that you will figure out a way to pay later, as it can cause a lot of stress. If you are looking for an affordable option, then you can check out the sharing options, which will allow you to split bills with other roommates. If you can afford to pay more to get more privacy,y then you can opt for studio apartments.
One of the best places to look for great accommodation options at a specific location is Facebook. There are many Facebook groups where you will be able to find information related to rooms, apartments for both short and long-term, people looking for flatmates, etc. You will also get an idea of which place is good to live in and which is not as many students share their experiences. There will also be a Facebook group created by your university for accommodation purposes for the upcoming academic year, which can be a good place to start with your search. Also, some universities offer accommodation services to provide guidance and support to the students throughout the process.
Book Your Accommodation Early
After you receive the offer letter from the university, make sure you expedite your search to find accommodation. It is your responsibility to find suitable accommodation for yourselves. If you do not apply for University-owned accommodation, then your university will automatically assume that you have found accommodation or are looking for private accommodation. The benefit of starting your search early is that you will have more choices to choose from, which include both university-owned accommodation and private accommodations. It is of paramount importance, especially at locations where the supply is less than the demand. If you start late, then you may still find private rental options, but then you may have to pay higher prices to book a place and might also have to compromise on your preferences.
Understand the Cancellation and Refund Policies
When booking accommodation abroad, understanding cancellation and refund policies is crucial to avoid unexpected charges and ensure flexibility in case of changes. Many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals offer different cancellation options, ranging from fully refundable bookings to strict non-refundable rates. Opting for a flexible cancellation policy, even if it costs slightly more, can be beneficial if your plans are uncertain. Be sure to check the deadline for cancellations to avoid penalties, as some properties charge a full night’s stay or even the entire booking amount if canceled too late. Additionally, review refund processing times and methods, as some platforms may take weeks to return funds. If traveling during peak seasons or uncertain times, such as during a pandemic or political instability, consider travel insurance that covers accommodation cancellations for added security.
Also Read: Not sure about the duration for which you can stay in a student accommodation? Our blog will help you greatly: How Long Can You Stay in Student Accommodation?
FAQs
Some of the factors to consider while selecting a student accommodation are – proximity to the university, safety, location, facilities, security deposit, terms and conditions in the contract, etc.
Since these accommodations are built keeping in mind the comfort of the students they can be a great option for them. Also, these accommodations are much more reliable and secure as compared to other rental properties.
Some of the disadvantages of university accommodation are – high cost, strict rules and regulations, a lot of socialising with other students that can quickly turn to distractions, etc.
Mentioned below are some of the tips that you should follow to find good accommodation:
– Select a good location
– Go through the reviews of the place you are considering
– Become familiar with the amenities offered
– Consider the price factor
– Think about the accommodation type which is suitable for you and is in your budget.
Fly Homes is the best website for student accommodation as it has a user-friendly interface. It provides comprehensive information and offers a lot of accommodation options from which students can choose according to their preferences.
Use translation apps, book with internationally recognized chains, and message the hotel or host in advance for key information.
Look out for resort fees, service charges, city taxes, cleaning fees, or extra charges for amenities like WiFi, parking, or breakfast.
For the best deals, book several weeks or months in advance, especially during peak seasons. Last-minute deals can work, but availability may be limited.
Yes, especially for expensive stays or during uncertain travel periods. Travel insurance can cover cancellations, lost bookings, or emergency relocation.
Research crime rates, read traveler reviews, check Google Maps for nearby services, and avoid isolated areas or poorly lit streets.
We hope you liked this blog, where we covered some of the things to keep in mind while booking accommodation. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience, you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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