Study Abroad: Amid global housing crisis, key points to remember while finding right accommodation

In this situation, it is important to know the importance of booking a stay that is in proximity to the university, has reasonable rent, and comes with all the amenities for the next few years.

Here is a complete guide to the different types of student housing with a three-step process to find your perfect (house) match. We’ll also talk about the care you need to take to avoid scams.

Types of housing

While booking the housing, first decide if you are looking for ‘on-campus’ or ‘off-campus’ accommodation, as both have their own pros and cons.

On-Campus: This type of accommodation includes dormitories and hostels. As they are on campus, students do not have to pay extra for the commute. Most of the time, students get access to amenities such as study lounges or fitness centres. As the student lives on campus, they get more chances to be involved in extracurricular activities and other on-campus events. However, on-campus places tend to be costlier and are available only for a limited time.

Off-Campus: Off-campus accommodation includes PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation), homestays, and apartments.

• PBSA is a form of accommodation that is particularly intended for the requirements of university students. These are often contemporary, furnished apartments or rooms near the campus that provide amenities like high-speed internet, shared lounges, and laundry facilities. PBSAs often provide foreign students with a pleasant and convenient living environment with on-site administration and maintenance to assure a high degree of security and all-inclusive assistance.
• Homestay basically involves living with the local host family in their house. This gives students a homely environment and allows them to experience new cultures, traditions, and customs.
• Living in an apartment gives more privacy compared to other housing facilities. It offers one or more bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a living area, and is usually fully furnished. It gives the students a chance to stay with their friends if it’s a shared apartment.

These housing facilities are out of the campus, so you should look for a stay that is near the university, in a safe vicinity, has good facilities, and has all the daily necessities available nearby. However, with off-campus housing, you should be prepared for some travel time to your campus. You may also need to deal with the hassles of paperwork, dealing with property owners, and more.

Easy steps to find student accommodation

Join social media groups: Be a part of the university’s social media groups (WhatsApp or Facebook) so you receive timely updates.

As an aspiring student, you can also share your queries regarding accommodation and roommates in the group and seek help from fellow students. Even the college/university’s international desk can help with the student housing information.

Research all facts: Once your admission and visa process is done, do a thorough online research of accommodations (on campus/off campus). Verify the facilities they provide and compare the rents.

Also, check if the distance between the campus and the stay is reasonable, otherwise, you’ll need to spend more time and money on the commute. Before booking the stay, also check the safety of the area and the crime rate, as it plays a vital role.

Keep all documents ready: Prepare the documents for booking accommodation well in advance. You’ll need proof of offer from the university, a tuition receipt, a passport copy, proof of visa approval, and a visa stamp while booking your stay.

Also, for off-campus accommodation, the landlords may ask for your credit report, income verification proof, and bank statements. In case you’re not working, the sponsor (parents/guardian) can present these documents.

Tips to avoid rental scams

As an international student, one may fall prey to rental scams. Here are a few pointers to always keep in mind when finalising a student accommodation:

Verify the authenticity of the property and landlord: Research well about the authenticity of the property and landlord, as scammers might use fake listings and names.

Avoid online or wire transfers without verification: Do not make online or wire transfers without legit information from the other party. Make the transaction after meeting the person — at least virtually.

Review the lease agreement carefully: Before signing the agreement, carefully read and review the document. Look for the duration of the lease, the amount of rent, and specific clauses, if mentioned. If you’re not sure, hire a lawyer if you need advanced legal advice.

Take a (virtual) tour before finalising: Before you finalise the accommodation and pay the deposit, take a virtual tour of the property. It will help you verify if the amenities and facilities match the description mentioned in the listing.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the various types and categories of student housing options available today. However, focus on the points that are most important for you to feel comfortable and at home in your new home.

(The writer is the co-founder and chief business officer at Amber)