For those looking for a private accommodation in studying abroad, it is advisable to get an overview of the housing market before the departure date in the corresponding city to gain. Students can find out what the apartments look like, how high the rents are, and what they are getting for which rental price. The level of the rent index always depends on the country and city of study and the location of the apartment.
However, we strongly advise against signing a rental agreement from home or even paying a down payment for an apartment or a room in a shared apartment! Students should not rent an apartment that they have not visited on site – not even for fear of being left without a place to stay after studying abroad. Such a fear is also in the vast majority of cases unfounded, because, unlike in our country, it is usually customary in many countries to move into an apartment very quickly. Those who are on site can also call the landlords of apartments much more easily in response to their advertisements and attend spontaneous viewing appointments.
Students who want to find an apartment on site should, if possible, arrive before the start of the semester. In this way, the search for an apartment does not collide with the first few weeks at university and studying abroad can be approached more relaxed. Many students abroad choose a hostel as their first place to stay while they are looking for an apartment.
Some of the foreign universities can help you find private accommodation for studying abroad.
Advantages and disadvantages of a shared apartment or single apartment while studying abroad
advantages
disadvantage
privacy
Searching for an apartment is only possible on site
You can choose your roommate
A lot of initiative required
Apartment in a preferred location, for example near the beach or town
greater distance to the university and the associated transport costs
More personal freedom and independence than in a student residence or host family
Less contact with other students outside of the university
Opportunity to get to know life in the study country away from campus better
In addition to the rent, there are (proportionately) additional costs
Accommodation in a host family while studying abroad
Another option for living while studying abroad is with a host family, also known as a homestay. Those who choose this option live with a local host while studying abroad. It can’t just be a “classic” family with children. An elderly couple, for example, or a single person can also offer a homestay. Host families who would like to accept students will usually be checked in advance by the homestay organizations. The foreign universities are often helpful in finding a suitable host family.
In the host family, the students usually have their own room and often their own bathroom and are allowed to use the kitchen. The rental price usually includes ancillary costs and, in some cases, meals. This makes the host family a very affordable option for studying abroad.
Living with a host family while studying abroad is a great opportunity to get to know the country and its people even better. Students can experience the culture and everyday life of the locals up close. In some host families, the students even have a real family connection and thus get even more of everyday life.
The further development of foreign language skills is not neglected when staying with a host family. Anyone studying abroad in the USA, Australia or Great Britain is “forced” to speak English outside of the university. This is also the case in shared apartments and student dormitories, provided that one does not only live with compatriots. Students who, for example, study predominantly in English at a university in a Spanish-speaking country such as Spain, Peru or Chile can improve their Spanish with the host family and their English at the university. So you kill two birds with one stone.
If you decide to stay with a host family for studying abroad, you should bear in mind that they do not necessarily always live in the immediate vicinity of the university or city. As a guest, students should of course also adhere to certain house rules. This can be unusual, especially for students who have already lived alone.
Host families as accommodation options while studying abroad: advantages and disadvantages
advantages
disadvantage
Get to know the country and its people
Transport costs to the university
improve language skills
You have to stick to the rules set by the family
Additional costs and meals are often included in the rental price
Often greater distance to the (inner) city, as the host families live in residential areas
Family connection
For a short time: Stay in a hostel or hotel
A hostel or a hotel is only suitable as short-term accommodation at the beginning of the study abroad due to the costs. Sometimes there are special offers for students at certain times. Hostels are a popular temporary solution for students who want to find a permanent place to stay after arriving in the study country. Some of these accommodations are particularly frequented by international students, so that initial contacts can be made here.
