International Student Housing: On-campus Accommodation V/s Off-campus Accommodation

Studying abroad is an adventure filled with fresh and enriching experiences and the place chosen to live can play a huge role in shaping memories.

The housing option can either make the study abroad experience incredibly elevating or challenging. The friendships formed and the stories told will often revolve around the place lived.

When it comes to international student housing, there are primarily two main options: on-campus or off-campus.

Each comes with its own set of blessings and flaws and the choice ultimately depends on the personal needs, lifestyle and budget.

Here is everything that you need to know while choosing a study-abroad accommodation:

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING

On-campus housing means living in dormitories (dorms) or residence halls provided by the university, placing the student right at the heart of campus life. It is extremely convenient since it is just a couple of steps away from everything around the university.

Pros of On-Campus Housing

• Transport:

  One of the biggest perks of living on campus is the convenience of being just a short walk away from classes and other campus facilities. This eliminates the need for daily commutes, saving both time and money.

• University Amenities:

  When living on the campus, there is easy access to all the university amenities. This includes computer labs, gyms, dining halls and recreational centres. Being close to these facilities encourages in taking full advantage of what the university has to offer.

• Campus Involvement:

  Living on campus, places the student right in the heart of university life. It is much easier to participate in events, join clubs and engage in student activities when everything is just around and happening.

• Academic Support:

  On campus living provides easier access to academic resources. Being close to libraries, study groups and tutoring centres is crucial since it is a requisite for academic success.

Cons of On-Campus Housing

• Expense:

  While on-campus housing comes with many rewarding factors, it can also come at a higher cost. It is important to compare the overall cost of living on campus with off-campus options to see what matches the budget. 
  In some cases, off-campus living can be more economical, particularly if the apartment is shared with roommates and meals are self-managed.

• Rules and Regulations:

  Living on campus means adhering to a set of rules and regulations. These can include restrictions on visitors, curfews, quiet hours and policies regarding alcohol and other behaviours. While these rules are in place to ensure a safe and orderly environment, they can sometimes feel restrictive and limit personal freedom.

• Lack of Privacy:

  On-campus housing usually involves sharing rooms and communal bathrooms, which can result in a lack of privacy and personal space. When being used to having an independent room or enjoying solitude, adjusting to this environment might be challenging. The constant presence of others can sometimes make it tough to find any quiet time.

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing refers to renting accommodation outside the university premises, such as apartments, houses or shared living spaces in the adjacent community. It offers more independence and privacy, as there is a choice of living arrangement, roommates and lifestyle.

Types of Off-Campus Housing

• Shared Apartments/Houses:

  Living in a shared apartment or house is a great way to cut expenses and even gain a social network as an international student. Splitting rent and utility bills with friends or fellow students, while sharing common areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom might be one of the best options for most international students.

• PBSAs:

  Purpose-Built Student Accommodations or PBSAs, are tailor-made for students and usually located close to universities. This offers a mix of private studios and shared apartments, along with student-focused amenities like study areas, and social lounges. PBSAs strike a balance between the social vibe of on-campus living and the freedom of being off-campus.

• Hostels:

  Hostels are a budget-friendly option. This student housing option usually has dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms, kitchens and common areas. Some even include meal plans. While they are super affordable, it is to be kept in mind that hostels would not offer much privacy.

• Independent Apartments:

  For students who crave privacy and their own space, renting an independent apartment might be perfect. There is no worry about roommates and there is also the bonus of owning personal space. This independence, however, comes with a higher price tag, as the student will be responsible for all the rent, bills and chores.

• Co-living Spaces:

  Co-living spaces are a modern twist on shared living. It has fully furnished private rooms with shared kitchens, living areas and sometimes co-working spaces. It is a fantastic way to enjoy a balance of independence and community especially when studying abroad. Due to the convenience, this option is usually on the expensive side, though, not always.

• Homestays:

  Living with a local family in a homestay gives a deep dive into the culture. They can offer meals, utilities, and tons of local insights. There are opportunities to familiarize with the language and experience daily life from a local perspective. However, living in a homestay means adapting to the family’s routines and rules, which might limit freedom. But the experience can be fulfilling and budget - friendly.

Pros of Off-Campus Housing 

• Privacy:

  Living off-campus means enjoyment of a level of privacy that is hard to find in dorms. Students need not be concerned about roommates barging in or sharing a bathroom with an entire floor. There is absolute relaxation and the benefit of possessing personal space, which can be a huge relief after a long day of classes.

• Independence:

  Off-campus housing gives a taste of the real world. Learning to manage bills, dealing with landlords and handling household chores, happens as a result. It is a great way to build independence and prepare for life after college.

• Preparation of Own Meals:

  Among the many privileges of off-campus living, having one’s own kitchen is a very fortunate option. Cooking whatever and whenever wanted, is a huge advantage. It is healthier, most of the times cheaper and can be a fun way to unwind.

• Cultural Immersion:

  Living in a neighbourhood rather than on campus can help in a deeper engagement into the local culture. There are possibilities of meeting people from different walks of life and also the prospects of getting to know the area better. It is a chance to expand horizons beyond the campus bubble as an international student.

• More Space:

  Off-campus apartments or houses mostly offer more space than dorm rooms. There would be a separate living room, a larger bedroom or even a backyard. It is nice to opt for a more spread-out option and not feel cramped all the time.

• Expense

  Off-campus housing can often be more cost-effective compared to living on campus, especially if there is a likelihood of finding roommates to share the rent and utilities. There may be more control over where and how money is spent. However, if the apartment is rented out by the student itself, it will be much more expensive.

Cons of Off-campus Housing

• Responsibilities:

  Living off-campus comes with a set of responsibilities that can sometimes feel overwhelming. From managing rent payments, utility bills and chores to dealing with repairs and maintenance issues, the student is most importantly, the one in charge. It is like a crash course in adulting, which can be daunting when the student is already juggling classes and extracurricular activities.

• Commute:

  Depending on the place of stay relative to the campus, commuting can become a daily hassle. Dealing with traffic, waiting for public transport, or facing unpredictable weather can be heavy on both time and money. It can also drain energy and limit the ability to participate in spontaneous campus activities or study groups.

• Security:

  Off-campus housing may not offer the same level of security as on-campus dormitories. Investments may have to be made for personal security measures like alarms or better locks, to feel safe. Additionally, living in a different neighbourhood could become a source of exposure to different safety risks compared to the campus environment.

Affordable Study Abroad Housing Options

• Researching on student dormitories or university-managed apartments is a must.
• Sharing a place off-campus with roommates splits costs – ensuing saving money and also helps make new friends.
• Trying to get a hostel that provides the necessary resources is a budget-friendly option. It is better not to overlook local homestays, where living with a host family is a good option as it is usually cheaper and gives a taste of the local culture.
• Fellow students or study abroad consultants are always approachable for reliable answers. Additionally, some great deals can be uncovered by looking out for online platforms.
• Necessarily reading reviews and communicating directly with the landlord helps avoid any surprises.

What to check before finalising your study abroad accommodation?

Before finalizing the study abroad accommodation, a few important things specified as follows are to be checked to make sure everything goes smoothly:

1. Matching lease length with the academic schedule to make sure the rent fits the budget
2. Enquiring about any deposits needed to be paid upfront and whether utility bills are included or extra.
3. Screening the owners to ensure they are trustworthy and easy to communicate with and the selected roommates can be got along with.
4. Consideration of the location for its safety and convenience, taking a stroll around the neighbourhood to see if it suits recipient lifestyle. Checking the proximity of the place with the campus, inquiry about essential services and public transport.
5. Checking what kind of furnishings are included, to avoid unexpected costs for furniture.

Finding affordable housing while studying abroad is essential for a positive and stress-free experience and there are various options to suit different budgets and preferences. By exploring dormitories, shared apartments, homestays, and online rental platforms, international students can find a comfortable and cost-effective place to live while studying abroad.