Accommodation Options for International Students: On-Campus, Off-Campus & Homestays

Introduction: Home Away from Home 🏠

One of the biggest decisions you’ll face after securing admission abroad is:

👉 “Where will I live?”

Accommodation is more than just a roof over your head — it’s where you’ll eat, study, sleep, make friends, and build memories. For international students, the choice often comes down to three main options:

1. On-campus housing (university dorms/residences)
   
2. Off-campus housing (apartments/shared rentals)
   
3. Homestays (living with a host family)
   

Each has its own advantages, costs, and lifestyle experiences. In this guide, we’ll break down all three, compare them country-wise, and give you tips to find safe, affordable housing as an Indian student abroad.

Option 1: On-Campus Housing

What It Is

University-provided housing located within or very close to the campus. Usually dormitories, halls of residence, or shared apartments.

Pros ✅

• Convenience: Close to classes, libraries, labs.
  
• All-inclusive: Rent often includes utilities (electricity, Wi-Fi, heating).
  
• Safe & secure: Monitored by university.
  
• Community: Easy to meet other students, join clubs, socialize.
  
• Facilities: Cafeterias, laundry, gym access.
  

Cons ❌

• Cost: Can be more expensive than private rentals.
  
• Rules: Curfews, no overnight guests, strict conduct.
  
• Limited privacy: Shared rooms/bathrooms.
  
• Availability: High demand, not enough spots for all students.
  

Average Costs (per month)

• USA: $600–1,200
  
• UK: £400–800
  
• Canada: CAD 500–1,000
  
• Australia: AUD 600–1,200
  
• Europe: €300–700
  

💡 Best for: First-year students adjusting to a new country.

Option 2: Off-Campus Housing

What It Is

Private apartments or shared houses rented independently or with roommates.

Pros ✅

• Freedom: No curfews or strict rules.
  
• Choice: Can pick location, roommates, and style of housing.
  
• Privacy: Single rooms/apartments available.
  
• Potentially cheaper: Especially when shared with friends.
  

Cons ❌

• Bills separate: Utilities (electricity, water, Wi-Fi) not included.
  
• Commuting: May live far from campus.
  
• Responsibility: Must handle lease agreements, landlords, repairs.
  
• Risk: Some landlords may overcharge international students.
  

Average Costs (per month)

• USA: $800–1,500 (city dependent, NYC vs Midwest).
  
• UK: £500–1,200 (London more expensive).
  
• Canada: CAD 700–1,500.
  
• Australia: AUD 800–1,800.
  
• Europe: €400–900.
  

💡 Best for: Students in 2nd year or above who want independence.

Option 3: Homestays

What It Is

Living with a local family that provides a private room and sometimes meals.

Pros ✅

• Cultural immersion: Learn local language, traditions, lifestyle.
  
• Support system: Families often treat students like members.
  
• Meals included: Saves cooking effort.
  
• Safe environment: Trusted families vetted by agencies.
  

Cons ❌

• Less independence: Must follow house rules.
  
• Privacy limited: Living in someone else’s home.
  
• Costly in some cities: Especially with meals included.
  

Average Costs (per month)

• USA: $700–1,200
  
• UK: £500–900
  
• Canada: CAD 700–1,200
  
• Australia: AUD 900–1,400
  
• Europe: €500–900
  

💡 Best for: Students under 18, or those wanting cultural experience and family environment.

Country-Wise Accommodation Trends

USA

• Most undergraduates start in on-campus dorms.
  
• Graduate students often move to off-campus apartments with roommates.
  
• Homestays less common, but available near smaller universities.
  

UK

• Halls of residence popular for first-year students.
  
• Later years → shared flats near campus.
  
• Homestays popular for language students.
  

Canada

• Residence halls are convenient but limited.
  
• Many students opt for shared off-campus housing.
  
• Homestays common for ESL (English language) learners.
  

Australia

• Student apartments and private rentals are popular.
  
• Homestays widely used by international students (safe and family-like).
  

Europe

• Germany: Students prefer shared flats (WG – Wohngemeinschaft).
  
• France: University dorms (CROUS) affordable but limited.
  
• Netherlands: Student housing shortage — apply early!
  

How to Find Student Accommodation Abroad

University Resources

• University housing office (apply early).
  
• Student forums, notice boards.
  

Online Platforms

• USA/Canada: Zillow, Apartments.com, Kijiji.
  
• UK: Rightmove, SpareRoom.
  
• Australia: Flatmates.com.au, Gumtree.
  
• Europe: HousingAnywhere, Uniplaces.
  

Homestay Agencies

• Homestay.com
  
• International Student Homestay Network
  

Student Groups & Networking

• Join Facebook groups like “Indians in Toronto” or “Indian Students in London.”
  
• WhatsApp/Telegram housing groups.
  

Tips for Choosing Accommodation

1. Budget wisely – Factor in rent + bills + commute.
   
2. Location matters – Near campus/public transport.
   
3. Check safety – Research crime rates in the area.
   
4. Read lease agreements carefully – Watch out for scams or unfair deposits.
   
5. Consider lifestyle – Quiet vs social, family-like vs independent.
   
6. Book early – Housing shortages are real in big cities.
   

Common Mistakes Students Make

❌ Waiting until last minute → Leads to expensive options.
❌ Not checking lease terms → Losing deposits unfairly.
❌ Ignoring commute → Long travel eats time & money.
❌ Falling for scams → Fake landlords demanding deposits online.
❌ Underestimating costs → Forgetting utilities, transport, groceries.

✔️ Solution: Start research 3–6 months before departure, verify listings, and always sign legal contracts.

Quick Comparison: On-Campus vs Off-Campus vs Homestay

Factor	On-Campus	Off-Campus	Homestay
Cost	Medium–High	Low–High	Medium–High
Privacy	Low	Medium–High	Medium
Community	Very High	Medium	High (family)
Independence	Low	High	Medium
Meals	Sometimes included	Self-cook	Usually included
Best for	Freshers	Seniors	Young/inexperienced students

Quick Checklist Before Booking Accommodation

• Decide budget.
  
• Research all 3 options.
  
• Compare commute distances.
  
• Ask about included facilities (Wi-Fi, laundry, meals).
  
• Read contract carefully.
  
• Verify landlord/university housing office.
  
• Book early to avoid shortages.
  

Conclusion: Where You Live Shapes Your Experience

Accommodation isn’t just about cost — it’s about comfort, safety, and lifestyle.

• If you want convenience and a social environment → On-campus housing is best.
  
• If you crave independence and flexibility → Off-campus housing works better.
  
• If you want cultural immersion and family-like support → Homestays are a great choice.
  

Remember: whichever option you choose, plan early, stay safe, and budget wisely. Your accommodation will play a huge role in making your study abroad journey happy and memorable.