Shared Houses for International Students – Student Housing

Starting your journey as an international student involves making your destination country home for the next couple of years. Finding the right place to stay is critical – the budget, location, and amenities, are all factors to consider. Whether you like being alone or love being with others, there’s a housing choice for you. One interesting option is  shared houses for international students, where you live with others but still have your own space.

Below, Gradstar Global breaks down what shared houses are, alongside other accommodation options.

About Shared Houses for International Students Abroad

A shared house for international students abroad is exactly what it sounds like. This is a living space you share with other tenants. You share common areas like kitchens and living rooms and sometimes bathrooms too. Generally, you will have your own bedroom in a shared house, though sometimes you might split this with another tenant.

Shared houses for international students help you save money on housing costs since you’re splitting the rent with your flat- or housemates. These shared living spaces can be apartments, student residences, or private houses.

What International Students Look for in Shared Housing

International students seek shared housing that’s safe, affordable, and creates a sense of community. They prioritize compatibility with roommates, proximity to university and transport, and practical amenities. When choosing shared housing, you can consider factors like safety, budget, atmosphere, and convenience to create a comfortable and welcoming living space.

• Safety and security considerations:
  These include both a safe location in a friendly neighbourhood, and factors like security guards, CCTV security cameras, access cards, good locks, etc.
• Compatibility with tenants:
  Roommates don’t always have to be people you knew beforehand. Finding respectful, friendly, and cooperative flat-mates can make daily life much easier though.
• Proximity to the university and public transportation:
  Being close to both your university and public transportation makes your daily commute much easier.
• Homes within budget:
  The ideal option is a fit within your budget that does not compromise the major necessities, including functioning utilities, clean living spaces, etc.
• Practical amenities and facilities:
  Look out for spaces that have practical amenities and facilities like a well-equipped kitchen, laundry, and common spaces.
• Nearby Shops and Markets:
  Living near shops and markets is convenient. You can have easy access to groceries, medicines, and other essentials.
• Number of Bedrooms:
  Consider the number of bedrooms and tenants in the shared house. You might prefer a quieter space with fewer roommates or enjoy the liveliness of a larger group. Depending on your budget and rent, you might be willing to compromise too.
• Furnished or Unfurnished:
  A furnished space might cost you more, but you might be willing to go for it for the convenience. If you’re keen to budget and set up your own space, unfurnished may be the way to go.

Types of Housing Options for International Students

There are two broad types of housing options for international students: on-campus and off-campus. Both have their own sets of selling points and pain points. Ultimately your needs and preferences determine the ideal accommodation option for you.

On-Campus Accommodation

The biggest pro is the obvious one – living on campus is convenient, especially for freshmen. You’re close to classes and campus facilities. On the flip side, the rooms might be smaller compared to off-campus options, and there could be stricter rules and regulations to follow. For instance, you might not be able to cook meals on the premises or bring family and friends to your rooms.

Many universities with large international student communities reserve accommodation specifically for these students. These accommodations bring a sense of community and proximity to university resources. For instance, if you study in Australia and choose the University of Canberra, you’ll have the option to choose from four residence halls: UC Lodge, Cooper Lodge, Weeden Lodge, and Campus West.

In the UK, the University of Leicester has 28 university-managed and 37 private halls. With on-campus accommodation, you live amongst other students and develop a sense of community and companionship. Limitations of personal space, noisy student lodgings, and a lack of amenities like personal kitchens and laundry areas could be drawbacks. It’s a trade-off between convenience and some compromises.

1. Single-Room Dorm:

Living in a single-room dorm on campus means having your own space. Typically, it includes a bed, desk, and storage, offering a private environment for studying and relaxation. The average cost varies but can be more expensive than a double room you share with another student. Depending on the university, it can come with different upgrades, with room types including standard, suite, studio, deluxe, premium, etc.

2. Double-Room Dorm:

In a double-room dorm, you share the space with a roommate. It usually comes with two or more beds, desks, and storage for each person. At some dorms, you have to use a common washroom for the room, hall, or floor. The average cost can be lower than a single room. The best part is the opportunity to build a close relationship with a roommate, but this depends on your compatibility with this person.

Destination	University	Single Room Dorm Cost	Double Room Dorm Cost per Year
Australia	Edith Cowan University	USD 7,080/ year	USD 6,470/ year
Canada	Dalhousie University	USD 9,319/ year	USD 8,225/ year
UK	Queen Mary University of London	USD 9,430/ year	USD 7,603/ year
USA	Arizona State University	USD 11,240/ year	USD 10,420/ year

Off-Campus Accommodation

Living off-campus gives you a range of housing options that offer more independence compared to on-campus living. You already know all about shared houses for international houses. These are popular options for international students looking to live off-campus.

Off-campus options allow you more flexibility when it comes to the cost, amenities, space, location, and more. There’s a range of housing options to suit your budget, usually the biggest factor in your choice.

Whether you’re looking for a room, house, unit, or townhouse, choose after doing proper research. You can live solo, with your partner and kids, with a local family, or share a house with other students or tenants. The possibilities are diverse, and no matter which route you choose, you’re in for a bunch of exciting opportunities that will add to your life as an international student.

Let’s look at the different choices you have:

1. Shared Apartments:

In shared apartments, you have your own bedroom but share common spaces like kitchens and living rooms with flatmates. These apartments are usually furnished, with beds, desks, chairs, as well as appliances like refrigerators, stovetops, washing machines, etc. The average cost is often more affordable than single apartments since you’re splitting the rent with others.

2. Single Apartments:

Choosing a single apartment means having your private living space with an individual bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Fully furnished and offering greater privacy, these apartments come at a higher cost compared to shared options, though they provide more personal space and autonomy.

3. Hostels:

Hostels are economical off-campus options where you usually share dormitory-style rooms, including shared bathrooms and communal kitchens. Ideal for short-term stays, hostels offer a budget-friendly and social environment but may lack privacy and quiet.

4. Boarding Houses:

Boarding houses offer individual rooms for rent, often with shared facilities like kitchens and living spaces. The cost falls between shared and single apartments, providing an affordable option with the potential for a supportive community and shared responsibilities.

The following chart is approximate and can vary depending on the city, location within the city, and specific amenities at each accommodation type at your study abroad destination:

Destination Country	Single Apartments Cost per Year (USD)	Shared Apartment Cost per Year (USD)	Hostels (USD)	Boarding Houses (USD)
Australia	$15,000 – $25,000	$8,000 – $15,000	$5,000 – $12,000	$8,000 – $15,000
Canada	$10,000 – $15,000	$6,000 – $10,000	$5,000 – $8,000	$7,000 – $12,000
UK	$12,000 – $18,000	$8,000 – $15,000	$6,000 – $10,000	$7,000 – $12,000
USA	$12,000 – $20,000	$8,000 – $15,000	$6,000 – $10,000	$8,000 – $14,000

Other Types of Accommodation

Granny Houses:

Granny houses, or granny flats, are independent living spaces homeowners rent off in the backyard of a family home. These typically consist of a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Living in a granny house allows you privacy while enjoying the support and company of a family environment.

Studio or 1-Bedroom Houses:

Studio or one-bedroom houses offer a compact yet independent living space. They usually include a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom all in one open area. If you are seeking privacy and smaller homes that are easier to maintain, this would be a perfect match. These often come with a lower cost compared to larger accommodations. If you value simplicity and a cozy living environment, this might be the right fit for you.

Homestays:

Homestays involve living with a local family in their home. This arrangement provides an immersive cultural experience. You can observe and participate in the daily life of a local family. Typically, you’ll have your own bedroom and share common spaces. Homestays are an excellent choice if you want to improve your language skills, experience local traditions, and receive support in adapting to a new culture.

Au Pairing:

Au pairing involves living with a host family, usually in exchange for childcare responsibilities. As an au pair, you become part of the family, sharing living spaces and participating in daily routines. This accommodation type provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, offering room and board in return for assisting with childcare duties. It’s a practical option if you enjoy working with children and want a family-oriented living experience.

Community Living:

Community living involves residing in purpose-built communities where individuals or families live nearby. If you like a collaborative and cooperative environment, this would be for you. You’d often need to share common facilities and participate in community events.

Tips For Finding Suitable Shared Houses for International Students

• Start your accommodation search well in advance to secure the best fit for you.
• Clearly outline your budget, covering rent, utilities, and potential additional costs. Resources like the Study Australia Cost of Living Calculator can help!
• Look for accommodation near your university or workplace to save time and costs on transportation.
• Read online reviews and ask for recommendations.
• Never commit without a personal visit to inspect the accommodation.
• Be sure to fully understand your rights as a tenant before signing anything or making any payments.
• Gather the necessary information for renting. Look for rental references, especially if dealing with real estate agencies. Personal references, like from a previous employer, can be useful if you lack rental references.

Rounding Up

Finding suitable accommodation is a big hustle for international students studying abroad. You need to keep your preferences and budget in mind simultaneously. Your choice matters as well as your pocket when choosing a shared house, single apartment, hostel, or boarding house. The various options provide a range of experiences, building a sense of community and independence. But you need to explore the rental market wisely to find the perfect shared houses for international students studying abroad. Keep searching – persistence is often the key to finding the right living space for you!