Studying abroad is a big and life-changing decision that takes a lot of work and research. Just a few things that students who want to study abroad must consider include application, visa, finances, transferring credits and most importantly, where you will live. Your life abroad, in a place you have never been to, with a culture completely different from your own, everything there will be new to you. From the streets you walk on, to the food they eat. You’ll get to experience the whole studying abroad lifestyle. If you are a Pakistani student planning to start your study abroad journey and looking for the best accommodation options abroad, this article is just for you.
What Are The Types Of Accommodation For Students Abroad?
In countries aboard, there are two basic types of accommodation for international students, we have mentioned them below, and will also discuss them in detail further below in this article:
On-Campus Accommodation
Most of the universities abroad offer international students the choice to stay on-campus during their academic program. Due to its numerous advantages, it is without a doubt the best choice for the international students who are looking for good accommodation abroad with security and basic facilities. Basically, on-campus accommodation means that students will be offered to stay at the hall of residence, a hostel or at student dorms within the boundaries of the university campus. These halls of residence and student dorms are mostly fully furnished and have all the basic facilities for the students. The advantages and disadvantages of on-campus accommodation are given below:
Advantages Of On- Campus Accommodation
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You can rest assured of your safety by staying on-campus because they have CCTV surveillance and 24-hour security.
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You'll save time and money if you don't have to travel between the campus and the place where you are staying.
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The rent for on-campus accommodation is relatively less than off-campus accommodation.
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The rent of on-campus accommodation is fixed that includes the expenses of electricity, internet, food and other basic facilities.
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You can choose the on-campus accommodation package of your own choice, i.e. with or without meal.
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You will be living with the students from different countries in on-campus accommodation, so will be able to learn about their culture and traditions.
Disadvantages Of On- Campus Accommodation
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You have to follow the rules and regulations.
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If you plan to go shopping or visit the city, you have to return before the gate closes.
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The university will allot you a room with roommates and you can’t choose who you can share your room with.
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You can easily get disturbed if you have noisy roommates.
Off-Campus Accommodation
If there is no room or space in campus accommodation, international students should look outside the university campus. Off-Campus accommodation is the perfect choice for international students who want to experience the study abroad lifestyle fully. Off-Campus accommodation options include renting an apartment, becoming a paying guest, or a homestay with a family abroad. There are various factors to consider when looking for study abroad off-campus accommodation, for example, rent, distance from your campus, is your neighborhood safe, whether necessities are available, public transport, convenience stores nearby, etc. Considering these factors while choosing your accommodation will be helpful for you. The following are the advantages and disadvantages of off-campus accommodation:
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Advantages Of Off- Campus Accommodation
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University rules won’t apply on you if you live off-campus. You’ll be able to live your life how you want to.
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You will also learn a lot about the city and can stay outside as long as you want.
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You’ll learn how to manage your expenses and stay under the budget.
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You’ll meet new people from different countries and get to know about their culture, if you share a room or apartment with students from different colleges.
Disadvantages Of Off- Campus Accommodation
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Electricity, food costs and other utility costs are not included in the rent for off-campus housing.
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Off-campus accommodation rent varies drastically.
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Off-campus facilities are not easily accessible.
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The time and money spent traveling between your accommodation and the campus can also be problem.
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It is less secure than on-campus accommodation.
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You have to cook and do laundry by yourself.
How To Find The Student Accommodation Abroad
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The first thing you can do is contact your university's international student services office and ask them about the university hostel and dormitories; they will provide you with complete information and guidance.
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Some universities provide on-campus accommodation information on their website.
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If the university informs you there is no room or space in a hostel or dormitory, you should ask them about the homestay or rental apartments near your campus.
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They can guide you accordingly; if you need more details, you can search online and choose the apartment or paying guest house that fits your needs.
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A friendly piece of advice is don’t rent an apartment or a room in the downtown area of the city you are going to. Because the city's downtown typically has the highest prices. It will save you some money. And you have to make every possible effort to save money while studying abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 - How international student can find accommodation abroad?
The university to which you are applying would assist you in locating on-campus and off-campus accommodations. In addition, you can check out city guides and accommodation websites as well as a variety of social media groups. But you need to be very careful and try to stay away from con artists.
2 - For international students, what kinds of accommodations are available abroad?
There are two primary categories: off-campus and on-campus accommodation.
3 - Can a student use his or her visa to rent off-campus accommodation?
Yes, you can stay in the country for the duration of your course in an off-campus accommodation with the help of your student visa.
4 - Does on-campus hostels or dormitories charge extra for the food?
The on-campus hostels and dormitories offer both with and without meal packages and package including meal plan will definitely cost you more.