What Are the Different Types of Housing Available?
Overview of housing options for international students in the U.S.
Types of Housing in the U.S.
have more options, including apartment sublets, rooms for rent, homestays, and university-style dormitories.
Apartment rentals/shares/sublets
Renting an apartment or house will provide you with the most freedom. A cost-efficient way to live in an apartment is to share it with other people. You agree to divide responsibilities and payment of rent and bills. If you decide to share an apartment, make sure there is enough space for every tenant to avoid overcrowding. Another option is to sublet an apartment from a tenant who leaves for a period of time – a few months or longer. You assume the responsibilities of paying rent and bills and the original tenant assumes all responsibilities under the lease. No matter which way you choose to rent, be sure to always get a signed lease that includes the names of all the tenants.
We advise you against signing long-term lease agreements. Depending on the housing arrangement you select, we recommend that you try to negotiate a shorter lease or a month-by-month lease. This is important in case you need to leave the U.S. early; there may be a fee for leaving before your lease ends, so be sure to discuss this before signing a lease or housing agreement.
To rent, share, or sublet an apartment, you are typically required to provide a copy of a photo ID, a letter from an employer with salary information, and proof of sufficient funds from home.
Dormitory-style apartments and university housing
Dormitories typically have a greater sense of community and social interaction and will allow you to meet other students. Most often, dormitory-style and university housing will require you to share a bedroom and bathroom with other individuals. Most dormitories also provide essential housing needs, such as furnished rooms, Internet access, kitchen, and laundry facilities, and, in some cases, even meals.
Homestays
Homestays offer participants the opportunity to improve language skills and sample American culture in a unique way by living with an American family. Participants will typically have their own bedroom and arrange to take an allotted amount of meals with the family each week. Like any other type of housing, it’s important that you get the details of the arrangement before you sign any sort of lease or agreement. If you are a person who enjoys staying out late and inviting friends over, this may not be the best option.
Hostels
Hostels are great for temporary accommodation while you look for something more long term. Hostels typically require you to share a bedroom and bathroom with other residents, but they also provide opportunities for meeting other young people and making friends.