Known for the world’s top-class universities and institutions, the United States of America offers a plethora of student accommodation options. Whether on-campus or off-campus, international students can secure their stay in the country per their transportation preferences, budget, lifestyle, and cost of living.
The numerous possibilities might confuse and even bring challenges in decision-making as to which location is nearer to the student’s university, what costs higher, or what comes under budget, if he/she can comply with the rules and regulations or needs to be set free, etc. While knowing your accommodation suitability based on your needs is important, Learner Aid is here to acknowledge your queries and concerns.
2 Types of Accommodation in the US for international students
On-campus Accommodation
The safest and preferred choice of international students is on-campus accommodation. While the cost for on-campus go over the odds when compared to off-campus options, it still has its likable traits.
- US universities offer accommodations in residence halls, apartments, and student dorms.
- Students dorms are specified in three categories- first-year, sophomore, and senior students, and their rooms are assigned based on student preferences.
- In a single dorm, up to 5 students can be accommodated and given amenities like a TV, kitchen, laundry service, basic furniture, and bathroom, with water and electricity included in accommodation fees.
- The on-campus accommodation fees may vary from $9,500 to $15,000 per year, depending upon the meal plans chosen in the package.
- Please note- many universities have already made on-campus accommodation compulsory for students in their first year.
Off-campus Accommodation
A comparatively more economical option than on-campus accommodation. International students get to explore options under off-campus accommodation like homestays and apartments. On average, house rent cost varies between $6,000 to $9,000, annually. The cost variation depends upon the city and area of living. Other than the rent, the student has to consider bills and necessities like food, water, internet, etc, that are to be paid separately.
Spot the difference between the two off-campus alternatives below.
Homestays
- A go-to option for freshers in the USA where students get to live with an American family with a personal room and meals included.
- Cost ranges between $600 to $1000, comparatively less than student apartments.
- Students can find homestays on a typical commute distance of 20 to 40 minutes from their university campus.
- International students living with a host American family can benefit from exploring the American culture and way of living.
- Students need to register under the American Homestay Network (AHN) which ensures quality standards of homestays and student safety.
- These can be found in cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, and Portland, and require an upfront fee of $300 and a health and safety questionnaire before signing the agreement.
- Homestays can also be considered a temporary option until the student finds his/her permanent stay.
Apartments
- A popular choice to enjoy independent living abroad, students from senior-year and graduates generally choose to live in the apartments.
- The cost of living in apartments depends upon the area and location of the apartment, condition, and market demand, between $800 to $2000 per month.
- An apartment offers private rooms, private or shared kitchens, bathrooms, and other basic amenities.
- Points that can be considered before finalizing the apartment can be, campus distance, safety in the nearby area, amenities and necessities, public transport, medical help, etc.
- Apartments can support shared rental rooms that can help cut down on expenses.
Ways To Find Accommodation in the US
The most preferred and easiest way to settle for accommodation in the US is to opt for on-campus for the initial year. This way, the student gets time to understand the other private stay options while living within the university campus.
But before the student assents to any decision, here’s all that he/she needs to take into consideration to find the appropriate housing.
- Look out for the details on your university website- fees, duration, rules and regulations, etc.
- Each university has its International Student Office to assist with accommodation on or off campus.
- Online platforms like Uniplaces, Nestpick, UniAcco, AmberStudent, Spotahome, etc put forward options to look for accommodation in the US.
- Social media platforms can help find potential roommates, which will further help share the expenses.
- Consult with your seniors or relatives who have already been living abroad if they can be of any help.
- Look for any latest news, university housing boards, or university student advisories, that can aid in apartment listing.
Cost of Accommodation
Below is the breakdown of the cost of accommodation based on the university, city, and type of accommodation.
Based on University
| University Name | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $11,900 | ₹9,94,534.17 |
| Stanford University | $18,500 | ₹15,46,124.55 |
| Harvard University | $19,600 | ₹16,38,056.28 |
| New York University | $15,200-24,200 | ₹12,70,329 – ₹20,22,498 |
| University of California | $17,750 | ₹14,83,443.83 |
| Yale University | $18,000 | ₹15,04,337.40 |
| Columbia University | $10,100-16,100 | ₹8,44,100.43 – ₹13,45,546.23 |
| Princeton University | $10,900 | ₹9,10,959.87 |
| University of Pennsylvania | $11,850 | ₹9,90,355.46 |
| Brown University | $14,750 | ₹12,32,720.93 |
| Cornell University | $9,100-11,100 | ₹7,60,526.13 – ₹9,27,674.73 |
| Duke University | $50/day | ₹4,178.72/day |
Based on City
| Cities | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) |
| Boston | $1,600-3,000 | ₹1,33,657.68 – ₹2,50,608.15 |
| New York | $1,500-3,000 | ₹1,25,304.08 – ₹2,50,608.15 |
| Los Angeles | $1,500-2,500 | ₹1,25,304.08 – ₹2,08,840.13 |
| Chicago | $1,100-1,500 | ₹91,889.65 – ₹1,25,304.08 |
| Pittsburgh | $700-1,050 | ₹61,957.50 – ₹87,712.85 |
| Washington DC | $1,500-2,500 | ₹1,25,304.08 – ₹2,08,840.13 |
| Philadelphia | $1,150-1,500 | ₹96,066.46 – ₹1,25,304.08 |
| San Francisco | $2,000-4,000 | ₹1,67,072.10 – ₹3,34,144.20 |
| Baltimore | $1,400-1,800 | ₹1,16,950.47 – ₹1,50,364.89 |
Based on the Accommodation Type
| Types of Accommodation | Cost in USD | Cost in INR |
| On-Campus | $10,000 – $15,000/ year | ₹8,35,360.50 -₹12,53,040.75 |
| Off-campus/private accommodation | $6,000 – $50,000/year | ₹5,01,216.30 – ₹41,76,802.50 |
| Homestay | $7,000/a year + $300 up-front fee | ₹5,84,752.35 – ₹25,060.82 |
| Student Hostel | $15 – $50/night | ₹1,253.04 – ₹4,176.80 |
Points of Consideration while Choosing Your Stay in the US
- Distance from the university
- Availability of daily basic needs
- Mode of transportation
- Medical emergency units nearby
- Safety and security in the area
- Hangout spots nearby
- Accommodation in sharing
- Budget compliance
Conclusion
Finding the right accommodation might sound burdensome until you have the plan blueprint. Choosing from too many options out there, and analyzing which would suit your preferences, budget, and duration, might leave you on a confusing road.
So whenever things get rough on this note and you must consider finding the right fit for you, look out for Learner Aid, your one-stop destination to take you to your dream university with all the arrangements kept handy for you even post-university admission.
