The short answer
Most international students choose between university-managed housing, private student accommodation, shared flats or houses, and homestays. Start looking as soon as you have an offer, because the best-value options can fill up early. Never pay a deposit or rent for a place you have not been able to verify.
The main options
- University halls or residences. Managed by the university, often close to campus. Applications usually open soon after you accept an offer, and some require you to apply by a deadline.
- Private student accommodation. Purpose-built blocks run by private companies. Facilities and contract lengths vary.
- Shared flats and houses. You rent a room in a shared property. Usually cheaper in some cities, but you need to check the contract, the landlord and your housemates.
- Homestay. You live with a host family. Often includes meals. Rules differ, so read the terms.
What to ask before you pay
- What exactly is included? Utilities, internet, furniture, cleaning, laundry.
- What is the contract length, and what are the rules for leaving early?
- What is the deposit, and how is it protected or held? Rules differ by country and by region.
- Who is the landlord or agent, and can you verify them?
- Is there a guarantor requirement? Some landlords ask for one. Ask what they accept for international students.
- What does the total cost look like each month, including everything you will pay?
How deposits work, in general terms
Deposit rules are set locally. In England and Wales, for example, landlords must protect deposits for most tenancies in a government-approved scheme. In other countries and regions the rules differ, and in Germany deposits are usually legally capped. Always ask how your deposit will be held and returned, and keep the receipt.
Spotting scams
- The price is far lower than similar listings
- The "landlord" is abroad and asks you to pay before you can see the place
- You are pressed to pay quickly, or by a method that cannot be traced
- There is no written contract, or the contract looks incomplete
- The photos appear on other listings
If something feels off, pause. Ask for a video tour, check the address independently and ask your university's accommodation team.
Checklist
- To do: Check your university's accommodation page and deadlines
- To do: Compare at least three options by the full monthly cost
- To do: Ask for a written contract and read it before paying
- To do: Verify the landlord or agent
- To do: Ask how the deposit is held and returned
- To do: Book a temporary stay for your first nights if you will arrive before your contract starts
- To do: Keep every receipt and the contract in your document vault
Common mistakes
- Paying through a link in a chat message before verifying
- Skipping the contract details about notice and extra charges
- Choosing by photo alone
- Forgetting to plan your first nights
Verify before you act
Rules differ by country and change. For England and Wales, see deposit protection on GOV.UK. For other places, check your university's accommodation office and the local official tenancy guidance.