Congratulations on being admitted to a US university! Where you choose to live can make or break your experience in the US. Know your options and choose wisely to make the best of your experience.
We will cover all of your options, the pros and cons of each, what to do when the housing is closed for the holidays, and your dining options.
Table of Contents
Residence Halls (also called dorms or dormitories)
Living and Learning Communities
Themed Housing
Sorority or Fraternity Housing
University Owned Apartments
Renting Privately Owned Apartments, Houses, or Rooms
Homestay
Temporary Housing
Housing options will vary by school and may also depend on whether the international student housing is for an undergraduate student (student who is earning their first bachelor’s degree), graduate student (student who is earning their master’s, Ph.D., or higher education beyond a bachelor’s), is married or single. Some of the most common international student housing options are:
Residence Halls (also called dorms or dormitories)
Living and Learning Communities
Themed Housing
Sorority or Fraternity Housing
University Owned Apartments
Renting Privately Owned Apartments, Houses, or Rooms
Homestay
Temporary Housing
International Student Housing Option: Residence Halls (also called res halls, dorms or dormitories)
Residence Halls are the most typical type of housing option for all students – including international students.
International students who live in the residence halls generally find it easier to make friends and get involved on campus. Residence halls have an assigned resident assistant whose job is to support students living on their floor and to create an inviting environment. They will regularly organize fun activities for everyone living on the same floor or in the same building. And because the residence halls are conveniently located on campus, students are always close to where all the social and fun events are happening.
Residence halls typically consist of a building with several floors. Some floors or even the entire building, may be reserved for all women or all men. But your next-door neighbor could be of another sex (if you are a woman your next-door neighbor could be a male etc.)
Residence halls are typically shared rooms, although singles (rooms for one student) are available. Rooms can accommodate two students (double), three students (triple), or four students (quad). Students will typically share a bathroom with everyone who lives on their floor. But it’s not as bad as it sounds. There are multiple bathroom stalls and shower stalls and they are cleaned regularly by university staff. All you need is a bathroom caddy to carry your toiletries in and out of the bathroom. Anything you leave behind, such as your favorite shampoo, is considered community property if left behind.
Some residence halls also offer pods or suite options which are a few rooms connected with a common living space (like a living room) and a bathroom, which means fewer people share bathrooms and showers.
International Student Housing During Breaks
Unlike other housing options, residence halls are not open year-round. Most are only open during the traditional school year and close for winter break and summer break and some even close the week of Thanksgiving. Open and closure times also depend on whether a school is on the semester or quarter system. But the schedule may look something like this:
- Go home with an American friend
Once you have made friends, it’s not uncommon to receive an invitation to go home with them during the breaks and holidays. This is a great way to be immersed in the American culture and also a great way to do a little travel.
- Local families
Some schools offer international students housing
with local families. Families are not paid and do it because they enjoy hosting international students. Thanksgiving break (celebrated on the third Thursday in November) is a big holiday in the United States. Residence halls are typically closed that entire week. This is another great way to experience American culture and an authentic Thanksgiving meal!
- Stay in the residence halls
Some schools allow international students to stay in
the residence halls even during the breaks.
This is not the norm so don’t count on this unless it has been confirmed by the school.
Most dining halls will also be closed but the school will make arrangements for meals.
Dining Options
If you are living in the residence hall, you will have most of your meals at the university dining hall (also called the cafeteria). Most schools have multiple dining halls and many are connected to the residence hall but you can eat at any of the dining halls. Fortunately, most schools have really great healthy food options and accommodate any and all dietary and religious restrictions. Meals change every day but at any meal, it’s common to see at least one international hot meal, an American hot meal, a salad bar with lots of veggies and add-ins and fruits, soups, pizza, burgers, desserts, etc. with many vegan, organic, and vegetarian options – all while adhering to environmental and socially responsible food practices like those at UC Berkeley.
Universities really try to keep their students happy and well-fed. Bowdoin College, for example, is known for having excellent meal options and it’s their school tradition to welcome new students and returning students to campus every year with a lobster bake. That may not be a big deal in your country, but in the United States, lobster is considered a delicacy and certainly not something you would see on the menu at most American universities.
Alternative options
In addition to cafeteria food, many campuses also have a number of fast food and/or fast-casual restaurants on campus. Schools require students to purchase a meal plan if they are living in the residence hall and most have the flexibility to use their meal card (typically your student Identification Card that also acts as your payment for meals) at multiple locations such as the school dining halls, on-campus restaurants, and coffee shops, and on-campus markets.
Even though students have access to lots of food options on campus, it’s still very common for students to have a mini refrigerator and a microwave in their rooms. Some schools will rent them to students but it’s typically cheaper to just buy your own. You’ll likely be sharing it with roommates who will also split the cost of the mini refrigerator and microwave. Coffee pots and hot water kettles are allowed but hot plates, candles, or anything else that could cause a fire is not allowed. This is perfect for the student who just can’t wake up early enough to make it to breakfast and is also great for late-night snacking.
Some schools also have kitchens in the residence hall for those students who just really want to cook.
So are the residence halls the right housing option for you?
You’ve read all about the residence halls but still can’t decide? Looks at the pros and cons below to help you decide.
International Student Housing Option: Living and Learning Communities (LLCs), Themed Housing
Living and Learning communities or Themed Housing is another great option for international students. They are especially great for those who may otherwise have a harder time connecting and integrating into the university campus. But just to be clear, these are not just international students’ housing options. These housing options are open to all students and are sponsored by the university. And best of all is that they do not cost extra money other than regular residential hall housing.
They are similar to typical residence halls but with a theme or purpose. These communities are intentionally designed to create communities around common interests and also help students integrate into the greater university community. Students receive all the benefits of residence life plus all the benefits of the LLCs/Themed Housing. International students who participate often have higher academic achievement and intellectual growth, stronger and more authentic relationships with faculty and peers, and overall greater satisfaction with their university experience.
Examples of Living and Learning Communities
Honors Living-Learning Community
Housing to ensure honors students (high-grade point average/marks) get the support they need. All students living in the community may have one to two courses together, an increase in university-sponsored on-campus and off-campus activities, meaningful interactions with faculty outside of the classroom, and the ability to easily form study groups for class projects.
Students in Math and Sciences (SiMS)
For students interested in developing their academic, professional, and personal skills.
Examples of Theme Housing
Muslim Interest Living Community (MILC)
Graduate Student & Non-Traditional Student Experience Communities
A community for students interested in the health sciences
Exploring Intersections of Gender and STEAM
International Student Housing Option: Sorority and Fraternity Housing (Greek Life)
Sororities and Fraternities are social clubs on campus that require rushing and pledging (vetting process). If you are selected as a member, and your sorority or fraternity owns a house, you can live there with your fellow brothers or sisters. Some sororities or fraternities have rules around what year of your membership you can live in the home. The cost also varies but it is generally cheaper to live in a sorority/fraternity than it is to live in the dorms.
International Student Housing Option: University Owned Apartments
Another international student housing option is university-owned apartments. Some universities may only offer these apartments to upperclassmen (students in their last two years of school), married students, or graduate students. Most are still right on campus or within walking distance of campus but have a completely different feel than the residence halls.
Apartments do not require meal plans, although meal plans can still be purchased. Utilities and basic furniture may still be provided by the university directly instead of trying to set up on your own.
Apartments may be available in suites or one – three rooms, but they all have a much more independent living feel. Students tend to be older and much more independent.
It’s important to note that apartments, not owned by the university, have their own process for renting.
International Student Housing Option: Privately Owned Housing
Renting an apartment, a house, or a room
Some students may choose to rent an apartment, house, or room that is not owned by the university. The student would be expected to complete the process on their own including setting up utilities (gas, electricity, water, trash collection), finding roommates, furnishing – if the furniture is not provided, etc.
Rental Length
As explained in the residential hall section, most residential halls close during school breaks and during the summer, regardless if they are on the quarter system or the semester system. The schedule may look similar to the schedule below:
Some schools allow their students to remain on campus during the closure for an additional fee and may or not include meals.
But when you rent from a privately owned apartment, room, or house, your rental agreement is per month/s or year/s. 12 months is the most common rental agreement but some do offer month-to-month (meaning you renew every month) but that’s typically a little more expensive.
So regardless of the school closures, students would have housing throughout the year.
How to rent an apartment
1. Look for an apartment close to campus – Available apartments may be posted on your school housing site
2. Credit Check – The property owner may run a credit check to make sure you can make payment
3. Sign a contract
4. Pay Deposit – A typical deposit equivalent to the first and last month’s rent. You will get your deposit back the apartment is in as good condition as when you first moved in.
5. Set up utilities
How to rent a house
A house is often bigger than an apartment and will often have multiple bedrooms. Some students rent a house together. You will likely have to go through the same steps as renting an apartment.
How to rent a room
You may be interested in renting a room in an apartment or a house. This is called subletting. Students may look on student boards to find roommates or subletting options. You may be asked to evenly split all costs including the rent, utilities, cost of cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc.
International Student Housing Option: Homestay
Homestays are housing options for international students who are matched with a host family that lives close to the school. These are not university-sponsored options but the university may recommend a few homestay organizations. You should always look into the reputation of the homestay company. All families typically go through a process to become hosts. The process typically includes an application, interview, criminal background check, and home inspection.
The student lives with the family and can choose to have their own bedroom or share with another international student. Depending on the home, the student may have their own bathroom or may share with the family. The student can also decide if they are interested in just having a room or also having meals provided by the family. Homestays are so different from each other because it all depends on the family and their home. But because the student is living with a family, they get the opportunity to practice their English skills, get assistance transitioning into a new culture, and participate in holidays and American celebrations. For international students looking to integrate into the American lifestyle beyond school, Homestays may be a good fit.
International Student Housing Option: Temporary Housing (Short term or Long term)
Temporary housing is a great choice if:
You are arriving early (before residence halls are open)
If you are staying during long breaks (Winter, Spring, or Summer Break)
Or if you just want a nice vacation place to rent as you explore the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do student houses have locks on doors? Yes!! Even though residence halls may be shared with many students, they are very secure. Residence halls can only be accessed by students who live in the building. Every student is given access to open the doors through a key fob, key card, or ID card. Most also have a student worker at the entrance to assist students and also to make sure only students are in the building. Some floors will also be restricted to only the students who live on the floor.
What is married student house? Married student housing is university housing that is provided only to current students who are married. Their spouse does not have to be a student to live in the housing. Married students are not allowed to live in regular residence halls/dormitories.
Why is student housing so bad? Student housing varies widely from school to school. Some schools offer newly built or renovated housing and others have housing that is a little more dated.
Conclusion
8 International Student Housing Options:
Residence Halls – Shared bedroom, bathroom, and living space with access to the dining hall for meals
Living and Learning Communities – Shared living space with other students who share your interest in a specific topic
Themed Housing – Students living together who share the same interest
Sorority or Fraternity Housing – Sororities and fraternities that own houses allow their club members to live in the home for a fee.
University-Owned Apartments – Private living quarters typically reserved for older students
Renting Privately Owned Apartments, Houses, or Rooms – Private apartments that are not owned by the university
Homestay – Living with a local family who is interested in hosting students
Temporary Housing – Privately owned housing options for short or long-term stays in people’s homes
International students have many housing options when they come to the US. Look at all your options carefully before making a choice but also remember that the general recommendation is to live in the residence hall, Living and Learning Community, or themed housing for at least your first year. Once you make friends and integrate yourself into campus life, you can explore other options.
