Douglas Olsen
International graduate students have various housing options in the USA, including on-campus dormitories, off-campus apartments, and homestays. On-campus housing is often in high demand and offers convenience and immersion in campus culture. Off-campus living provides more space and independence but may come with a longer commute. Students should consider their preferences for location, cost, and living arrangements when deciding between on-campus and off-campus housing. Additionally, international students on F1 visas have the option to legally buy a house in the US, although this requires careful financial planning and consideration of visa requirements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Housing options | On-campus: dormitories, apartments |
| Off-campus: apartments, houses, rooms for rent, homestays | |
| On-campus housing | Often in high demand; may be excluded for international students |
| May be more expensive and require applications and qualifications | |
| Off-campus housing | May be preferable for those who want more space and a quieter environment |
| May be more affordable and provide a more authentic local experience | |
| Roommates | Many student housing options involve sharing accommodation with roommates or other students |
| Sharing accommodation can lead to cheaper rental and utility costs and a richer social experience | |
| May be more student housing options when sharing | |
| Budgeting | Consider all expenses, including rent, utilities, and furniture |
| Be mindful of rental fee hikes or price increases in student housing costs | |
| International students may need to take out loans or work part-time to cover costs | |
| International student considerations | Some on-campus housing options may be specifically for international students |
| International students can legally buy a house in the US with an F1 visa without waiting for a green card | |
| F1 visa students can get mortgages even without a US credit history or income |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus housing options
As an international graduate student, you have several on-campus housing options to choose from in the USA. These include:
Dormitories
Dormitories, or "student halls", are university-run residences where students live together in high-density, apartment-like housing. Dorms can be mixed gender or gender-segregated. They usually consist of one room shared by two or more students, with shared bathrooms and showers. Some universities may offer the option of requesting to live with another international student.
Apartments
On-campus apartments are large buildings with individual units, typically featuring a living area, kitchen, bedroom(s), and bathroom(s). These can be rented out by an individual student or shared with other students, depending on your preferences and budget.
Residential Villages
Residential villages are self-contained units with private kitchen, bathroom, and living facilities. Students pay rental fees directly to the university.
Fraternities and Sororities
Fraternities and sororities are college social clubs organized around shared values, interests, and goals. Members often live together in shared residences, which are usually located on campus and owned by the club organization. However, gaining membership and residential access to these clubs may be challenging for international students.
Graduate Housing
Some colleges offer dedicated housing for graduate students, which can include dormitory or apartment-style living. This may be located on or off campus, depending on the institution.
When considering on-campus housing options, it is important to keep in mind factors such as cost, convenience, and your personal preferences for privacy and socialization. On-campus housing typically involves a predetermined cost for the semester or academic year, and often includes utilities and meal plans. It offers easy access to classes, dining, and campus facilities, as well as more opportunities for socializing with fellow students. However, off-campus options may provide more privacy, amenities, and independence.
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Off-campus housing options
Off-campus housing is a popular choice for graduate students in the US. There are several options for off-campus housing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Apartments
Renting an apartment is a common choice for graduate students. Apartments offer more privacy and freedom compared to on-campus accommodation. You can choose to live alone or with roommates, allowing you to split the rent and save money. Apartments typically offer a full kitchen, living room, private bathroom, and bedroom. However, renting an apartment usually requires a security deposit and a guarantor to co-sign the lease. Additionally, you will be responsible for managing meals, cleanliness, maintenance, safety, and paying monthly bills for rent and utilities.
Houses
Some graduate students choose to live in a house off-campus. These are typically standalone houses with multiple bedrooms, a shared living space, and one or more kitchens. Living in a house can provide a more spacious and social environment, but it may also be further from campus, requiring additional transportation expenses.
Room Rentals
Room rentals, or "shared housing", is when a student rents a single room in an apartment or house owned by someone else. This can be a more affordable option, as you can split the rent and utility costs with your roommates. However, you will have less privacy, and there may be issues if your roommates cannot pay their share of the rent.
Homestays
Homestays are another option for international graduate students. In a homestay arrangement, the student lives with a local family during their studies. This can provide a unique cultural experience and a supportive living environment, but it may also offer less privacy and independence compared to other options.
University Housing
Some universities offer off-campus housing specifically for graduate students or those with spouses or children. These apartments are typically located close to campus and abide by school housing rules. This option can provide a convenient balance between the independence of off-campus living and the support of on-campus resources.
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Budgeting for rent and utilities
As an international graduate student in the USA, you will need to budget for rent and utilities. The cost of rent varies depending on whether you choose to live on or off campus. On-campus accommodation typically includes utilities such as gas, electricity, and water, and sometimes even a subsidised meal plan. The monthly rent for on-campus housing can range from USD 600 to USD 2,250, with costs being lower when shared with other students. Living on campus also saves you the cost of commuting to university every day.
Off-campus accommodation may be cheaper, with shared rooms costing around USD 450 per month. However, you will need to factor in the cost of utilities, which can amount to USD 50-100 per month for electricity, and USD 60-80 per month for internet. Gas and electricity for two people in a 915-square-foot flat will cost an average of USD 225 per month. Water bills are usually paid by the landlord, but if you have to pay, they will cost USD 50-75 every three months.
In addition to rent and utilities, there are other costs to consider, such as groceries (USD 400-600 per month), health insurance (USD 1500-2500 per year), transportation (USD 40-100 per month), study materials (USD 400-1000 per academic year), and personal expenses (at least USD 2000 per year).
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Student visa requirements
To study in the United States as an international graduate student, you will need to obtain a student visa. Here are the requirements and steps you need to follow:
- Visa Type: There are two main types of non-immigrant student visas for the US: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa is for academic students enrolled in an academic program, language-training program, or vocational program. The M-1 Visa, on the other hand, is for vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
- Institution Certification: The college or university you plan to attend must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Full-Time Enrollment: You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution for the duration of your academic term.
- English Language Proficiency: You must meet the required English language proficiency score set by your institution or be enrolled in courses to improve your English proficiency.
- Sufficient Funding: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and any other related costs during your stay in the US.
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for US travel and will remain valid for at least six months after your program completion date.
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Complete and submit Form DS-160, which is the online nonimmigrant visa application form.
- Certificate of Eligibility: You will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (Form I-20) from your school. This confirms that you have been accepted into an approved educational program.
- Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS): Both you and your school official must register and be entered into the SEVIS database. You will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee as part of this process.
- Visa Interview: Schedule and attend a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. During the interview, you must confirm your intention to study, prove sufficient funds, and demonstrate your plan to return to your home country after completing your studies.
- Visa Fees: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
By fulfilling these requirements and completing the necessary steps, you can obtain a student visa and pursue your graduate studies in the United States.
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Shared vs. private accommodation
International graduate students have a variety of housing options in the USA. The most common types of accommodation are dormitories, apartments, and homestays. These can be either on or off campus.
Shared Accommodation
Shared accommodation is a popular choice for international students, as it allows them to save money and socialize with other students. There are two main types of shared accommodation: dormitories and shared apartments.
Dormitories are on-campus buildings where students usually share a room with one or more roommates. They also share bathrooms, showers, kitchens, and living areas. Dormitories are convenient as they are typically located close to academic and social activities, and most universities offer flexible meal plans for dormitory residents. However, they can be loud and busy, and privacy may be limited.
Shared apartments are off-campus accommodations where students rent an apartment together. This option allows students to live communally and make new friends. While shared apartments offer more privacy than dormitories, as each student typically has their own bedroom, they may be more expensive than dormitories due to additional costs such as utilities.
Private Accommodation
Private accommodation offers students more privacy and personal space. There are two main types of private accommodation: private apartments and homestays.
Private apartments can be found both on and off campus. On-campus private apartments offer the convenience of being located close to the university, while off-campus apartments are usually situated in student-friendly suburbs. Private apartments provide students with their own bedroom, bathroom, living space, and kitchen. However, renting a private apartment can be more expensive than shared accommodations, and students may need to budget for additional costs such as utilities and internet.
Homestays are a unique type of private accommodation where international students live with a local host family. This option provides students with their own bedroom and access to common areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Homestays usually include meals and utilities in the cost, and they offer the added benefit of helping students get settled in the community and experience the local culture. However, homestays may be less convenient in terms of location, and students may need to commute to campus.
In conclusion, both shared and private accommodations have their advantages and disadvantages. Shared accommodation is more affordable and provides opportunities for socialization, while private accommodation offers more privacy and personal space, but at a higher cost. International graduate students should consider their budget, preferences for communal living or privacy, and desired level of convenience when deciding between shared and private accommodation in the USA.
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Frequently asked questions
The three main types of housing available for international students in the USA are dormitories, apartments, and homestays. Dormitories are on-campus buildings where students usually share a room and have shared bathrooms and showers. Apartments can be found on or off-campus and may be rented out by an individual or shared with other students. Homestays involve living with a local family during your time as a student, and you may have your own bedroom as well as access to common areas.
There are several steps international graduate students can take to find housing in the USA. Firstly, it is important to research the different options available and create a shortlist of appealing accommodations, considering factors such as housing type, affordability, and proximity to campus. It is also a good idea to reach out to the college to inquire about any special options for international student housing. Once you have found a place you like, be sure to budget for any additional expenses such as utilities.
International students on F1 visas can legally buy property in the USA and obtain mortgages, even without a US credit history or income. Foreign nationals can purchase US real estate regardless of their visa status. However, it is important to carefully plan and consider the financial implications, such as rental fee hikes or price increases.
