Top Resources for Finding Study Abroad Accommodation
TL;DR
Students applying for study visas often struggle with securing and proving proper accommodation, which is crucial for visa approval. This guide by Yuno Learning offers comprehensive insights on finding and budgeting for accommodation in various countries, including the USA, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Germany, and Canada. This guide includes:
- Why lack of proof of accommodation can be the reason for your student visa rejection?
- Country specific cost of housing.
- Types of housing in various countries including – USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Japan and UK.
- Websites and social media groups where students can find shared or independent accommodation on study visa.
Top Resources for Finding Study Abroad Accommodation
When we started the Visa Interview Course at Yuno Learning, we realized that many students were denied study visas because they couldn’t provide proof of proper accommodation. They were unable to present a document that assured visa officers they had secured a place to stay. This wasn’t a big issue when I went abroad to study. I remember staying with a friend for a week while we looked for fellow learners who were joining the campus with me. We hung out at the most popular gathering spot for international students, the International Student Centre on campus. I found my housemates on the second day, and the three of us walked around the apartment buildings near the campus, where we later discovered that many students from our university lived.
Finding a place is still similar, if not easier now, with the plethora of resources available on the internet and university websites. Facebook groups focused on housing also make the process smoother. However, the visa authorities’ requirement for a document proving secured accommodation is often overlooked. Most students don’t realize how crucial this piece of documentation is. Another key document is the financial proof of how they will cover their living costs. If students know the exact costs of living while they study, they can provide a detailed cost breakdown to satisfy visa authorities.
Remember, visa officers have only 2-3 minutes per applicant, and they want to see specific items on their checklist. Proof of accommodation and how you will cover these costs are at the top of their list. With this in mind, we have created a comprehensive guide to help students preparing for visa interviews find accommodation and understand the associated costs. We are sharing this information here to benefit everyone.
Country Specific Information: Housing Cost, Types of Housing and Web resources
USA
The USA is a top destination for international students, renowned for its academic excellence and prestigious universities. However, prospective students should be mindful of the costs associated with studying in the USA. Tuition fees constitute a significant portion of these expenses, with public/state universities generally being more affordable than private ones. International students can expect annual costs, including tuition and living expenses, to range from $25,000 to $45,000.
While the cost of studying in the USA can be high, the quality of education often justifies the investment. Indian students should plan for tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and other living expenses. Fortunately, numerous financial aid, scholarships, and loans are available from both Indian and American organizations to help manage these costs.
Accommodation Options
On-Campus Accommodation:
- Types: Universities offer various on-campus housing options such as residence halls, apartments, and private suites known as student dorms. Room assignments typically depend on student preferences, and dorms are often categorized by year (first-year, sophomore, senior).
- Living Conditions: Dormitories can house between 1 and 5 students per room. Most universities require first-year students to live on campus.
- Amenities: Dorms are equipped with common rooms, TVs, kitchens, laundry services, basic furniture, and bathrooms.
- Costs: On-campus housing costs range from $9,500 to $15,000 per year, including utilities, water, electricity, and often meal plans.
Estimated Costs of On-Campus Housing:
- Housing for 12 months
- Utilities
- Books and Supplies
- Food
- Other/Personal Expenses
- Transportation and Travel
This table will give you an idea of the prevailing cost in some popular universities:
| University Name | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $31,667 | ₹26,51,794.58 |
| Stanford University | $56,519 | ₹47,32,901.06 |
| Harvard University | $26,316 | ₹22,03,701.84 |
| New York University | $30,388 | ₹25,44,691.12 |
| Cornell University | $14,846 | ₹12,43,204.04 |
Off-Campus Accommodation
Options:
Choices include shared rooms and private apartments. Costs vary significantly by location, with cities like Cambridge and Greater Boston being among the most expensive.
Websites:
Students can use websites for off-campus housing
Facebook Groups
- Young Females – New York City, NYC – Apartments, Sublets, Roommates
- Jersey City | Roommates & Rooms | Renters & Landlords | Sublets
- Chicago | Roommates & Rooms | Renters & Landlords | Sublets
- UC Irvine (UCI) off Campus Housing, Room Rent & Roommates Find
- UCSD Student Off-Campus Housing
- San Jose State University Off-Campus Housing
- Columbia University Off-Campus Housing
- NYC Student Off-Campus Housing
- Boston University Off-Campus Housing
- Los Angeles Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets
- Harvard University Off-Campus Housing
- University of Iowa (UI) Housing, Sublets & Roommates
- University of North Texas (UNT) Off Campus Housing & Roommates
- USC (University of Southern California) International Student Housing
- Oklahoma State University Student Housing and Apartments
- University of Houston (UH) Student Apartments and Housing
- Columbia University Student Housing and Apartments
- UCLA Student Housing and Apartments
- Arizona State (ASU) Student Apartments and Housing
- UNC at Charlotte Student Housing and Apartments
Cities | Cost (USD) | Cost (INR) |
| Boston | $1,500 – $3,000 | ₹1,25,610.00 – ₹2,51,220.00 |
| New York | $1,700 – $3,000 | ₹1,42,358.00 – ₹2,51,220.00 |
| San Francisco | $2,200 – $4,000 | ₹1,84,228.00 – ₹3,34,960.00 |
| Chicago | $1,000 – $1,500 | ₹83,740.00 – ₹1,25,610.00 |
| Los Angeles | $1,500 – $2,500 | ₹1,25,610.00 – ₹2,09,350.00 |
| Washington DC | $1,500 – $2,500 | ₹1,25,610.00 – ₹2,09,350.00 |
| Philadelphia | $1,200 – $1,500 | ₹1,00,488.00 – ₹1,25,610.00 |
| Pittsburgh | $750 – $1,050 | ₹62,805.00 – ₹87,927.00 |
| Atlanta | $1,200 – $2,200 | ₹1,00,488.00 – ₹1,84,228.00 |
| Baltimore | $1,500 – $1,800 | ₹1,25,610.00 – ₹1,50,732.00 |
Australia
Top universities in Australia offer various types of accommodations, differing in size, facilities, and location. On average, the rent ranges from 110 to 280 AUD (₹6,190 to ₹15,700). Below is a table with specific accommodation costs at different universities:
Accommodation Costs at Top Universities:
University | Cost (AUD per week) | Equivalent Cost (INR per week) |
| Australian National University | $276 – $550 | ₹15,132.42 – ₹30,155.19 |
| University of Melbourne | $260 – $580 | ₹14,255.18 – ₹31,800.02 |
| University of New South Wales | $383 – $685 | ₹20,998.98 – ₹37,556.92 |
| University of Queensland | $339 – $378 | ₹18,586.56 – ₹20,724.84 |
Accommodation Costs at Top Australian Universities
The average monthly living expenses in Australia range from AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,500. This estimate includes food, accommodation, social activities, utilities, and other essentials. However, the actual cost of living largely depends on your lifestyle. Major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Adelaide are known for their high living costs.
Accommodation Costs:
Accommodation Type | Cost (AUD per week) | Cost (INR per week) |
| Hostels and Guesthouses | $125 – $500 | ₹6,868 – ₹27,415 |
| Shared Rental | $70 – $250 | ₹3,838 – ₹13,709 |
| Residential Halls | $250 – $750 | ₹13,709 – ₹41,127 |
| Rental | $100 – $400 | ₹5,483 – ₹21,933 |
Other Living Expenses:
Expense | Cost (AUD per week) | Cost (INR per week) |
| Groceries and Eating Out | $150 – $300 | ₹8,224 – ₹16,448 |
| Gas and Electricity | $10 – $25 | ₹548 – ₹1,371 |
| Phone and Internet | $15 – $30 | ₹822 – ₹1,644 |
| Entertainment | $80 – $200 | ₹4,386 – ₹10,967 |
Websites: Students can use websites for off-campus housing
Private rental
You can rent an apartment or house with various options i.e. studio, 1-2 bedroom, etc.
Share houses
Share housing refers to living with other people in a house or an apartment.
Homestay
In a homestay arrangement, you can rent a private room within a family’s home. The payment for rent is made in advance, and there is also an application fee, typically around $300. Meals might be provided as part of the homestay.
Purpose-built student accommodation
Such accommodation options are owned and managed by private student accommodation providers off-campus:
Affordable student accommodation, including flexible lease arrangements
- SemesterinAustralia
- Newtown Centre – Low Cost Accommodation List
- Welcome Mat – Affordable housing for domestic students
- UME
- Myola Coogee
- Muse Livin
Facebook Groups
- Melbourne flatmates/house share/roomshare/accommodation/roommate/room
- Sydney Student Accommodation
- Brisbane Student Accommodation
- Melbourne – Rooms & Apartments – Rent & Sublet
- Perth, Australia – Rentals, Rooms, Apartments, Flatmates, Homes
- Brisbane and Sydney Rooms For Rent, Properties For Sale, Housing, Apartment
Facebook Group (Off-Campus accommodation near universities)
UNSW Students Rent/Sublet Accommodation
University of Sydney (USYD) and UTS student rent, roommates, accommodation
University of Alberta (UA) Off Campus Housing & Roommate Search
Japan
Overview of Living Costs
Japan offers a comparatively lower cost of living than countries like the USA and the UK. For international students, the estimated monthly living expenses range from 280,000 to 600,000 YEN. However, actual costs vary based on factors such as the city of residence. Cities like Tokyo, Kawasaki, Yokohama, Chiba, Hiroshima, and Kitakyushu typically have higher living costs, particularly for rent in metropolitan areas.
Education Costs
The cost of studying in Japan varies by university type. National universities typically charge around ¥817,800 annually, while private liberal arts universities charge about ¥1,146,819. Public universities average ¥931,235, and private science universities can cost up to ¥1,501,233. Additional costs include national health insurance, application fees, and other basic expenses.
Enrollment/application fees range from ¥280,000 to ¥390,000.
University Accommodation Costs:
University | Accommodation Cost (JPY) | Equivalent Cost (INR) |
| 220,000 – 320,000/Semester | ₹1,19,834 – ₹1,74,304 |
| 50,000 – 65,000/month | ₹27,235 – ₹35,405 |
| 97,000 – 189,000/month | ₹81,272 – ₹1,58,287 |
| Tohuku University | 13,000 – 40,000/month | ₹10,886 – ₹33,496 |
Estimated Monthly Living Costs for International Students
Rent in larger cities such as Tokyo is higher compared to rural areas. While the national average monthly rent is 38,000 YEN, in Tokyo, it can reach 50,000 YEN. Additionally, renting accommodations near schools in metropolitan areas can be challenging, potentially increasing commuting costs.
Accommodation Costs:
Accommodation Type | Cost (YEN per Month) | Cost (INR per Month) |
| One-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 82,960 | ₹46,457.60 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre | 56,985 | ₹31,911.60 |
| Three-Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 177,886 | ₹99,616.16 |
| Three-Bedroom Apartment Outside City Centre | 110,882 | ₹62,093.92 |
Breakdown of Expenses:
Expense | Cost (INR per Month) |
| Off-Campus Rent | ₹22,000 |
| On-Campus Rent | ₹12,000 |
| Transport (Monthly Pass) | ₹5,202 |
| Phone and Utility Bills | ₹9,550 |
| Groceries and Food | ₹20,000 |
| Entertainment and Other Expenses | ₹7,000 |
| Total | ₹53,752 – ₹63,752 |
Websites: Students can use websites for off-campus housing
Services available in English
Sharehouse
Facebook Groups
- Tokyo Housing. Apartments, Sublets ,Short Term Rentals & Rooms for Rent
- Tokyo Share House, Apartment and Accommodation
- Living in Japan: House, Apartment, Sharehouse, Homestay, Accomodation
- Tokyo share house information(free)
- Apartments For Rent In Japan
- Kyoto Housing, Rooms, Apartments for share, rent, buy
- Tokyo/saitama/chiba Apartment For Renting-Buying
- Osaka Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets for rent, buy, sell
Facebook Group (Off-Campus accommodation near universities)
New Zealand
According to New Zealand universities, the estimated budget for living expenses ranges from NZD 15,000 to 20,000 per year on the South Island and NZD 18,000 to 25,000 on the North Island, depending on your location.
The average annual living cost for international students in New Zealand is approximately NZD 1,500 (INR 78,600). This figure reflects that living costs in New Zealand are about 225.5% higher than in India. Therefore, it’s advisable to budget an additional NZD 32,000 to 35,000 (INR 16.77 to 18.35 lakhs) for studying in New Zealand.
For undergraduate degrees, the cost typically ranges from NZD 22,000 (INR 11 lakhs) to NZD 32,000 (INR 16 lakhs) per year. To meet immigration requirements, students must demonstrate at least NZD 10,200 (INR 5 lakhs) in their account to prove they can support themselves during their studies. This amount must be shown to obtain a student visa.
Expenses:
Expense | Costs per Year (Approx.) |
| Accommodation | NZD 7,000 – 12,000 |
| Food | NZD 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Transportation | NZD 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Personal Expenses | NZD 2,000 – 3,000 |
Accommodation Cost in New Zealand
New Zealand offers a range of accommodation options. Below is a general estimate of monthly expenses, which may vary by city. New Zealand’s flexible education system caters to various budgets and offers an excellent work/life balance with a high quality of life, making it a top choice for international students. The cost of living in New Zealand is similar to that of other OECD countries like the USA, Germany, and the Netherlands. Typically, international students applying for a student visa are required to have at least NZD 20,000 to cover their annual living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, health insurance, utilities, phone and internet bills, and entertainment.
Types of Accommodation
- Halls of Residence: Managed by educational institutions, often located on or near campus. They offer fully furnished single or shared rooms with shared amenities. Rent for non-catered rooms ranges from NZD 860 to 1,500 per month, and catered rooms can cost up to NZD 1,900.
- Homestays: Students live with a New Zealand family who provides meals and helps with acclimatization. Costs typically start at NZD 1,200 per month.
- Flats: Suitable for independent living or sharing with friends. Rent varies widely depending on the city and the size of the flat, ranging from NZD 600 to 1,200 per month. Fully furnished studio flats can be up to NZD 1,500 per month.
University Accommodation Costs
University | Accommodation Cost (NZD) | Equivalent Cost (INR) |
| 14,100 to 20,000 per year | 1,19,834 to 1,74,304 |
| 22,000 to 24,000 per year | 27,235 to 35,405 |
Victoria University of Wellington
| 9,000 to 18,000 per year | 7,030 to 41,280 |
| University of Canterbury | 26,000 to 29,000 per year | 21,370 to 36,200 |
Accommodation Costs
Type of Accommodation | Average Rent (per Week) |
| Halls of Residence | NZD 350 – 650 |
| Rented Apartments (3-4 people) | NZD 200 – 300 |
| Single Flat | NZD 500 – 600 |
| Single Room | NZD 200 – 250 |
| Homestay | NZD 110 – 370 |
City-Wise Cost of Living in New Zealand
Living costs vary by city, with smaller towns generally being less expensive than larger cities. Auckland, for example, is less costly than cities like Sydney or London, and is recognized for its high quality of life. Living costs are lower in cities outside Auckland.
City Name | Monthly Expense (NZD) |
| Queenstown | 2,000 |
| Auckland | 1,996 |
| Wellington | 1,829 |
| Christchurch | 1,556 |
Websites: Students can use websites for off-campus housing
Facebook Groups
- AUCKLAND FLATMATES & FLATS WANTED (AFW)
- Auckland Flatmates/Apartments/House/Rooms For Rent New Zealand
- Christchurch Flatmates Wanted
- Auckland & North Shore Flatmates/House/Rooms For Rent New Zealand
- Dunedin & Otago/Flatmates/Houses/wanted & to let, New Zealand,
- Auckland Apartments/Rooms/Houses for Rent & Sale
- Central Otago Rentals
- Dunedin/Otago Flatmates & Flats Wanted
- Canterbury Student Accommodation 2024-25
- Canterbury Student Accommodation 2024-25
Facebook Group (Off-Campus accommodation near universities)
- Victoria University (VU)- New Students 2024
- University of Auckland 2024 – International & Exchange Students
Germany
Before delving into the specifics of living costs, it’s essential to understand the concept of the Blocked Account in Germany. This account is a requirement for most Indian students applying for a German student visa. It holds a set amount of money (currently €934 per month or €11,208 per year as of 2024) to prove your financial capability to support yourself during your studies.
Cost of Living in Germany: Overview
Factors | Items | Cost of Living |
| Accommodation | Student dormitories / Shared apartments | €250 to €500 per month |
| Food | Groceries / Cooking at home | €200 to €400 per month |
| Health Insurance | Health Insurance | €80 to €100 per month |
| Transportation | Buses / Trains / Subways | €50 to €80 per month |
| Utilities | Electricity / Water / Internet | €100 to €150 per month |
| Other Expenses | Textbooks / Phone bills / Shopping / Entertainment | Varies |
Total Estimated Cost of Living: €680 to €1,230 per month
Accommodation Options
In Germany, students can choose between private housing and university residences. It is crucial to register at the local Residents’ Registration Office within a week of securing housing to avoid administrative fines.
Student Dormitories and Halls: These are highly sought after due to their lower cost compared to private accommodation. Availability can be limited, so it’s advisable to apply early through the university’s International Office (‘Akademisches Auslandsamt’).
University Accommodation Costs
University | Accommodation Cost (Euro/year) | Equivalent Cost (INR) |
Technical University of Munich
| €3,600 to €7,200 | ₹3,28,380 to ₹6,55,440 |
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
| €4,200 to €6,000 | ₹3,82,410 to ₹5,46,300 |
| €9,350 to €20,000 | ₹8,52,167 to ₹18,21,000 |
Private Housing: Private rentals offer more variety, from unfurnished to fully furnished apartments. Monthly rent for a private housing unit or apartment typically ranges from €400 to €600 (equivalent to €4,800 to €7,200 per year).
City-Wise Housing Costs
Housing costs vary by city. Large cities such as Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt tend to have higher rents. University towns like Freiburg and Tübingen also experience high rental prices. For instance, a studio flat in Frankfurt costs around €595 per month (€7,140 or $7,102 per year). In contrast, eastern cities like Leipzig offer more affordable options, with monthly rents of around €379 (€4,548 or $4,524 per year).
For more information, you can visit the following websites:
Only available in German
Fully furnished rooms:
Shared flats
Student housing:
Facebook Groups
- BERLIN – Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Sublets
- FRANKFURT – Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Sublets
- Student Accommodation In Germany 2024
- Berlin Apartments & Rooms for Rent
- VIENNA – Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Sublets
- Accommodation in Frankfurt – Rooms and Apartments – Hemavi.DE
- Rooms and roommates in Munich
- DUBLIN – Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Flatmates, Sublets
- Student accommodation Magdeburg
- Indians in Munich
- LUXEMBOURG – Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Sublets
- International students in Tuebingen
- Apartments & Rooms for Rent Frankfurt
- Vienna International Student Housing 2024 – Rooms, Apartments & Studios
Facebook Group (Off-Campus accommodation near universities)
- Erasmus Munich Housing [Accommodation; Students Flats & Rooms] 2024/2025
- Ludwig Maximilian University students
- Humboldt University of Berlin 2024 – International & Erasmus Students
Canada
As a welcoming and culturally diverse nation known for its advanced technology and high development standards, Canada offers free education for children up to the age of 18. For international students pursuing higher education, living expenses generally range from CAD 15,000 to CAD 20,000 per year, excluding tuition fees. The exact amount can vary based on the city and personal budget. Below, we outline some typical monthly expenses for international students in Canada:
Expense | Cost of Living in Canada (CAD/Month) |
| Rent | 1,900 – 2,600 |
| Utility Expenses | 230 |
| Tenant Insurance | 30 |
| Food & Grocery | 400 |
| Clothing & Shoes | 100 |
| Transport | 105 |
| Entertainment | 100 |
| Total | 2,800 to 3,500 |
On-Campus Accommodation
For international students unfamiliar with Canadian living, staying in on-campus accommodation during the first year is highly recommended. This allows students to adjust to their new environment while sharing a room and common areas like the kitchen and laundry facilities. Costs for on-campus housing typically range from CAD 3,000 to CAD 7,500 per year, depending on the institution and location.
Off-Campus/Private Accommodation
After the first year, many students choose to move out of on-campus housing to either save money or enjoy greater independence. Off-campus options include living with host families, renting a private flat, or sharing an apartment. Rental costs vary significantly based on the city. Major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary are the most expensive. Generally, international students should budget CAD 750 to CAD 2,200 per month or CAD 9,000 to CAD 26,000 per year for off-campus housing.
Accommodation Costs
Type of Accommodation | Cost (CAD) | Cost (INR) |
| Dormitories | 350 – 600 | 21,093 – 36,159 |
| Townhouses | 250 – 650 | 15,066 – 39,173 |
| Shared Apartment | 400 – 800 | 24,106 – 48,213 |
| Unfurnished Apartment Rentals | 300 – 500 | 18,079 – 30,133 |
City-Wise Rent
Rent varies by city, with larger urban areas generally being more expensive:
City | Average Rent (CAD) | Average Rent (INR) |
| Montreal | 1,059 – 3,850 | 65,400 – 2.37 Lakh |
| Toronto | 1,700 – 7,500 | 1.04 – 4.63 Lakh |
| Vancouver | 2,500 – 5,500 | 1.54 – 3.39 Lakh |
| Ottawa | 875 – 1,950 | 54,037 – 1.20 Lakh |
| Quebec | 749 – 1,699 | 46,255 – 1.04 Lakh |
| Calgary | 1,500 – 4,100 | 92,635 – 2.53 Lakh |
| Waterloo | 1,359 – 3,500 | 83,927 – 2.16 Lakh |
| Guelph | 1,699 – 4,600 | 1.04 – 2.84 Lakh |
In summary, while Canada offers a range of housing options, the cost of living varies significantly depending on the city and type of accommodation.
For more information, you can visit the following websites:
Short-term accommodation
A few options for while you look for a place and need short-term or temporary accommodation between the tenancy agreements.
Hostel International Vancouver Downtown
Facebook Groups
TORONTO – Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Flatmates, Sublets
MONTREAL – Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Flatmates, Sublets
Montreal Housing, Rooms, Flats, Apartments, Sublets
Student Off-Campus Housing in Waterloo Region
Montreal – Student Accommodation | Rent Apartments Houses Rooms
Apartments for rent cheap in Toronto Canada
Facebook Group (Off-Campus accommodation near universities)
Waterloo Student accommodation 2024-25
Centennial college – International Students Housing & Roommates Search
University of Toronto – Off-Campus Housing (St. George)
McMaster University Student Housing Group
University of Toronto (U of T) Housing Sublets & Roommates- Toronto, ON
University Canada West (UCW) Housing Rooms Sublease & Roommates- BC
UBC students looking for roommates, housing rental/sublet
University Of Ottawa – Off campus housing
Scarborough Student Housing – Room for Rent (Centennial College)
University of Alberta (UA) Off Campus Housing & Roommate Search
Niagara College – Off-Campus Housing
University of Calgary (UC) Off Campus Housing & Roommate Search
Conestoga College Students – Off Campus Accommodation
Key Considerations
When searching for a place to live, it’s important to identify your top priorities. Factors such as transit access, neighborhood environment, and cost of living play a crucial role in finding the right housing.
Transit Access
- Is the residence conveniently located near public transit? A longer distance to the bus stop can significantly extend your commute time.
- Will you need to switch between multiple buses? Transfers can be time-consuming and inconvenient if connections are missed.
Cost vs. Convenience
- Is it worth paying higher rent to be close to essential amenities?
Neighbourhood Safety
- Is the neighbourhood safe?
- Are you comfortable with potential noise from students, families with children, or heavy traffic?
Living Preferences
- Do you prefer to cook at home or eat out?
- Is there a grocery store nearby within walking distance?
- Can you adjust your thermostat?
- Is high-quality Internet access important to you?
Laundry Facilities
- Most apartments have communal laundry facilities with coin-operated machines, while basement suites and houses might not always include a washer/dryer.
Furniture Needs
- How much furniture will you need, and how will you move it in? Will you require a truck rental?
- For students seeking short-term housing, furnished apartments can often be a practical choice.
Tips to Avoid Rental Fraud
To avoid falling victim to rental scams, follow these guidelines. If you suspect you’ve encountered fraud, use the information below to take action.
General Considerations:
- Evaluate the Deal: Does the offer seem too good to be true? Check if the rental price is significantly higher or lower than the average in the area.
- Verify the Location: Visit the address in person or use Google Maps Street View to confirm the property’s existence.
- Beware of Urgency: Be cautious if you feel pressured to finalize the deal quickly.
- Payment Requests: Avoid transferring money before a viewing (viewing deposit) or through Internet or wire transfers.
Fraudulent Properties for Rent:
- Scammers often post ads for non-existent apartments or rooms in desirable locations, such as near universities. They might ask you to fill out a form requesting personal and banking information. Be careful with this information, as it can be used for identity theft.
- After agreeing to rent the property, the scammer may ask for the first and last month’s rent. When you arrive to collect the keys, you might discover the property doesn’t exist, leaving you without a place to stay.
Identifying a Fraudulent Property:
- Too Good to Be True: If the deal seems unrealistic, it might be a scam.
- Property Verification: Ensure the property exists through research.
- Pressure Tactics: Be wary if the person renting the property pressures you to sign quickly.
- Unanswered Questions: Take note if your inquiries are being ignored.
Avoiding This Type of Scam:
- Visit the Property: If possible, visit the address or have someone check it out for you. Schedule a viewing to confirm the availability.
- Review the Contract: Read the rental contract thoroughly without feeling rushed or pressured.
- Research Rent Prices: Understand what a reasonable rent amount is in the area.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about the rental listing or the person you’re dealing with, consider looking for another property.
How to Manage Your Living Costs as an International Student
- Track Your Spending: Managing finances can be challenging for students, especially when studying abroad. To stay on top of your budget, keep a detailed record of your expenses. Create a budget, calculate your needs, prioritize spending, and save whenever possible.
- Apply for Scholarships: One significant advantage of studying internationally is the availability of scholarships. Many countries and institutions offer financial aid based on merit, academic standing, or involvement in extracurricular activities. Take advantage of these opportunities to lessen your financial burden.
- Utilize Public Transportation: Public transit is usually much more affordable than private transportation. Many places offer student discounts on public transport, which can lead to substantial savings. Use these savings for other essentials or even for some leisure purchases.
- Use Your Student Card: Your student ID card can be a powerful tool. It often provides benefits such as free internet access at cafes, discounts on public transport, shopping, and various products. Keep it handy and make the most of these perks.
- Consider Part-Time Work: Although it’s an additional commitment, a part-time job can provide extra financial support. Ensure that your job does not interfere with your studies. Balance is key to managing both effectively.
- Bonus Tip: Open a savings account if you haven’t already. Many banks offer accounts for students with little to no minimum deposit requirements. Regularly deposit even small amounts into this account and avoid withdrawing unless necessary. Over time, this can accumulate and help fund additional expenses or activities, like attending events.