Preparing to Study abroad comes with its fair share of stress, not least of which is finding the right student accommodation. Hunting for the perfect place to stay is a challenge at the best of times, but when you’re faced with the added complexities of an unfamiliar city, it can feel downright daunting. 

Choosing a mode of accommodation is one of the most crucial decisions a student has to take while preparing for studying at a university abroad. There are several options available for accommodations during the course of study – student residences, homestays or rented apartments. Based on your preferences and your budget you can choose one of the options.

Luckily, we’ve put together a few tips to help make sure that the process of booking your accommodation abroad is as easy and pain-free as possible.

Be prepared
Looking for accommodation in a new city is tricky, especially when you’ve never been there before. You have no idea which neighborhoods are affordable, student-friendly and safe; all things that will have a huge impact on your experience in your new home. But a little research can go a long way toward easing your mind and helping you have a better understanding of what housing options are available to you.

Early bird catches the worm
Once you’ve decided on your school and have been accepted to your program, it should be the very next box on your checklist. Remember that the nicest and most affordable options will be the first to go, so don’t procrastinate. With plenty of helpful online platforms that are aimed at helping international students find their perfect home, you can search and secure your new room before you leave. At the same time, be cautious as there are many people out there who are trying to scam international students who are unfamiliar with the place and its processes.

Determine your housing budget
Before starting on your search it’s important to know how much you’re willing and able to spend on student accommodation each month, as this will have the biggest impact on the direction you take with your housing search. When budgeting for your new home, don’t forget to include expenses such as utilities, transportation, school books, daily essentials and entertainment.

Patience and perseverance are key
Whether you’re looking for private accommodation or student dorms, landing the perfect place to live is often a slow and sometimes frustrating process. Remember not to put all your eggs in one basket, as confirming accommodation can sometimes take a few weeks and if the deal eventually falls through you could be left empty-handed.

Know what you want and what you’re going to get
When it comes to student housing, everyone’s priorities will be slightly different. Do you want to live on campus so that you can avoid transportation costs? If you’re very social, perhaps living near a buzzing part of town is high on your list? Spend some time figuring out what the most important factors are for you, as this will help you to narrow down your search.. Make sure to ask whether the utility bills are included, whether a deposit is required and if there are any rules or restrictions related to the property. (HR Recruitment Consultancy)

Typical options -- aside from university provided accommodation -- include homestays, apartments, and sometimes dorms. They can dramatically change your experience depending on which one you pick.

Homestay
In a homestay you will be set up with a family, which can range from an entire family, a couple, or a single host parent. Typically you are given a room -- either private or to share with one other student. The fee usually includes rent, utilities, and food costs. It's a great way to immerse yourself into the local language, lifestyle, and food.

Apartments
An apartment allows you freedom, flexibility, and independence you can't get through homestay or dorm life. Whether you're living with other exchange students or local residents (though, I'd strongly suggest living with locals), you're bound to get a more raw experience.
Splitting a flat with friends or strangers come with lots of ups and downs, and there are many questions to ask yourself before diving in. For example, can you get along with potentially conflicting personalities? While abroad having a place to call home is crucial to a successful experience.

Student Dorms
If you want a truly immersive experience, think about living in a local student dorm. Often, you'll be able to find a dorm directly through the university, or a dorm-like set up that's run by another organization unassociated with the university.


Below are few reasons why you should opt for student apartments while studying abroad:
You get more privacy and comfort

With student apartments, you can choose to share your apartment with other students or you can choose to stay alone. It offers more comfort and privacy than other forms of accommodation.
By opting for a furnished apartment with multiple rooms that you share with other students, you can minimize individual expenses.

You get more freedom
You don’t have to follow too many rules while living in the apartment. You can just make your daily schedules according to your convenience and comfort.Unlike student residences, you won’t have restrictions regarding going out or coming in at a certain time. You can even have visitors over. You have your own kitchen as well where you can cook the food of your preference, which isn’t possible in either student residencies or homestays.

You become more responsible
By staying in an apartment, you learn to use your time more efficiently and responsibly. You learn to manage your daily tasks and you learn to plan ahead for your day.The experience of staying on your own is going to help you when you graduate as well. It will prepare you for your life ahead. You learn most of the useful life skills – from doing your own laundry, cleaning and organizing the apartment to buying groceries, cooking for yourself and paying the rent and utility bills. (HR Training)

You learn to explore the local culture on your own
Living in an apartment is a really great opportunity to live like a local and embrace the local culture.
You get to explore more places outside the vicinity of your university. You can go out on your own and explore the place you’re staying at and learn a lot about the local atmosphere of the place.
You can meet people from diverse backgrounds in the neighborhood you’re staying at. You will also get the chance to use the native language of that place to interact with the local people and learn more about their way of life.

You can take advice from Top Overseas Education Consultant In Mumbai who will assist you in finding you the right accommodation and also help you in choosing the right college and visa process. Studying abroad is truly a unique and enriching experience. Make sure you take the time to understand your expectations and preferences before reaching a decision to ensure that you make your study abroad experience really worthwhile.