This article provides a guide to help international students find suitable housing in the U.S.
Most U.S. universities offer dormitories for students. However, university dorms are not always cheaper than off-campus housing, and the living conditions may not always be better. Before embarking on your journey to the U.S., it is important to carefully compare dorms with off-campus housing to make a cost-effective choice. This article will talk about how to find off-campus housing.
How to Find Housing?
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Apartments.com, Zillow, and Rent.com are popular platforms used by locals to find housing.
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Social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp can be useful tools for finding housing. Many universities have Facebook or WhatsApp student groups where students can share available listings.
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International students can also find housing through word-of-mouth recommendations from seniors or by reaching out to the university‘s international student associations. Therefore, it can be very beneficial to join various student groups after receiving your admission offer.
Housing Platforms vs. Social Media
Housing Platforms
Pros:
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Apartments listed on housing platforms are usually managed by leasing offices, which are more reliable in contract enforcement.
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Information about the properties on these platforms tends to be more transparent.
Cons:
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Housing platforms usually require a credit check, which is tied to an SSN (Social Security Number). However, obtaining an SSN requires having a local job, so most initial international students do not qualify. Some apartments may accept a deposit as an alternative. It is advisable to communicate with leasing offices in advance about their requirements.
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There is less flexibility in the lease terms, making it difficult to adapt in case of emergencies.
Social Media
Pros:
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Lease terms are flexible, and rent is often negotiable.
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In cities with large immigrant communities, you may find landlords from your home country, which makes communication easier.
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Credit checks are rarely required.
Cons:
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There are no formal contracts, making it difficult to resolve disputes. These flexible leases usually rely on mutual goodwill, so it is better to rent from landlords with a good reputation or from places where previous students have had positive experiences.
What to Do After Choosing a Property?
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After selecting a housing option, contact the landlord or leasing office to arrange a tour. Before signing a lease agreement, make sure you fully understand various details, including the deposit, utility fees, parking fees, furniture availability, and lease terms. Moreover, if you are choosing an apartment, remember to check its Google reviews.
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In addition to inspecting the property itself, you need to take a walk around the neighborhood to assess the safety and convenience of the area (such as its proximity to restaurants, supermarkets, and banks).
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If the property is managed by a leasing office, there may be an application fee ranging from $50 to $100.
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You will need to provide documents to prove your legal status and financial capability, such as your I-20, SSN, passport, driver's license, and admission letter. If you do not have an SSN, they may ask you to provide a financial guarantor, a credit score, or to pay a higher deposit to ensure you can cover the rental costs.
Contract Considerations
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Ensure that the rent amount stated in the contract matches what was previously agreed upon.
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Verify that the lease term is correct.
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Ensure that all keys and furnitures are undamaged.
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Understand the policies regarding early lease termination, deposit refunds, and damages to the property.
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Make sure if as a roommate leaves during the lease term, you will not be solely responsible for covering the full rent.
To protect your rights, be sure to carefully read and fully understand all the terms of the lease contract.