Challenges of Finding Accommodation for International Students in USA

Studying in a new place can be a thrilling and transforming experience for many students. However, international students' issues follow suit, like finding your perfect student accommodation in USA. The United States' cost of living is skyrocketing, and competition for the affordable housing of your dreams can be intense, creating student accommodation issues. Here, knowledge of the local house market is quite important, and students sometimes skip this step and may struggle to communicate with landlords and property managers. So to help you out with your problems with students accommodations, we've curated this blog on the challenges of finding accommodation for international students in USA. 

Challenges of Finding Accommodation for International Students in USA

Find the perfect student housing

The first student accommodation problem for international students is finding the perfect student housing. Every student has different demands and needs due to their individuality; some prefer living on campus, and others prefer living off campus. Whatever option you choose is based on your limited resources, and it is crucial to pick the one that suits you best. You should also keep in mind the transportation, food and miscellaneous services and fees when you choose a student housing that meets your needs and budget. However, it is not as easy as it seems. 

Finances

International students usually are extremely careful about what they are getting for their money because of their limited financial resources. This is yet another student accommodation issue. The two main reasons for financial difficulties have been the high cost of living and tuition. Housing costs can be particularly high, especially in major cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. A basic one-bedroom flat in the USA costs $1,769/per month. As a result, students who work part-time find it difficult to pay for suitable housing. Moreover, additional costs for things like transportation, health insurance and visa fee could apply to oversea students adding to the challenges faced by international students in US. So to help out, here are tips on how to manage your finances as an international student. 

Lacking Planning and Research

When it comes to finding student accommodation in US, knowledge is power. Before moving, students should begin checking housing possibilities. There aren't many student rooms on campus, and universities may not always be able to provide verified information on off-campus housing. Without the proper preparation, you risk experiencing stress as well as considerable time, energy and money loss upon entering the new nation adding to the international student issue. This makes it mandatory to research networks and prepares in advance rather than just landing in a new country and starting a house search indirectly helping you with this international student issue with student accommodation in USA.

Ignorant of services included 

Another student accommodation problem is being ignorant of the service which is included. Different laws and rules apply to tenants depending on the location a student chooses. Understanding the rights of the renter is important. So make sure you are fully aware of all the service inclusions before signing any contracts. For instance, a bill for internet or energy cost.

Lack of Extended support

Living abroad comes with a number of challenges, including "racial prejudice, language problems, housing issues, separation anxiety, food restrictions, financial pressure, and loneliness. International students in these situations need places or people on or off campus where they may be honest about their concerns and experiences with discrimination and seek support from others in similar situations. They routinely look for further assistance from the student support centre, from other international students, or—preferably—from their home nation.

Safety and Security 

Most parents who want to send their aspiring child to study abroad are concerned about their child's safety. People generally feel less secure in new places making it yet another challenge faced by international students. International students experience greater concern about dangerous neighbourhoods, lack of security in student housing, social isolation and safety and security in a foreign environment. Some students may feel alienated when they see unexpected faces, people, weather, and people who speak whole different languages and have quite distinct cultures.

Choosing from a diverse range of rental options 

Which housing is most suitable for me? Are there any limitations? Which rental home will provide me with the greatest value? Will I find a better value if I research additional options? All of these concerns cross your mind while you search for student housing in the USA. You are forced to search through a large selection of housing options with inadequate assistance, which is much needed 

Vulnerability to rental scams 

When looking for student accommodation in USA, the first thought that comes to mind is, "Is this online website even legitimate?" Do not be fooled by bogus social media marketing and fraudulent websites. To avoid this, check out these eight ways how to spot a rental scam and how to stop and avoid student loan scams.

Look out for these red flags

Unrealistic prices 

Unreasonably cheap cost in a pricey area! Isn't it too good to be true? If you find something like this, you're witnessing a possible fraud. This is one of the major red flags and one of the problems with student accommodations. So in order to grasp the rental rates in your target area, you must conduct in-depth market research.

Cash transactions

Is your agent or landlord pressuring you to pay in cash? Or just providing cash-only discounts? If this is the case, avoid paying with cash because your fund will lose its traceability making this a major problem with student accommodations.  The agent or landlord might provide you with agreement bonds, cash receipts that appear to be authentic, etc. Watch out; it can also be forged. 

No photos or videos, or visual tour 

Hands down, a fraud! This is one of the main student accommodation issues international student face while looking for student accommodation in US. Always request a video or virtual tour. Don't buy the property if the landlord or realtor is unwilling to share it with you and gives you a list of excuses.

No background information 

Keep an eye out for the landlord's information. Conduct a background investigation on your own or throughout the organisation. Verify the veracity of his background information. 

Verbal agreements 

In every situation, documentation is crucial. Never accept verbal agreements as valid. Ask for all the specifics that were discussed, such as the rent amount, the length of the lease, the security deposit, etc.

Finding student accommodation in USA can be a daunting task when challenges like high costs to language barriers are the issue. However, with proper planning, proper planning, research and assistance from university housing services, international students can overcome these challenges and secure safe and comfortable housing that meets their needs and budget. It all comes down to things to look for when choosing student housing All in all, navigating the housing market as an international student requires patients, persistence and a willingness to adapt to a new environment. 

It’s always handy to keep the ultimate guide for international student housing when planning on moving to USA, and so is checking out the relevant student housing in USA options before moving. You can also read our blog on the student housing trends to help you book at the right time.