Housing

Housing options can be a determining factor in your study experience. The place you live while studying in the U.S. can make a significant impact on how satisfied you are with your U.S. education. Make sure you choose one that will be comfortable and enjoyable for your personality type.

Home Stay Resources : HomeStayFinder, HomeStayAgency, University housing website
Dormitory Resources: Check your univeristy website
Apartment Reources: Apartments.com, Craigslist.com, University housing website

Type Environmental Social Cultural Educational Responsibilities
Home Stay
Offers students the opportunity to live with a U.S or non-U.S family
Pros
  • Furnished bedroom
  • Relaxing, quiet
Pros
  • Real family life with diverse family dynamics (traditional, single-parent, widow, etc)
  • Intimate relationship and support
Pros
  • Full emersion in American family life, norms, customs, holidays, cooking, etc.
Pros
  • Most effective way to learn English and local dialect
Pros
  • Laundry may be done for you
  • Some transportation may be provided
  • Some meals may be included
  Cons
  • Location may be farther from campus
Cons
  • Less opportunity for peer interaction
  • Possible incompatibility with host family
Cons
  • Less emersion with peer group
  • Experience real family conflicts
Cons
  • May be farther from campus facilities
Cons
  • Chores and rules (overnight guests, smoking, etc.)
  • Transportation may be necessary
  • Limited meal options
Dormitory
Traditional residence halls used to house students on campus
Pros
  • Close to campus and campus facilities
  • Furnished bedroom
Pros
  • Opportunity to meet peers, both local and international
Pros
  • Full emersion in American youth culture and campus life
Pros
  • Local language practice with roommates and neighbors
  • May learn local slang
Pros
  • Personal transportation is not necessary
  • Utilities (electricity, internet) provided
  • Meal plan so no cooking necessary
  Cons
  • Communal living offers less privacy (shared bathroom, dining, bedroom)
  • More noise and distractions
Cons
  • Roommate challenges
Cons
  • Meal plan might not be to your liking
Cons
  • Distractions may make it difficult to study
Cons
  • Campus and dorm rules (overnight guests, smoking, drinking, etc.)
Apartment
Removes students from the bubble of university life and forces them to experience life in America like a local.
Pros
  • Choice of location
  • Separation from university life
Pros
  • Independence
  • Privacy
Pros
  • Mix of local and international roommates
  • Live like a local
Pros
  • Learn about American housing policies
  • Learn responsibility and independence
Pros
  • Personal rules and schedule
  Cons
  • Personal transportation may be necessary
  • May be unfurnished
Cons
  • More isolated from peers
Cons
  • Separation from the culture of campus life and student events
Cons
  • Less real life language practice
Cons
  • Costs (rent, utilities, furniture) are your responsibility
  • Required lease agreement (usually for 1 year) and possible security deposit
 

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