StudyUS.org - Housing

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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