Study Abroad Housing 101

Introduction

Selecting the right place to live is one of the biggest decisions you will face when preparing to study abroad. From university dorms to shared apartments and homestays, each housing option offers unique benefits and has elements you should keep in mind.

Understanding these choices, and where you can be flexible, can make your transition smoother and ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience abroad.

What is study abroad housing?

Study abroad housing is the residence you will stay in while studying abroad. The type of housing available to you depends on the location you choose, university partnerships, and the structure of your study abroad program.

Your study abroad housing options may include university-provided dormitories, private apartments, homestays, or shared housing with other students. Each option comes with unique benefits, such as cultural immersion, independence, cost considerations, and social opportunities.

Three types of study abroad housing available, benefits, and elements to keep In mind for each

Homestays with a host family

During a homestay, you’ll live with a local family allowing yourself to become fully immersed in the cultural experience. This style of housing will typically include meals and local language practice. With IFSA, homestays are more common in Latin America, and Spain. In a homestay, you will have your own bedroom, access to a private or shared bathroom, laundry, meals, and internet accessibility. In some locations, homestays may include another IFSA student.

• Benefits of a homestay:
  • Immerse yourself in the culture – Living with a local family gives you a firsthand look at daily life, traditions, and customs. You’ll celebrate local holidays, try home-cooked meals, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture
  • Improve Your Language Skills – Few families are fluent in English. Engaging in daily conversations with your host family allows you to practice the language in a natural setting. Whether it’s chatting over meals or asking for directions, you’ll build confidence and fluency much faster than in a classroom alone. We do our best to place students without language proficiency with English-speaking families.
  • Get Local Guidance & Support – Your host family can be a valuable resource for navigating the city, understanding cultural norms, and adjusting to life abroad.
  • Build Meaningful Connections – A homestay with a host family isn’t just about housing—it’s about relationships. You’ll form close bonds with your host family, and these connections often last beyond your time abroad. Many students stay in touch with their host families for years, returning to visit or keeping in contact from afar.
    
• Keep in mind: While homestays offer many benefits, they also come with some challenges. You may have less independence, needing to follow house rules like curfews and meal times. Adjusting to a new family’s customs, food, and expectations can take time, and not every student and host family will be a perfect match.
  • Adapting to a New Household – Every family has its own customs, food, and daily routines, and it may take time to feel completely comfortable.
  • Commute – Homestays are in residential areas which can be 30 or more minutes from classes and the city center.
  • Less Privacy – Living with a family means shared spaces and a different level of personal space compared to other housing options.
  • Diet –Two meals a day are included. You can also eat out with friends or buy snacks independently. IFSA guarantees that every student will be placed in a home that tends to specific dietary needs.

Residential apartment/flat

When living in an apartment or flat-style study abroad housing, you will rent a private or shared apartment. These apartments might be located in suburban areas, near universities, or in student-focused housing complexes. You may live alone, with fellow international students, or with local roommates, offering a mix of independence and social interaction. Flat-style housing is more common in urban settings throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Latin America.

“Living in an apartment in Surfers Paradise was a great place to start “adulting”. I truly gained a new sense of independence while living and traveling abroad. I miss it every day and wouldn’t trade my experience for anything”

Kayla H, of Roger Williams University, participating in the IFSA: Gold Coast & Brisbane – Griffith University program in in Australia.

• Benefits of an apartment/flat:
  • Greater Independence – Enjoy the freedom to set your own schedule and make decisions about your daily routine.
  • More Privacy – Have your own space to relax, study, and unwind without the structure of a dorm or homestay.
  • Flexible Living Arrangements – Dependent on the program, choose whether to live alone or with roommates based on your preferences and lifestyle.
  • Social Opportunities – Connect with fellow international students or local roommates while maintaining your personal space.
  • Location Choices – Select a neighborhood that best fits your needs, whether it’s close to your university, in a vibrant city center, or in a quieter residential area.
    
• Keep in mind:
  • Increased Independence – You’ll have more privacy and control over your living space, but with that comes additional responsibilities.
  • Higher Costs – Staying in a private apartment or flat may be more expensive than other housing options, depending on the location.
  • Household Responsibilities – Unlike dorms or homestays, you’ll need to handle daily tasks like cooking, and cleaning.

Student story spotlight: Learn about Sophia C’s experience at Griffith University Gold Coast

“Grew so much as an individual, felt so alive being able to explore constantly, loved being in a big city but also close to beautiful nature and parks and the ocean, loved living in an international housing building because I now have friends in literally every country that I still talk to and can’t wait to visit in the future. I still talk to literally all of my friends.”

 Niki K of Butler University, participating in,  IFSA’s University of Sydney Partnership in Australia.

University accommodation

University accommodation for study abroad is a type of housing provided by your host institution. This housing typically includes dormitories, residence halls, or university-managed apartments, offering a convenient and structured living experience.

You will likely be housed near your classes, with access to communal areas, and amenities such as dining halls, laundry facilities, and study spaces. Depending on the accommodation, you may have a shared room or a private living space, allowing for a balance of privacy and social interaction. This housing is more popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland, as well as Australia and New Zealand.

The International House offered at the University of Melbourne partnership program is a unique on-campus single room in a residential dorm including daily meals and extracurriculars with an international community.

• Benefits of university accommodation:
  • Convenient & Structured Living – Enjoy a hassle-free housing experience with a well-organized and supportive environment provided by your host university.
  • Prime Location – University housing is typically near your classes giving you easy access to libraries and academic resources.
  • Built-In Social Atmosphere – Live among other students, meet new peers, participate in university events, and build friendships within a diverse community.
  • All-Inclusive – Many university accommodations include essential amenities like dining halls and study areas.
  • Added Security & Support – University housing often provides extra security measures and support services, making it an ideal choice if you’re new to studying abroad and want a safe, well-connected living space.
    
• Keep in mind:
  • Structure & Rules – University housing may have dormitory policies, curfews, or guest restrictions, which could feel limiting if you’re used to more independence.
  • Shared Living Spaces – Common areas, including bathrooms and lounges, are shared, which may require some adjustment and compromise with roommates.
  • Lively Social Environment – While the social atmosphere can be exciting, it may also be noisy or distracting, making it important to find designated quiet spaces when needed.
  • Varying Costs – Depending on the location, university accommodation can range from affordable to more expensive than shared apartments or homestays.

“I will be friends with the people I met in dorms hopefully for the rest of our lives.”

Grace S, of the University of Westminster, participating in
IFSA’s University of Westminster Partnership in the UK.

Study abroad housing factors to consider

Choosing the right housing while studying abroad requires careful consideration of several factors that can significantly impact your daily life, budget, and overall experience. The IFSA team will work with you on your priorities and where some flexibility might be needed. If your top priority is living in a large city, like London, your commute may be longer, for example. 

Here are some key aspects you should consider when making this decision:

• Distance from your classes: Not all study abroad housing options are within walking distance of your classes. Some students may live in university dorms located nearby, while others might stay in apartments or homestays that require commuting. You should consider the amount of time it will take them to commute to and from class, and other conveniences, as well as any costs associated with transportation. IFSA will help you understand options for public transportation.
  
• Cost: The cost of study abroad housing can vary significantly depending on location, amenities, and whether meals are included. With IFSA programs, furnished housing is always included in the program fee, providing you with a reliable and convenient living arrangement without additional rent costs. Additionally, IFSA offers housing upgrades in many locations for a supplemental fee, allowing you to choose an option that best suits your preferences and needs. Understanding these financial factors can help you plan more effectively and avoid unexpected expenses while abroad.
  
• Amenities: The amenities available in study abroad housing can greatly impact your daily life and overall experience. Some accommodations include fully equipped kitchens, while others may require students to rely on a meal plan. Laundry facilities also vary, with some housing offering in-unit washers and dryers, while others may require trips to a laundromat. Additionally, you should confirm whether their housing comes equipped with room essentials, like bedding. These small but significant details can influence comfort, convenience, and budgeting while living abroad.

“I learned how to adult! Since I was living in a flat with a kitchen, that meant I had no meal plan. I learned how to provide for myself and since London housing tends to be far from universities, I had to plan ahead for my 25-minute commute to school.”

Brandeis University student, participating in IFSA’s University College London Partnership in the UK.

• Gender-inclusive housing: All IFSA housing is verified by site staff. Our housing form also addresses gender much more inclusively, giving us options to support students based on their gender and roommate preference.
  
• Accommodations: If you are a student with mobility needs or other specific accommodations, speak with your IFSA Enrollment Counselor to ensure that your study abroad housing is both comfortable and supportive. Factors such as elevators and ramps for wheelchair access, accessible bathrooms and doorways, and adequate signage for visually impaired students can make a significant difference in daily life. Since accessibility standards vary by country, it’s essential to communicate any special requirements to the study abroad program as early as possible. Taking a proactive approach helps ensure that housing arrangements meet individual needs and provide a safe, inclusive experience abroad.

Start your journey

There are a multitude of different study abroad housing options available, but the types of housing available might depend on the country, program, and time of year you are studying abroad. We’re excited to be a part of your study abroad experience and guide you to the right program and housing choice for you.

Visit our programs page to explore and schedule an appointment with an enrollment counselor about which program is the best fit for you.