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Housing and Accommodation Faq's

Frequently Asked Questions

1. On-campus vs off-campus: which is better?

Both have pros and cons — depends on your priorities.

Factor

On-Campus

Off-Campus

Cost

Higher ($800–$1,500/month)

Can be lower ($500–$1,200/month)

Convenience

Walk to classes, no commute

May need transport

Utilities

Usually included

Extra cost

Meal plan

Often required

Cook yourself (cheaper)

Community

Easy to meet people

Depends on roommates

Privacy

Less (dorms)

More (apartment)

Lease

Per semester

Usually 12 months

Furniture

Furnished

Often unfurnished

On-campus best for:

  • First-year students
  • Those without car
  • Want easy community

Off-campus best for:

  • Budget-conscious
  • Want more independence
  • Have transportation

2. When should I apply for housing?

Apply as early as possible — on-campus housing fills fast.

On-campus timeline:

Action

Timing

Research options

After admission (March–April)

Submit housing application

April–May (for Fall)

Pay housing deposit

With application

Receive room assignment

July–August

Move in

1 week before classes

Off-campus timeline:

Action

Timing

Start searching

2–3 months before move

Visit apartments (or virtual tour)

1–2 months before

Submit application

When you find place

Sign lease

2–4 weeks before move

Move in

Lease start date

Don’t wait! Good apartments go fast near universities.

3. What is included in on-campus housing?

On-campus housing typically includes:

✅ In the room:

  • Bed (twin XL often)
  • Desk and chair
  • Dresser/closet
  • Trash can
  • Window blinds

✅ In the building:

  • Bathrooms (shared or suite-style)
  • Common areas/lounge
  • Laundry facilities
  • Kitchen (varies)
  • Study rooms
  • Wi-Fi (included)

✅ Utilities included:

  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Heating/AC
  • Internet
  • Trash

❌ Not included:

  • Bedding (bring or buy)
  • Towels
  • Cooking utensils
  • Personal items

4. How to find off-campus housing?

Multiple ways to find apartments:

  1. University resources:
  • Off-campus housing office
  • University housing website (listings)
  • International student office (advice)
  1. Online platforms:

Platform

Best For

Apartments.com

Large listings

Zillow Rentals

Verified listings

Craigslist

Cheap options (be careful of scams)

Facebook Groups

Student sublets, roommates

Roomster

Roommate matching
  1. Student communities:
  • Your university’s Facebook group
  • WhatsApp groups for admitted students
  • Current students (ask for recommendations)

Red flags (scams):

  • Asking for money before viewing
  • Too good to be true price
  • No lease contract
  • Won’t show apartment in person/video

5. What is a lease?

Lease is a legal contract between you and landlord for renting property.

Key lease terms:

Term

Meaning

Term length

Usually 12 months

Monthly rent

Amount due each month

Security deposit

Usually 1 month rent (refundable)

Utilities

What’s included vs your responsibility

Late fee

Penalty if rent late

Subletting

Can you rent to someone else?

Renewal

Process to extend lease

Before signing:

  • Read EVERY page
  • Ask about unclear terms
  • Take photos of apartment (move-in condition)
  • Keep copy of signed lease

Important for students:

  • Can you break lease if graduating early?
  • Is summer subletting allowed?
  • Who handles repairs?

6. Do I need roommates?

Roommates optional but recommended for:

Pros of roommates:

  • Save money (split rent, utilities)
  • Share furnished spaces
  • Built-in social connection
  • Safety in numbers
  • Share rides, grocery runs

Cons:

  • Less privacy
  • Different habits/cleanliness
  • Potential conflicts
  • Shared spaces compromise

If you choose roommates:

  • Meet before committing
  • Discuss expectations (cleaning, guests, noise)
  • Get everything in writing
  • Have separate leases if possible

If you live alone:

  • Budget more ($300–$600 extra/month)
  • Prepare for possible loneliness
  • More responsibility (all bills, cleaning)

7. What is security deposit?

Security deposit is money paid before moving in, held by landlord for damages.

Typical amount: 1 month’s rent (sometimes 1.5 months)

What it covers:

  • Damage beyond normal wear
  • Unpaid rent
  • Cleaning if you leave dirty
  • Lost keys

What it DOESN’T cover:

  • Normal wear (carpet fading, minor scuffs)
  • Your security deposit is refundable!

Getting deposit back:

  • Take photos before moving in
  • Report existing damage immediately
  • Keep apartment clean
  • Give proper notice before moving
  • Provide forwarding address

If landlord deducts unfairly:
You can dispute in small claims court (but try to resolve first).

8. Can I live with family/friends?

Yes, you can live with family or friends off-campus.

Requirements:

  • Address must be within commuting distance
  • Must have valid lease or residency proof
  • University needs your address for I-20
  • Must update address with international office

For visa/I-20:

  • You need actual address (not PO box)
  • University will use this for I-20
  • Must update within 10 days of moving

If living with relatives:

  • May not need lease
  • Get letter from relative confirming you live there
  • Keep proof for visa purposes

Remember:
Living with family = saves money, but still need own space for studying.