06-12-2026, 08:17 AM
You got the scholarship. Congratulations. Now comes the part nobody prepares you for: finding a place to live in a country you may have never visited.
Housing stress is one of the top reasons scholars underperform in their first semester abroad. This guide is designed to help you avoid that.
Start Looking 3-4 Months Before Arrival
The biggest mistake scholars make is waiting until after visa approval to start looking for housing. By then, good options near campus are gone. Start researching and shortlisting the moment your scholarship offer is confirmed.
Option 1: University-Provided Accommodation
Always check this first. Many universities reserve rooms specifically for scholarship holders. Advantages include location, security, established community, and often lower cost than the private market. Disadvantages include limited availability and strict rules.
Contact the international student office at your university immediately after acceptance and ask specifically about accommodation reserved for incoming scholarship students.
Option 2: Private Rental Market
Once you know your university location, research the surrounding neighborhoods. Consider:
Option 3: International Property Platforms
For scholars who plan to stay in their study country longer term, or whose family is relocating with them, it is worth exploring the broader property market early. Platforms like Benimev list international real estate across multiple countries and give you a realistic sense of what properties are available and at what price range in your destination city.
Benimev is particularly useful for:
Option 4: Shared Housing with Other Students
Join Facebook groups, local student forums, and university noticeboard systems as early as possible. Many incoming students post looking for flatmates, and this is often the most affordable and socially rich option.
Search terms: "[City name] international students accommodation", "[University name] housing Facebook group", "[City name] expat housing group".
What to Watch Out For
Arrival Checklist for Housing
Which country are you moving to for your scholarship? Reply below and let others who have lived there share their specific housing tips!
Housing stress is one of the top reasons scholars underperform in their first semester abroad. This guide is designed to help you avoid that.
Start Looking 3-4 Months Before Arrival
The biggest mistake scholars make is waiting until after visa approval to start looking for housing. By then, good options near campus are gone. Start researching and shortlisting the moment your scholarship offer is confirmed.
Option 1: University-Provided Accommodation
Always check this first. Many universities reserve rooms specifically for scholarship holders. Advantages include location, security, established community, and often lower cost than the private market. Disadvantages include limited availability and strict rules.
Contact the international student office at your university immediately after acceptance and ask specifically about accommodation reserved for incoming scholarship students.
Option 2: Private Rental Market
Once you know your university location, research the surrounding neighborhoods. Consider:
- Distance to campus and public transport quality
- Safety of the area (check expat forums and student reviews)
- Average rent per month including utilities
- Minimum lease length (avoid long commitments before you have seen the city)
- Whether the landlord has experience with international tenants
Option 3: International Property Platforms
For scholars who plan to stay in their study country longer term, or whose family is relocating with them, it is worth exploring the broader property market early. Platforms like Benimev list international real estate across multiple countries and give you a realistic sense of what properties are available and at what price range in your destination city.
Benimev is particularly useful for:
- Understanding the local property market before you arrive
- Scholars on multi-year programs considering renting a proper apartment rather than student housing
- Researchers whose institutions are in cities with expensive private rental markets
- Families relocating with a scholarship holder who need more space than student housing provides
Option 4: Shared Housing with Other Students
Join Facebook groups, local student forums, and university noticeboard systems as early as possible. Many incoming students post looking for flatmates, and this is often the most affordable and socially rich option.
Search terms: "[City name] international students accommodation", "[University name] housing Facebook group", "[City name] expat housing group".
What to Watch Out For
- Rental scams: Never transfer money without a signed contract and verified landlord identity
- No-inspection rentals: If someone insists you pay without a virtual or in-person viewing, walk away
- Upfront cash deposits: Know your rights - most countries limit how much landlords can legally request
- Utilities not included: Always clarify what is and is not included in the quoted rent
Arrival Checklist for Housing
- Confirm your accommodation booking in writing before you travel
- Get the full address and a contact number for arrival day
- Know your nearest public transport stop
- Have 2-3 months of rental budget accessible in local currency
- Register your address with local authorities if required (many countries require this)
Which country are you moving to for your scholarship? Reply below and let others who have lived there share their specific housing tips!
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