Student Accommodation in USA

Indian students who have been admitted to US, need to find themselves a temporary boarding called home. There are plenty of options for student accommodation in USA, with varying costs and amenities. Check out what could be your best pick and your home for the next 3-4 years.

Upon completing the significant step of getting admission to study in USA, the next big step is finalising accommodation in USA. While US universities offer on-campus housing, which may fill up quickly, leaving students with options to consider off-campus housing. The costs of on-campus housing in the USA are 20-30% lower than off-campus housing. Students who need a safe and secure option must consider all factors, along with pricing, before finalising anything. 

Here we intend to discuss the types of housing in the USA for students, cost comparisons, best cities - their neighbourhoods and renting rates, and finally some tips on how to choose the best student housing in the USA. 

What Student Accommodation in USA are Available?

For those looking at student housing in USA will have multiple options to choose from. But the main distinction lies in the broad types in which housing options are sorted. International students going to study in USA have two accommodation options -

1. On-Campus Student Housing: This includes university-based residential halls, dorms and also university-managed apartments. 
2. Off-Campus Student Housing: This is the second type of housing which international students can consider, including hostels, homestays or privately rented apartments. 

Each of these types of student accommodation has a typical fee structure, is inclusive (or not) of specific amenities plus there may be additional costs which are miscellaneous. 

Let us discuss each of these accommodation options for students in detail below.

Types of Student Housing Options in USA

Based on the above-mentioned broad types of student living options in USA, here are the different sub-types in detail.

1. US University-Based Residential Hall/Dorms

The majority of US universities, including the Ivy Leagues, offer on-campus residential halls or dormitories specifically designed for international students, particularly those in their first year. These are usually fully catered, and students might have to share their living spaces with other students. Costs vary per location and university, but are still lower than other options. 

2. University Managed Apartments in USA

Apart from the university-managed residential halls, there are apartments usually for postgraduate and fellowship students. Here, students have the option of single accommodation. These are also usually, but partially, catered, and costs are not very high for these types of accommodations. University-based apartments are available in top US universities like Columbia University, Rice and others. 

3. Hostels in USA for Students

After the on-campus housing options for students, there are off-campus options as well, and a popular one is a hostel. Various room types with amenities are available in the top cities of USA, including options of hostels in New York. There is a popular hostel chain in USA - Hostelling International (HI) USA. Hostels are located in popular cities such as Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, New York and San Diego. Students can explore these options and compare costs before shortlisting one. 

4. Homestays for International Students in US

The next option on the list is homestays for students. There are various platforms which bring together students with American families to offer them homestays. Those who are unable to find any suitable on-campus accommodation and are uncomfortable with hostels or privately rented housing options can consider homestays. 

5. US-Based Privately Rented Accommodations for Students

These may be slightly more expensive than other accommodation options in USA for students. It may also require students to arrange for their own meals, amenities like WiFi, and other essentials if they choose to stay in private apartments, either on a single-occupancy basis or in shared accommodations. 

Cost Comparison of Different Student Accommodations in USA

While there is no one fixed cost for each of these types of student accommodations in USA, here is an average annual cost for reference:

• University dorms cost around USD 15,000 - USD 16,000 a year with meals and amenities.
• Shared apartments backed by universities cost students around USD 1,500 a month and can go up based on the university of study. 
• Homestays can start from USD 1,000 a month, and students can sign contracts based on their length of stay.
• Hostels are again subjective based on location. Around USD 1,000 is the minimum for 1-2 days, again depending on the need for amenities.
• Finally, private apartment costs start from USD 13,000 and rise to USD 20,000 per year.

These are just estimates; costs will vary based on universities offering lodging to students either long-term or short-term. Also based on location, certain factors and costs, one should finalise their decision.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Student Housing in USA

There are several factors to consider before choosing a student housing in USA, they are as follows: 

While location matters the most, safety and cost are also important considerations; applicants should prioritise some of the safest US states for living and studying, followed by other factors.

Student Housing Options in Best US Cities

Those who plan to study in USA, can consider these student-friendly cities, which have also been ranked as per QS - Best Student Cities for 2026:

These are just suggestions and estimated costs. Since costs are dynamic, students must check the final rates before finalising and university, city or housing in USA. 

Tips to Find the Best Student Accommodation in USA

Now that students have understood the core idea of how to go about the research part of student accommodation, it is time to stick to these tips before finalising one!

• Start research and applications early, especially if applying in the Fall intake of USA, as housing is limited compared to USA’s Spring intake.
• Prioritise on-campus housing, because they are affordable and help students adjust in the initial years without much ado.
• Follow the on-campus accommodation guidelines and stick to the deadlines if there’s a need to apply on their housing portals.
• If there is no spot available on campus, consider looking for homestays. If there are no suitable homestays available, consider hostels.
• Once all options are exhausted, check for privately shared apartments and off-campus accommodation options.
• Consult seniors, counsellors and universities for suggestions and try to follow them.
• If any contract signing is involved, ensure reading all terms and conditions and check for security deposit recovery if leaving early.

These fes tips will act as guides to aid international students in their hunt for suitable housing, which will be their home for a few years. While there is a lot of independence in USA, in the initial years, for the first time, there is always some homesickness. So to avoid that and have like-minded students around, finding the best student housing should be on everyone’s to-do list!