Find housing while studying abroad: dormitory, homestay or shared rental

🔄 Cập nhật lần cuối: 08/10/26

Housing is often the largest expense after tuition, and also directly affects your studies, health, and safety. Finding housing when studying abroad therefore needs to start early, with a clear understanding of the options: dormitory, student housing, homestay or shared rental. This article compares the advantages and disadvantages of each form and shares experiences in renting a safe house.

Popular housing options

According to Study Australia (the Australian Government's information portal), international students often choose between the following forms - this classification is similar in the UK, US, Canada and many other countries:

Dormitories and housing are managed by the school

The room is furnished, close to the school, usually includes electricity, water, and internet. Some residential colleges offer meals and community and academic activities. Suitable for first year, but seats are limited and prices may be higher than outsourcing.

Business-managed student housing (PBSA)

Buildings are built specifically for students, from private studios to shared kitchens. Invoices are usually included in the price, good security, clear contracts.

Homestay

Stay with a host family, often with meals included. Very suitable for young students and people who want to improve foreign languages ​​and understand culture. In return, you have to follow your family's routine and may live far from school.

Rent a house privately or together

Rent an apartment/house yourself through a real estate company or landlord, often sharing with roommates to reduce costs. Most flexible but demanding independent skills, read contracts and process invoices.

Quickly compare forms

Finding housing while studying abroad: choose according to circumstances

• Students under 18 years old: usually required to stay in a homestay, boarding house or with a school-approved guardian – see Study abroad documents for students under 18 years old.
• First-year students: dormitory helps get acquainted quickly, with little risk; Many schools give priority/guarantee seats to first-year students if they register on time.
• Postgraduate students with experience: rent together or studio to be proactive and economical.
• Tight budget: rent together in an area a bit far from the center but close to public transportation.

To estimate the total cost, refer to the article Cost of studying abroad in other countries.

Experience in renting a safe house

Deposit and prepaid rent

Study Australia said that when renting a private house in Australia, tenants usually deposit about four weeks' rent and pay about four weeks in advance; The deposit is held by the state agency. In the UK, according to GOV.UK, landlords in England and Wales must put their deposit into one of the government-approved deposit protection schemes within 30 days. Please ask clearly about the deposit protection mechanism in your destination country.

Signs of fraud you need to be wary of

• Price is unusually cheap compared to the area.
• The “landlord” is abroad, does not show the house, and demands a deposit via money transfer service or e-wallet.
• Urging to transfer money immediately to "reserve a place" because "many people ask".
• There are no contracts or vague contracts.

More details in the article Experience renting a house and avoid deposit scams and safe when studying abroad.

Read the contract carefully

• Lease term and early termination conditions.
• Does the price include electricity, water, gas, internet?
• Responsibility for repairs, regulations for visitors, and raising pets.
• Take photos and videos of the home's condition upon receipt to avoid deposit disputes.

Time and process to find a house

1. As soon as you receive the invitation letter: register for a dormitory/homestay through the school - good places often sell out early.
2. 2–3 months before flying: research the area, rental prices, and means of transportation; Join the Vietnamese student group at school to learn about experiences.
3. Once you have a place to stay: finalize check-in date before booking tickets to avoid temporary accommodation - see Choose a flight date to study abroad.
4. After moving: if you want to switch to outsourcing, see the house directly, sign a clear contract.

Once you have a check-in address, VeDuHoc's Booker team can advise on convenient flight landing times, optimal luggage of 40–46kg so you can bring enough essential items, and 24/7 support if the flight changes. Refer to the service air tickets to study abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in the dormitory or rent outside for the first year?

For most first-year students, dormitories or student housing help adapt quickly, safely and with few procedures. From year two, renting together is often more economical.

Does the homestay include meals?

Usually yes, depending on package (several meals or three meals). Please ask clearly about meals, hours, and house rules before accepting.

What documents are needed to rent a house abroad?

Usually need passport, visa, admission confirmation, sometimes proof of income/finance or guarantor. In the UK, landlords in the UK must check Right to Rent.

How do I get my full deposit back?

Record the condition of the house when receiving and returning, keep the house clean, pay on time and comply with the contract terms.

A suitable place to live is the foundation for happy and productive years studying abroad. Need advice on flight schedule matching check-in date, please contact VeDuHoc via hotline/Zalo 090.1800.918.

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