Accommodation in the USA for Indian Students - Guide

For students willing to study in USA, accommodation is an important factor to consider. This article discusses accommodation in USA for Indian students. The costs associated to accommodation vary from one city to another in the United States of America. 

The USA is also one of the most expensive countries to study in, especially Indian students. Hence, accommodation in USA for Indian students becomes one of the major aspects to take into consideration. This article aims to shed light on the accommodation cost in the USA for Indian students, glossing over the types of accommodation and the expenses involved in each.

Types of Student Accommodation in the USA

Students can opt for on-campus and off-campus facilities while studying in the USA regarding student accommodation.

On-Campus Housing

Generally speaking, unlike on-campus accommodation in EU nations like Germany, on-campus accommodation at American universities proves to be far more expensive than off-campus options for accommodation. Students do not have to worry about utility, water, and electricity costs, as these are covered in the accommodation fees. In addition, students need not create a separate budget for food, as dining is included in the fees mentioned above. On average, the on-campus accommodation for students in the USA will amount to between USD 11,000 and USD 15,000.

As a rule, most universities in the USA make it mandatory for first-year students to live on campus as it helps them transition into campus life smoothly. Some universities even offer on-campus accommodation to married students for their Master's programs.

Pros of On-Campus Housing

Below are some of the pros of on-campus housing:

• Quick access to amenities like the library, computer facilities, dining
• Scope for socialization
• No additional charges for campus facilities

Cons of On-Campus Housing

Below are some of the cons of on-campus housing:

• Lack of privacy
• Bound by norms and rules of campus
• Costlier than off-campus housing

Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus accommodation is the cheaper of the two, and there are many options that students can opt for with regards to the same. The cost of rent will depend on the city to city and the type of accommodation. Utilities, water, and the internet are generally not included in the rent, and students will have to pay from their pocket to get these facilities. Students living off-campus will also have to figure out food and other expenses, apart from housing. On average, off-campus accommodation for students in the USA amounts to between USD 6,000 and USD 9,000.

Unlike on-campus housing, off-campus housing has many options that students can choose. For example, they can choose to rent a private residence alone or flatshare. As a result, many Indian students end up living with their families and relatives in the US.

Pros of Off-Campus Housing

Below are some of the pros of off-campus housing:

• Cheaper than on-campus housing
• Relative amounts of privacy
• Freedom in comparison to rules of on-campus housing

Cons of Off-Campus Housing

Below are some of the cons of off-campus housing

• Students have to pay extra for utilities, water, and internet.
• Limited scope for socialization with other students.
• Proximity to campus amenities is limited.

Homestays in the USA

A popular option for off-campus housing are homestays. Homestays are arrangements where a student can live in the home of an American family while studying in the USA. Students can choose a basic room-rental arrangement or immerse themselves with the host/family when it comes to homestays. In such arrangements, generally, students will be given their room but may be expected to participate in family meals and activities.

Homestays generally take an up-front fee, apart from the monthly fees for accommodation. The upfront fee generally amounts to around USD 300, while the accommodation fees per month may average to USD 600.

How to look for Homestays in the USA?

Luckily for students, there is something called the American Homestay Network (AHN), established in 2012 to set governing standards for safety, service, and quality of homestays for international students.

AHN can provide homestay arrangements for international students in many cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, and Portland. In addition, AHN has a unique feature of placing students close to their universities and helping them figure out various options for transportation.

Student Hostels in Top Cities

Student hostels are temporary accommodation facilities for students who act as a buffer for them while searching for a permanent residence. Since there is a floating population of students, student hostels come with ample arrangements to ensure the safety and security of its residents. Student hostels have a security detail, secure locker facilities, and dining facilities.

The table below contains a list of the best student hostels across the various cities in the USA:

Student Hostel Name	City	Cost of Dorms	Cost of Private Dorms	Hostel Rating (out of 10)
Freehand	Los Angeles	USD 49	USD 218	9.4
Ocean Beach	San Diego	USD 25	USD 115	9.5
HI	San Francisco	USD 35	USD 130	8.4
Banana Bungalow	Los Angeles	USD 30	USD 119	8.5
The Bivvi	Breckenbridge	USD 31	USD 149	9.8
Firehouse Hostel	Austin	USD 31	USD 99	9.4
HI	Santa Monica	USD 36	--	8.7
The Local	New York	USD 44	USD 165	8.9
NY Moore Hostel	New York	USD 37.92	--	8.6
Freehand	Miami	USD 26	--	8.7

Cost of Accommodation in USA

The cost of the various types of accommodation has been detailed in the points mentioned above. The table below details the costs associated with the different types of accommodation in USA for Indian students:

Accommodation Type	Average Cost (in USD)
On-Campus	11,000 - 15,000 (a year)
Private Accommodation	6,000 - 9,000 (a year)
Homestay	7,000 (a year) + 300 up-front fee
Student Hostel	15 - 45 (a night)

Things to Remember while Choosing Housing Facilities in the USA

There are lots of things for students to consider while looking for accommodation in the USA. Students have to remember that they would be spending the bulk of their time and energy in the location of their choosing unless they have the resources to move as and when they see fit. For most students who can't afford to hop from home to home, choosing the right accommodation can be a critical step. Consider the following points to choose the right type of accommodation in USA for Indian students:

1. Safety is a priority: The first and foremost aspect of choosing any accommodation is to consider the safety and security of the housing. On-campus accommodation is the safest option for students. Students looking for cheaper options off-campus have to ensure that their accommodation is in a safe neighborhood and secure from thefts and robbery.
2. Choose the RIGHT accommodation: Figuring out what kind of housing best suits a student is more tricky than it sounds. There are many things to consider while choosing a home; whether the student values their privacy, if they want easy access to campus amenities, how accessible are public transportation facilities from the accommodation, etc.
3. Calcule costs and prepare a budget: Once a student has considered their options, they should spend time doing a cost-benefit analysis of the residences in view. The more time a student spends doing this, the clearer will they be in figuring out the costs and allocating a budget.
4. Research and have a Plan-B: The more time a student spends researching the types of accommodation, the more equipped they will be if their initial plans do not materialize for some reason. It always helps to have a fail-safe in place if things do not work out. Understanding the landscape of student accommodation can give students enough resources to work out housing options in the USA.