Where you live abroad, and what it really costs.
Accommodation is your second-biggest expense after tuition. Choosing the right type from day one can save you several lakh over your course.
Four ways to live — what each actually means
University Halls / On-Campus
Managed by your universityFurnished rooms, utilities included, minutes from class. The safest landing for a first-year student in a new country — no lease hunting, no deposit disputes, and instant community.
Shared Private Apartment
Rent a room with 2–5 flatmatesUsually 30–40% cheaper than halls. Most students find flatmates through university WhatsApp groups after their first semester, once they know who they get along with.
PBSA — Purpose-Built Student Housing
Private student-only buildingsEn-suite rooms, study lounges, gym, 24/7 security. Bookable online from India with a deposit — the only private option you can safely lock in before you fly.
Homestay — Live with a Local Family
Paying guest with mealsMeals usually included and the language practice is constant. A softer first few months if you are nervous about landing alone — particularly common in Ireland, France and New Zealand.
What accommodation costs by country
Indicative monthly rent for a single student. Actual cost depends on city, neighbourhood and what is included. Use our Cost of Living Estimator for a full breakdown →
| Country | University Halls | Shared Apartment | Homestay | PBSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸USA | USD 800–1,500₹66k–1.25L | USD 500–900₹41k–75k | USD 600–1,200₹50k–1L | USD 900–2,000₹75k–1.66L |
| 🇬🇧UK | GBP 500–1,200₹52k–1.26L | GBP 400–900₹42k–94k | GBP 500–900₹52k–94k | GBP 600–1,400₹63k–1.47L |
| 🇨🇦Canada | CAD 600–1,400₹37k–85k | CAD 500–1,000₹30k–61k | CAD 600–1,100₹37k–67k | CAD 700–1,500₹43k–91k |
| 🇦🇺Australia | AUD 700–1,800₹38k–99k | AUD 550–1,200₹30k–66k | AUD 600–1,100₹33k–60k | AUD 800–1,800₹44k–99k |
| 🇩🇪Germany | EUR 300–600₹27k–54k | EUR 250–550₹23k–50k | EUR 400–700₹36k–64k | EUR 400–700₹36k–64k |
| 🇮🇪Ireland | EUR 600–1,100₹54k–1L | EUR 500–900₹45k–82k | EUR 500–900₹45k–82k | EUR 700–1,200₹64k–1.09L |
| 🇫🇷France | EUR 250–600₹23k–54k | EUR 400–800₹36k–73k | EUR 500–900₹45k–82k | EUR 550–1,000₹50k–91k |
| 🇳🇿New Zealand | NZD 700–1,400₹35k–70k | NZD 550–1,100₹28k–55k | NZD 650–1,200₹33k–60k | NZD 750–1,400₹38k–70k |
Rupee figures are approximate conversions for reference only, based on rates at the time of writing. Exchange rates change daily — always check the live rate before budgeting.
Trusted platforms, and when to use each
🏠University-managed & PBSA
Your university's housing page
Always check here first. Halls often fill within weeks of offer letters going out — apply the same day you accept.
Student.com
Largest global student housing platform. Filter by city, budget and distance from campus; book with a deposit from India.
Amber Student
Popular with Indian students — India-hours support, verified listings, instant-book options.
Unilodgers
Price-match guarantee. Strong inventory for UK and Australia.
🔑Private & shared housing
University WhatsApp & Facebook groups
Search “[University Name] Indian Students [Year]”. Seniors actively help freshers find rooms and flatmates — the most reliable source for shared housing.
SpareRoom (UK) · Kijiji (Canada)
Local listing sites. Use only once you are on the ground, or through a verified senior contact.
Zillow · Craigslist (USA)
Off-campus apartments. Shortlist online, but always view in person before signing.
Lokaviz · CROUS (France)
CROUS runs subsidised state student residences — cheapest option in France. Lokaviz is the government-verified private listing portal.
Never pay a deposit for a property you have not seen in person, and never to a person you have not met. Fake listings on Facebook groups and Craigslist specifically target Indian students who are still in India. If you must book before flying, use only verified platforms or your university's own housing office.
Ten things to check on any lease
Bills included vs excluded
In shared apartments, electricity, heating, internet and local taxes are often extra. A "bills included" flat costs more in rent but can save ₹8,000–20,000 a month in winter surprises — especially in the UK, Canada and Germany.
Lease length vs course length
Most private leases run 12 months. If your course is one year, check that the lease end-date lines up with your departure. Breaking a lease early typically costs one to two months' rent as penalty.
FAQs
Should I book accommodation before or after my visa?
Apply for university housing as soon as you accept your offer — do not wait for the visa. Most halls hold your place and allow penalty-free cancellation if the visa is refused. PBSA platforms also have free-cancellation windows. Private leases are far harder to exit, so wait for the visa before signing one.
Does my education loan cover accommodation?
Yes. Most education loans cover living expenses as part of the total cost of attendance, which your university states in its official fee breakdown. This normally includes housing, food, local transport and personal expenses. Check what your loan covers →
Can my parents send rent from India?
Yes — through a bank wire transfer, a forex card reload, or services like Wise. Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, up to USD 2,50,000 per financial year can be remitted for education. Learn about forex cards →
What is special about accommodation in France?
France has CROUS — government-subsidised student residences that are significantly cheaper than private housing, though places are limited and applications open early. Students in private housing may also qualify for CAF housing assistance, which reimburses part of the monthly rent. Both need an early application.
What if I do not like my accommodation after arriving?
University halls usually allow a change request in the first week or two. Private leases are much harder to exit — which is exactly why on-campus for year one is the safer route while you learn the city.
Make sure your loan covers your rent.
We help you calculate the right loan amount — tuition plus realistic living costs, so you are not short in month three.
Check Loan Eligibility Estimate Living CostsLoan, forex card, accommodation — planned together.
Talk to a counsellor and get a complete pre-departure checklist, so nothing is left to the last week.
Book a Free Counselling CallAll accommodation costs, platform details and housing information on this page are indicative and for general guidance only. Rents vary significantly by city, neighbourhood, university, season and individual property, and change frequently. Rupee conversions are approximate and based on exchange rates at the time of writing — exchange rates fluctuate daily. Gateway International is an education loan facilitation company and does not provide, broker, endorse or guarantee any accommodation, and is not affiliated with any housing platform named on this page. Third-party platforms are listed for information only; verify any provider independently before making a payment. Always confirm current costs, terms and availability directly with the university or housing provider before making financial commitments.