Where to live abroad — types, costs, and how to find a place.
Accommodation is your second biggest expense after tuition. Choosing the right type from the start can save you ₹5–15 lakh over your course. Here's the honest guide.
Four options — what each actually means
On-Campus / University Halls
USD 800–1,500/mo · GBP 500–1,200/mo · AUD 700–1,800/moManaged by your university — furnished, utilities included, closest to classes. Safest option for first-year students landing in a new country.
Shared Private Apartment / HMO
USD 500–900/mo · GBP 400–900/mo · AUD 550–1,200/moRent a room in a shared house or apartment with 2–5 others. Usually 30–40% cheaper than on-campus. Find flatmates through university WhatsApp groups.
PBSA — Purpose Built Student Accommodation
USD 900–1,800/mo · GBP 600–1,400/mo · AUD 800–1,800/moPrivate student-only buildings with en-suite rooms, gym, common areas, 24/7 security. Book via Student.com, Amber, or Unilodgers.
Homestay — Live with a Local Family
USD 600–1,200/mo · GBP 500–900/mo · AUD 600–1,100/moLive as a paying guest with a local host family. Meals usually included. Great for language improvement and a softer landing in a new country.
Indicative monthly costs by country
All figures are estimates for a single student. Actual cost depends on city, neighbourhood, and what's included. Use our Cost of Living Estimator for a full monthly breakdown →
| Country | On-Campus | Shared Apartment | Homestay | PBSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸USA | USD 800–1,500/mo ₹66k–₹1.25L | USD 500–900/mo ₹41k–₹75k | USD 600–1,200/mo ₹50k–₹1L | USD 900–2,000/mo ₹75k–₹1.66L |
| 🇬🇧UK | GBP 500–1,200/mo ₹52k–₹1.26L | GBP 400–900/mo ₹42k–₹94k | GBP 500–900/mo ₹52k–₹94k | GBP 600–1,400/mo ₹63k–₹1.47L |
| 🇨🇦Canada | CAD 600–1,400/mo ₹37k–₹85k | CAD 500–1,000/mo ₹30k–₹61k | CAD 600–1,100/mo ₹37k–₹67k | CAD 700–1,500/mo ₹43k–₹91k |
| 🇦🇺Australia | AUD 700–1,800/mo ₹38k–₹99k | AUD 550–1,200/mo ₹30k–₹66k | AUD 600–1,100/mo ₹33k–₹60k | AUD 800–1,800/mo ₹44k–₹99k |
| 🇩🇪Germany | EUR 300–600/mo ₹27k–₹54k | EUR 250–550/mo ₹23k–₹50k | EUR 400–700/mo ₹36k–₹64k | EUR 400–700/mo ₹36k–₹64k |
| 🇮🇪Ireland | EUR 600–1,100/mo ₹54k–₹1L | EUR 500–900/mo ₹45k–₹82k | EUR 500–900/mo ₹45k–₹82k | EUR 700–1,200/mo ₹64k–₹1.09L |
Exchange rates used: USD ₹83, GBP ₹105, CAD ₹61, AUD ₹55, EUR ₹91. Figures are indicative for 2025–26.
Where to search — trusted platforms
University-managed / PBSA
Your University Website
Always check here first — university halls often fill within weeks of offer letters going out. Apply the same day you accept your offer.
Student.com
Largest global PBSA booking platform. Filter by city, budget, and distance from campus. Book with a deposit from India.
Amber Student
Popular with Indian students — good India customer support, verified listings, instant book options.
Unilodgers
Offers price match guarantee. Good for UK and Australia listings.
Private / shared apartments
University WhatsApp / Facebook Groups
Search "[University Name] Indian Students [Year]" — senior students actively help freshers find flatmates and rooms. Best source for verified shared housing.
SpareRoom (UK) · Kijiji (Canada)
Local rental listing sites. Only use once you're on the ground or have a verified Indian senior contact — scam risk from India is high.
Zillow / Craigslist (USA)
For off-campus apartments. Filter by distance to campus. Shortlist virtually, view in person or via video call before signing.
Domain.com.au (Australia)
Main rental listing platform in Australia. Use with uni Facebook groups for the best results.
Practical tips before you sign a lease
Bills included vs excluded
In shared apartments, electricity, heating, WiFi, and council tax (UK) may be extra. "Bills included" flats cost more in rent but can save ₹8,000–20,000/month in surprises — especially in the UK and Canada where heating is expensive in winter.
Lease length matters
Most private leases are 12 months. If your course is 1 year, make sure the lease end-date aligns with your departure. Breaking a lease early can cost you 1–2 months rent as penalty.
Common questions
Should I book accommodation before or after my visa?
Apply for university housing as soon as you accept your offer — don't wait for the visa. Most university halls hold your place and you can cancel penalty-free if the visa is refused. PBSA platforms also offer free cancellation periods. Private housing is harder to cancel — wait for the visa before signing a private lease.
Does my education loan cover accommodation costs?
Yes — most education loans cover the cost of accommodation as part of "living expenses abroad." Your loan application includes a cost-of-attendance breakdown provided by your university, which typically includes housing, food, transport, and personal expenses. Check what your loan covers →
Can my parents pay my rent from India?
Yes — via wire transfer (SWIFT), forex card reload, or services like Wise and Remitly. Most banks allow up to USD 2,50,000/year under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) for education purposes. Learn about forex cards →
What if I don't like my accommodation after arriving?
University halls usually allow a short change window (1–2 weeks). Private leases are harder to exit. This is why Year 1 on-campus is the safer choice — use that time to find the right private option for Year 2.
Make sure your loan covers your accommodation.
We help you calculate the right loan amount — tuition plus realistic living costs including accommodation. One call, full picture.
Check Loan Eligibility Estimate Living CostsLoan, forex card, accommodation — we help you plan all three.
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