Finding affordable accommodation is one of the most difficult obstacles that students face.
Usually, the bed spaces are not enough to accommodate incoming students. The most viable option in this scenario is getting a house off-campus.
Considering you might be new in the city, this already sets you back. You may not understand the local housing market well, and as a student, you likely have a very limited budget to work with.
However, if you plan ahead and are not frantic to find housing, you will find that there are many affordable housing options for students like you.
In this article will discuss alternative student housing options that can help you locate a comfortable and affordable place to live during your studies.
10 Alternative Student Housing Options
1. Co-living space.
Co-living spaces are gaining popularity, especially in urban areas, and are a creative solution to the housing crisis.
These spaces are intended to provide private chambers with shared living areas, and may also provide additional amenities such as laundry facilities, a fitness center, and a communal kitchen.
Co-living spaces can be more expensive than conventional housing options, but they offer numerous advantages, including convenience and a sense of community. Co-living spaces are undeniably an innovative approach to affordable accommodation.
2. Resident Assistants (RAs) or Dorm Advisors.
As a college or university student, living as a resident assistant (RA) or dorm advisor can be a way to save money on rent.
Resident Assistants are students hired by the university to live in the dorms or residence rooms and act as peer leaders and resources for other students living on campus.
In addition to free or cheaper housing, being an RA can give you important leadership experience, chances to grow as a person, and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the college community.
3. Homestays.
Homestays are accommodation schemes that set international students up to live with a host family.
Some universities partner with their local homestay providers to offer this alternative for students. Choose this if you would prefer home-cooked meals, family nights, and an immersive, yet supportive environment.
It’s best to talk to your homestay family. You can arrange to meet them online or in person. The latter is better as it allows you to access the living environment, the energy around the house, and gauge if your personality with that of your prospective hosts are compatible.
In doing so, you’ll make sure you’re clear on what living there will be like and whether you would like to move in.
4. Subletting.
Students can rent a room or a flat from someone who already has a lease.
This is called “subletting.” It can work as a short-term answer until a better plan is found. If you’re only going to be in a place for a short time, you might want to sublet from someone who is out of town. Sublets are often cheaper, and the terms of the lease can be changed.
5. Renting a room.
Another affordable student housing option is looking to rent a single room in a bigger shared house instead of a whole apartment or house.
This can be a good way to save money, especially if you don’t need a lot of room for yourself.
6. Bartering for housing.
As a student, bartering for a place to live can be an unusual but possible option, based on the situation and the willingness of both parties.
When you barter, you trade things or services instead of money to get what you want. You might be able to trade skills or services (like tutoring, gardening, pet sitting, home care, or babysitting) for a price discount.
7. Housing co-ops.
Living in a housing cooperative, which is often called a housing co-op, can be a great choice for students who want a cheap place to live that is also good for the community.
It means sharing costs and tasks with other residents, which makes costs go down over time. Each member has a say in how decisions are made, such as how the co-op is run and kept up. Members may be asked to do chores on a regular basis, show up to meetings, and help the community as a whole.
8. Tiny houses or micro-apartments.
Tiny houses or micro-apartments can be cheaper to live in if they are available in your area.
This is because they are smaller and have lower energy costs. Tiny houses and micro-apartments are made to use space as efficiently as possible, so they are good for single people or small families.
Most of the time, these housing choices are cheaper than bigger apartments, which makes them appealing to students who want to live somewhere that won’t break the bank.
9. All-inclusive rent.
All-inclusive rent usually means that the rent covers not only the basic cost of the room or flat but also different utilities and services.
Some apartments give “all-inclusive” rent, which means that the monthly cost includes utilities like electricity, water, internet, etc. This lowers the costs of moving in and makes it easier to stick to a budget. It also makes it less likely that you will fight with your roommates over bills since you won’t have to split them.
10. Unfurnished apartments.
It may be less expensive to rent a flat that is unfurnished.
Then, you can furnish it progressively with inexpensive items. You can control the cost of furniture and household goods if you furnish your own flat. You can choose budget-friendly options and add pieces progressively as your budget allows.
If you intend to remain in the flat for the duration of your studies, having your own furnishings can be more cost-effective than renting furnished units.
Final Thoughts on Alternative Student Housing Options
Remember, when searching for affordable housing, safety and proximity to your college or university should take precedence. It is essential to conduct extensive research on the local options and weigh the pros and cons of each option.