Student Housing Abroad
Student Housing Abroad
Studying abroad is undeniably an exciting and enriching experience. It opens up the opportunity to explore not only new academic horizons but also to immerse yourself in an entirely new culture. Choosing your study destination abroad should be a carefully considered decision as it can significantly impact your study experience. Beyond the academic relevance of your study destination, it's equally important that you can culturally identify with the country and are willing to spend several months or even years there.
Within Europe, the Erasmus exchange program offers countless opportunities to meet a variety of study goals and cultural interests. It eases the search for a suitable study destination and allows you to immerse yourself in a world of intercultural learning and adventure. However, the associated challenge often lies in finding appropriate accommodation.
The First Point of Contact: Foreign Student Advisory Services
Regardless of where you plan your study abroad, foreign student advisory services at many universities and colleges are an invaluable resource. These offices specialize in supporting international students and provide essential information and advice, starting from the formalities of your study stay to leisure activities and, not least, the search for housing. A frequently recommended option supported by many of these advisory services is accommodation in student dormitories. Dormitories not only offer affordable accommodations but also the opportunity to connect with peers from around the world and easily settle into your new study destination. However, they often provide limited comfort and privacy. If you value a more comfortable and private accommodation, you'll need to look for a room or apartment in the private housing market. If there's no possibility of getting a room in the dormitory or if you seek more privacy, the staff of the foreign student advisory service can provide valuable tips on apartment hunting in the private market. They are often well-connected and can provide information on rental offers near your university.
The Challenge of Searching On-Site
A traditional method of searching for accommodation is to look for it on-site. Local newspapers and university bulletin boards are often filled with offers from private landlords. However, this method requires that you are already on-site to personally visit the properties and speak with the landlords. The in-person search on-site can be challenging for international students as they may not have the opportunity to visit the city before starting their studies. While it's possible to make a trip before the start of your studies to secure an apartment, it can involve considerable effort and costs. Another option is to temporarily stay in a hotel or temporary accommodation and then start searching for an apartment on-site. However, this can be quite expensive, especially considering it may take some time to find suitable accommodation. For these reasons, it's not necessarily the recommended method of apartment hunting for international students.
The Convenient Online Search
One of the most practical and contemporary alternatives for apartment hunting is to use the internet. This allows you to conduct your apartment search conveniently and at no additional cost from your home. Through detailed photos and possibly even videos, you can get an accurate picture of the accommodation before booking it. Additionally, the internet provides the option to reserve your accommodation for the entire duration of your study abroad. This gives you the security of already having suitable housing or a room before the start of your studies. However, it's important to choose an appropriate online portal. Many providers specialize in renting vacation accommodations, which can become costly when booking for an extended period. Other providers offer regular rental properties that often may not be suitable for study stays of one or two semesters. On myroom24.com, you can find offers for stays of several weeks or months, which can be ideal for your study abroad.
Apartment Hunting in Popular German Cities for International Students
Germany is a popular destination for international students, attracting thousands of Erasmus students every year. Here are some of the most popular German cities for studying abroad and some apartment hunting tips:
Berlin
As the largest city in Germany, Berlin offers numerous opportunities for international students. With a total of 42 different universities, the city is a melting pot of knowledge. If you're spending your semester abroad in Berlin, keep in mind that the various institutes may be spread throughout the city. For example, Humboldt University has a large campus in the Treptow-Köpenick district, but also some institutes in Berlin Mitte. The Free University is mainly located in Dahlem. It's important to gather information in advance about where your lectures will take place in order to find suitable accommodation nearby.
Munich
Munich is another popular destination for international students. The Ludwig Maximilian University is one of the largest universities in Germany. Its main campus is located north of the city center, which can make it challenging to find accommodation in close proximity to the university. Fortunately, most institutes are well connected by public transportation, allowing you to live in a different part of the city and still easily access the university.
Hamburg
The University of Hamburg spans the entire city, with the main building located near Dammtor Station. Depending on your field of study, your lectures and seminars may take place at various locations throughout the city. Therefore, it's essential to research in advance and tailor your housing search to the locations of your classes.
Frankfurt
Most departments of the University of Frankfurt are situated at the Westend campus, which is located northwest of the city center. However, most natural science faculties are in the Riedberg district. The Institute of Computer Science and some cultural and language studies are housed on the Bockenheim campus. The University of Frankfurt has a wide distribution that should be considered when searching for accommodation.
Stuttgart
The University of Stuttgart offers a variety of opportunities, especially in engineering sciences. Natural and social sciences are also well-represented. Additionally, there is the University of Hohenheim, which is located slightly outside the city in the Plieningen district. While the University of Stuttgart is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation, students at the University of Hohenheim are advised to seek accommodation in the southern part of the city for easier access to the university.
The Importance of Housing Search for the Success of Your Study Abroad
The housing search is undoubtedly one of the crucial factors for the success of your study abroad. The quality and convenience of your accommodation can have a significant impact on your well-being and academic performance. Therefore, it is essential to find the right apartment that meets your needs and expectations.
With the right support and appropriate resources, you can successfully overcome this challenge, whether you are spending your semester abroad in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, or another city. Using myroom24.com can help you discover a variety of accommodation options for your study abroad.
In Conclusion
It's important to emphasize that while the housing search may pose a challenge, it should not deter you from embarking on the exciting journey of studying abroad. With the right steps and the necessary support, you can ensure that your study abroad experience is not only academically successful but also comfortable in terms of housing.