When looking for accommodation, it's important to ask yourself what type of accommodation you would like to live in. Are you looking for a communal living experience with other students? Or would you prefer to live in a smaller apartment and share the communal areas with only one or two other students? Would you like your own room? Or are you okay sharing a room with someone else?
Unlike in some other countries, it's very common for undergraduate students in the United States to share a room with another student. If this isn't something you're interested in, make sure to specify that during your search. Please see below for a breakdown of the most important housing terminology.
- Single room: You will be the only occupant of the room.
- Double room: You will share the room with one other student.
- Triple room: You will share the room with two other students.
- Dormitory or residence hall: This is a large student residence where students will usually have a (single or double) room, often with a private bathroom, but share other communal areas (e.g., kitchen, laundry) with many other students on the same floor. On average, dormitories tend to be cheaper than shared apartments in smaller complexes or shared houses.
- Shared apartment or house: This is a smaller unit where students will share a kitchen and other communal spaces with the occupants of an apartment or house only. On average, shared apartments and houses tend to be more expensive than dormitories.
- Student cooperative: This is a shared house or building run as a cooperative. In exchange for communal labor (e.g., assigned shifts of cleaning, shopping, mail sorting, gardening), rent prices are lower than in other residences on the private market.
- Homestay: Students rent a room from a local family and share (most) communal spaces with them.
For list of housing resources, check out our website.