Living situations can have a large impact on the university experience for students studying abroad in the United States. Between choosing a roommate, moving in belongings and transforming a new space into a comfortable home, it is easy to get overwhelmed. For students who choose to live off campus, there are many considerations. Upon arriving in the United States, students are often responsible for researching, touring, moving and furnishing their own apartment. Fortunately, there are several housing options and services available to suit every student’s needs.

Finding a home in the United States

When searching for a place to live in the United States, location is the first key consideration. For instance, do you prefer a more private neighborhood, farther away from campus, or a shorter commute in an apartment building with many residents? Select a living situation that will be agreeable to your lifestyle and provide for your needs, whether those needs are a quiet study space or a relaxing area to get together with friends and classmates on the weekends. Regardless of personal preference, always remember to include neighborhood safety in your search criteria and final decision.

Personal finances are another consideration when looking for a place to call home while studying abroad. Depending on where you are attending university, apartment prices can vary drastically. City apartments tend to be more expensive compared to apartments located in rural or suburban areas. Set a realistic budget for how much you are able to spend on rent each month and concentrate on finding a place to live within that price range. If possible, arrange a tour (virtual or in-person) to develop a comfort level for the living space. Before you begin touring apartments, create a list of questions to ask your tour guide or realtor. Items such as utilities and TV cable are not usually included in your monthly rent price and can significantly increase your overall cost of living.

Roommates are a great option to both ease the financial stress of housing costs and to provide a companion during your school experience. Roommates split overall rent costs and share household chores, making maintaining your own home or apartment more manageable and allowing for extra study time. Many universities offer online roommate-finding services to help students find compatible roommate matches during the school year.

Some universities offer housing accommodations specifically geared toward international students. Check with your university’s office of student housing or office of international services to learn if they offer these programs.

Setting up a home away from home

Once you have signed a lease on a house or apartment, it is important to add personal touches that make this space a home. Students are inundated with responsibilities from the moment they step off the plane, between course work and becoming assimilated to a new county, settling into your new space can become a low priority. However, little touches, such as curtains, cozy bedding and personal mementos transform a living arrangement from an unfamiliar apartment into your very own space. For off-campus units that are unfurnished, furniture rental offers a quick and convenient solution.

CORT furniture rental for international students

CORT furnishes thousands of student apartments with rental furniture, cookware for your kitchen, towels and linens, a TV, and more. CORT offers a wide selection of furniture collections that include beds, sofas, tables and desks to accommodate a variety of tastes, and accessories such as lamps, wall pictures, and décor that truly add a personal touch to the space. Students can order furnishings from CORT before traveling to the United States and arrive to an apartment that is fully furnished. Stylish and practical student furniture rental packages begin at only $99 per month. For students unsure of their exact length of stay, CORT also provides a flexible rental timeline.

CORT Destination Services also help in the home selection process. CORT offers a wide range of services, including meeting you at the airport, showing you apartments and housing that meet your criteria, even helping you order utilities. CORT can help you get acclimated to the area quickly so you can focus on your studies.

Finding the perfect apartment is no easy task, but for students that put in the extra time and effort, it can be manageable. Keep these tips in mind to make your transition to the U.S. as seamless as possible! For more information on CORT’s furniture rental solutions, please visit www.CORT.com/usanow.