Accommodation for International and Indian Students in the USA 2025

Finding the right accommodation is one of the most important steps for students moving to the USA. In 2025, universities offer more housing options, flexible lease terms, and enhanced safety systems to help international students settle easily.

Students can choose from on-campus housing, off-campus apartments, homestays, shared rentals, and university-affiliated housing. Your choice will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and proximity to the university.

Key Features of Student Housing in USA

• Fully furnished or semi-furnished units
• Secure access & 24/7 surveillance
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Meal plans (in on-campus housing)
• Study areas, gyms & community lounges
• Flexible lease durations (9, 12, or 24 months)
  
  

  Housing Type	Avg. Monthly Cost (USD)
  On-Campus Dorm	$900 – $1,600 (varies upon university)
  Off-Campus Apartment	$1,200 – $2,500 (depends upon city and state)
  Shared Room	$600 – $1,200
  Homestay	$900 – $1,400
  University-Affiliated Student Residences	$1,000 – $1,800

1. On-Campus Housing (Dormitories & Residence Halls)

• Best for first-year international students
• Includes meal plans & utilities
• Located inside the campus for maximum safety
• Easy access to classes, libraries & events

Perfect for: Students who want a structured environment and a simple move-in process.

2. Off-Campus Apartments

• Independent living with full privacy
• Usually unfurnished or semi-furnished
• Students sign a 9 to 12-month lease
• Utility bills (electricity, water, internet) usually separate

Perfect for: Students in 2nd year or those staying for internships/OPT.

3. Shared Apartments / Rooms

• Students share rent and utilities
• Popular in cities like Boston, LA, New York, Chicago
• Costs significantly less than private apartments

Perfect for: Students with a limited budget.

4. Homestays

• Living with a local American family
• Meals often included
• Strong cultural immersion
• Great for younger students or those who prefer a guided environment

5. University-Affiliated Housing

• Managed by private companies but endorsed by the university
• High-quality apartments near campus
• Better maintenance and support

Housing costs vary by city and lifestyle. Below is the updated cost table for 2025.

Cost Breakdown by Location (Monthly)

City	On-Campus	Off-Campus	Shared Room
New York	$1,600 – $2,000	$2,100 – $3,500	$900 – $1,600
Boston	$1,300 – $1,800	$1,800 – $2,500	$800 – $1,400
Los Angeles	$1,200 – $1,700	$1,700 – $2,400	$700 – $1,200
Chicago	$1,000 – $1,500	$1,400 – $2,000	$600 – $1,000
Texas Cities	$900 – $1,300	$1,100 – $1,700	$550 – $950

Utility Costs (If Off-Campus)

Utility	Avg. Monthly Cost
Electricity	$40 – $80
Internet	$40 – $70
Water	$20 – $40
Groceries	$180 – $250
Local Transport	$60 – $120

Step-by-Step Booking Process

Step 1: Choose your housing type

Compare on-campus vs off-campus options depending on your comfort, budget, and proximity to college.

Step 2: Check availability early

US universities open housing applications:

Fall intake: January–April

Spring intake: August–October

Step 3: Submit housing application

For on-campus housing:

• Apply via the university’s housing portal
• Rank your preferred residence halls
• Pay a small non-refundable housing deposit

For off-campus housing:

• Explore verified listings through university portals
• Shortlist apartments within 1–2 miles of campus

Step 4: Verify lease and costs

Before signing, check:

• Deposit amount
• Lease term
• Included utilities
• Move-in/move-out rules

Step 5: Finalize and move in

Submit your documents, pay the deposit, and secure your accommodation.

✔ Choose shared accommodation

Splitting rent reduces costs by 40–60%.

✔ Live slightly away from campus

Areas 1–2 miles outside campus are cheaper.

✔ Use student discounts

Transport passes, grocery memberships, campus dining credits help reduce monthly expenses.

✔ Cook at home

Cut your monthly food costs by 30–50%.

✔ Select 12-month leases

These sometimes offer reduced monthly rental rates.

Safety Features to Look For

• CCTV surveillance
• Secure access (key card or biometric entry)
• Well-lit surroundings
• Close proximity to campus or public transport
• Emergency support hotline

Legal Tips

• Always read the lease agreement before signing
• Avoid paying cash deposits without receipts
• Verify landlord accreditation
• Understand early termination rules
• Check refund policy for security deposits
• These safeguards help prevent scams and ensure a safe living environment

Cities most preferred by Indian students:

🎓 1. Boston

Academic hub with Harvard, MIT, BU, Northeastern.

🌆 2. New York City

Best for internships, finance, media, technology.

☀️ 3. Los Angeles

Popular for film, arts, engineering, AI.

🏙 4. Chicago

Affordable and highly international.

🚀 5. Austin & Houston

Affordable, tech-driven, student-friendly.