Moving to a new country for studies is exciting but along with new academic opportunities comes one of the biggest practical challenges: finding the right place to live. Safe, affordable, and comfortable housing is essential not just for peace of mind, but for academic success, well-being, and adjusting well in a foreign environment. APSA’s Accommodation Assistance service is designed precisely for this: helping students abroad secure housing that meets their needs, budget, and safety expectations, so the focus remains on learning and growing rather than worrying about where you’ll stay.
Identifying housing types
Understanding cost components
Verifying safety, location
Assisting with lease
Post-arrival support
Why Accommodation Assistance is Crucial
International students face many housing-related pains. Some of the common issues include:
Complex Options & Jargon
Education loan contracts have many terms — collateral, guarantor, moratorium period, interest rate (fixed vs floating), grace period, etc. For many, this is all new.
Lack of knowledge of the local housing market,
including what constitutes a fair rent and what safety & legal norms are.
Hidden costs
like utility bills, internet, security deposits, maintenance etc., which aren’t always obvious in listings.
Scams or misleading listings,
especially when searching from remote locations or relying on unverified online sources.
Distance from university & transport:
finding something affordable but far, which increases commuting stress.
Legal & lease complexities,
language barriers, landlord expectations.
How APSA’s Accommodation Assistance Works, Step by Step
Understanding Student Preferences & Constraints
- Type: on-campus, off-campus, shared apartment, private room, homestay
- Budget range (rent + utilities)
- Preferred amenities (kitchen, internet, furniture, laundry, safety features etc.)
- Proximity preferences: campus, public transport, markets, hospitals etc.
- Move-in date and duration of stay
Researching & Listing Options
- Based on preferences, APSA taps into its network of trusted landlords, housing providers, student housing services, homestay hosts, and dormitories to gather a selection of verified housing options.
Comparing Costs & Amenities
- Monthly rent vs total cost (rent + utilities + maintenance etc.)
- Security deposit / advance requirement
- Lease terms (duration, renewal clauses, policies on guests etc.)
- Furnishing status (furnished, semi-furnished, unfurnished)
- What is included (internet, heating/cooling, electricity, water, garbage, etc.)
Assessing Safety & Legitimacy
- Located in safe neighbourhoods
- Landlords/agents are legitimate
- Lease agreements comply with local regulations
- Adequate facilities are present (fire safety, security, reliable utilities)
Follow-Up & Approval
- Negotiating lease terms if possible
- Reading & explaining the contract to the student
- Helping with documentation required by landlords (ID proofs, guarantors, etc.)
- Facilitating payment of deposit / first month’s rent
Disbursement & Fund Transfer
- Confirm availability
- Advise on what to carry (bedding, basic kitchen items)
- Connect roommates if shared housing
Post-Arrival Support & Issue Resolution
- If things go wrong—appliances not working, safety issue, connectivity, or something not matching listing—APSA steps in to liaise with landlord / service provider for resolution.
Costs Involved & Financial Planning
Housing Costs
-
o Rent (monthly)
o Security deposit / advance payment (often 1-3 months’ rent)
o Utility bills (electricity, water, heating/cooling, garbage etc.)
o Internet, Cable TV etc.
o Maintenance / repairs (sometimes tenant’s responsibility)
o Insurance (if required)
APSA’s Service Fee
APSA charges for its advisory & brokerage services: shortlisting, verification, contract support, move-in logistics.
-
o City / country of study (costlier cities may require more effort)
o Type of accommodation (shared housing vs private vs homestay)
o Number of options required / complexity
Other Extra Costs to Budget
-
o Furniture / homewares (if unfurnished)
o Deposits being returned (some delay may occur)
o Transportation from airport / to housing
o Initial settling costs (groceries, utensils, bedding etc.)