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Student Housing in the U.S.

Most American universities offer student accommodation on campus. Through the student support services, you can get information on a range of accommodation and prices. Furthermore, in classified advertising billboards of different schools or academic faculties, often offer rooms, apartments and houses for rent that can be shared with other students.

We encourage you to contact the "Student Services" chosen center before leaving to arrange temporary accommodation, so you have time to think about what you want more permanent housing.

When choosing your accommodation in United States, generally have the following options:

» Campus Life

Colleges and universities can provide you accommodation in various international student residences. Usually situated near public transport and shopping centers. This is the most recommended accommodation option, because rental costs are lower than any other type of home and you can easily set the mood and make friends with people of your own age who also studies in the same institution. The most common types of student housing are:

• University Residences

Usually universities have campus buildings specially constructed for the accommodation of students. At other times, universities have their own off-campus apartment in nearby areas and easily accessible, which placed at the disposal of students who require it. This mode is usually dorm an interesting option, as it combines the advantages of economy, comfort and security of living on campus, with the sense of independence offered by private accommodation.

• Colleges boarding

Some of the colleges that offer general curricula of two years, have full boarding students. Under this scheme provides accommodation and meals, and the college administration itself which also deals with the cleanup. They also offer sports, technology, libraries and social areas.

These homes can be for men and women separately away, or "co-education", that is, men and women live in the same housing unit but do not share rooms. Normally two students share a room, because the single rooms are scarce. The rooms are usually furnished with a bed, a desk, a chair and a wardrobe. Students must provide the bedclothes and all accessories and decor they deem necessary. Rental agreements usually cover these residences the entire academic year. Sometimes, when you start the lease, you must pay various fees not refundable, so you MUST have a good amount of money for this purpose. You can also make leases that include a specific number of meals on campus, dinner and coffee service.

» Living off campus

Some students considered more valuable to their college experience in the United States, to live off campus. This allows them to hear more about the way of life in the city where the university is located and experiencing situations of complete independence. If you choose this type of accommodation you might need to wait until you get to college and then make preparations for renting an apartment. University offices of international student services can advise you in finding housing. In addition, in some states, companies are responsible for locating property according to your specific requirements, on payment of a fee.

Independent accommodation types most common are:

• Accommodation for rent

One of the preferred options for foreign students is to rent a small apartment in a central area of ​​the city. In case you decide to take this option, you must take into account that the neighboring rooms or college are often more expensive, though, of course, access to college easier. Sometimes you can get cheaper rental options in more remote areas of the university. In that case, check that public transport is easy and efficient and very well calculated transportation costs.

The costs of these apartments will also vary according to the terms of service offering, ie they can be home with or without kitchen, furnished or not. In the United States the term "rent" means that you have the basic furniture (bed, chair, desk, television). No offers linens, curtains, towels, kitchen equipment and dishes.

An economical choice can be the rooms in "pensions", with meals provided with an extra payment for this item.

• Shared Hosting

Many students decide to share a house or an apartment with other students. In this type of accommodation each student has their own bedroom, but share common areas and housing responsibilities. The houses and apartments can be rented through a realtor or owners, and can be furnished or not.

Rents vary greatly depending on the area of ​​the country, as well as other costs. When renting a home is usually required one month's rent as security in case the tenant causes damage to housing. If there is no damage, the deposit will be returned at the end of the lease.

If you decide to rent a house or an apartment usually must sign a formal contract with the landlord. This document, called lease establishes the obligations of the owner (lessor) and tenant (lessee). The contract stipulates that all house facilities are working properly and the landlord must keep the premises in good condition.

• Accommodation in homes (homestays)

Many schools and schools that administer English courses in the form of total immersion (General English, Business and TOEFL) offered to those interested in American homes accommodation (homestays) with meals included. In fact, English language programs exist in "homestays" private where students live in homes of their teachers.

These "homestays", available in most U.S. states, accept students aged 12 to 80 years, professionals and non-professionals. Foreign They know and experience the American way of life, interacting with an American family in a totally natural environment where they receive intensive private lessons, competitive rates and lower. All participate in family activities and are encouraged to practice their English in a specific environment.

Guest host families are carefully selected and monitored while students live with them. They are usually located close to major public transport routes and convenient distance of the school. They provide two meals a day and three weekends. Several "homestays" incorporate sports and recreation programs.

The ease of placing an international student with a family, or "homestays", is also available for college students. Varies from one place to another. If this service is available, the cost is usually the same as renting a private room with meals included. The university office of international student services, sometimes can provide information about the "homestays" available.

• Accommodation own

The families of some students possess U.S. homes. Only a few students have their own accommodation in the United States.

Some students also live in a place with other members of his immediate family, who move to live in the United States while their children or relatives are studying, although this is not the most common situation.

» Tips

• Find a place near the university. This will allow significant savings in transportation.

• It is desirable to locate essential services such as transport links, shops and warehouses, closer to the residence. This is extremely important if you do not have car.

• Make all the necessary questions to the owner or representative of the company for sale or rent. For example: how to control the heating system, which services include the rental price, how many people can occupy the property, among others.

• Do not rush in selecting. Visit several apartments before deciding.

• To book, you must submit a deposit of money, which must be available to provide for this amount in reserve. In addition, you may require a "deposit against damage" as refundable security at lease end.

• Carefully read the rental agreement to understand all the requirements, especially with regard to penalties for non-compliance with the agreement. Seek help if you do not understand the legal terms of the rental document.

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