International students are often self-funded which suggests that care should be taken about how money is spent. A survey shows “international students were acutely aware of the cost of their education, not surprisingly given that 71 per cent were paying their own fees, wholly or in part. Added to this, tuition fees for students, say from outside the European Union are substantially higher. It is worth noting here that international students especially from Africa do not have access to any public funds in most countries overseas in the form of student support or benefits.
There is a minority of international students who come from wealthy backgrounds. However, most, particularly those from developing countries are on a tighter budget.
One of the biggest hassles prospective international students might face is securing an accommodation, and finding one in their price range can be a challenge. Halls of residence or private flats and houses are main choices for international student accommodation, although the student’s options would depend on the institution he or she has applied to. Here are some things to consider in finding a good one:
•How close is the accommodation to your place of study?
• Are there good public transport links?
• Is it close to shops and facilities?
• Will you have enough quiet and privacy for study?
University/college owned international student accommodation
Most institutions provide accommodation for international students. This will either be a room in halls of residence (either full-board or self-catering) or a self-catering shared house or flat. If a student wants to stay in university/college owned accommodation, he or she should apply as soon as being accepted on the course. It is noteworthy that the halls of residence offered by most colleges and universities seem more expensive, hence it is extremely important that prospective students factor the cost into their budget before travelling, including having access to funds that will cover the rent.
For students that cannot afford their institution’s accommodation, a good idea will be to arrange some form of temporary accommodation. This will allow one, time to get to know the place where he or she will be living and look for a cheaper accommodation. You can also make the most of your independence as an international student by renting private accommodation. The most usual type is a room in a house or flat shared with other students. It’s good plan to agree how to split bills beforehand and that you’ll do your own cleaning. However seeking for advice from your institution’s accommodation or welfare officer before you sign any contracts for private accommodation is a step in the right direction.
Lodging with a family in their own home is another option. One will usually need to abide by their house rules, but it’s a great opportunity to cut cost.
