Off campus (off campus apartment)
Let's talk about dormitory first, or just call it dormitory, because your new "fraternity" friends or "sorority" friends will call it that.
When you imagine a picture of an American university, the dormitory is the first thing that catches your eye. High-rise building, equipped with the most advanced equipment, the room and toilet are shared by two people. Dormitories vary greatly in design style, but generally speaking, men's and women's bathrooms will be separated, and (of course ...) they will be together with the cooking place. Some universities have pods, six students have a room, but they enjoy a bathroom and a public area. To tell the truth, dormitories vary in size and shape, and you can only know what it looks like if you really stay. But no matter what kind of dormitory you live in, you will receive many benefits:
1. Establish a social life-do you have a roommate?
2. Close to college life-your dormitory must be on campus, so it is close to the canteen, classroom and social activities.
3. Convenience-all kinds of equipment are very complete, the furniture is basically in place, and your rent is also included in the tuition.
Of course, all advantages have disadvantages:
1. It may be noisy, especially when there is an exam the next day.
You may not like your roommate.
Dormitories are usually functional, not enjoyable. So local tyrants please make a detour.
Many universities provide on-campus accommodation for freshmen, and some can provide four years. Your university should provide a fairly informative guide. If not, please ask!
If your university can't provide you with dormitories, or you feel that dormitory life is not suitable for you, then you should consider off-campus accommodation. For international students, off-campus accommodation is a very good choice. Because it gives you the opportunity to create your own space, you can reach out to larger groups, or you can stay at home until no one can disturb you. In a word, living off campus gives you more freedom.
Your university should have a liaison officer to help you adapt to your new home. You can consult this person if you have any questions. The question you want to ask is roughly like this:
1. Where is the safest place to stay near the campus?
2. What is the public transport system? Is there a university bus in the apartment?
3. What is the approximate price of this apartment? How much do I have to pay for the facilities in the apartment?
4. Can I get help when I find a roommate?
Can someone take a look at it for me before I sign the lease?
When you are looking for a house, the following items are especially important:
1. Generally speaking, the lease is usually set at one year.
You will pay a deposit (usually one month's rent) in case you terminate the lease or damage the property.
Equipment (electricity, gas, water, Internet, telephone, cable TV) are basically handed in separately.
There may be extra charges, such as parking fees.
Before you sign the lease, check the household appliances-oven, dryer, stove, etc.
6. Many apartments have good facilities, such as swimming pools and sports fields.
Tips for finding accommodation
1. Because off-campus accommodation is a very popular choice (especially in larger universities), it will be wise to start looking for a house as soon as possible. With international students in your school.
Office (international student office), and ask them how to conduct their own search.
Don't be afraid to ask for help People will understand that you are unfamiliar with this environment and will be happy to help you solve the problem.
Although most people are kind and hospitable, a few people with ulterior motives may take advantage of you. If something sounds too good to be true, you'd better wake up. Never hand over the money until you have seen the apartment with your own eyes.
4.Cragslist, Trulia, Uloop and Zillow are all very useful websites, but beware of scammers, and you'd better find a partner to look at the house together.
5. List your needs first, such as being close to school, then budget, and then a good swimming pool.
6. Finally, don't panic! Even if you get there, you will accomplish nothing. Keep in touch with your university and let them know about you. You'll find a house. Sometimes you can't find it anywhere online, but you can find it when you go shopping.