Where should I stay when I study abroad?

Pros:

• Immersing in a new culture
• Saving cost as meals are generally provided
• Learning a new language

Cons:

• Subjected to house rules
• Lack of independence
• The location may be far from the school

Pros:

• The cost can be lower if you are staying further away from the city centre and not staying alone.
• You have more independence
• The flexibility of who you choose to stay in close proximity to

Cons:

• Feeling alienated and less of a community. You may generally hang out with your own housemates than socialising with others as you are further away from where the community is, which is on campus.
• It is more complex and you have more responsibilities as you are juggling with a variety of things such as maintaining the house, relationship with your housemates, and making sure you do well at school.
• The cost may spiral out of control if you do not manage it well,

Pros:

• The sense of community as there are usually residential advisors that plan activities to help you get to know one another and most of the social activities happen on campus
• It is generally more convenient as school is located within walking distance
• It is less complex as compared to staying off campus
• There may be the flexibility to decide if you wish to have catered meals or not

Cons:

• The contract generally last for a year and you are not allowed to break the bond
• In most cases, you will be given a single room and you are required to share the toilet and bathroom with other students.
• Some of the accommodation options can be very pricey

Pros:

• They are usually located either near to the school or close to the heart of the city
• Most of the accommodations are very accessible
• There are some that provide free shuttle to school

Cons:

• It can be pricey for many students
• The contracts are generally for a year. A shorter contract may be available but it will be for at least 6 months, but the price will be more expensive
• Less sense of community as the students can be from different schools