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 There are a few options to choose from when it comes to living arrangements. Most study abroad programs will have: Homestay I opted for the Homestay because it was the most convenient for me. Financially it made more sense and I was able to live with a very nice family who helped me in many ways. The Pros: Living with a family allows for a more intimate and personal understanding of the people. They are there to assist you and provide you with information regarding local customs, traditions and socially accepted norms as well as socially unaccepted norms.
X marks the spot. My homestay location to the Penrhyn Road Campus
About a 25 minute walk, 5 minute coach (bus) ride
Sometimes the host family will have children who attend the university. This provides an additional social link to the native student population and for the most part, they will act as intermediate guides while you get set up and get accustomed to the way things go. Living with a family also adds another security blanket to the study abroad experience. If you are a first time traveler you may still have some anxiety about being on your own. Having a host family around is extremely comforting because they are there for support and will do their best to look after you and guide you in the right direction. The Cons: As a student living in a home you will have some rules to follow. Some host families will inevitably feel responsible for you and they will want you to check in and out with them when you stay out. This is a good thing but it sometimes may be overwhelming since most students do not want to spend to much time at home. Also, out of courtesy most students if arriving late at night will have to keep things quiet. Nobody wants to be sleeping and then wake up to a loud radio or friends talking too loud. It is after all their home.
Definitely no partying in your rooms. Only in clubs. Go Mike! Go Lidia! 
Lidia was an International student we met at Kingston from Spain.
Mike is an NJCU student who studied abroad with me. Traveling can be an issue if you live far away from school. This is usually not the case since study abroad programs do their best to place you within walking distance and in a safe neighberhood. However, you may not be used to traveling on foot and my find it inconvenient.
Often you will find that families are very nice and they want to spend time with you. This is awesome but you will feel bad when you keep cancelling on them because you want to go explore but they will understand.
On Campus
Living on campus is the most convenient living arrangement you can make. On campus living allows you to be within the school grounds and if not directly on campus, you will be a lot closer to school than with any other of the living arrangements. It places you at the epicenter of all social activities and it's an awesome way to be involve with all that is going on in campus. Just like living with a family, dorming will have a few rules and regulations you will have to follow. Usually these rules are things like no guest after certain hours or no alcohol allowed. If you opt to live in the dorms, remember you will not have a kitchen. If you're like me and like to cook, you're going to needed abroad. Different programs offer different options so check with your study abroad advisor to see if individual dorms are available. In some programs you can even choose how many roomates you would like to have.
Random pic: Street performer in Central London
 Keep in mind that if you stay within the school you will miss out on an opportunity to live life as a member of a family and receive a first hand experience of the culture.
Independent Housing Living in your own apartment offers a sense of independence and freedom. This is great if you are interested in learning a language or becoming competely enveloped by the culture. Obtaining your own apartment or acquiring independent housing also allows you to choose the location where you want to live. However, keep in mind you may not always find the place you're looking and may have to settle for less.
If I were to stay in my own apartment
it would have to be close to a place like this!  Students who opt for independent housing must also be extremely concerened with safety. Living on your own is great but you have to ensure you are living in a safe area.
Having your own place is going to be liberating but you will have to deal with the stresses of having your own place. You also have to consider that you're going to be in a different country and you will most likely not be familiar with what is expected of you. Although most programs will help you find independent housing others wont. Review the literature and ensure you will have some assistance in order to alleviate the process. |
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