Wow, congratulations! How exciting is it that you’re going to earn a degree and live in a US college town? But before you pack up your books and clothes and fly on over, you need to have a place to lay your head at night, and with that, likely a roommate or two.
While it may be tempting to live alone, securing a lease on your own from afar can be extremely difficult, and having a roommate will only enhance your experience studying abroad. You’ll get an up-close look at American culture and habits, plus you’ll have at least one person you know to attend events with. But how can you go about finding a roommate in the U.S. when you’re from a completely different country? We know the best ways to find roommates for students coming from abroad.
Where Can Degree-Seeking Students from Abroad Stay
From dorms to downtown pads - decoding your American housing adventure
Upon arriving in the U.S., students from abroad often find themselves navigating a wide variety of housing options. Choosing the right accommodation can significantly shape the experience, making daily life more comfortable and culturally enriching.
On-Campus Housing
Many universities across the U.S. offer on-campus dormitories that provide convenience, security, and community. Dorm life places students right in the heart of campus activities and support services, with utilities, internet, and meal plans typically included. Sharing a room or suite with others, often assigned by the university, creates immediate social connections, which can be especially helpful for newcomers adjusting to a new culture.
While on-campus housing may be more expensive than off-campus options, its proximity to classes and events adds immense value. It also eliminates the stress of navigating leases or landlords, especially when unfamiliar with U.S. housing norms.
Off-Campus Apartments
Off-campus apartments allow for greater independence and often more space, making them a popular option for students who prefer a quieter or more private environment. Leasing an apartment with one or more roommates can also be more budget-friendly. However, it involves other expenses such as setting up utilities, buying groceries, and commuting to campus.
It’s important to understand lease terms and local tenant rights, which can vary from state to state. Finding an apartment close to public transport and in a safe neighborhood should be a top priority.
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Homestays
Homestays offer a unique opportunity to live with a local host family, providing cultural immersion and a supportive environment. This option often includes meals and a private room, and gives students the chance to practice English in a relaxed setting.
Homestays can help reduce feelings of homesickness and ease cultural transitions. While less common among older or graduate-level students, they are ideal for younger students or those looking for a family-style atmosphere during their early months abroad.
Student Co-ops and Shared Housing
Student housing cooperatives, or co-ops, are shared residences managed collectively by their residents. Rent is typically more affordable, and residents share household responsibilities such as cooking or cleaning.
Co-ops attract a socially conscious, community-minded crowd and can be ideal for students who value sustainability and shared decision-making. These environments foster strong connections and often have international students among their residents.
How to Find Roommates in the U.S.
Swipe right for roommates: How to find your perfect match abroad
Once you've decided on the type of housing that suits you best, the next step is finding the right people to share it with. Fortunately, there are many reliable ways for international students to find roommates in the U.S.
1. Look Into University Resources
First, you should check your school’s resources. Both your current institution and the American university you’ll be attending should have resources for students going abroad and international students, respectively. They may provide roommates and on-campus housing, though every college’s policies and resources can vary. Don’t discount on-campus living quite yet -- it may be a good idea for you. It means you’ll be close to your classes and on-campus events. Plus, it may be cheaper depending on the location of your school and the housing market in town.
If they don’t have anything applicable to roommates or housing, you may find other resources they have for you, such as dining plans, English learning, and job help. These can all be great help if you’re living in the U.S., however temporary or permanent it may be.
2. Use Roommate-Finding Sites
Next, you should look at websites dedicated to finding roommates for those in need. One of the best sites where you can find a roommate when coming from abroad is Roomsurf. You simply sign up and choose your college, take a short quiz about rooming preferences, and get matches from there! This way, you find someone who attends your school, matches your lifestyle, and has a room available! If they don’t have room available, they can help you find one to move in together so you don’t have to do it yourself.
Not only is Roomsurf super easy, but it also has great testimonials from roommates who love living together and have become best friends because they met on the site!
3. Connect with Students
Did you know you can connect with and talk to other students before you leave to pursue your degree abroad? This can be a helpful way to get to know potential roommates or make friends before you set foot in the U.S. Ask your contact at the school you’ll be studying to connect you with other students in your major and other international students.
You can also consider searching LinkedIn for current students at the college you’ll be attending, and then reach out to them for advice and to make a connection. Facebook also typically has groups of all kinds for students at any given university, and you can post an introduction there to try to get to know people – it’s always good to have more friends!
Once you’ve made some connections, you can ask about roommates, and they may point you to someone looking for a new roommate! You never know what might come out of a simple conversation, so try to connect with as many students as you can before you arrive. All it takes is one person to know of a lead.
4. House with Other International Students
If you know of other students from your school or area coming to the same college in the U.S., it may be worth rooming together. While you won’t have an American roommate, at least you’ll have someone to rely on and attend events with, so you won’t be starting off alone in a foreign country.
Rooming with these students may ease your homesickness since you’ll be with someone from your culture. You might even be friends with them already! Just don’t forget to take in all the U.S. has to offer and make new friends.
Your New Home Awaits
Your future BFF (or at least someone to split rent with) awaits
Studying at one of the top American universities is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and where you live plays a huge part in shaping that journey. Whether you end up in a dorm, apartment, co-op, or homestay, having a roommate can make your experience more affordable, fun, and culturally rewarding.
No doubt you’ll find a great roommate to live with while getting a degree abroad. Use all the resources at your disposal to make the roommate search easy, regardless of where you’re coming from or where you’re studying. Once you get your living situation sorted out, you can start packing and relax before flying into the U.S. and focusing on your studies!
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