Housing

Housing options will vary based on the Education Abroad program you choose and will likely be different from what you're used to in Boulder. The glamorous accommodations featured on social media and television are unlikely to represent typical accommodation in your host country. These are some of the most common differences that you can expect in your housing abroad:
 

  • Commute times: Your housing may be on-campus, walking distance to class, or in another part of the city that requires you to take public transit to class. A 30-60 minute commute is common in larger cities and your housing may not be in downtown or tourist areas (the same is true for most locals).

  • Housing size: Housing abroad is often smaller than what we’re accustomed to here in the U.S.
     
  • Amenities: Amenities like air-conditioning, dishwashers, and clothes dryers are far less common than they are here in the United States.
 
Check out tips on becoming a resilient traveler as you adjust to your new accommodation and remember: learning to live like a local is part of the fun of going abroad!

 

Don't Forget:

Confirm your address with family and emergency contacts at home once you’ve arrived.

Big Cities

  • Expect a commute of 30-60 minutes.
  • It is unlikely you will live downtown or in a touristy area and instead will be in more residential neighborhoods.
  • Amenities like air-conditioning, dishwashers, and clothes dryers are uncommon in older European cities
  • Expect to live in a smaller space than what we are accustomed to in Boulder. 
  • Expect a lot of activity and opportunities (art galleries, museums, and concerts galore) as well as lots of noise and people!

Small Cities

  • Smaller cities may feel a bit more like living on The Hill
  • You're more likely to have a shorter commute or housing closer to your classes
  • Not all housing will have air conditioning, dishwashers, clothes dryers, etc. 

Looking for a smaller, walkable city experience? Check out our list of walkable cities!

Rural Areas

  • Field-study programs are the most likely to be based at a remote research station, include camping, short rural homestays, or some combination for your time abroad.
  • You'll likely be deep off the tourist path, which can provide a more immersive experience.
  • Expect limited amenities like air conditioning, wifi, and (in some cases) reliable electricity.

European City Sizes

Bubble graphic of European city sizes compared to Boulder

Bubble graphic of European city sizes compared to Boulder

Commute Times

Your commute abroad will likely look different from your commute in Boulder. In a big city, a 30-60 minute commute (each way) is common, and you will likely need to utilize public transport to get where you want to go.
 
Did you know?
The average apartment in Paris is roughly a quarter the size of a New York City apartment!
Commuting is one of the best ways to really live like a local and to explore more of your host city. But it can be an adjustment, so is something to think about as you decide on your program.
 
No matter where you study, your housing will likely be very different than what you are used to in Boulder, and that’s part of the adventure! Most programs offer housing in residential neighborhoods, so expect local residents of your city to be your neighbors, rather than student-centered neighborhoods.

Housing Types

Housing options vary by program and may include apartments, residence halls, homestays with a local host, and/or hostels. For certain programs, your housing might be a cabin on a ship, a remote research center, or even a campsite! Refer to the program's brochure page for more specifics regarding the housing options available on your intended program. 
 
Some exchange programs may not have housing pre-arranged and you may need to find your own housing; in these cases, Education Abroad and/or the host university will provide resources for finding independent housing arrangements.  
 
Note that you may not find out your housing assignment until close to your departure date.  
 
 

You may live in an apartment building with other students on your program or in an apartment surrounded by local students, families, or young professionals. Apartments are often located around the host city and will likely require you to utilize public transportation. In many countries, it is unlikely they will have air conditioning. Review the information provided by your program for specific details.  

A residence hall or dormitory is a shared living space in university-facilitated housing. These often differ from the CU Residence Hall experience. While on your program, you may live with other international students or with local degree-seeking students. Students will often share a kitchen and bathroom and most residence halls will not have a meal plan option. Review the information provided by your program for specific details.  

Homestays offer a great way to integrate into the community. They are unique to each country, culture, and family, and you should be prepared to respect the customs of each household. In many cases, you are an added addition to the family unit while in others you may feel like you're simply renting out a room of someone's home. Homestays can often provide a more affordable living option as meals may be included. Review the information provided by your program for specific details.  

Most CU Education Abroad programs provide housing; however, in some cases (such as some exchange programs), students are responsible for or have the option to find, their own accommodations. If you are planning on finding your own housing accommodations, Education Abroad and/or your host university will provide you with recommendations and resources. You will want to carefully consider your options before signing a lease or paying a housing deposit. In some countries, it is common for students to wait until they arrive in their host country to secure housing for their program term.  
 
If you have housing arranged by your program and would prefer to secure your own housing, you should consider this carefully. Some programs do not permit students to opt for independent housing arrangements - contact your program for further information. If your program permits independent housing and you wish to pursue this option, review the Independent Housing Waiver & Assumption of Risk document (an example is found below) for further considerations related to opting out of program-provided housing. 

 
 

Additional Housing Resources

If you are planning ahead, you might want to consider living on campus or in CU’s Apartment Style Living the semester before your education abroad program. These housing options allow you to terminate your contract with no cancellation fees if you are attending an official CU education abroad program.

The Off-Campus Life office on campus is also a great resource for you. OCH maintains listings of rooms, houses, apartments, and roommate requests and provides Boulder maps, free copies of the Boulder Tenants' Guide, the Boulder Model Lease, subleasing agreements, furniture rental information, moving tips, renter's insurance and other materials related to living off campus.
 
If you are in a lease, you may want to advertise your housing to returning Education Abroad students, visiting international students, students transferring in to CU, and other CU students. Consider posting your sublet on Ralphie's List. To increase visibility, OCH recommends that in addition to listing on the sublet message board, you post your sublet as a property manager (for an additional fee) and it will appear on the main page of Ralphie’s List.  Spread the word among your friends, post on social media, and consider reputable third-party sites as well. Many more students choose to study abroad in the spring semester, so it may be easier to fill your Boulder housing if you choose to study abroad in the fall.

If you use websites like Airbnb or VRBO/HomeAway, it is not always possible to have confidence that you and your belongings will be secure and that you will be living in a safe and healthy environment. The fact that you may be in an unfamiliar city and culture can put you at even greater risk. 
 
If you determine that using these websites is your most viable option to find lodging while abroad, you should proceed with the highest caution for your safety and security.

When searching such sites for temporary lodging options, please follow these recommended guidelines*:
 
Before Booking

  • Consider booking through with an Airbnb Superhost, superhosts are known for great reviews and attention to detail (in limited markets only).
  • Look for properties rented by Verified Hosts.  Airbnb vets and confirms their online identify (i.e., they are who they say they are). There is an enhanced risk when renting from unverified hosts (i.e., they may not be who they report to be on the site).
  • Look for a history of positive reviews; avoid properties/hosts with no prior reviews. Not everyone will leave positive reviews for hosts, but sticking with properties that have a history of at least 10 positive reviews should ensure that the property is more likely to match the details provided online (i.e., the property is what they say it is).

After Booking

  • Once you are given an address, take a close look at the neighborhood and surrounding community on the internet. Ask others in the community about the area; call a tourist bureau or similar agency, and seek any further resources for the same information. You can also contact ISOS and request a health & safety assessment of the area. If you have doubts about the location or concerns about the host’s reliability, trust your instincts and look for another alternative.
  • Before you meet a host identified through Airbnb or another application, look carefully at their posted reviews and references. If you schedule a meeting with the host, agree only to do so in a public place during daylight and if possible, take a friend with you to the initial meeting. If you agree to meet the host, make sure you have a charged cell phone and know or have programmed in your phone the emergency telephone number for local law enforcement response.
  • Let others know exactly where you’ll be staying - including the address and the host’s name and contact information. Tell someone you’ll check in with them about an hour after the scheduled meeting time to report that you’re safe and satisfied with circumstances.

During Your Stay

  • On the day you are scheduled to check in, be sure to arrive during daylight hours; never arrive at your accommodation for the first time late at night (especially if you are alone).
  • Once you have arrived at the apartment or lodging, take a look around with safety and security in mind. Look in the closets and adjoining rooms. Make a quick mental note of how you might exit if there is a need. Be sure there is an internal lock on your bedroom door that cannot be opened with a key from the outside (e.g., it has a chain or bolt lock). Check for electronics, cameras, strange wires, etc. that seem out of place or that could be used for surveillance.
  • If you are not satisfied with the circumstances you find or something just doesn’t feel right - leave right away and find other lodging. Any extra money spent is worth the investment in your safety!

After Your Stay

  • If you have a poor experience, post a review to help others. If you have a positive experience, do the same!
  • Monitor your credit card bill for any unexpected/unapproved charges. Make sure to get a receipt for any services--especially if paying in cash.

 
Thank you to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Arizona State University for providing these tips.

You have informed us of your interest in pursuing independent housing during your time abroad.  By signing this waiver, you are indicating you understand and acknowledge the responsibilities and risks related to independent housing. Should you choose to find your own housing, you are solely responsible for the consequences of this decision, which may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Identifying possible housing options
  • Researching the security and safety of the housing, the neighborhood, and its location in the city
  • Knowing what is and is not included in the price
  • Contacting and negotiating the lease agreement with the housing representative
  • Securing dates and pricing for the housing and making timely payments
  • Understanding how the deposit works, including terms for the return of the deposit at the end of the lease
  • Finding the housing upon arrival
  • Working directly with the landlord or leasing agent regarding any problems
  • Working out any issues with roommates on your own
  • Adhering to building quiet hours; respecting roommates and other tenants in the building
  • Leaving the housing in good order at the end of the program

You understand and acknowledge there are certain dangers, hazards, and risks inherent in international travel and seeking your own housing abroad, and you agree the University of Colorado does not assume legal, financial, or other responsibility for any personal injuries or property damage or any other claims or liabilities related to your housing, and you indemnify and hold the University harmless therefrom.  Some possible risks of choosing independent housing include but are not limited to the following:
 

  • Lack of background/criminal check information related to other residents
  • Conflicts with roommates or other residents of the apartment building/housing
  • Lack of adherence to safety procedures or codes (i.e. potential lack of fire alarm or adequate fire escape options)
  • Lack of clear or formalized cost information
  • Lack of certified inspections for the apartment or building, including bedbug inspections
  • Lack of formal contract that could lead to misunderstandings or unexpected situations
  • Confusion about any possible financial deposits that may or may not be refunded to you
  • Financial liability according to terms of your lease agreement if you must depart your housing early for any reason, including program cancellation due to forces outside your control
  • Additional risks not identified here

You understand and acknowledge these risks and agree to assume full legal responsibility, and indemnify and hold harmless the University, for all such risks.
 
We will let your study abroad provider know that you have decided to secure your own housing, but you must still comply with the provider’s policies regarding independent housing, and take any necessary next steps they request of you by their stated deadlines.

 

  London by Jessica Webster; Cape Town by Hannah Soister