Indian students studying abroad are facing a new challenge: affordable housing. After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, students returning to foreign universities have encountered a sharp rise in rental prices. This issue is particularly prevalent in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, according to accommodation and overseas education consultants.

During the pandemic, classes were conducted online, but as in-person classes resumed in 2022 and 2023, many students found renting apartments and private student housing to be prohibitively expensive. To cope with the rising costs, students have resorted to sharing accommodations, cutting down on expenses like shopping and meals, and seeking on-campus employment without hourly constraints.

Some students even had to defer their intake due to difficulties in finding suitable accommodation. The surge of Indian students wanting to study overseas, especially in the UK, USA, and Canada, has put immense pressure on universities to meet the housing demand. Cities with major universities and large student populations, such as London, Glasgow, Manchester, and York, are particularly challenged in providing adequate housing options.

In light of these circumstances, planning ahead and not leaving accommodation decisions to the last minute is emphasized by experts. While university accommodations may be more expensive, they offer the advantage of helping students acclimate to their surroundings and make friends. Financial advisors suggest students consider taking up on-campus or off-campus jobs to subsidize their rent. Platforms like University Living, UniAcco, Halp.co, and Leverage edu are working on addressing this housing crisis, exploring affordable student housing options, and partnering with universities to create more spaces.

Overall, it is crucial for students to be aware of the developments in student accommodation in their respective countries and plan accordingly to navigate the challenges of finding affordable housing while pursuing overseas education.

As the demand for international education continues to rise, the issue of affordable housing for Indian students studying abroad remains a pressing concern. With the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic lingering, students are facing escalating rental prices and limited housing options in popular study destinations like Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The prolonged period of online classes during the pandemic exacerbated the problem, causing a backlog of students returning to in-person learning. As universities gradually resumed face-to-face instruction, the sudden influx of students seeking accommodation strained the already limited housing market. Many Indian students found themselves tussling with the challenge of securing affordable and suitable living spaces.

To navigate this crisis, students have resorted to various strategies. Sharing accommodations with friends or roommates has become a common practice, enabling them to split the costs. Additionally, students have made adjustments to their lifestyles by cutting back on discretionary expenses, opting for public transportation instead of driving, and seeking part-time jobs on campus to alleviate the financial burden.

Education consultants and advisors stress the importance of early planning and not leaving accommodation decisions until the last minute. They recommend considering university-provided accommodations, even if they are relatively more expensive, as they offer a supportive environment and an opportunity to establish connections with fellow students. Furthermore, students are advised to explore opportunities for subsidized housing, such as working as resident advisors or taking up on-campus employment that provides accommodation.

Housing platforms and agencies are also coming forward to address the housing crisis. They are collaborating with universities to create purpose-built student accommodations and advocating for securing accommodations for the entire academic year to reduce costs. These initiatives aim to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable living spaces for students, easing the burden of finding suitable housing.

While the demand for international education remains strong, awareness about the housing challenges and available resources is crucial for prospective students. By staying informed and planning strategically, students can navigate the complex landscape of housing and ensure a positive and affordable study abroad experience.