International students in Massachusetts usually reside in university housing; later on, they may opt to rent an apartment or share a homestay with other international students.
Landlords may have reservations about renting to international student applicants. MassLandlords has designed a screening process to address such worries.
From Dorms to Apartments
UMass Amherst offers several alternative housing options beyond traditional dorms, including apartment-style housing spaces with both single and shared rooms. Some offer laundry facilities, parking, and campus access; others are near the main campus with easy access to classrooms, social and recreational areas of campus as well as rates that vary by size and locality; students may even choose from among multiple residential areas or living/learning communities that provide special amenities and programs for residents.
Private apartments provide students looking to live away from campus an enjoyable living experience. Though generally more costly than dorms, private rentals usually include more privacy and utilities - it is essential that when considering this option you consider any extra costs that may arise when making the choice.
Search online listings to locate a private rental, as this will typically list both landlords and real estate agents to assist in finding you an apartment. Real estate agents typically charge an administrative fee equivalent to one month's rent to help find suitable places for tenants.
Students looking to secure private rentals should be aware that obtaining one may require both a credit check and a deposit before moving in. Furthermore, it may be beneficial to work with an agent specializing in working with international students as they will understand how best to help make sure the process runs smoothly.
When searching for off-campus housing in Boston, it is essential to keep in mind the high demand and consequent high price of housing in this urban city. Therefore, budget accordingly for expenses associated with transportation if looking at specific locations; apartments nearer MIT tend to cost more. Furthermore, students should be realistic with their housing needs rather than overspending for something they cannot afford.
Short-Term Rentals
Students and scholars planning to live off-campus must familiarize themselves with housing terms and requirements of apartment rentals, particularly landlords' expectations regarding payments like application fees, security deposits, first and last month's rent payments as well as cash payments (if making cash payments sure to obtain receipts or request that rent be sent via check instead) In addition, most apartments come unfurnished; be prepared to purchase or rent furniture accordingly.
Some landlords in Boston specialize in renting to international students and scholars. Student-friendly properties may be found in Brookline or South End where many students live or near universities like Harvard. Typical apartment options may include studios, one, two, or three-bedroom options that are located close to public transportation or near campuses and provide easy access to dining and entertainment venues in downtown Boston.
Property managers with experience working with international students understand the special considerations involved when screening prospective tenants from other countries, including any differences in credit reporting systems between countries and the United States. When screening tenants from such a background, landlords can request a credit report from a bank in their home country to help verify the financial history of prospective occupants.
Landlords may require students to provide a guarantor or cosigner when signing for leases in Massachusetts. Such individuals should hold an American bank account with sufficient credit history and be willing to cover unpaid debts should any occur; additionally they must submit to a credit check before being considered by landlords; applicants who falsify information on applications or fail to pay both months' rent (in cleared funds) may be disqualified by landlords as an applicant may otherwise not arrive in time may result in disqualification from consideration by landlords based on these factors or have not even arrived yet - such actions could disqualify applicants before arriving here in Massachusetts!
Homestays
Massachusetts is home to numerous universities, including some prestigious Ivy schools. Massachusetts stands out due to its high academic rankings, top faculty members and robust curriculum; all qualities which make Massachusetts an appealing location for higher studies. Unfortunately however, living costs in America can be prohibitively expensive for students trying to make ends meet while attending these renowned institutions.
Homestays provide students with an ideal housing solution: affordable accommodations near their university that also offer cultural immersion opportunities and English practice opportunities. Homestays can be an especially beneficial form of accommodation as they allow students to stay with a host family and experience the American lifestyle, typically located in safe suburban and urban neighborhoods. Other advantages of this type of housing option are flexibility, privacy, cultural immersion opportunities, and meal plans in most homes that host them.
Renting a room in a shared apartment may also be an alternative; although more costly, renting one allows for greater privacy and freedom than homestays. Many short-term rental organizations specialize in working with international students; examples are June Homes and StudentRoomStay.
UMass Amherst offers several on-campus housing options; for more information visit the Residential Life Undergraduate Housing website. If considering off-campus options, keep in mind that some landlords may not rent to international students; others may require larger deposits or more creditworthiness before offering you their properties - it's, therefore, important to thoroughly research all possible housing solutions before making your choice.
Though COVID-19 has hindered rental markets across the US, renting to international students remains an excellent opportunity. Landlords should keep in mind that tenants from different countries bring different credentials than those who reside within U.S. borders and employ an effective tenant screening process - MassLandlords offers its International Student Household Qualifier tool as part of this screening process.
Boston offers more than its academic and social offerings; it is also an exciting cosmopolitan city full of life and activity. From visiting the New England Aquarium to powerhouse sports teams like Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins - Boston boasts many exciting attractions for visitors of all kinds.
Long-Term Rentals
Once your visa has been approved, it's wise to begin searching for housing at least a month in advance of when you plan to move. By doing this, you can familiarize yourself with the area while researching various housing options; additionally, understand typical apartment rental requirements like application fees, security deposits and moving expenses.
One of the more popular living arrangements among international students is renting a room in a shared house or apartment, as this option is generally less costly than renting their own private room in an apartment and allows them to meet people from diverse cultures more easily. However, keep in mind that you won't enjoy as much privacy.
If you're searching for a room in a shared house, websites like Airbnb or StudentRoomStay may be your best bet. These platforms allow users to filter listings for specific types of rooms such as single, shared and apartment options as well as provide details such as how many other people will live there as well as whether there are pets involved.
Another option would be contacting a real estate agent who works specifically with students. Such agents should have experience helping international students locate an apartment that suits both their needs and budget; these agents may charge a standard broker fee.
If you prefer not working through real estate agents, local housing networks such as Amber may provide suitable accommodation designed specifically to meet student comfort standards close to universities - saving students on travel costs as they can reach their university more quickly.
Landlords should keep in mind that some international students might have higher than average credit scores when screening applicants. Patty Vairo owns property in Worcester, MA and rents to international students attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Clark University; she states that these tenants usually possess several factors that increase their scores beyond U.S. residents'; such as cosigners or student loans. Landlords should work with these applicants in order to improve their profile instead of rejecting them outright, according to Vairo.
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