Indian international students arriving in the United States and Canada for their higher education often encounter a series of housing-related difficulties. Their journey, much like many others in similar situations, is marked by challenges in finding suitable accommodation.

One of the recurring issues faced by these students is the struggle to secure housing before their arrival. Many begin the search remotely, using platforms like Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace, but find it challenging to secure a place in advance. This often leads to situations where students, upon arrival, have to engage in an exhaustive search for a suitable place to live.

A common frustration is that housing listings don’t always match their online representations, and the cost of rent can be prohibitively high, especially for shared apartments where several students might be sharing a single bathroom. Additionally, international students often lack an established credit history or rental history, making it more challenging to secure housing.

University campuses also face limitations in providing housing options for the increasing number of international students. On-campus housing is often limited in availability and can be expensive. The demand frequently far exceeds the supply, leaving many students with limited options.

Rental prices in cities like New York, California, and Texas have been on the rise, with the average cost of a two-bedroom rental reaching $1,500. This makes it challenging for students to find affordable, well-furnished apartments. Consequently, many students resort to sharing apartments to keep costs within their budgets. Discrimination and racial bias can also be prevalent during housing searches.

Many Indian students opt for online rental platforms, which demand upfront deposits, risking students’ money. Unfamiliarity with local rental rates can lead to overpriced and subpar accommodations. Noise, hygiene issues, and scams are common. Rent spikes during the academic year worsen the situation.