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So, you’ve taken all the other important steps to enroll in your mobility program. But you’re still struggling to find a place to live? Here are some tips for finding a place using reliable resources.
The tips outlined below are geared towards international students and mobility participants and are primarily based on information approved by the European Commission or Erasmus+. As you do your own research, you will certainly find lots more information and resources. Just be sure to check that they’re legitimate and reputable sources.
Your Mobility Coordinator or Supervisor
Talk to your mobility coordinator in both your home and destination country. These fine individuals have helped thousands of students to integrate into their mobility program and they likely have some ideas and resources to share with you. They could suggest university residence halls, student co-housing situations, and even staying with families who are registered with a reputable organization for housing international students.
The objective is for you to have a successful time in your mobility program, so no one wants you to be stressed or worried about where you will sleep!
Contact your local ESN
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of Europe’s largest student associations whose goal is to support international students before, during, and after their mobility program. What makes this association so successful is that it has 40,000 young people offering their services to mobility students like you! There are 15,000 active members who are ready to be your buddy to ensure that your experience abroad goes well.
Not only can you find a mobility buddy to help you navigate your new life in your new country; someone can help you with your housing search. Get started by finding your local ESN section here: https://esn.org/sections
ESNCard
Students are often on a tight budget. That’s why there are
tons of discount programs out there for you to enjoy. Our friends at ESN have
created a card for you to use to get discounts on travel, services, training,
courses and even finding accommodation.
By registering for the ESNCard, you can get access to the two services
officially partnered with ESN to help students find rooms. More information
here: https://esn.org/accommodation.
Their partners: https://www.uniplaces.com/ and https://www.spotahome.com/
Spotahome even offers 25% off the reservation fee for all Erasmus students. Use Discount promo code: ESN25
Details about their discount can be found here: https://www.esncard.org/spotahome
TALK TO EACH OTHER
Talk to current and former mobility participants and ask
them to help you. Team up with someone going to your country and search
together.
With the permission of the landlord or owner of the home, maybe a student who
is leaving can pass on their room to you. Who knows what’s possible! It doesn’t
hurt to ask. Again, the ESN buddy system is a great way to go.
AVOID SCAMS
There are fewer things worse than being totally ripped off
or tricked when you trust someone to help you find a home. Sadly, there are
people out there who are not out to help, but instead to take advantage of
innocent students looking for a place to live.
Even if you’re starting to feel desperate, try not to make hasty decisions. If
you’re feeling unsure about a place; take time to double-check that the
accommodation offered is verifiable in all regards.
Don’t feel pressured by anyone. Remember, you can check in with your mobility coordinator or the ESN buddy system to help you with verifying an accommodation.
Top 3 key takeaways for avoiding scams:
- Use reputable sources to find accommodation.
- Read contracts carefully before signing or paying for anything.
- If it sounds too good to be true, walk away.
Always remember, no matter the situation: You’re not alone. Ask for help. We’re here for you.
BONUS: TIPS FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
And finally, the EU Commission has a fantastic page dedicated to Erasmus and mobility students finding accommodation – particularly as pertains to researching neighborhoods, public transportation, etc.
Check out their guide: https://education.ec.europa.eu/news/a-practical-guide-to-student-accommodation-in-europe
OVER TO YOU
What about you? Where are you in your housing journey?
As you can see, there are tons of resources out there to help you find a place to live. Perhaps these recommendations can be of help in your search. Let the community know if:
- You’re still looking for a place to stay.
- Already found a place and someone helped you. Tell us how.
- There’s anything else we should think about when looking for a place to stay.
- Scams that you’ve seen and want to warn the community to steer clear of.
Whatever it is, we would be glad to hear about it in the “Living Abroad” forum.
Happy house hunting,
Iya, OLS Community Manager - English