US housing decisions are bigger than in most countries because the gap between options is huge: the same university can have students paying USD 700 a month sharing a room and USD 2,200 living alone. Here is how to think about it before you land.
On-campus first year, usually
Dorms cost more per square foot than apartments, typically USD 800-1,600 a month with a meal plan, but they solve arrival logistics, furniture, utilities and loneliness in one move. Most Indian grad students skip dorms to save money, most who take them for one semester say it was worth it. Decide based on your temperament, not just the spreadsheet.
Off-campus: how the numbers work
- The standard setup is a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment shared between students. Budget USD 500-900 per person in college towns, USD 900-1,500 in mid-size metros, and USD 1,300-2,500 in NYC, Bay Area, LA, Boston or Seattle.
- Add utilities: electricity, gas, internet and water often add USD 80-150 per person. Ask what is included before comparing rents.
- Most leases are 12 months starting August. Breaking one is expensive, so do not sign for a place you have never seen unless it is university-affiliated.
The guarantor problem
US landlords want proof of income of 3x rent or a credit history, which you do not have. Standard workarounds: a larger security deposit, prepaying some months, a US co-signer, or paid guarantor services that charge roughly half a month's to a month's rent. University-listed housing and student-heavy buildings are used to this, private landlords elsewhere may simply refuse, which is fine, move on.
Scams, the blunt list
- Never wire money (Zelle, Venmo, wire transfer, gift cards) for a place you have not seen. This is the number one way incoming students lose USD 1,000-3,000.
- Rent below market with a landlord who is conveniently abroad is a scam. Every time.
- Use your university's off-campus housing portal and department WhatsApp or Discord groups first, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace only with in-person or trusted-friend viewings.
- Get every promise in the lease. Verbal agreements about deposits and repairs do not exist legally.
Money beyond rent is covered in the US costs and funding guide. Visa timing is in the F-1 interview guide, and if you want a current student's read on a specific city or building, ask a US mentor.
