Budget stays for Indian students

As an Indian student living and studying in the USA, you may find managing your finances a bit challenging from time to time. However, there are some easy ways in which you can tackle your money and stick to your budget. One such way is looking for budget student accommodations. What are they and how to identify the perfect one for yourself? Take a look at this article to get the answers.

1. On campus living

Almost every college and university offers on-campus accommodation services. You can choose to live in a dormitory or university hall. These stays are managed by the college authorities are offer several benefits such as:

• Safety: First and foremost, a college dorm or university hall is extremely safe. Since it is located inside the campus, you don't have to worry about the security arrangements at all. This is especially well suited for new students who are not familiar with the neighbourhood.

• Cost-effective: Many times, the university fees you pay include the accommodation cost as well. It is like a package arrangement and therefore proves to be cost-effective. Students who get scholarships also get a part of their accommodation fee covered and such types of accommodation often include on-campus stays.

• Less travel: A major advantage of living on campus is that you save on travelling expenses. If you live away from your college or university, you may have to take the bus or train every day and this will add to your overall expenses.

• Food: Most dorms in the USA have canteens and pantries where fresh food is served. Some even have kitchens where you can prepare a quick meal for yourself. This further adds to the benefits of living in a dorm.

2. Paying guests

There are many local families that offer a room in their house for students to live in. it may be a proper bedroom or an attic or even a garage, depending on the amount of money being charged. It is a great idea for you to live with a family, especially if you can find an Indian family. You will get Indian food, you can live in a culturally similar environment and you will also get some guidance from the family members about the place and the customs in general. You may find such stays listed in local newspapers or you may even find a pamphlet so keep looking. Else, look for recommendations and references from known people and then select a good family to live with.

3. Shared accommodation

It is very common for students in the USA to live on a sharing basis. You can rent a house and share it with other students. The rent and utility expenses are shared by all the flatmates. This makes it economical and easier to live on a tight budget. Looki for students from your own college so that you can find a common ground. You may get an apartment close to the college or far away, based on your needs and requirements. It is not recommended for you to share an apartment with complete strangers, so look to move in only if you are sure of who your flatmates are. You can get a shared room in an apartment or a single room in a shared apartment, based on your budget.

4. Subletting

Subletting refers to giving out your house to other people. Many students take up an entire apartment and ask other students to move in. if you are subletting, then you have to pay the entire rent yourself to the landlord. You can collect your own rent from the people you are subletting the house or room to. This puts an added level of responsibility on you, but proves to be economical and a very good budget living option. So, you can either sublet your house and earn some extra money, or find someone who is subletting and move in with them.