Admissions & Eligibility

Places to Stay: Student Accommodation & Hostel Guide

On-campus vs private housing, realistic budgets, and when to book.

Global Admission Prep
Admissions Team
6 min read

The short answer

International MBA students generally choose between on-campus housing (convenient, often costlier) and private rentals or shared flats (cheaper per person, more effort). Secure on-campus options early; for private housing, line up short-term accommodation first and sign a lease only after arriving and viewing.

Housing is one of your largest non-tuition costs, so plan it as deliberately as your finances.

On-campus vs private

On-campus housing is convenient and community-building but often pricier and limited. Private rentals and shared flats cost less per person but require more legwork and local references.

When to book

Apply for on-campus housing the moment you are admitted. For private leases, book a few weeks of short-term stay and view properties in person before committing.

Key takeaways

  • Apply for on-campus housing immediately after admission.
  • Never sign a long lease before viewing in person.
  • Budget housing as a major share of total cost of attendance.

Frequently asked questions

Is on-campus or off-campus housing cheaper?

Off-campus shared housing is usually cheaper per person, but on-campus housing saves time and offers built-in community.

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