The question every student faces after getting their visa: where to live? Parents usually split into two camps — some insist on a dorm because "they'll keep an eye on you there," others suggest renting straight away so you can "eat properly and not depend on stupid rules." Students, on the other hand, just want one thing: affordable housing where no one gets all up in their personal space.

The truth, as always, is somewhere in the middle. And the choice between campus and a private apartment is about budget, safety, how independent you are, and even your sleep schedule. Let's break down both options in detail for the most popular countries.

Prices: What Looks Cheaper at First Glance and What Actually Is Cheaper

If you look at the base figures, dorms are almost always cheaper. But the details matter.
 

Key point: in a dorm, the price almost always includes water, heating, internet, and sometimes even cleaning of common areas. In a rented apartment, you get the base rent, and on top of that — electricity, gas, water by the meter, waste disposal, and sometimes fees for the lift and intercom. So when comparing, always multiply the rent by 1.2–1.3 to get the real figure.

Example for Germany: a Studentenwerk spot for €250 per month is the final price. A room in a flat for €400 plus utilities of €100 gives you €500. The difference is double. But in a dorm, you share the kitchen and bathroom with neighbours; in a flat, you usually live alone or with one or two friends.

Contracts: What's Written in the Fine Print

The security deposit in Europe is usually 1–3 months' rent. In Germany, the standard is three months' base rent (excluding utilities), which are placed in a separate account and returned after you move out, provided no damage is found. In the US, the deposit is often equal to one month's rent. In Australia, the deposit is 4–6 weeks' rent and must be lodged with a government tenancy authority.

Important: the deposit isn't returned immediately, but 2–4 weeks after you move out. If you left a scratch on the floor or didn't clean the oven, the repair costs will be deducted. So be sure to photograph every defect when you move in and email them to the landlord. This is your evidence in case of a dispute.

Utilities in the contract may be stated as payable directly to suppliers, or they may be included in the rent. The latter is simpler but rare. In some countries, like Germany or Austria, registering with suppliers is quite a process: you have to choose a tariff, sign a contract, and provide your meter number. Without this, they'll simply cut off your power after a month.

Lease terms vary. In Europe, the minimum term often ranges from one semester to 12–48 months. In the UK, as of May 2025, the Renters' Rights Bill came into force, limiting fixed terms and making contracts more flexible; however, 12‑month contracts are still possible. If you move out early, you either have to find a new tenant (if the contract allows it) or pay a penalty. In student dorms, the contract is usually for one semester with the option to renew, and early termination conditions vary: in some places you can move out with one month's notice, while in others only at the end of the semester.

Dorm Rules: What Can Get You Evicted

A dorm is a structured environment. Every campus has its own set of rules, and breaking them can cost you not just a fine but eviction.

• Guests. In most dorms, overnight guests are either prohibited or only allowed in designated guest rooms. Some campuses allow limited visiting hours, e.g., until 11 PM. There's no universal standard — always check with your specific dorm.
• Noise and quiet hours. On weekdays, from 10 PM to 6 AM — absolute silence. Loud music or parties — a warning; a second violation — eviction.
• Alcohol and smoking. In most European and US campuses, smoking is banned inside buildings and on the grounds, only in designated outdoor areas. Alcohol is often permitted, but not in common areas, and only for those over 21 in the US.
• Kitchens and laundry rooms. Shared kitchens in dorms are a whole different story. Everyone has their own labelled shelf in the fridge. Food theft is a favourite source of conflict. Laundry rooms operate on a schedule or require coins.

It's precisely because of these restrictions that many students choose to rent private flats — to invite friends over, cook at midnight, and not listen to a roommate's snoring. Yet to parents, these same rules seem like a guarantee of safety — and they're not entirely wrong.

How to Find Housing and Avoid Scams

If you decide to rent a flat, you have two options: alone or with flatmates. Alone — expensive and often lonely. With flatmates — cheaper, but with the risk of conflicts.

Safety rules:

• Always meet in person before signing a contract. Ask to see the room, have a chat, ask about their daily routine, attitude to smoking and guests.
• Never transfer money to strangers before seeing the flat and meeting the landlord. In Europe and the US, there's a common scam: fraudsters rent a flat for a day, show it to a dozen students, take deposits, and disappear.
• Check the contract. Make sure the person you're speaking with is indeed the owner or a licensed agent. In some countries, you can check property ownership through public registers.
• Google the neighbourhood name along with "crime rate" before signing. Locals honestly write which streets are better avoided.

Safety: What Matters Most to Parents

When parents are choosing between campus and a flat, they're not thinking about freedom — they're thinking about their child not ending up in danger. From this perspective, the dorm is the clear winner. Security at the entrance, cameras, a resident advisor, neighbours always nearby. In case of trouble — just call the front desk.

In a rented flat, you're responsible for yourself: who rings the doorbell at night, which areas are unsafe, whether the building has an intercom. But that doesn't mean renting is always risky. In most European, Australian, and Canadian cities, you can live quite safely in residential areas if you follow basic precautions: don't open the door to strangers, don't flash money around, and always have the emergency police number at hand.

So What Should You Choose?

If you (or your child) are coming for the first time, don't speak the language, have never lived independently, and want to make friends right away — a dorm for the first year is the best option. It provides a protected environment, helps with adaptation, and takes away the headache of utilities and deposits.

If you already have some experience, know the city, are coming with a friend, value your personal space, and are ready to deal with bills and contracts — you can consider renting. That gives you more space, a kitchen with no queues, and the ability to live on your own schedule.

Remember: the choice is not final. In a year, you can move. Many students start in campus housing, and in their second year find two friends and rent a flat together. So don't box yourself in: try things, weigh the costs, and look for a balance between money and comfort. And if you're not sure where to start in a specific city or university — drop us a line; we'll tell you where to look, what prices are realistic, and what you absolutely must pay attention to.