International Students

As international students, finding housing in a new country may seem challenging.  Off Campus Engagement and Support is here to help guide you through the process.

  1. Contact the Office of Global Services for guidance on any forms (visa, I-20, etc. ) that you may need. These are often needed to secure an apartment.
  2. Understand the Boston apartment search process. Review our ‘Get Started’ page, research Boston’s neighborhoods, and watch our off campus video series
  3. Use the Northeastern Housing Database to find apartment listings, rooms available, verified agencies, and potential roommates. We recommend that you create a roommate profile.
    • Be careful: If you choose to use platforms outside of our database, visit our Rental Scams page to protect yourself. 
  4. Do you need a co-signer? Many landlords/property managers will require a co-signer. A cosigner is someone with an income that agrees to cover any unpaid rent. We recommend you take the following steps:
    • Let your realtor or property owner know that you are an international student. Some applications are automated and co-signing may be waived if they know you are a student with a visa.
    • Learn about and use third-party co-signing companies. These services charge a fee to serve as a co-signer and may be the right choice for you.
    • Discuss your application with the landlord/property manager. Most landlords/property managers know that international students may not have a co-signer and will opt to charge a fee instead.
    • If there isn’t much flexibility, consider using a different realtor or property.

 

Temporary Housing

You may need housing that does not fit within the standard lease terms of September 1st-December 31st. There are other types of housing to consider.

  • Temporary apartments, guest houses, and homestays cater to international students and are often furnished and do not require a long term contract.
  • Try Nesterly! Nesterly pairs local homeowners with a spare room with graduate students willing to exchange help around the house such as walking the dog or helping with groceries for cheaper rent.

For all other questions, book and appointment with us! A member of our team will be happy to assist you!

Watch our most recent Off Campus Housing presentation for graduate students here!

Our International Student Guide is also available below and for download here.

International Student Apartment Search Guide

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CONTACT US

Northeastern University

Off Campus Engagement and Support (Boston)

151 Speare Hall

(617) 373-8480

offcampus@northeastern.edu

@NUoffcampus

Yammer Community

Network Housing and Relocation

(617) 373-7071

NHR@northeastern.edu

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

or schedule a virtual appointment.

 

 

Our International Student Guide is also available below and for download here.