How to Find Accommodation in Europe as an International Student
Europe is one of the world’s premier destinations for higher education, drawing millions of international students each year. As you prepare for your studies in a European country, securing safe, affordable, and well-located accommodation is arguably the most crucial step in your relocation journey. This guide provides an in-depth, student-first approach to successfully navigating the complex European housing market.
1) Why This Matters for Students
For an international student, your accommodation is more than just a place to sleep; it’s your home base, your study environment, and often, a prerequisite for other legal requirements.
The Domino Effect of Housing
- • Visa and Residence Permit: Many European countries require proof of a stable address (a rental contract) as part of the application for a student visa or residence permit. Delays in securing housing can directly delay your legal stay.
- • Safety and Security: Moving to a new country involves vulnerability. A safe, legally sound housing arrangement protects you from scams and predatory landlords.
- • Academic Success: Stable, quiet, and reliable accommodation is essential for focused studying and adjusting to your new academic life.
For more detailed information on options across the continent, read our main guide on Accommodation in Europe for International Students.
2) Simple Explanation of the Concept
Finding accommodation in Europe typically involves securing a signed agreement (lease or contract) for a place to live for the duration of your studies or an agreed-upon term. The three main types of student accommodation are:
A. University/Student Residence Halls: These are properties owned or managed by the university or a student housing provider. They are often the safest and easiest option for first-year students, providing guaranteed access to student communities.
B. Private Shared Housing (Apartments/Flats): Renting an apartment privately, often with flatmates (co-living), is the most common option. This requires directly dealing with a landlord, agent, or outgoing tenants. It offers more independence but involves greater administrative burden.
C. Host Families/Lodgings: Less common but available, this involves renting a room within a private home. This can be great for cultural immersion but provides less independence.
3) Student-Specific Risks & Common Misunderstandings
Risk: The Pre-Payment Scam
Misunderstanding: “If I pay the first month’s rent and deposit before I arrive, my housing is secured.”
Reality: Scammers prey on students seeking housing from abroad. They often use photos of real apartments, demand large deposits/fees, and then vanish or hand over keys to a non-existent property upon arrival. Always verify the landlord, use official platforms, and, if possible, defer payment until a trusted party can view the property or keys are handed over.
Risk: Unofficial Contracts and Subletting
Misunderstanding: “Any contract I sign is valid as long as I get the keys.”
Reality: In many European cities, tenancy laws are strict. An unofficial, unregistered contract may leave you with no legal protection if disputes arise. Always ensure the contract is legitimate and, if subletting, that the main tenant has the landlord’s explicit permission.
Risk: Documentation Gaps
Misunderstanding: “I only need my passport and university acceptance letter to sign a lease.”
Reality: Landlords in competitive markets often require extensive documentation, including proof of funds, a guarantor (sometimes based in the specific European country), proof of enrollment, and sometimes proof of Documentation Support for Students in Europe like bank statements or existing visas.
4) Practical Examples Students Face
Example A: The Guarantor Problem (France/Italy)
Maria, an international student moving to Paris, found the perfect apartment. However, the landlord demanded a guarantor residing in France with a high income. Since her family lives outside the EU, she struggled to meet this requirement. She ultimately had to use a third-party institutional guarantor service (which costs extra) to satisfy the landlord, delaying her move-in date.
Example B: Utility Confusion (Germany/Netherlands)
Ahmed rented a room in Berlin. The rent advertised was “cold rent” (Kaltmiete). He didn’t understand this meant utilities (electricity, gas, internet) were not included or were based on an estimate that he would reconcile later (Nachzahlung). His monthly housing costs ended up being 25% higher than expected after the first year’s reconciliation payment.
Example C: Distance and Verification
Liang, moving to Lisbon, was unable to physically visit apartments. She attempted to use video tours, but a potential landlord refused to show her the official lease agreement before demanding a security deposit. She recognized this as a red flag (as outlined in this guide) and avoided a scam that would have cost her €1,500.
5) Prevention Checklist (What to Verify, What to Avoid)
Use this checklist to secure accommodation safely and legally:
What to Verify
- • Proof of Ownership: Ask for proof that the person listing the property is legally allowed to rent it (landlord ID, official registration documents).
- • The Contract: Never sign a contract you don’t understand. If it is not in English, ensure a certified translation or ask the university’s housing office to review the core terms.
- • Total Cost: Clearly distinguish between ‘cold rent’ (base rent) and ‘warm rent’ (base rent + estimated utilities/charges). Understand the full monthly expense.
- • Deposit Rules: Know how the security deposit (often 1-3 months’ rent) is protected. Many countries require deposits to be held in a secure, third-party account.
- • Visit or Verify: If possible, use a local friend or service like Luxe Settle to physically verify the apartment and sign the contract upon arrival.
What to Avoid
- • Paying substantial fees before seeing a contract or the property (unless using a verified institutional service like a university housing body).
- • Contracts that seem too good to be true, especially in major cities like Rome or London where the market is competitive.
- • Signing a document in a language you cannot read without legal translation or advice.
- • Rushing the process. Give yourself at least 3-6 months to search, especially if moving during peak season (August/September).
6) How Luxe Settle Helps
Navigating the complex documentation, legal requirements, and landlord communications while abroad can be overwhelming. Luxe Settle is specifically designed to alleviate this burden for international students. We provide verified accommodation services, connecting you with trusted housing partners who understand the needs of non-EU renters, often bypassing the rigid guarantor requirements that challenge international students. Our services ensure you have a safe place to stay from day one, allowing you to focus on your studies and your Student Relocation Support in Europe.
Whether you need help coordinating the delivery of keys, understanding the local tenancy laws, or securing Airport Pickup in Europe for International Students upon arrival, we offer end-to-end support.
Tell us your city, budget, and move-in date — we’ll handle the rest with a white-glove, personalised service.Need help with accommodation or airport pickup?