Housing Information
Types of Housing and Where to Search
- Housing Information
- How to Find Housing
- Types of Housing & Where to Search
- Housing Resources in Major Cities
- Documents: What to Prepare
- Renter’s Insurance
Types of Housing and Where to Search
Housing options vary across the U.S., so some of the following options may not be available where you will intern or train. Consider how much you are willing to spend, if you wish to live alone or with others, and how far you are willing to commute each day.
Start by talking to your host employer about the city or neighborhood where you will be working and the neighborhoods they recommend: What are the best websites, apps, or other resources people in the area use to find housing?
Apartment Rentals/Sublets
While renting on your own allows for the most freedom, it can be expensive.
Sharing or subletting an apartment are more economical options. Subletting is when you take over an apartment lease from a tenant who leaves for a few months or longer. You assume the responsibilities of paying rent and bills and the original tenant assumes all responsibilities under the lease. If considering a sublet, ask if the tenants have the legal right to sublet the apartment; if not, you may need to move earlier than intended.
A cost-efficient way to live in a large city like New York is to share an apartment with other people. You agree to divide responsibilities and payment of rent and bills. You may have your own bedroom or a shared bedroom, depending on the share arrangement.
To rent, share, or sublet an apartment, you are typically required to provide a photo ID, a letter from an employer with salary information or proof of sufficient funds from home, bank account information, and checks/travelers’ checks.
Homestays
Homestays offer participants the opportunity to improve language skills and sample American culture by living with a U.S. family. Participants will typically have their own bedroom and arrange to have some meals with the family each week.
Hostels
Hostels are great for temporary accommodation while you look for something more long-term. Hostels typically require you to share a bedroom and bathroom with other residents, but they also provide opportunities for meeting other young people and making friends.
It’s a good idea to make sure the building you’re considering moving into hasn’t experienced problems with bed bugs recently.
