Housing Information
Types of Housing and Where to Search
- Housing Information
- How to Find Housing
- Types of Housing & Where to Search
- Documents: What to Prepare
Types of Housing and Where to Search
There are a variety of housing options across the U.S., including:
- Apartment or house rental
- A room in a shared apartment or house
- Co-living houses, dormitories, or homestays
- Hotel, hostel, or Airbnb
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 interning/training, and ask which neighborhoods they recommend. Also ask them about the best websites, apps, or other resources people in the area use to find housing.
You’ll likely want to begin this preliminary research before you are in the U.S. However, we recommend that you stay in temporary accommodation like a hotel or Airbnb when you first arrive so that you can tour potential housing in-person. This can help you avoid scams.
Apartment Rentals
If you’d prefer to live on your own, you’ll need to look for regular apartment or house listings. You may want to consider working with a realtor, though you’ll need to budget for their fee. Common websites to search for housing in the U.S. include:
Co-living, Dormitories, & Homestays
Other options to consider if you don’t mind living with others is to find a homestay, dormitory, or co-living company. Homestays offer the opportunity to improve your 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.
Dormitories typically have a greater sense of community and social interaction and will allow you to meet other students and young professionals. Most often, dormitory-style and university housing will require you to share a bedroom and bathroom with other individuals. Most dormitories also provide essential housing needs, such as furnished rooms, Internet access, kitchen and laundry facilities, and, in some cases, even meals.
Co-living is typically offered through a company who rents out furnished rooms in large apartments or houses. It’s much like living with roommates (you have a shared kitchen, living space, and sometimes bathrooms), but each room is on its own lease schedule, so this can be a great option for both short and long-term stays. Each co-living company will have their own inclusions and requirements so make sure to research which will best fit your needs.
- Cohabs: Contact Clarisse at clarisse@cohabs.com for a personalized experience. Mention you’re from InterExchange for 10% off your first month of rent.
- Outpost Club: Use code INTER25 and get $100 off your first month’s rent, or $250 off your last month’s rent ($250 discount only available for stays of 6 months or more). Dedicated agents are available to guide you. Email info@outpost-club.com, or call +1 (833) 707-6611.
- Student.com
- Coliving.com
- Amber Student
- Homestay.com
Hostels/Hotels/Airbnb
Hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs are great for temporary accommodation while you look for something more long-term. At most hotels or Airbnbs you will have your own room or apartment. 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.
City-Specific Resources
New York City
- Webster Apartments (Female Only): Use the promo code GOOM25200 for $200 off per month on a studio single room (valid until April 30, 2025). Email Admissions@websterapartments.org with any questions.
- EHS (Educational Housing Services)
- iHouse
- New York University Summer Housing
- St. John’s University Summer Housing
San Francisco
