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.

Before Your Apartment Search

Visas and I-20 Preparation

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. Without an I-20, you may be requested to show other forms of funding documentation to be approved for an off-campus apartment.

Apartment Search Steps

Understand the Boston apartment search process. Review the International Student Apartment Guide, research Boston’s neighborhoods, and watch our off campus video series! After you know more about your budget and where you want to live,  you can start finding roommates and available apartments using our Northeastern Housing Database. 

For more detailed information, consider watching our Living Off Campus presentation recordings

NU Housing Database

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: Be vigilant about online listings. If you are unable to visit an apartment in person, please use our Rental Scams page to protect yourself and learn how to verify listings. 

Know Cosigner Requirements

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-August 31st. There are other types of housing to consider.

Homestays are a form of lodging where visitors share a residence with a local of the area host. The length of stay can vary from one night to over a year and is usually provided at a discount in exchange for chores on the premises. There may also be limitations to guests, kitchen usage, and anything else that is negotiated in the contract. Homestays often look for graduate students.

Nesterly (877) 958 8785

Our Home Boston (617) 297-7789

International Fellowship House – (617) 267-0877

Boston Homestay, Inc. (617) 922-6326

Global Immersions Inc (617) 484-4055

Caritas Communities (781) 843-1242

Commonwealth Land Trust (617) 445-4075

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CONTACT US

Northeastern University
Off Campus Engagement and Support
Visit Us: 151 Speare Hall
Call Us: (617) 373-8480
Email Us: offcampus@northeastern.edu
Or schedule a virtual appointment!

Instragram: @NUoffcampus
Yammer Community

For Information about our Network Campuses:
Network Housing and Relocation
(617) 373-7071
NHR@northeastern.edu