The Ultimate Checklist for Renting Your First Student Apartment Abroad

Moving abroad for your studies is exciting. New city, new friends, new adventures, but let’s be real—it’s also kind of scary. One of the biggest challenges?

Finding your first student apartment. Between all the chaos, finding an apartment is a bit overwhelming and that too finding an affordable apartment can be very challenging.

Here’s a step-by-step checklist to help you rent your first place abroad without losing your mind.

1. Figure Out Your Budget

Before you get heart-eyes over a cute balcony or a fancy kitchen, figure out how much you can actually afford. Rent isn’t the only thing you need to worry about—you’ve got utilities, internet, groceries, transport, and the occasional pizza night or small treat to keep your sanity.

Pro tip: Try not to spend more than 30–35% of your monthly budget on rent. Overspending now can turn your first semester into a series of instant noodle dinners—and trust me, that gets old fast. Try to save money so that in case of emergency, you can use it

2. Choose the Right Location

Choose the Right Location

Location matters more than you think. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about safety and convenience. If you’re looking for student apartments in Ann Arbor or student apartments in Athens, picking the right neighborhood can make a huge difference in your daily routine.

Close to campus: If you can find an apartment nearby, you can walk or bike to class and save money on transport.
Transport links: Check how far your home is from public transit or campus buses to ensure an easy commute.
Safety: Ask around or check online about the neighborhood’s safety ratings before finalizing your place.
Nearby essentials: Grocery stores, laundromats, pharmacies, and even cafes — convenience matters more than you’d expect.

Trust me: that apartment next to the hottest club might seem fun on Friday night, but 8 AM lectures won’t care about your nightlife.

3. Decide What Type of Apartment Works for You

There are a few options that you can have while choosing an apartment—-

• University dorms: Easy to book, usually furnished, and great for meeting other students—but privacy can be limited.
• Private apartments: More independence, more space, but usually more expensive.
• Shared apartments: Splitting rent saves money, but roommates are part of the deal.

Think about what matters most to you—privacy, budget, or social life and pick accordingly.

4. Inspect the Apartment Carefully

Photos can be deceiving. Try to see it in person or request a virtual tour. Check for:

• Working furniture and appliances
• Heating, water, and plumbing (cold showers are no fun!)
• Storage space—you’ll always have more stuff than you think
• Noise levels—traffic or nightlife can ruin sleep

Take photos during your visit. This helps avoid arguments later if something was already broken.

5. Read the Lease (Yes, Read It Carefully)

Contracts can look scary, especially in a foreign language. Make sure you check:

• Lease length—does it match your semester or academic year?
• Deposit—usually 1–3 months’ rent. Know how to get it back.
• Utilities—what’s included, what’s extra?
• Exit clauses—can you leave early if plans change?

If possible, ask someone fluent in the local language to review it. It’s worth it.

6. Watch Out for Hidden Costs

Rent is just the beginning. Be mindful of expenses as there will be many hidden costs—-

• Maintenance fees or building charges
• Insurance
• Furniture, kitchenware, and other setup costs

7. Pack the Essentials

Packing the essentials :

• Bedding and linens
• Kitchen utensils and cookware
• Laundry and cleaning supplies
• Internet setup

Also, keep in mind what not to pack.

8. Give Yourself Time

Your first apartment doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should feel safe, and like a place you can relax after a long day. Living abroad comes with many challenges. There will be many cultural differences and you should be ready for it.

Final Thoughts

Renting a student apartment abroad might feel difficult at first but with the right checklist you can get an affordable apartment. Planning and starting early will help you in sorting out your housing situation and trust it will keep you sane.

How can amber help you?

amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.

About author

Kajol. M is someone who’s passionate about sharing stories, ideas, and anything that sparks a little inspiration. When not writing, you’ll probably catch me buried in a book, playing an instrument, or getting lost in a playlist.