Student Housing Abroad: How to Find It and Avoid Scams

The cost of student housing abroad varies greatly by country and city. In 2026, the average figures are as follows:

• US — $700 to $1,500 per month per room, more expensive in New York and San Francisco
• UK — £600 to £1,200 in London, £450 to £800 in other cities
• Germany — €350 to €800, depending on the city
• Netherlands — €500 to €900
• France — €450 to €900, more expensive in Paris

Prices are always higher in capital cities and university hubs than in regional cities.

When renting apartments abroad, scammers use the same tactics regardless of the country—the US, Germany, the UK, Canada, or France. Only the language and currency vary.

The most popular scam is a fake listing. The scammer copies real photos of the apartment from agency websites, sets the price below market, and posts the ad in Facebook groups or on free classifieds. When a student writes, they receive a polite and professional response, send a “contract,” and demand an immediate deposit.

Another common scam is a fake owner. This person poses as the owner of the apartment, sending documents that appear official but are in fact unrelated to the real property. After the money is transferred, contact is lost.

And finally, “too good an offer.” An apartment in central London or Amsterdam for half the market price is almost always a scam.

Before putting down a deposit, you should thoroughly check the property and the landlord:

• First, always request a video viewing. Scammers almost always refuse a live video call or send pre-recorded videos.
• Second, check the address. Enter it into Google Maps and see if the house even exists and matches the description.
• Third, the owner’s name on the lease must match the name on the payment details. If you’re asked to pay an “assistant” or “accountant,” that’s cause for concern.

A rental agreement abroad is a legal document that protects you and the landlord. It should include the lease term, monthly rent, deposit, and its return conditions.

It’s especially important to pay attention to utility bills. In some countries, they’re included in the rent, while in others, they’re paid separately and can significantly increase the real cost of the property.

The agreement should also include provisions for early termination and possible penalties.

A deposit is only accepted after signing the contract and verifying the landlord’s identity. Secure payment methods include bank transfer to a legal entity, payment through the booking platform, or an escrow service.

Transfers via Western Union, cryptocurrency, or to personal cards without a contract are the main indicators of fraud when renting accommodation abroad.

If you’ve already transferred the money, you need to act quickly. Save all correspondence, agreements, and payment confirmations, and contact your bank immediately. In many cases, the transfer can be blocked or recalled.

You can also contact your university—many universities help students in such situations and can provide legal advice.

The main mistake is haste. This is what makes people ignore verification and agree to risky terms. It’s better to spend 2-3 days more and appear “meticulous” than to be left without money.

The second mistake is trusting unverified ads. Photos and pretty descriptions don’t guarantee anything, and in the age of artificial intelligence, even more so.

The third is signing a contract without understanding it. Even a single line can cost hundreds of euros.

The safest route is to start with the university and its recommended options. If this isn’t possible, use trusted platforms and don’t transfer money without full verification.

Safe housing, which determines a student’s comfort and peace of mind, is easier to find for those who have done it before. We help students not only with admissions but also provide consultations and support on all aspects of relocation.

Submit a consultation request so that your housing search becomes just another step, not a full-blown quest.