Indian Students Abroad Paying High Housing Costs

Key Takeaways:

Early planning for housing can help Indian students significantly reduce costs, potentially saving 20-30% on their expenses.
Overseas education spending by Indian students is high, expected to reach 70 billion USD by 2025, emphasizing early financial planning.
Investigate all housing options early, leveraging resources like University Living, budgeting wisely, and researching destination-specific costs.

Indian Students Abroad Paying High Housing Costs

Why Should Indian Students Abroad Start Planning Early for Student Housing?

Indian students looking to study abroad spend a significant amount on housing each year. The increasing number of students opting for overseas education has led to a surge in demand for accommodation. With geopolitical issues and a demand-supply imbalance in housing, experts recommend, students should start their planning early. According to recent reports, starting the planning process 12 to 18 months ahead can help reduce costs significantly.

How Much Can Early Planning Save Indian Students on Housing Costs?

Education experts and companies helping students transition to universities abroad emphasize the importance of early planning. By planning up to 18 months in advance, Indian students can potentially save 20-30% on their housing costs. A study titled “Beyond Beds and Boundaries: Indian Student Mobility Report-2023-2024” by University Living (UL) highlights that many students incur higher expenses due to lack of preparation.

Quoted in the report, Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of UL, stated:

“Accommodation in university halls and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSAs) is limited. Universities are not expanding their halls, which has a direct impact on how much an Indian student has to shell out for accommodation in co-living, private apartments, and homestays. Affording accommodation beyond these two options is an expensive affair.”

Arora noted that data from UL shows only one out of six students get university halls.

What Are the Current Trends in Overseas Education Spending by Indian Students?

Indian students’ spending on overseas education is notably high. Approximately 1.3 million students enrolled in courses abroad in 2023, with 6% hailing from Karnataka. A significant number of these students, around 8.5 lakh, are pursuing higher education in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The total spending in 2023-2024 is estimated to be close to 34 billion US dollars.

The sector forecasts further growth of 14%, with projected spending expected to reach around 70 billion US dollars by 2025. This substantial expenditure underscores the importance of financial planning for students considering international education.

Which Countries Are Indian Students Considering Beyond Traditional Destinations?

There is a noticeable shift in the countries that Indian students are opting for their studies. While the US, UK, Canada, and Australia remain popular, countries like Spain, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Ireland, Singapore, and Russia are becoming new hotspots. This shift indicates a broader range of choices and opportunities for students but also introduces new variables in terms of housing.

How Much Do Indian Students Need to Budget for Housing in Popular Study Destinations?

Housing costs vary significantly across different countries. Based on the data by UL, here’s a look at the annual expenses Indian students might encounter:

United States: $12,000
Canada: $10,000
Australia: $13,000
United Kingdom: $9,700

These figures highlight the financial burden of accommodation which is a major consideration for students planning to study abroad.

What Steps Can Indian Students Take to Reduce Their Housing Costs?

Given the high costs, students should explore all available options early. Here are some actionable steps:

Start Planning Early: Begin your accommodation search at least 12 to 18 months in advance.
Consider Alternatives: Look beyond university halls to include co-living spaces, private apartments, and homestays.
Research Thoroughly: Investigate housing availability and costs in your chosen destination.
Budget Wisely: Create a realistic budget and look for ways to cut unnecessary spending.
Utilize Resources: Leverage resources such as University Living and other student housing platforms for better deals.

For more detailed information on the housing requirements and student visas, students can visit the official government immigration website to get updated and accurate data.

Strategic planning and budgeting can make a substantial difference in managing the costs associated with overseas education. Taking these steps not only ensures financial readiness but also contributes to a smoother transition into this new phase of life.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA):
Specialized housing designed and built specifically for students, often offering communal living spaces and amenities tailored for academic life. These are limited in supply and can be costlier if not booked in advance.
Co-living:
An arrangement where multiple, unrelated individuals share living spaces such as kitchens and common areas, typically offering a more affordable housing option compared to private apartments or university halls.
Geopolitical Issues:
Political factors on a global scale that influence or impact decisions, such as housing availability and costs for international students, due to factors like international relations, visa policies, or economic conditions.
Demand-Supply Imbalance:
A situation where the demand for student housing outstrips the available supply, leading to higher costs and competition for housing among students, necessitating early planning.
University Halls:
On-campus dormitories or residential facilities provided by universities, usually the first choice for many students for their convenience and community-focused environment, but often with limited availability.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Indian students planning to study abroad should start early on housing arrangements. The rise in student numbers and limited accommodation options lead to higher costs. Securing housing 12-18 months in advance can save up to 30%, ensuring better availability and affordability. Early planning is crucial for a smoother transition.
— By VisaVerge.com

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