🏠 What to Expect in a U.S. College Apartment (For International Students)
Living in a U.S. college apartment as an international student? Here’s what to expect: from the setup and roommates to furniture, kitchen gear, and privacy.
✈️ New Country, New Apartment: Here’s What You Need to Know
As an international student, you might be skipping the dorms and heading straight into a college apartment, either on-campus or off-campus. That usually means more freedom, more space, and more responsibility than traditional dorm living.
But what exactly is life in a U.S. college apartment like? What’s included, what should you bring, and how different is it from home?
This guide breaks it all down so you can arrive prepared, settle in quickly, and avoid surprises.
🪑 1. Most College Apartments Are Semi-Furnished
What does that mean for you? U.S. college apartments typically include the basic furniture you need but not much more.
Here’s what’s usually included:
Bed (usually Queen or Full)
Desk and chair
Wardrobe or closet
Bar stools
Couch or loveseat in the shared living area
What’s not included?
Bedding and linens (sheets, pillows, duvet, towels)
Kitchen gear (plates, pots, utensils)
Decor or personal items
💡 Tip: Check with your housing office or landlord — some apartments are completely unfurnished!
🛏️ 2. You’ll Likely Have Your Own Bedroom, But Shared Spaces
Unlike dorms, most college apartments give each student their private bedroom, especially in shared student housing. You’ll have your own sleeping space, but…
You’ll usually share:
The kitchen
Living room
Bathroom (min 2 per unit, depending on the number of roommates. Based on your floor plan, you may have your bathroom)
Laundry machines (either in-unit or in the building)
Expect to live with 2–4 roommates, unless you’re in a studio or single-bedroom unit (which are pricier and less common for undergraduates).
🍳 3. Full Kitchen = More Freedom (and More Responsibility)
One of the biggest perks of living in a college apartment is having access to your own kitchen , meaning:
You can cook your own meals
No more expensive meal plans
You’ll need to buy your own groceries, dishes, and cookware
Kitchen essentials you'll likely need to buy:
Plates, bowls, cups, and utensils
Pots, pans, spatula, knife
Dish soap, sponge, drying rack
Trash bin + liners
🍝 Bonus: You can bring spices, snacks, or dry food from home — just make sure they’re allowed through customs!
💡 Check with your roommates in advance to see what they are bringing into the apartment. Sometimes you won’t have to buy anything extra!
🚿 4. You’ll Need Your Own Essentials
Unlike dorms, college apartments won’t provide basic comfort items. You’ll need to bring or buy:
Bedding (Queen or Full, depending on your room)
Pillows and pillowcases
Towels and bath mats
Laundry basket + detergent
Shower curtain (if not already installed)
Toilet paper + cleaning supplies
It’s a longer list than dorms, but you’ll feel more independent and settled once you have everything.
✅ Tip: Save time and avoid shopping by pre-ordering a Student Apartment Essentials Kit. Check out our all-in-one bundles →
📦 5. You’ll Be Responsible for More Than Just Your Room
Living in an apartment means you’ll handle more on your own, including:
Grocery shopping and cooking
Taking out the trash
Cleaning shared areas
Paying for utilities (in some off-campus units)
Reporting any maintenance issues
This is a great opportunity to build life skills and learn independence, but it also means communication with your roommates is key.
👯 6. Roommate Culture Varies, But Clear Boundaries Help
In apartments, roommates often have separate schedules and routines, so it may feel more private than a dorm. But shared spaces still need shared respect.
Here’s how to keep the peace:
Discuss how you’ll share the fridge, dishes, and cleaning
Set basic rules for guests, noise, and quiet hours
Use group chats or shared calendars for communication
Be open-minded: your roommates may come from different cultures, too!
🧾 7. What to Expect Financially
If you're in an on-campus apartment, rent may be billed with tuition. If you're off-campus, you’ll usually pay monthly rent, possibly with:
Security deposit
Utility fees (electricity, water, internet)
Renter’s insurance (sometimes required)
Tip for international students: Open a U.S. bank account for easier rent payments and consider asking your landlord about payment apps (like Venmo or Zelle).
🛒 Quick Checklist: What to Buy or Bring
Here’s what most international students need when moving into a U.S. college apartment:
Bedroom
Queen or Full bedding set
Pillows + pillowcases
Laundry basket
Hangers and storage bins
Bathroom
2–3 towels
Toiletries
Toilet paper + bathroom cleaner
Bath mats and shower curtain
Kitchen
Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses
Utensils + cooking tools
Pots, pans, strainer
Dish soap, sponge, trash bags
Extras
Desk lamp
Power strip (U.S. voltage)
Cleaning wipes
Decor from home to personalize your space
🧳 Want to Skip the Shopping?
At Your Experience Abroad, we offer apartment essentials kits delivered directly to your address, with everything from bedding and towels to little add-ons.
🎒 Pre-order your student kit here →
Final Word: Apartment Life = Independence & Comfort
College apartments offer a more independent lifestyle, more privacy, and more freedom, but also more to plan and prepare. With the right expectations and a solid checklist, your new space can feel like home from the moment you arrive.
