Moving can be quite a harrowing process – extremely distressful. This is true for moving within the same city or even country, and more so to a whole different continent. Not only is the packing and flying a problem, but so too is the house hunting. It is somewhat easier if you’re coming for studies, but depending on the country, this may still be challenging.
Accommodation Abroad
Most universities offer accommodation within the university campus. They have dormitories of all different sorts, but usually, the availability is quite limited. My recommendation is if this is an option for you, start with that – opt for accommodation in the dormitories because it will help you with settling in. The price is usually all inclusive, i.e., rent, utilities, Wi-Fi and sometimes bedding and laundry facilities, and often more affordable than living in an apartment.
You’ll usually be situated close to campus as well, and you’ll get to meet other students and make friends. This was particularly important for me when I first came to Europe. In my dorm, I had roommates that became family. When it was time to move off-campus into an apartment, it was easier to find a shared spot with the friends I’d made. Studying was also simpler because some of my course mates were in the same dormitory as well. In short, if you’re going for studies and university housing is available, try it. If anything, you can always move out after you’ve become more familiar with the place.
Now, this house-hunting is more of a challenge if you’re moving abroad for work, either alone or with family. This means you’ll need to find an apartment or house to rent. One of the things I will recommend doing first is talking to your company. Often, they are aware of the challenges of finding accommodation in the country and have contingencies in place for new employees coming from abroad. It may be that they have a company rental available, deals with real estate companies, or they can offer to find you accommodation as part of your contractual agreement, so don’t be afraid to initiate that discussion.
If this is not an option, then my next suggestion is to do some research. Usually, many countries have websites for apartment or house rentals where you can filter by city, area, apartment size, price and more. You can at times speak directly to landlords and get information about the place you’re interested in. That being said, doing things online always comes with a risk – you’ve got to know that. Scammers are a real thing – read this article as well if you haven’t read it yet. You need to verify the website you’re using. One of the ways to do that is join Foreigners groups on Facebook e.g., Foreigners in Barcelona.
Almost all large to medium European cities have a Facebook group where you can hear from other expats, ask questions and just make friends. There, you can also find out about the housing market and what to look out for, get an idea about the price ranges and learn from others’ mistakes.
One thing I will never recommend is making a payment, including a deposit, without having seen the place yourself. You are better off booking a hotel or Airbnb for a couple of days or weeks for your initial arrival so you can be physically present for the house hunt. You have to see the place yourself before you make a commitment and pay. Sometimes, landlords oversell the place, and you end up paying an arm and a leg for a house from a horror movie. Always check first and pay last. Usually, Airbnb has long term rentals so this shouldn’t be an issue.
Another housing option for singles or couples moving abroad is Co-living spaces. Here’s an example in Prague – The Fizz. These are basically apartments where some facilities may be shared. Accommodation prices just keep soaring, so places like this in a city like Prague might be a more suitable option.
They at times have prices that are all inclusive (rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, etc.), and they also offer safety and community. The possibility of being able to make friends as someone working is something you’ll find to be so important. It’s hard enough making new friends as an adult in your own country – that difficulty only doubles when you move abroad. Do consider these co-living spaces, they are a perfect place to make working friends as well.
Read Also Move To Europe – Essential Packing Tips
To summarise, if you’re a uni student, just go to the dorms first – make life easy for yourself. Then if you’re moving for work, check what your company can do for you, try Co-Living spaces, research on social media platforms for accommodation options, don’t pay for anything online unless of course you have completed verified the company, then finally, Airbnb is an option for the first couple of weeks so you do the apartment-hunting in person. If you’ve got any questions or need help verifying some sources, do let me know, and I’ll do what I can to help you!
All the best with your house-hunt and move to Europe! Till next time!