Best Student Housing Apps and Websites for International Students in the U.S.

Finding affordable, reliable housing as an international student in the U.S. can be overwhelming. Between adjusting to a new country, settling into a new routine, and navigating the complexities of the U.S. rental market, securing the right place to live is a big task. Luckily, there are several student housing apps and websites designed specifically to make this process easier, quicker, and more transparent.

In this article, we’ll review the best housing apps and websites for international students in the U.S., with a particular focus on RentYard, a platform that offers a streamlined, student-focused housing search experience. Let’s dive into how these apps can help you find affordable and trustworthy housing as you embark on your academic journey in the U.S.

1. RentYard: The Go-To Platform for Student Housing

When it comes to finding safe, affordable, and student-friendly housing, RentYard stands out as a platform designed specifically for students. Whether you’re an international student or a domestic one, RentYard simplifies the apartment search process by providing verified listings, clear search filters, and tools to connect directly with landlords.

Why RentYard is Great for International Students:

• Verified Listings: RentYard offers only verified listings from reputable landlords, minimizing the risk of scams, which is a major concern for international students.
• Student-Centric Focus: The platform is designed specifically with students in mind, offering apartments close to universities, in safe neighborhoods, and with affordable pricing.
• Easy-to-Use Interface: RentYard has a user-friendly interface that lets you filter by location, price, lease length, and apartment features. This helps you find the ideal rental quickly and easily.
• Direct Communication with Landlords: RentYard allows you to message landlords directly through the platform, ensuring quick responses and transparent communication.

By using RentYard, international students can avoid the hassle of browsing through countless websites or dealing with unverified listings. The platform provides the necessary tools to find a place to live close to campus and within budget, all while ensuring peace of mind with its secure and trusted rental listings.

2. Zillow

Zillow is one of the most popular housing platforms in the U.S., and for good reason. The platform offers a vast number of apartment listings, from studios to multi-bedroom units, making it a great resource for students looking for off-campus housing.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Search Filters: Zillow allows you to filter your search based on factors like price, pet policies, amenities, and even neighborhood features.
• User Reviews: Zillow provides reviews from previous tenants, giving you valuable insight into the landlord and the living experience.
• Mobile App: Zillow has a well-reviewed mobile app that makes apartment searching convenient while on the go.

While Zillow is widely used, it can sometimes be a bit overwhelming due to the sheer volume of listings. It may also include listings that aren’t specifically geared toward students, so be sure to check the apartment’s proximity to your school and other student-friendly factors.

3. Apartment Finder

Apartment Finder is another excellent platform that provides a large database of rental listings in the U.S. It’s especially useful for students searching for apartments in popular college towns. The site features detailed search filters that can help you narrow down your choices by budget, location, amenities, and lease length.

Key Features:

• Roommate Finder: If you’re looking to save on rent, Apartment Finder’s roommate search tool can help you find someone to share a space with.
• Apartment Reviews: Like Zillow, Apartment Finder allows you to read reviews from current or previous tenants to give you a better sense of what the apartment or building is like.
• Campus Proximity: It provides listings that are often within walking distance to campuses, which is ideal for students who want to live close to school.

Best For: Apartment Finder is ideal for international students who want to focus on apartments near their campus or specific housing types, such as shared apartments or private rooms.

4. Trulia

Trulia is similar to Zillow in that it’s a comprehensive real estate platform that also lists rental apartments. While it’s not specifically designed for students, it’s still a great resource for international students looking for apartment listings in the U.S.

Key Features:

• Neighborhood Insights: Trulia offers a feature that helps you explore neighborhoods by providing details about crime rates, nearby schools, public transport, and more.
• Interactive Maps: You can use interactive maps to see how far apartments are from your campus, essential when looking for a place that’s easy to commute to.
• Filter for Pet-Friendly Apartments: If you’re an international student with a pet, you’ll appreciate the ability to filter for pet-friendly apartments.

Best For: Trulia is ideal for international students who want to not only find an apartment but also learn more about the area where they will be living, ensuring a comfortable and convenient living experience.

5. Student.com

Student.com is a website that specifically focuses on student housing. It provides an extensive database of dorms, shared apartments, and private student residences that cater to students’ unique needs.

Key Features:

• Exclusive Student Housing: Student.com lists purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and university-owned dorms, making it a great choice for international students who want a more traditional student living experience.
• Easy Booking Process: You can book your accommodation directly on the platform, often with no deposit required.
• International Listings: If you’re looking for housing options in different U.S. cities or globally, Student.com has listings in multiple countries, making it easy to search in various locations.

Best For: Ideal for international students who are looking for dedicated student housing options like student dormitories or shared apartments close to campus.

6. Roomster

Roomster is an excellent platform for students who are interested in renting a room in a shared apartment or house. It’s a great option if you’re trying to keep costs down and want to live with other students or young professionals.

Key Features:

• Roommate Search: Roomster helps you find potential roommates to share rental costs, which is especially helpful for international students who might be looking for affordable options.
• Search by Location: You can filter by neighborhood or proximity to your campus to find shared apartments or rooms that are ideal for student life.
• Global Reach: Roomster has a global network of renters and is not just limited to the U.S., so international students can use it to search for housing even before arriving.

Best For: Roomster is best for international students looking for shared housing or room rentals, which can be more affordable than renting an entire apartment.

Conclusion: Finding Affordable Housing as an International Student

As an international student in the U.S., finding affordable and reliable housing is one of the most important tasks you’ll face. Fortunately, with the rise of dedicated housing apps and websites, securing a great place to live has become easier than ever. Whether you’re looking for a furnished apartment, a shared space, or a student dorm, platforms like RentYard make the search simpler and more transparent.

By using trusted platforms like RentYard, you can:

• Find verified listings and avoid rental scams.
• Connect directly with landlords for quick responses and transparency.
• Filter by your specific preferences, such as proximity to campus, budget, and apartment type.

RentYard is especially helpful for international students who want a student-friendly, affordable, and safe place to live in the U.S. Start your search today on RentYard and find a place that fits your needs and budget—your ideal student home is just a click away!