Before you fly
Student Flight and Accommodation Assistance
Land with a safe place to stay and a plan for your first week. We help you choose student housing, avoid rental scams, time your flight booking and prepare everything you need to carry.
- Student housing shortlist
- Lease and deposit checks
- Flight timing and baggage
- Pre-departure checklist
When should you book student accommodation and flights?
Apply for university or student accommodation as soon as you accept your offer, because popular halls fill months before the intake. Book flights after your visa is approved, or choose a changeable fare if you book earlier, and plan to arrive a few days before orientation.
Housing is usually the biggest monthly cost abroad, and the place you choose shapes your first semester: your commute, your budget and the people you meet. We help you compare options near your campus, read the contract terms before you sign, and confirm the booking is genuine.
Compare
Types of student accommodation abroad
| Type | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| University halls | First-year students who want to be close to campus and meet people quickly | Limited rooms, early deadlines, fixed contract lengths |
| Purpose-built student accommodation | Private rooms with bills included and on-site support | Higher rent in big cities, long minimum contracts |
| Shared private rental | Lower cost and more freedom, often from the second year | Deposits, bills, guarantor rules and rental scams |
| Homestay | Younger students who want meals and a family setting | Less independence, house rules, commute distance |
What is included
How we help you get there and settle in
Housing shortlist
Options near your campus compared on rent, bills, contract length, commute and safety.
Contract and deposit check
We read the terms with you and confirm the provider is genuine before any money is paid.
Flight planning
Arrival dates matched to orientation and check-in, with fares that allow changes if your visa is delayed.
Forex and insurance
Guidance on forex cards, money transfers and the health or travel cover your visa requires.
Packing and documents
A checklist of documents to carry in hand luggage and what you can buy after you land.
Pre-departure briefing
What to expect at immigration, your first-week tasks and who to contact if something goes wrong.
Documents to carry in your hand luggage
Keep these with you, not in checked baggage, and save scanned copies to your phone and email.
- Passport with your visa or approval letter
- Offer letter or admission document, such as a CAS, I-20 or CoE
- Proof of funds and fee payment receipts
- Accommodation confirmation and address
- Health insurance details
- Original academic certificates and transcripts
- Prescriptions for any medicines you carry
Flights and accommodation: frequently asked questions
Should I book my flight before my visa is approved?
Only if the fare can be changed or refunded. Visa processing times vary, especially before the September intake, so a non-refundable ticket booked early is a real risk.
How do I avoid accommodation scams abroad?
Book through your university or well-known student housing providers, never pay a deposit for a property you cannot verify, and be wary of rents far below the local average or requests to pay by gift card or personal transfer. We check listings with you before you pay.
Is university accommodation guaranteed for international students?
Some universities guarantee a room for first-year international students who apply by a deadline, others do not. We check your university's policy as soon as you accept your offer.
How many days before my course should I arrive?
Plan to arrive a few days before orientation or welcome week. It gives you time to collect your keys, set up a phone and bank account, and recover from the journey before classes begin.
Related services
Land with a plan, not just a ticket
Tell us your university and arrival month. We will help you choose housing and plan your journey.