Finding Your Home Away from Home

Securing housing is one of the biggest decisions you will make before starting your study abroad journey. Each country in East Asia has its own housing culture, terminology, and price points.

Student Housing in South Korea

Korean universities offer several housing tiers. University dormitories are the most affordable option at 300,000 to 600,000 KRW per semester. Off-campus, goshiwons are tiny single-room units starting at 200,000 KRW per month. Hasukjips are boarding houses where you rent a room in a family home — a great option for experiencing Korean home life. One-room apartments start at around 500,000 KRW per month plus utilities, and require a key money deposit of several thousand dollars.

Student Housing in Japan

Japanese student housing options range from university-run dormitories to private share houses. University dorms cost 20,000 to 50,000 JPY per month. Share houses — where you have a private bedroom but share common spaces — typically cost 40,000 to 70,000 JPY per month with utilities included. Private apartments are the most expensive due to Japan's move-in costs. Companies like Oakhouse and Sakura House specialize in foreigner-friendly rentals.

Student Housing in Taiwan

Taiwan offers the most affordable student housing in East Asia. University dormitories cost 5,000 to 15,000 TWD per semester. Off-campus, shared apartments near campus run 5,000 to 12,000 TWD per month. Taiwan's rental market is less formal than Korea or Japan — many landlords rent directly without agency fees.

Begin your housing search at least two to three months before your program start date. Your university's international office should be your first point of contact.