Yes, students are allowed to find and establish their own accommodation, be it a shared apartment with other ALBA students, homestay, or other. The housing portion of the program will be deducted from the balance payment invoice.
We do not recommend that students find their own accommodation unless they have a trustworthy recommendation. This is based on our many years of experience and seeing the multiple problems that can arise with that, which can complicate the students’ experience and become costly. ALBA does not deal with accommodation outside of the ALBA accommodation in any way, at any time. It is very important for students that choose to find their own accommodation to know that they are on their own with that entire process from the search for accommodation, to contracting and paying for the accommodation, dealing with the conditions of the accommodation, to the move-out and refund of the security deposit after they’ve left the accommodation.
Important details to keep in mind when you choose to find your own accommodation:
The Euro is stronger than the dollar. Meaning that $2,100, which is what ALBA charges for housing for the term, is equal to approximately €1,800. And there is a 21% VAT tax added on to most everything. Meaning that €1,800 is really €2,178, which is equivalent to approximately $2,500. Don’t let the numbers fool you.
Rent for most apartments will not include utilities or Internet, which you might get charged anywhere from €50-€100 per student, per month. And it is common practice for agencies and landlords to have one Internet router for use between two or more apartments, which makes the wi-fi signal not very good. Make sure you clarify that with the owner and/or agency.
Agencies and owners will require a sizeable deposit up front that you will more than likely not fully recover after they charge you for ‘extra cleaning’ and other items they will say you damaged or broke. ALBA will not advocate or intervene with that.
There will always be agency fees if you go through an agency. Agency fees can be anywhere from €200 total for the group up to €250 per student.
ALBA will not follow-up with agencies or look at/verify apartment conditions for apartments you are interested in. It is very important that you and your parents understand that.
ALBA will not help you with apartment issues/emergencies nor if you get locked out of your apartment, which can be a problem in the middle of the night. That is the duty of the agency or landlord you contract with. You need to verify with the property manager that there is a 24-hour emergency number you can call if necessary AND that someone is actually going to come to assist in a timely manner. It is important that you and your parents understand that.
Verify that the apartment you are interested in has insurance that will cover theft if someone should break in to your place while you’re away and steal items or damage the property. If that is not part of the rental, then we strongly suggest that you contract some form of renters insurance in the U.S. that takes effect before you move into the place.