FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
The answers below are for informational purposes only. For the full, binding terms that govern our services, please refer to our official policies:
• General Terms and Conditions
In case of any inconsistency, the wording of the official policies will prevail.
Payment & Bookings – Housing Placement Assistance
What are the payment terms for the Housing Placement Package?
To secure the Housing Placement Assistance for international students, a down payment is required at the time of booking. This confirms your commitment and allows us to start the student housing search. The remaining balance is only charged once a tenancy agreement is ready for signature.
Payment breakdown (per group size):
• Single student: €1,649 total (€250 down payment, €1,399 remainder)
• Two students: €1,400 per person (€400 total down payment, €1,200 per person remainder)
• Three students: €1,200 per person (€600 total down payment, €1,000 per person remainder)
Currently, we accept group assignments for a maximum of three students.
If no suitable student accommodation is found within the agreed timeframe, your payment will be refunded under our No Match, No Fee policy. Please note: if you cancel or withdraw before the end of the search period, the service fee remains due in full.
How does the “No Match, No Fee” policy work?
Our No Match, No Fee policy ensures that students are not financially obligated if we cannot present at least one accommodation that matches your requirements (budget, location, and timeframe) within the agreed search period.
Refund eligibility requires that:
- You allow us the full search period to complete the accommodation search.
- Your budget and move-in date are realistic in relation to the housing market.
If you withdraw, cancel, or decline an accommodation that meets your stated requirements, the full service fee remains due. In cases where the budget is below our recommended minimums or the requirements are overly restrictive, and no suitable accommodation can be presented as a result, an administrative fee of €75–150 may be applied to cover processing costs.
Budget & Requirements for International Student Housing
What budget is required for the Housing Placement Assistance?
Budgets vary depending on country, housing type, and local market conditions. As guidance for international students:
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Netherlands: shared rooms from €950; studios from €1,600; two-bedroom apartments from €2,000; three-bedroom apartments from €2,400.
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Spain: rooms in shared apartments from €400–700 (in major cities such as Valencia, Madrid, and Barcelona from €500–1,200).
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United States: rooms in shared apartments from USD 1,800 (higher in cities such as New York, Boston, and Los Angeles).
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China: rooms in shared apartments from CNY 7,000; private apartments from CNY 16,000 (significantly higher in Beijing and Shanghai).
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Dubai: shared rooms from AED 2,500–4,500; studios/one-bedroom apartments from AED 4,500–8,000 depending on the area.
Figures exclude utilities such as gas, water, electricity, internet and other applicable services.
We strongly recommend stating a clear budget range in your Housing Placement booking form so a suitable offer can be presented.
Important: Budgets are guidelines only, not guarantees. For the most up-to-date advice on budget and timeframe expectations for international relocation housing, please contact us before booking.
Do I need proof of enrollment before booking Housing Placement Assistance?
Yes. Proof of enrollment (such as a university admission letter) and a guarantor are typically required by student housing providers. This ensures that landlords and property managers can verify your status as an international student.
What are the payment terms for group bookings?
For group bookings, an initial down payment is required at the time of booking. This confirms the group’s commitment and allows us to start the housing search. The remaining balance will only be invoiced once a suitable accommodation is identified and a tenancy agreement is ready for signature.
Payment breakdown (per group size):
- Single student: €1,649 total (€250 down payment, €1,399 remainder)
- Two students: €1,400 per person (€400 total down payment, €1,200 per person remainder)
- Three students: €1,200 per person (€600 total down payment, €1,000 per person remainder)
Currently, we accept group assignments for a maximum of three students.
Why do you ask for an exclusive budget range for the rent price?
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Process & Timeline – Housing Placement Assistance
How long does the process take, and what are the chances of success?
On average, a student housing placement takes 2–6 weeks, depending on your destination, budget, and season.
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Success rates are high if your budget, requirements and timeframe are realistic.
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Placement becomes more challenging during peak demand periods or with below-market budgets.
Our advisors guide you through the process, ensuring the best possible outcome for international students relocating abroad.
How long do I have to accept an accommodation offer?
You have 72 hours to accept or decline an offer. If you fail to respond within this period, the offer may be withdrawn and the Housing Placement Package considered completed, as we have fulfilled the search obligation.
Accommodation Options & Student Housing Services
What types of student accommodations do you offer?
SHH offers a wide range of international student housing options to fit different budgets, lifestyles, and destinations. Our portfolio includes:
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Shared apartments with fellow students or young professionals
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Private studios and one-bedroom units
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Larger apartments (2–3 bedrooms) for groups or families
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Fully furnished short-stay rentals
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Student residences and homestays in selected cities
When completing your Housing Placement Assistance booking, you can share your preferences (such as location, budget, or amenities). Please note that the more detailed or restrictive your requirements, the more limited your options may become in today’s competitive housing markets.
Important: We primarily assist with rental contracts up to 12 months. Longer stays are less common in the international student housing market and may reduce the number of available offers.
These are the types of housing SHH searches for during the Housing Placement Assistance process, always depending on your budget, preferences, and destination.
How does Student Housing Hunter find accommodations?
Student Housing Hunter (SHH) assists international students and expats in securing safe and reliable housing in destinations such as the Netherlands, Spain, the United States, China, and Dubai. We operate exclusively on behalf of the tenant.
Once you submit a Housing Placement Assistance booking, we begin the search using our trusted network of housing providers, real estate agencies, landlords, and verified online platforms. All listings are independently reviewed to ensure they fit your budget and requirements.
The fee you pay covers our work in locating accommodation, handling communication, assisting with paperwork, and guiding you through the rental process.
We source different housing types, including shared apartments, private studios, short-stay rentals, and homestays, to ensure every student or expat finds a safe, comfortable, and convenient option.
Disclaimer: SHH does not act on behalf of landlords and receives no compensation from them. We are instructed and paid solely by the tenant, ensuring that every housing option we present is selected independently and without obligation from providers.
Why do you ask for an exclusive budget range for the rent price?
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General Requirements – Renting as an International Student
Do I need a guarantor?
Yes. Most international housing providers require a guarantor (a parent, relative, or third party) who can provide financial backing if needed. This is standard practice in the global student housing market.
What documents do I need to rent student accommodation?
You will usually need:
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A valid passport or ID
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Proof of university enrollment (admission letter)
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Guarantor details (proof of income, ID)
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Sometimes bank account information or proof of insurance
These requirements vary by country, but are common across international student rental markets.