Book Hotels Online
We guide you to get Affordable & Exclusive Deals from different hotels around the world. You will gain access to Central Locations. You can Save with the Price Guarantee you will find on the different hotel booking websites we will link you to.
We will provide you with 24hr Customer Support when You Need it. Find Deals of the Day. Save with Secret Prices. Easy to Modify Plans. Last Minute Hotel Deals. Earn Reward Nights. This website has different guides on ways for unlocking the Lowest Room Rates.
Book The Ideal Hotel at a Great Price – Find Yours with scholarshipstravel.com. Great Offer for Your Next Stay. Travel Smart, Save Time & Money. Fast & Simple. Compare & Save. Amenities: Wi-FI, Pool, Breakfast, Parking, 24-hr Reception, Spa.
Hotels & Temporary Accommodation for International Students
Arriving in a new country for your studies is exciting, but finding a safe, affordable place to stay for the first few days (or weeks) is one of the most important practical steps. Whether you’re waiting for university dormitory allocation, searching for long-term housing, or simply need a reliable place right after landing, this guide will help you choose and book the right temporary accommodation.
1. Why You May Need a Hotel or Short-Term Stay
Most international students need temporary accommodation for one of these reasons:
- University dormitories are not yet available on your arrival date
- You need time to view and secure long-term off-campus housing
- You arrive early for orientation, visa registration, or medical checks
- Your scholarship or program does not include immediate housing
- You prefer a short buffer period to settle in before moving permanently
Booking a hotel or short-term stay for 3–14 days is common and recommended.
2. Best Types of Accommodation for Students
| Type | Best For | Typical Cost Level | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget hotels / hostels | Short stays (1–7 days) | Low–Medium | Cheap, social, central | Shared facilities, less privacy |
| Mid-range hotels | Comfort + safety | Medium | Private room, reliable service | Higher price |
| University guest houses | New students | Medium | Safe, close to campus | Limited availability |
| Serviced apartments / Airbnb | Longer short-term stays (7–30 days) | Medium–High | Kitchen, more space | Booking rules, deposits |
| Capsule / pod hotels | Very short transit stays | Low | Extremely cheap | Very basic |
Recommendation for most students: Start with a clean, well-reviewed budget or mid-range hotel near the airport or university for the first 3–7 days. Once you arrive and complete registration, move into dormitories or long-term housing.
3. How to Choose the Right Hotel
When searching, prioritize these factors:
Location
- Close to the airport (for late arrivals) or
- Close to your university campus (preferred once you land)
- Easy access to public transport (metro, bus, or university shuttle)
Safety & Reviews
- Read recent reviews on Google, Booking.com, or TripAdvisor.
- Look for comments about cleanliness, safety for solo travelers, and how staff treat international guests.
Student-friendly features
- Free Wi-Fi
- 24-hour reception
- Airport transfer or clear directions
- Kitchenette or nearby cheap food options
- Laundry facilities (very useful after a long flight)
Cancellation policy
- Choose free-cancellation options whenever possible, especially if your flight or visa timeline might change.
4. Best Booking Platforms for Students
- Booking.com — Excellent filters, free cancellation options, and student reviews
- Agoda — Often competitive prices in Asia (especially China, Southeast Asia)
- Hostelworld — Best for budget hostels and social stays
- Airbnb — Good for apartments if staying longer than a week
- University housing portals — Many universities list temporary guest rooms or partner hotels
- Official university recommendations — Always check your university’s international student office first; they often have preferred hotels with student discounts
Tip: Search with your university name + “guest house” or “temporary accommodation” — many institutions have partnerships.
5. Special Advice by Destination
China (Asia)
- Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, etc.) have plenty of budget and mid-range hotels.
- Many universities offer temporary on-campus guest rooms for new international students if booked in advance.
- Popular platforms: Ctrip/Trip.com, Booking.com, and Agoda.
- Book hotels that accept foreign passports (most do, but confirm).
- After arrival you will complete police registration — hotels usually help with this on check-in.
United Kingdom & Europe
- Hostels and budget hotel chains (Premier Inn, Ibis, Generator Hostels) are popular.
- Book early for September arrivals.
- Consider university halls that open early for international students.
United States, Canada & Australia
- University-affiliated hotels or extended-stay options are common.
- Airbnb and student housing platforms (e.g., Uniplaces, Homestay.com) work well for longer temporary stays.
6. Money-Saving Tips
- Book mid-week arrivals when possible — weekend rates are higher.
- Look for “student discount” or “university rate” codes.
- Share a twin or triple room with other new students if you feel comfortable.
- Stay slightly outside the absolute city center if public transport is good — prices drop significantly.
- Use free cancellation and rebook if a better deal appears closer to your travel date.
- Ask your university international office — they often have negotiated rates.
7. What to Do After Booking
- Save the booking confirmation and hotel address in both English and the local language.
- Note the check-in time and any late-arrival instructions.
- Share the hotel details with family and your university contact person.
- Prepare a small amount of local cash or a working card for the first taxi/ride from the airport.
- Confirm whether the hotel can help with temporary registration (especially important in China).
8. Moving from Hotel to Long-Term Housing
Most students use hotels only as a bridge. Once you arrive:
- Complete university registration and medical checks
- Visit the international student office for dormitory allocation or housing advice
- View off-campus apartments if needed
- Move into permanent accommodation within 7–14 days
Avoid signing long-term leases until you have physically seen the place and understand local rental rules.
Final Advice from Scholarships Travel
Your first nights in a new country set the tone for the rest of your journey. Choose a clean, safe, and well-located hotel so you can rest, recover from jet lag, and start your new academic life with confidence.
Need country-specific hotel recommendations, university guest house contacts, or help with long-term housing? Explore our destination guides or reach out through ScholarshipsTravel.com.
Safe arrival and comfortable stay!