Accommodation Guide for Indian Interns
Accommodation is usually your biggest expense abroad — and the biggest source of stress if you leave it too late. Here is how to approach it by destination type.
Your Options at a Glance
Company-Provided Housing
Some employers (especially in Dubai, Japan, Korea) provide or subsidise accommodation. Always ask your employer first — it can save Rs. 20,000–60,000 per month.
Student Residences
Universities and student housing operators (like Student Castle, iQ) offer furnished rooms, usually including bills and Wi-Fi. Good for safety and community. Book early — fills up fast.
Shared Flats (Flatmates)
Most common for 3–6 month stays. Websites like SpareRoom (UK), WG-Gesucht (Germany), Kamernet (Netherlands) list rooms. Cost varies wildly — budget 4–8 weeks to search.
Serviced Apartments
Furnished, bills included, no long-term commitment. More expensive per month but no agency fees or deposit headaches. Good for first 2–4 weeks while you find something permanent.
Accommodation Costs by City (INR/month)
| City | Shared Room (INR) | Private Room (INR) | Studio (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali | Rs. 8,000–15,000 | Rs. 15,000–30,000 | Rs. 20,000–45,000 |
| Bangkok | Rs. 12,000–18,000 | Rs. 20,000–35,000 | Rs. 25,000–50,000 |
| Dubai | Rs. 25,000–40,000 | Rs. 50,000–75,000 | Rs. 80,000–1,20,000 |
| Lisbon | Rs. 22,000–35,000 | Rs. 45,000–70,000 | Rs. 65,000–1,00,000 |
| Barcelona | Rs. 28,000–42,000 | Rs. 50,000–80,000 | Rs. 75,000–1,20,000 |
| Berlin | Rs. 30,000–45,000 | Rs. 55,000–85,000 | Rs. 80,000–1,30,000 |
| Singapore | Rs. 35,000–55,000 | Rs. 65,000–1,00,000 | Rs. 1,10,000–1,80,000 |
| London | Rs. 65,000–90,000 | Rs. 1,00,000–1,60,000 | Rs. 1,60,000–2,50,000 |
Finding a Room: Platforms by City
- UK: SpareRoom.co.uk, Rightmove, Zoopla
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland: WG-Gesucht.de, Immobilienscout24.de
- Netherlands: Kamernet.nl, Pararius.nl
- Spain/Portugal: Idealista.com, Fotocasa.es, Uniplaces.com
- Bali/Thailand: Facebook groups ("Canggu Housing", "Bangkok Expats"), Airbnb for first weeks
- Dubai: Dubizzle.com, Property Finder
- Singapore: PropertyGuru.com.sg, 99.co, Facebook groups
- Japan: Sakura House (English-friendly), Borderless House (international community)
Practical Tips for Indian Students
- Arrange before you arrive. Turning up and searching in person is stressful and expensive. Book at least temporary accommodation (hostel, Airbnb) before landing, and have longer-term accommodation confirmed ideally 4 weeks before departure.
- Look for Indian flatmates. Communities like NonResidentIndian.com or Indian Facebook groups in each city can help you find compatible flatmates who understand dietary preferences.
- Check what is included. "All bills included" saves significant money — Wi-Fi, electricity, heating, and water add Rs. 3,000–10,000/month if not included.
- Ask about vegetarian-friendly flatmates. In some cities, you can specifically request flatmates open to vegetarian cooking in shared kitchens.
- Security deposit. Usually 1–2 months rent in Europe, 1 month in Southeast Asia. Factor this into your upfront costs.
We Help With Accommodation Search
Our Full Service includes accommodation search assistance. We connect you with resources and contacts in your destination city — and in many cases, the host company provides accommodation.
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