USA colleges and universities offers affordable and fantastic stay options for those international students who travel to the country from abroad.

So no need to ask yourself the following question; "Will I be able to find the right accommodation option that will best meet my needs?" As a matter of fact you will have many options to choose from and your hardest task will be deciding which accommodation option to choose! Let's look at University of California – Riverside (UC-RIVERSIDE) as an example! Students who attend programs at UC-RIVERSIDE's International Education Programs have three housing options, each of which cater to the individual's personality, needs and budget. Two of these options are on-campus while the other one is off-campus.

If you are an international student who wants to learn the culture of the USA then American Family Homestay program is a fantastic option. You can stay with an American family as a paying guest. They will provide you with a safe, secure, and clean place to sleep in. In addition, you will get to know the ways of a typical American family and broaden your horizons. At UC-RIVERSIDE, The American Family Homestay program is the most economical housing option and the best opportunity for students to experience American life and customs and to improve their English. Students live in the home of an American family in the Riverside area. All rooms are furnished, double-occupancy and all meals are provided. The families also provide transportation to the students to and from school daily. All of these options and comfort makes the American Homestay Program very popular amongst international students.

One of the other great options for international students, when it comes to deciding on where to live, is to opt for on campus accommodation, in other words staying in the dorms or in on-campus apartments/studios. Colleges and universities in the USA have extensive housing arrangements for international students. Depending on the school you will be attending you may have multiple on-campus housing options to choose from. Most on-campus student living facilities are world class and the benefits include laundry, meals and recreation. Some colleges and universities have unisex and separate accommodation facilities for male and female students. When staying on campus, students can also use facilities like library and reading rooms as late as they want. In some cases, such facilities stays open 24 hours a day. When staying on campus remember that in most cases your meals can be included as well so that you wouldn't have to worry about cooking. And the best part of staying on campus is that you don't have to get up extra early in the morning to be on time for your morning classes.

At UC-Riverside, the International Residence Center (IRC) is an on-campus living facility which is open year-round and conveniently located within the UCR Extension Center. It is one of the most cost-effective options for international students. Rooms are generally double- or triple-occupancy, and a limited number of single rooms are also available. All rooms are furnished and air conditioned and include: Private bathroom, High-speed wireless internet, Telephone (free, unlimited local calls), Cable television, Bed linens and towels, and it is ideal for short-term students. Students can purchase a meal plan separately. Special activities for students staying in the IRC are organized frequently and they include camping trips, hiking, movies, parties and barbeques.

For those international students that opt for off campus accommodation there are plenty of options available also. If you have come to the USA from abroad then you can team up with some other international students and rent an apartment – perhaps with some other students from your country. Apartments for rent are available all over the USA and in those cities and towns that are known for their colleges and universities; also known as "College Towns", the local landlords are completely open to the option of students staying together and sharing the rent and other expenses. The rent can be extremely affordable especially when you share an apartment with other roommates.

The housing option which would suits one's needs best completely depends upon the budget of that international student and his or her personal characteristics. If someone is private in nature and money is no constraint then single living or home stay may be the best options. For those that have a budget in place and love to hang out with others, they can group together in apartments and dorms for the duration of their stay in the United States.

Before you come to the USA it is better you plan for your accommodation. Go through your school's website, visit other websites listing local classifieds and choose from a variety of options available. USA will welcome you with open arms and make your stay one of your best experiences ever.