International students face many challenges when moving to a new country. We have a few reasons why co-living is the best solution.
The opportunity to study abroad is both an exciting and daunting challenge. But most of all, it is a positive, life-changing experience. It offers students the chance to gain a world-class education, experience a new culture and way of life, and form brand-new connections. However, at first, it can be one of the most stressful experiences due to several factors, such as being unfamiliar with local customs and traditions, living in isolation because you do not know anyone and some element of loneliness. In contrast, these challenges can be overcome by co-living, a modern housing concept that fosters a comfortable living environment and a platform for networking and personal growth.
This article will unpack co-living as a networking solution for international students.
The Experience of The International Student
Being allowed to study abroad has countless excitement and opportunities. However, it also presents some challenges. One of the more evident challenges international students face is adapting to a new environment, being far away from familiar faces such as friends and family, and getting lonely occasionally. These are all common. Another aspect of the challenging international student experience is finding the appropriate accommodation. For example, if a student from India got accepted to the University of Pennsylvania and was looking for rooms for rent in Philadelphia, they might be unsure about what exactly they need. This could result in them opting for something that does not work for them. However, housing services such as Tripalink could help students in such a position avoid these kinds of issues. They specifically cater to young students and professionals and offer a diverse range of apartments and rooms that suit your needs.
Another factor that influences the international student experience is networking. This is one of the more challenging tasks when moving to a new country. Language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliarity with local customs and traditions make assimilating to a new university in a new country challenging. However, doing some research and chatting with locals, peers, and faculty members can help over time.
Co-Living
One of the more popular trends that has gained significant admiration in recent years. In particular among students and young professionals, due to its many benefits. Co-living involves sharing a living space. This living space can be anything from a house to an apartment. Some developments are dedicated solely to co-living spaces, highlighting the concept’s popularity. Co-living is also an excellent way to foster a sense of community, convenience, and belonging.
So, what are co-living spaces, and how do they work? It is a space shared among a group of people who each have their own room. In many cases, housemates split chores, groceries, and utilities, which offers both convenience and economical value. Additionally, it provides a space to socialize and network — learning more about the locals and gaining vital cultural knowledge.
Networking Opportunities
Co-living in itself is the perfect networking opportunity for international students. However, here are the key reasons why this is the case:
- Diverse community: Co-living spaces attract people from all social classes and all across the world. This diversity is essential to create a space for international students to meet new people who could potentially become friends for life.
- Language: While English is the preferred method of communication in most developed nations, this can often present a challenge to non-native English speakers. But it is also a perfect opportunity for international students to improve their language abilities. Sharing a space with native English speakers allows international students to learn nuances, improve their English, and improve their fluency.
- Academic support: While not everyone sharing a co-living space will be studying the same course, supporting each other academically is still possible. International students can form study groups to aid in the academic process. This can be done with their housemates or the co-living complex.
- Networking events: Many co-living spaces organize networking events for the very purpose of helping students get to know each other better. Sometimes, these events have themes like entrepreneurship, art, and friendship.
- Shared interests: What is great about the companies who manage co-living spaces is that sometimes they group people with similar interests. This fosters connections and shows that a common ground can lead to meaningful relationships.
- Mentorship: Some co-living spaces go as far as to offer mentorship opportunities. This is where professionals and academics assist international students with support or guidance.
Benefits of Co-living for International Students
The benefits are staggering, which is wonderful. International students can look forward to reduced loneliness, cultural exchange, economic value, convenience, shared responsibility, and safety and security — to name but a few. We believe a co-living space is optimal for an international student to thrive. And that this modern-day solution will be adopted all over the world in years to come.
Conclusion
The experience of an international student to be able to leave your home country for an academic opportunity abroad is exciting and challenging. You may have to learn a new language and understand a new culture — all while learning. But while challenging, a co-living arrangement presents the perfect solution to overcome several stresses, including loneliness, language barriers, and convenience. Additionally, co-living is a great networking opportunity since it provides a space to learn more about people, gain new friends, and learn more about the culture.
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