While President Donald Trump’s administration has created a complicated environment for international students this year, the U.S. remains one of the most popular destinations for foreign students in the world, up 7% year over year, according to a new research report from the National Multifamily Housing Council.
Given declining domestic enrollment, many U.S. education institutions are emphasizing international recruiting. The living preferences of these students will influence student housing trends in the U.S., according to the report, sponsored by the NMHC and conducted by Vienna, Austria-based independent consultancy BONARD.
Over 1.1 million international students were enrolled in post-secondary programs in the U.S. during the 2023-2024 school year. The total student count includes 342,875 undergraduate and 502,291 graduate students.
The majority of international students came from India in 2023-2024, surpassing China for the first time that year. The number of Indian students traveling to the U.S. has risen 111% over the past five years, and other growing student sources include Nigeria (+50%), Bangladesh (+99%), Ghana (+136%) and Pakistan (+38%). In contrast, demand from China and South Korea has plateaued.
Nevertheless, the Trump administration this year has revoked the visas of hundreds of students across the country as part of its immigration crackdown. More than 1,000 international students and recent graduates at more than 130 schools in the U.S. have had their visas or statuses revoked, according to CNN.
What international students want
Overall, demands for luxury in student housing have declined in the post-pandemic era, according to the report. Instead, key considerations for international students include:
- Affordability. This was found to be a strong concern for international students, given the impacts of exchange rates and visa fees. The report recommends remaining aware of market rates, adjusting pricing if needed and offering simple, affordable housing close to campus.
- Location. Many international students, particularly undergraduates, do not have cars. Walking distance to campus or access to public transit are especially important.
- A variety of room types. Personal preferences and budget considerations strongly influence housing choices for students, especially those with families. There is a preference for furnished units, as they reduce the need for students to buy furniture.
The most strongly preferred property amenities for international students for housing in the United States include:
- Kitchen facilities, either community or private. Many of the interviewees expressed a preference for spaces where they could cook meals that meet their cultural preferences or dietary needs, especially if campus dining halls do not provide those meals.
- Complimentary laundry on-site, which reduces logistical challenges and costs for residents.
- Religious and cultural accommodations, such as meditation rooms or spaces for prayer.
- Private bathrooms.
- Common spaces for social interaction with other students.
- Gyms and wellness centers, provided that the facilities are not available on campus.
- Proximity to public transportation or micro-mobility such as scooters or bikes.
- In-house storage for belongings during the summer.
To meet these preferences, the study recommends offering kitchen spaces and in-house storage, ensuring privacy and personal space, offering strong security and creating social programs to foster community. Other possibilities include allowing students to wait to sign leases until after their visas are approved, or offering both 10- and 12-month leases for flexibility.
“The evolving landscape of student housing preferences calls for strategic adjustments in design and operations,” the report reads. “By responding to these preferences, student housing providers can create environments that not only meet the functional needs of international students but also enrich their overall living experience. These considerations are essential to maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.”
