Finding a place to stay while studying in a new city or country has never been easy. You have to figure out rent, location, roommates, safety, and whether that “cozy studio” is actually just a cupboard with a window. For international students, it’s even harder. You’re trying to choose a home without even being in the same country.
But thanks to Virtual Reality (VR), things are finally starting to change.
The Struggle is Real
Let’s be honest. Looking for student housing is stressful. You scroll through endless listings, deal with unhelpful landlords, blurry photos, and rooms that look nothing like what was shown online. And if you’re from another country, how do you even visit the place before signing a lease? Most students just take a chance and hope for the best.
This is where VR steps in. And no, it’s not just for video games or science fiction movies anymore.
For example— Now with VR, if you are looking for off-campus housing, you can check rooms and all the amenities without going anywhere.
What is VR Room Hunting?
Imagine putting on a headset and walking through a potential student apartment in Boston while sitting on your couch in Delhi.
Virtual Reality lets you “walk through” a room or apartment without actually being there. With just a VR headset, or even your phone in some cases, you can take a full 3D tour of a space. It feels like you’re actually there, looking around, checking out the room, the furniture, and even the view from the window.
Some real estate websites and student housing platforms now offer VR tours so you can see the place properly before making any decisions. You can explore the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom just like you would in real life.
Why Students Are Loving It
There are several reasons why VR is becoming popular for students searching for rooms remotely:
- Saves time: You don’t need to travel around or spend weeks browsing listings. You can check out multiple places in one sitting.
- Saves money: You don’t have to fly to another country or book a hotel just to go apartment hunting.
- Feels safer: You can avoid fake listings and scams because you’re seeing a real, detailed version of the place.
- Less stress: When you’ve seen the actual space, even virtually, you feel more confident about your choice.
But It’s Not Perfect
VR is helpful, but it’s not magic. There are a few downsides to keep in mind:
- You need good internet and a decent device. Not everyone has a VR headset, although many tours work on phones or laptops.
- Not all landlords offer it. Especially in smaller towns or for cheaper rooms, VR tours might not be available.
- You can’t feel or hear things. You won’t know if the room smells bad or if there’s a noisy street right outside the window.
So while VR is a great tool, it’s still smart to ask for a video call with the landlord or get someone local to visit the place for you.
A Mix of Online and Offline Works Best
Many students are now using a combination of both. They take virtual tours to narrow down the best options and then ask a friend, local contact, or the university housing team to check out the final choices in person. This way, you get the ease of technology and the reassurance of real-life feedback.
Universities Are Getting Involved Too
A lot of universities have started to realize how stressful housing can be, especially for international students. Some are now working with VR platforms or offering their own 360-degree dorm tours online. It’s a smart move. Better housing support means happier students, and that benefits everyone.
Final Thoughts
VR won’t solve every problem in student housing, but it’s a big step in the right direction. You no longer have to make blind decisions based on a few grainy photos and a short description. You can explore your potential new room without even leaving your current one.
For students already juggling things like visa paperwork, packing, school deadlines, and moving far from home, this can make a big difference. So if you’re planning to study away from home and need a place to stay, give virtual tours a try. Your next room might just be a headset or phone screen away.
How can amber help you?amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop
