Arguably, the most important arrangement a student who's about to kick-off their studies in a foreign country needs to make is accommodation. It always pays to do your research, and here we have compiled the most popular choices students from abroad have made in the past, and a rough estimate of the cost so you’ll walk in knowing what to expect. 

House

This option is less popular due to the fact that A) a house will require constant maintenance and upkeep; and B) It’s usually more expensive, even if it comes with larger space.

However, for those who aren’t deterred, then these are the prices you may come to expect in and around Kuala Lumpur & Petaling Jaya. A double-storey house would contain around 4-6 rooms and would cost anywhere between RM2000 – RM2,500. Now, if you’re bad with maths, then this equates to around RM400 – RM500+ per room. If you’re worried about finding 4-5 other people to move in with, remember that the areas around universities are filled with students such as yourself, local and foreign. There are bound to be single rooms available in the vent one person moves out or, you’ll be able to find 4-5 other people in your class/institution and then proceed to get a place together. 

Do note that your initial payment would be hefty, as many follow the 1+1+0.5 rule. This essentially means you’ll pay a 1-month deposit, 1-month advance, and an added half-a-month payment for utilities. Some places charge more, sometimes requiring 2+1+0.5 or even 3+1+0.5, while others don’t require any deposit at all. Please remember that this is at the behest of the landlord/lady. Also, never forget to obtain proper documentation of any payments made for future proof in the event anything untoward happens.

Condominium apartment

Apartments and university/college students go hand in hand like bread and butter. Taking it a closer look, it’s obvious why that is. An apartment provides students with exactly the type of room they need, not too large nor too small. Add in a pool to the mix, and maybe even a gym, and you have yourself a match made in heaven. 

The prices for these units will also vary depending on the exact location, as usual. Renting an entire apartment for a single person can be a little expensive if your budget is around below RM2.5k. The cost depends on the number of bedrooms in each apartment. One with 3 bedrooms would cost around RM1300 – RM2000 total, meaning RM400 – RM680 per person. 

One with 4 bedrooms would amount to around RM2000-2500, adjusting the range to around RM500 – RM625/person. 

Do note that your initial payment would be hefty, as many follow the 1+1+0.5 rule. This essentially means you’ll pay a 1-month deposit, 1-month advance, and an added half-a-month payment for utilities. Some places charge more, sometimes requiring 2+1+0.5 or even 3+1+0.5, while others don’t require any deposit at all. Please remember that this is at the behest of the landlord/lady. Also, never forget to obtain proper documentation of any payments made for future proof in the event anything untoward happens.

Studio Apartment

The new up and comer in the accommodation equation is the dream of many a student. The perfect size, so that you don’t have to feel bad when you can’t fill up the excessive space in your house/condo with bells and whistles. With studio apartments really meant for only one person per unit, or perhaps two if you’re all right sharing everything with the other party. Expect to pay between RM1000 – RM 2000 for a nice unit.

Do note that your initial payment would be hefty, as many follow the 1+1+0.5 rule. This essentially means you’ll pay a 1-month deposit, 1-month advance, and an added half- a-month payment for utilities. Some places charge more, sometimes requiring 2+1+0.5 or even 3+1+0.5, while others don’t require any deposit at all. Please remember that this is at the behest of the landlord/lady. Also, never forget to obtain proper documentation of any payments made for future proof in the event anything untoward happens.

University Assigned/Recommended Accommodation

Arguably the most popular option among the options available, many modern Malaysian universities have their own hostels/apartments for the students to move into, either on-campus or a mere stone's throw away. By and large, these units come fully stocked with the necessities such as furniture, WiFi, air conditioning, as well as amenities such as gyms ad cafeterias, all the while being strategically located close by modes of public transport and other attractions. The only downside perhaps to this option would be A) You may not be able to personalise your room as much as you would and B) You must book these rooms in advance, way before the semester begins or expect them to have no rooms available for another 6 months at the very least. 

The deposits vary, and will usually include a processing fee. On occasion, universities charge rent quarterly (every 3 months). Therefore, while your deposit may only be a month, your first-time payment would be 1+3+Processing Fee.