One of the important concerns when foreigners stay in Korea is the problem of accommodation. I am also worried about whether I will choose a dormitory where I can stay stably with international students in a similar environment or a boarding house where I can live freely. To help you with your concerns, let me tell you about the pros and cons of dormitory or lodging today!
1-1. dormitory
Good points
1) a reasonable amount of money
Dorms are usually provided for students, so they are relatively inexpensive and suitable for students with limited budgets!
2) various interactions with friends
If you live in a dormitory, you can interact with international students from other countries like you as roommates. You can also live with a local Korean university student who is interested in foreign students. As a result, I can experience various Korean cultures and build friendships with friends of the same age.
3) amenities
Generally, dormitories provide basic amenities (desk, chair, bed, laundry room, public cooking facility, etc.). So it reduces the trouble of purchasing or transporting additional furniture separately. I don’t have to carry heavy furniture when I finish my life in Korea or move, right?
4) Safety
The dormitory is for students, so it is sensitive to safety. There are safety measures such as access control systems and management staff to provide students with a safer residential environment.
Weakness
1) a time limit
For safety reasons, some dormitories have access control systems or administrative staff, which restrict access time control or exchange of rooms in other rooms.
2) Real Korean Residential Life Experience Difficulties
It may be difficult to experience the actual residential culture of Korea because students live in dormitories for convenience more than actual Koreans, right?
3) the difficulty of long-term residence
Usually, when you move into a dormitory, you move in with a fixed period of time. Even if you move in by semester, you can move in for up to one year in the long term.
1-2. lodging
Good points
1) a large space
If you board a room, you are usually more likely to use one room alone, so you can enjoy a large amount of personal space. It may be suitable for people who have difficulty sleeping and living with others.
2) independence
As I live alone in a room, I can decorate my room independently by decorating and living patterns according to my taste!
3) freedom
Since I live in my room independently, there is no specific access time, so I can use my time more freely.
4) Experience of Residential Culture in Korea
If you actually live with your Korean family, you can directly experience the residential life in Korea.
5) Long-term cost savings
You have to pay more, but if you plan to live in Korea for a long time, the rent may be cheaper in the long run. This is because dormitories are usually charged on a semester basis!
Weakness
1) short-term cost burden
If you stay in Korea for a short period of time, the monthly rent that you have to pay for a short period of time can be a little burdensome. It’s not suitable if you want a reasonable price.
2) the burden of being alone
The Korean family members who live together can help, but there may be many situations where you have to solve a problem alone rather than a dormitory that is already equipped.
2. Considerations when choosing accommodation for international students in Korea
1) a budget
You can decide on accommodation suitable for individuals according to your budget.
2) a personal need for housing
Considering individual tastes, lifestyle, and desire for Korean life, you should first choose an accommodation that is suitable for you.
3) Location and transportation
It’s the most important thing. For example, if you want to board, but there is no place to board near the school, you have no choice but to choose a dormitory. Therefore, each accommodation should decide on a convenient place to live considering its location and transportation.
Today, we looked at the advantages and disadvantages of dormitories and boarding houses for foreign students in Korea and even considerations when choosing accommodation. Individuals’ desire to study abroad in Korea will vary from person to person. The most important thing is to choose your residence according to your situation. I will end this posting by cheering for your life in Korea!