Study Abroad

The top five questions from students preparing to study abroad: 

1. I only need housing for a semester. What are my housing options?  

   • A single-semester on-campus housing assignment 

   • A single semester off-campus sublet 

   • Negotiate a short-term lease 

   • Sign a one year lease and attempt to sublet (for the semester abroad) 

   • Sign a one year lease and pay the rent for the entire lease (including time abroad) 

2. Where/when do I search for housing?  

   • Where? Online Search, www.housingsolutions.com, www.ithacarents.com in the Cornell Daily Sun, by word of mouth or by visiting during open house events. 

   • When? This depends on your needs. Many variables influence when you “should” seek housing. Those may include your arrival date/time, rental availability dates, length of time you will need to rent, length of time rentals are available, your budget, distance to campus, etc. 

3. I signed a 12-month lease. Can I sublet my apartment to another tenant? Read your lease and discuss this option with your landlord and your housemates. 

4. Are there risks associated with subletting? How can I minimize risk? Yes, there are risks and though they cannot be eliminated, they can be minimized.  

5. Is there any way I can determine how compatible I will be/my subtenant will be with other housemates? Our compatibility questionnaire may be a helpful guide.

Tips and strategies for finding and securing single-semester housing and identifying subtenants 

• Join the Off-Campus Living list serve 

• Regularly browse the Off-Campus Housing Listing online database, and other internet-based sources of information

• Consider compatibility with future housemates 

• Develop a sublet contract  

• Review the Off-Campus Living materials regarding subletting and short-term housing