Trusted International Student Homestays Since 1998
For over 27 years, USH has provided a supportive "soft landing" for students arriving in the U.S. We bridge the gap between world-class education and welcoming American homes through a human-led, personally verified matching process.
Built from Experience, Driven by Mission
In 1998, finding verified housing from abroad was nearly impossible, leaving students vulnerable to uncertainty. Decades later, the landscape has changed, but the risk remains the same. While many modern platforms offer thousands of unverified listings, most never step foot in the homes they advertise. Students are often left to navigate a sea of digital photos and "self-reported" information, leading to high-cost mistakes and a lack of support when it's needed most.
We started USH to change that. We believe that an international student's focus should be on their education, not the stress of unverified housing. We are one of the few companies that still prioritizes the "Human Standard" — personally visiting every home, meeting every host, and hand-selecting every match.
Nearly 30 years later, that mission has not changed. We remain a human-led company dedicated to providing the same high-quality vetting and support we would want for our own family.
What makes us different
27+ Years of Expertise
Since 1998, we have specialized exclusively in international student housing. We understand the unique needs of students, parents, overseas agents, and our campus partners, making the transition to the U.S. seamless and reliable for everyone involved.
100% In-Person Verification
We do not rely on stock photos or self-reported listings. A USH coordinator visits every home in person to interview the host and inspect the accommodations. This rigorous vetting process ensures that every placement meets our high-quality standards before a student ever arrives.
Human-Led Matching
We believe the best matches are made by people, not algorithms. Our placement team hand-selects host families based on specific lifestyle preferences, school location, and commute needs, providing a personalized experience that automated platforms simply cannot match.
Personal Support & Satisfaction
Our commitment to our partners and students continues long after move-in. We offer a 72-hour satisfaction guarantee to ensure every student feels at home, backed by a professional team that monitors and responds to inquiries to ensure every housing need is addressed as quickly as possible.
Meet the Team
USH is built by professionals who personally understand the journey of studying abroad. We are dedicated to providing every student with a high-quality homestay experience that fosters cultural exchange and meaningful relationships while they study in the U.S.
Founded USH in 1998. Leads strategic growth and 270+ university partnerships nationwide.
Manages the "USH Standard" of quality, housing logistics, and student-host matching.
Coordinates the student experience, providing professional support for hosts and students.
Assists with marketing initiatives, designing the media and brand materials for USH.
Our Advisors
Our advisors work to continuously improve the USH experience, providing the strategic guidance needed to ensure our housing and student support remain the leader in quality and reliability across the U.S.
Trusted by schools, agencies, and universities worldwide
We work with 270+ partner institutions across the United States and 700+ overseas agencies in more than 50 countries.
UCLA
UC Berkeley
UC San Diego
UC Irvine
UC Riverside
Arizona State Univ.
Santa Monica College
Miami Dade College
Miami University
San Diego State Univ.
San Jose State Univ.
Diablo Valley College
NY Film Academy
ArtCenterUCLAUC BerkeleyUC San DiegoUC IrvineUC RiversideArizona State Univ.Santa Monica CollegeMiami Dade CollegeMiami UniversitySan Diego State Univ.San Jose State Univ.Diablo Valley CollegeNY Film AcademyArtCenterU.S. Partner Schools
Including UCLA, UC Berkeley, ASU, Santa Monica College, Miami Dade College, and many others.
Overseas Agencies
We partner with agencies across more than 50 countries, connecting international students with verified homestay placements.
Students Served
We have had the privilege of helping over 19,000 international students explore their housing options, providing the human connection and quality standards they deserve.
What our partners and students say about USH
“We have been working with Universal Student Housing for over 15 years and have enjoyed a highly productive working relationship. USH staff go out of their way to meet our as well as our students’ needs, and we can always count on them to respond quickly to our calls and e-mails. We’re grateful for their help, and we wish them many more years of success.”
“We deeply value our partnership with USH. Emerson and his team are responsive, friendly, and service-oriented, running a high-quality homestay program that our students and partners consistently praise. They truly feel like an extension of our own team.”
“It has been a pleasure working with Universal Student Housing over the last several years. Their professionalism and care consistently stand out when helping our International Students secure housing. The team is responsive, organized, and dedicated to helping the students find a place to live.”
“I stayed a full year and it went by fast in the best way. My host family was warm and genuinely welcoming and I never felt like a guest. It made being so far from home a lot easier.”
“I had a very positive experience in my homestay. The host family was kind and welcoming, and I felt comfortable from the first day. It was a great way to live while studying at UCLA!”
“Living in Westwood was the best choice for my studies! I was just a few minutes’ walk from the UCLA campus, supermarkets, and restaurants in Westwood Village. My host family was so welcoming, and I loved being surrounded by students from all over the world while experiencing the local culture.”
“I am so happy with my host! She takes me shopping every week and we even cook dinner together. I love learning how to cook Western dishes and she always helps me correct my pronunciation and teach me new words. I feel so lucky that USH found such a good homestay for me!”
“I am so thankful for my host family. They were incredibly kind and helped me adjust to life in a new country. It truly felt like a home away from home!”
Host families located near your campus
We place students with host families in five states, always close to major schools, colleges, and universities, and within reach of public transportation.
Southern California
Northern California
Arizona
Florida
New York
Looking for a homestay partner?
USH supports 270+ partner schools and 700+ overseas agents with high-quality, vetted housing across the United States. If you are a school or agency seeking an established partner for your students, contact us today to start the conversation.
Contact Our Team →Are you a welcoming family looking to host an international student?
Join a community of host families across the United States who open their homes to international students and help them feel at home in America.
Become a Host →Ready to find your host family?
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