Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know about homestay placements, pricing, and what to expect before you arrive.
General
A homestay is an opportunity to live with a local family while you study in the U.S. It includes a private, furnished room and provides a supportive environment to practice English and experience American culture in a home setting.
Universal Student Housing (USH) is a homestay provider specializing in international student placement with host families. Since 1998, we have over 27 years of experience matching students with high-quality housing near their schools.
We provide homestays in major educational hubs across the United States:
California: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco.
New York: New York City and surrounding areas.
Florida: Miami and nearby regions.
Arizona: Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale.
California: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco.
New York: New York City and surrounding areas.
Florida: Miami and nearby regions.
Arizona: Phoenix, Tempe, and Scottsdale.
We currently partner with over 270 colleges, universities, and language centers. You can view our list of schools and current pricing on our Prices and Schools page. If you do not see your school listed, please contact us; our team will check for possible homestays near your school.
Pricing & Payment
Homestay prices vary based on the region and the services you choose, such as a room with meals (breakfast and dinner) or a room-only plan. For current pricing, please visit our Prices and Schools page. Select the region where your school is located and click on your school's name to see updated rates.
The fees include a monthly stipend for your host family and one-time administrative costs, such as the application and placement fees. For a complete breakdown of all costs related to your specific location, please visit our Prices and Schools page and select your school.
Placement Process
Once your application is received, our housing coordinators review it. We will contact you if we need more information; otherwise, we start the matching process immediately. We look for a host family that matches your preferences and availability closest to your school.
When you apply with USH, our housing coordinators match you with a host family based on your preferences and school location. If you prefer to browse host profiles and select a specific home yourself, you can use our platform, HomestayMatch, to choose your host before you book.
Living in a Homestay
Every homestay includes a private, furnished bedroom with a bed, desk, and storage for your belongings. Utilities such as water, electricity, and high-speed WiFi are also included. Depending on the service you choose, daily meals (typically breakfast and dinner) may be provided. You will also have access to shared areas of the home, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
We offer a 72-Hour Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not satisfied within the first 72 hours of your stay, contact us and we will help you find a new host family. Additionally, if any issues arise during your stay, our team is available to provide guidance and support. If needed, we can facilitate a host family change to ensure you have a high-quality experience.
Yes. You can extend your stay as long as your host family has availability. We recommend notifying us at least 30 days before your current stay ends to secure your room. You may also book long-term for the full duration of your studies.
Safety & Verification
Every host family undergoes a screening process to ensure they meet our high-quality standards. This process includes an in-person home visit, a background check, and a detailed interview. We only approve families that are well-prepared to host international students and provide a supportive environment.
Please contact your assigned USH housing coordinator. For the fastest response, we ask that you email us at [email protected]. You can also reach our office by phone at 310 824 4908.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within one business day.