Finding somewhere to live in a country you have not arrived in yet is one of the most stressful parts of studying abroad. You cannot walk through the door, you are often paying before you see the keys, and accommodation scams specifically target international students. This guide explains how to tell a trustworthy listing from a risky one.
What 'verified' should actually mean
A genuine listing is more than a nice set of photos: it has a real provider behind it, clear terms and current details. On NestAbroad, property details come from the accommodation provider, and anything the provider hasn't supplied is shown as "Not yet provided" rather than guessed. Availability is confirmed with the provider before any booking is confirmed.
- The provider and their responsibilities are clearly named
- Contract dates, room type and monthly price are shown up front
- Supplier-specific terms and cancellation information appear before you request
- Availability has been checked recently, not months ago
Red flags of a scam listing
Wherever you search, watch for these warning signs. Any one of them is a reason to slow down and verify before parting with money.
- Pressure to pay a large lump sum immediately to 'hold' the room
- A landlord who cannot do a video call or refuses to confirm the exact address
- Payment requested to a personal account or by an untraceable method
- A price that is far below everything comparable in the same area
- No written contract, or terms that change after you have paid
How to compare your options
Once you have a shortlist, compare on the things that affect your daily life and your budget: total monthly cost including any fees, distance and travel time to your campus, contract length against your term dates, and what is included (bills, internet, furniture). NestAbroad shows these details side by side for the properties you're considering, so you are comparing like for like — and marks anything a provider hasn't supplied.
Before you request a booking
Read the supplier's terms and cancellation policy, check the contract dates line up with your arrival, and make sure any guarantor requirement is something you can meet. When you submit a request, it is captured as a versioned snapshot — later changes to the listing do not change the terms you agreed to.
