If you are placed with an AWA employer that provides housing, please look for housing details in your job offer. Should you miss a flight, arrive on a holiday or when your employer is closed, you may need to make your own temporary arrangements. Travel with enough money to pay for several nights in a hotel. AWA cannot provide emergency loans for housing, travel, etc. If you fail to submit travel information to AWA, you may need to live in and pay for similar temporary housing until your employer is able to make arrangements for you. Unexpected arrivals can be very costly.

You can look for affordable temporary accommodations at www.hostels.com, www.hotels.com, and www.kayak.com

If you will need temporary accommodations, you should make reservations prior to leaving your home country. Reservations made on the same day as check in are often more expensive and you could end up stuck without a place to sleep. Please plan ahead.

If you are a Self Placed Student or if your AWA employer does not provide housing, websites like www.craigslist.org, www.rent.com, and www.roomates.com can help you find available long term housing. You may also ask hotels and motels if they offer weekly or monthly rates. To save on rent, you can post a flyer at your job location asking for roommates. Make sure to ask permission before posting any public notices.

When looking for housing, make sure you are near your job and/or have access to public transportation. Look for safe, easy to access locations as you may be frequently coming and going after dark.

If your employer has pre-arranged your housing, it may seem like they are overcharging you when locals tell you what their rent is. Rent is generally higher when you require a short term lease and apartments in the US usually come without furniture and utilities. By providing apartments that are ready for you to live in upon arrival, the costs for these additional services are factored into your rent payments, causing the total amount to go up. Keep in mind the benefits you are getting before assuming that you are being taken advantage of. The price will also be higher if services like transportation to and from work are included.