Housing
When moving to a new country where you live will impact your life tremendously. Your considerations should include the distance to your KU department, where you will buy food, where will you have fun, will you be able to access public transportation, and will you be able to afford living there. If your family accompanies you, the number of variables increases.
Renter's Insurance
It is important to consider purchasing renter's insurance while in the United States. Generally, a landlord is not legally responsible for loss or damage to a renter's property. Also, if a renter causes damage to the landlord's property, even unintentionally, the landlord may have the right to hold the renter financially responsible. In both of these cases, renter's insurance would protect the renter from having to pay potentially very large amounts of money. There are many insurance companies, here are two:
On Campus or Off Campus
You need to know if you want to live on campus or close to campus. Unfortunately on-campus living options are very limited as they are designed for KU students. Please visit the On Campus section for more information. Almost all scholars/employees choose to live near campus.
Physically See the Property
Never pay money or sign a lease contact without physically viewing the property. This means that you will not find long-term housing until after your arrival. Your visa category might allow you to enter the U.S. early, if possible, we strongly recommend you do so to use that time find a place to live.
Location, Location, Location
Public transportation in Lawrence is limited to a bus system. It is designed to bring people to campus. This means that during the semester, Monday through Friday, buses are very frequent. However, on Saturday they are not as frequent and there is no bus service on Sundays. Many of our scholars/employees decide to live farther away from campus and take the bus to campus Monday through Friday and live within walking distance to grocery stores and recreation areas.
