From accommodation to means of transportation, you will need to get yourself sorted out for a hassle-free daily life in Bali, especially if you are a student. Keep in mind that many young foreigners have successfully settled and adapted quickly to the Bali lifestyle.
Student accommodation in Bali
In 2022, Indonesian universities welcomed approximately 6,000 international students, many of whom opted to settle in Bali. Given the large number of students on the island, accommodation will not be a problem, regardless of your budget, needs and desires.
For a budget-friendly solution, look into kosts, like many Indonesian students do. These are smaller and less equipped accommodations than a regular studio, that basically come up to IDR 300,000 (around 20 USD) per month for the cheapest ones. But if you are willing to pay a little extra (up to 45 USD per month), you might as well enjoy your own private bathroom. Else, you could just opt for a shared bathroom or for a more "luxurious" kost with a small kitchenette, private bathroom, office area and sometimes a shared pool. For the latter, you should expect to pay up to US$210 per month. Kosts are usually located close to universities.
Alternatively, you can choose to stay at a local's home. This is another cost-effective option and, above all, an excellent way to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. In exchange, you will naturally have to respect the customs and rules of your hosts. For example, it would be inappropriate to party all night and come home late, especially if you are a girl student!
Shared accommodation is probably the preferred option for international students in Bali, who often choose to rent a villa together. In such a scheme, the costs are shared. It is worth mentioning that this type of accommodation is usually rented with a cleaning lady and a gardener. To easily find such accommodation and roommates, rely on organizations such as Study in Bali, which help students find suitable accommodation.
Whatever your choice, it is always advisable to stay close to the university not only for transportation reasons but also to take advantage of the many special student deals that can be available (restaurants, stores or fairs located near the university).
Student discounts in Bali
Even though Bali and Indonesia generally do not have any special discount cards for students, many establishments practice "harga mahasiswa" or "student prices". In order to take advantage of this, it is best to hang out near the universities, to eat, for instance.
In case you are a passionate traveler and want to discover Bali in your free time, why not organize group trips with other students? This is a great way to explore the country, while expanding your circle of friends locally. That said, it's worth mentioning that Study In Bali provides special prices through partnerships with tour operators.
Good to know:
In addition to assistance with finding housing or travel, Study in Bali provides services for bike rentals, boat trip discounts, etc.
Since most student exchange programs are offered to Western students, you will probably have foreign colleagues! Don't let that stop you from getting to know your local counterparts, for example, by joining clubs or associations at your university.
This will allow you to take full advantage of your expatriation experience, to get better acquainted with a country you don't know very well yet, learn its culture, and improve your skills!
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