Safety is key

Besides the hardships in finding housing in different countries, safety is one of the main considerations for Chinese students, followed by location and price, according to an overseas student accommodation report by student.com.

As for Zhang, she says: "I suggest that a freshman should live on campus for the first year.

"As for single female students, it would be better to find a roommate instead of living alone."

In addition, colleges sometimes send out information.

Giving her take, Li says: "Location really matters."

Science Po is located a little far from where she lives.

"Some of my classmates lived in nearby cities, which were roughly a one-hour commute," Li says.

Liu emphasizes that finding good accommodation eases the culture shock.

"When I was in the United Kingdom, my roommates always hosted parties on the weekend. I am not the kind of person who socializes very much, so attending the parties helped me to immerse myself in the community," she says.

For a lot of Chinese students, studying abroad is the first time they are away from China or the first time they are living by themselves.

So, when faced with new languages and cultures, it can be quite challenging to adapt.

Nolan says that the notion of "student community" is vital.

Zhang Zefeng and Su Yingle contributed to the story.

Contact the writers through zhangzefeng@chinadaily.com.cn