Arrival and Housing Information

Homestay

We strongly recommend homestay for the at least the first term for new international students. It is one of the quickest ways to improve your English language skills because you will have a family that is always available to talk with you as well as help you get to know the area. Our host families live all over the Salem-Keizer area and all live near a bus stop so that students can have easy transportation to the college. Homestay forms will be e-mailed to you once you have completed your application.

• Our homestay program costs $375 per month.
• Basic homestay does not include all meals; only one meal per week is included. Students cook meals on their own.
• We have a limited number of Homestay Plus families that do provide all meals for the student. Apply early if you rather have your host family prepare your meals! The cost is $500 and includes everything above plus meals.
• All homestays include all utilities and the internet.
• All homestays include a private bedroom with a bed and linens, desk, lamp, and shelves or drawers.
• You will most likely need to ride the bus to Chemeketa Community College; your family will help you understand the bus system and will ride with you the first time you take the bus.
• Once you are placed in a homestay we expect you to stay for the first term unless there are major problems. After the first term you may choose any housing option you would like.
• You will pay the first month rent at the Homestay Reception, and every month after on the same day.
• You will also need to bring a $200 deposit to give to your homestay family at the Homestay Reception.
• You should apply for homestay as soon as possible as we only have a limited number of families available and we cannot guarantee a homestay family placement.

Rooms for Rent, and Roommates

Some students prefer to live in an apartment rather than a homestay. This can be especially true for students who prefer a more independent lifestyle or who have already spent some time in the United States. Often, students wish to have a roommate for social or economic reasons. Finding an apartment and roommate is fairly easy once you are here. We do not find or match roommates for you, but if you wish to get started searching for one before you arrive, we may be able to help you advertise. We will e-mail you the necessary forms once you receive a visa.

Visit move.com to search for apartments in Salem and/or close to campus that meet your specific needs.

Temporary Housing

If you plan on moving into an apartment once you arrive, the process can take one or two weeks to complete. Therefore, students often choose to arrange a temporary homestay family while they finish securing their apartment, although some do choose to stay with friends in the area or at a local hotel which are also good options. If you wish to use our Temporary Housing Service please plan to arrive on the specified arrival dates and fill out the forms that will be e-mailed to you.

• Our Temporary Housing costs $250 and lasts for two weeks.
• It includes the meals for the first three days only.
• After the first three days students will prepare their own meals.
• All temporary housing includes all utilities and beds with linens.
• Temporary housing is not available for more than two weeks.