For students, securing an internship in another city is an exciting opportunity for professional growth and new experiences. After accepting the internship, students will need to determine where they will live, how they will get to work, and how they will manage the costs of living away from home.
Career advisors can help students prepare for internship relocation with this easy checklist:
Research and Planning
☐ Discuss the practical realities of relocating with students, including the area's neighborhoods, climate, culture, and cost of living
- Tip: Recommend the city’s tourism or visitor website as a starting point for learning about the area
☐ Work with students to establish a budget
☐ Talk through where students could live in relation to their internship and what type of commute would be manageable
☐ Point students toward reliable housing resources, like InternHousingHub.com and options in their internship location
Searching and Applying for Internship Housing
☐ Help students evaluate which housing arrangement fits their internship timeline, such as university intern housing, short-term apartments, subleases, shared housing, or vacation rentals
☐ Have students compare potential housing based on total cost, location, transportation, lease terms, and included amenities
☐ Emphasize the importance of beginning the housing search well before the internship starts
- Tip: The busiest intern housing booking season is March-May, so an early search gives students more opportunities to compare accommodations
☐ Remind students to clarify deposits, cancellation policies, furnishings, utilities, and additional fees before committing
Securing Intern Housing
☐ Advise students to review their housing agreement carefully and make sure they understand their responsibilities
☐ Make sure students have confirmed their move-in and move-out dates and know how they will access the property
☐ If students will have roommates, encourage them to establish communication before arriving
- Tip: Suggest that students exchange contact information and introduce themselves virtually before moving in
Financial Preparation
☐ Revisit the student's financial plan after they have selected their housing and know the actual cost
☐ Make sure students account for one-time expenses such as deposits and relocation costs in addition to their regular monthly expenses
☐ Help students identify potential sources of financial assistance, including housing stipends, scholarships, student discounts, or employer support
Transportation Planning
☐ Help students develop a transportation plan for both relocating to their internship city and getting to work each day
- Tip: Have students compare driving, public transportation, walking, and other options while considering parking and transportation costs
☐ Encourage students to familiarize themselves with their commute before the internship begins
Moving and Living Essentials
☐ Encourage students to create a packing or purchasing list based on the length and type of their stay
☐ Remind students to bring essential documents, professional clothing, personal necessities, and items that will help them feel comfortable in a new environment
☐ Discuss how students will handle mail and packages while they are away from campus
Professional Preparation
☐ Use the housing conversation as an opportunity to discuss how students can prepare for their new workplace and community
☐ Help students identify specific skills, experiences, and professional goals they want to pursue during the internship
☐ Talk through how their housing, commute, and daily routine could affect their ability to be prepared and punctual at work
☐ Remind students that they can contact the career center if an unexpected housing or relocation issue affects their internship
By helping students address housing and relocation details early, career advisors can assist students in some of the practical barriers that come with pursuing an internship away from home. A successful internship experience starts before the student’s first day at work. When students have a realistic housing plan, manageable budget, and reliable transportation, they can focus more fully on learning, building professional relationships, and making the most of their internship experience.