Relocating for an internship can involve several decisions that students may not have considered before accepting an opportunity. A student may know where they will work but still need to figure out where they will live, how they will get to work each day, and how much it will cost to spend a summer in a different city.
Career center professionals can help students prepare for these decisions before moving day. Providing students with practical guidance and encouraging them to plan early can help them feel more prepared for the transition and avoid common last-minute problems.
Encourage Students to Research Their Relocation City
Students should spend time learning about the area where they will be living before they relocate. Encourage them to research the neighborhoods, nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and other places they may regularly need.
Students should also look into the area's cost of living. Even if their internship provides a stipend or hourly pay, expenses can vary significantly between their college town and their internship location.
Encourage an Early Housing Search
Finding temporary housing can take time, particularly in areas with limited short-term options. Encourage students to begin researching housing as soon as they know they will be relocating.
Depending on their circumstances, students may want to consider:
- University intern housing
- Furnished short-term rentals
- Subleases
- Roommate arrangements
Remind students to review the details of any housing arrangement before committing. They should understand the lease length, cost, deposit requirements, included utilities, furnishings, and cancellation policies.
Help Students Think Through Their Commute
A housing option may seem affordable or convenient until a student considers how they will get to work every day. Encourage students to evaluate transportation before choosing where they will live.
Students should determine whether they will drive, use public transportation, walk, bike, or use another form of transportation. Those who drive should also account for parking availability and costs, traffic, and gas expenses.
If possible, students should identify their typical commute before their first day so they are not figuring out transportation while adjusting to a new workplace.
Help Students Create a Relocation Budget
Students may underestimate the additional costs that come with temporarily living somewhere new. Encourage them to create a budget that accounts for both their regular expenses and the one-time costs associated with relocating.
Their budget may include:
- Rent and security deposits
- Utilities and internet
- Groceries
- Transportation and parking
- Gas
- Household supplies
- Laundry
- Meals
- Travel to and from the internship location
- Emergency expenses
Students should also confirm when they will receive their first paycheck or stipend. Knowing how much money they will have available before their first payment can help them prepare for upfront expenses.
Remind Students to Prepare for Everyday Life
Students often focus on packing professional clothing and materials for their internship but may overlook what they need for the rest of their daily routine.
Encourage students to make a list of personal and household items they use regularly. Depending on their housing arrangement, this could include bedding, towels, toiletries, kitchen supplies, laundry supplies, medications, and other necessities.
Students should also check what their housing already provides. This can help them avoid bringing items they do not need while making sure they have everything required for their stay.
Encourage Students to Plan for Life Outside of Work
An internship relocation is not only a change in workplace. Students may also be spending several months away from their usual routines, friends, and support systems.
Encourage students to research activities and places they may enjoy in their new community. Finding a gym, park, library, coffee shop, community event, or other local activity can give students opportunities to establish a routine outside of work.
Students can also look for ways to connect with other interns, coworkers, or young professionals in the area.
Setting Students Up for Internship Success
A successful internship relocation depends on more than finding a place to stay. Students also need to consider how they will get to work, manage their expenses, maintain their daily routines, and handle unexpected challenges.
Career center professionals can help students work through these details before they leave campus. By raising these considerations during internship advising and preparation, career centers can help students approach relocation with a clearer plan and spend less time dealing with preventable logistical issues once their internship begins.
You can assist your students in their intern housing search by recommending InternHousingHub.com as a trusted housing directory to find university-based summer intern housing.