Incoming International Students

Housing & Personal Needs

Housing

Although LBCC does not have on-campus housing, we do partner with homestay companies which offer host family housing options for students. There are also many options for apartment and house rentals in Albany and Corvallis.

Homestay Options 

Host families provide a room for rent, which includes some meals and additional support. This can be a great option for students who need a place to stay when they first arrive. To request a homestay referral, please click on the links below.

Apartment and House Rentals

Online websites to search for apartments and houses for rent in Albany and Corvallis:

Useful Tips:

  • Plan ahead: Begin your search several months ahead of time.
  • Length of lease: Six months to one year, or monthly contracts. Longer contracts may have a discount, but renters must not move before the contract ends or may be charged a fee.
  • Read the contract: It is important to understand the housing contract or agreement before signing or making any formal commitment.
  • Safety: Check the safety features of your apartment, such as secure door entry, security personnel, or CCTV in communal areas. 
  • Deposit: Normally require a deposit of two months rent. Some of the deposit may be returned 30 days after the move-out date if the property is in the same condition as when you began your lease. You may not receive the full deposit refund if items need to be cleaned or fixed in the apartment.
  • Utility bills: Check with the landlord about garbage collection, water and electricity costs. They may or may not be included. If not included, you must subscribe and pay separately for the service.
  • Additional fees: Watch out for additional fees. Examples: parking spaces, laundry facilities, or concierge services may cost extra.
  • Appliances: Most apartments are equipped with kitchen appliances such as a stove, refrigerator,  microwave, and dishwasher. Some apartments also offer a clothes washing machine and dryer in the unit, while some offer washing machines and dryers in a shared space or common use building.
  • Furniture: Some apartments come fully furnished, which includes bed, sofa, and dining table. Most apartments are not furnished, and renters must purchase their furnishings.
  • Amenities: Some apartment complexes include amenities such as pools or gyms.
Optional Supplies

Suggested items you may need to purchase after your arrival:

  • Items to purchase for your housing:
    • Bedding: sheets, blanket, comforter, pillows
    • Kitchen: pans, pots, plates, utensils, rice cooker, cups
    • Furniture: 
      • Bedroom: Bed frame, mattress
      • Living room: Couch or sofa, chair, TV
      • Laundry: laundry basket. If the apartment does not have a washing machine and dryer, an alternative would be coin laundry or laundromat.
    • Sets of towels for both kitchen and bath
  • Items to purchase for college study
    • Desk and chair
    • Desk lamp
    • Laptop computer
    • Office supplies: paper, pens, binders
Housing Rights

Landlords and property managers must follow rental laws including how they talk with you, how quickly they must fix things in your apartment, if they can enter your apartment while you are living there, and more. Sometimes they do not follow some laws. It is important for you to know your rights as a renter.

If you believe you are being treated unfairly, or just want to learn more about your housing rights, please contact the Oregon Community Alliance of Tenants or contact LBCC at Roadrunner Resource Center.

 

Transportation

As an LBCC student you can ride the Linn-Benton Loop bus between Corvallis and Albany at no cost.

If you plan to drive your own car, check into LBCC’s Parking Rules. Parking on campus is free. If you do plan to drive, it is a good idea to register your car through the Public Safety Office in RCH 119. 

You must obtain an Oregon Driver's License to drive while studying at LBCC. You will need to take a written test as well as a driving test in order to get your license. As rules in Oregon differ from other states within the U.S. as well as countries around the world, we advise you to learn about safe driving in Oregon through the DMV website. You can also learn about what to expect when you visit the DMV by checking out this SAVE Fact Sheet.

Food & Dining

As you become familiar with Albany and Corvallis, you can find many restaurants and cafés through sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp. Or, you can cook your own food by visiting a local grocery store in your neighborhood. We advise students to find the places they like that fit within their personal budgets. If you need recommendations and support, stop by the International Programs office to meet with an advisor or international peer ambassador.

Banking

Opening a checking account here in the U.S. will make it easier for you to manage payments and get cash when you need it. As you work to open the account, make sure to ask questions. For example, do you have a monthly fee for the account? Learn more about how to open a U.S. bank account.

Cell Phones

You may want to invest in a local cell phone while you're studying in the States. Cell phone carrier prices and coverage vary; you may want to check with friends or other international students to see which providers they like. Some of the primary carriers in the region include AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. You may also want to connect with your peers through free apps including LINE, Viber, WeChat, or WhatsApp. And don't forget to download our LBLive app to connect with other students!