Homestay
The option of homestay is ideal for students who prefer to live with an American family. Staying with an American family will not only help students improve their English skills, but will also provide them with the ability to experience American culture on a first–hand basis.
VIU recommends Just like Home, a local organization that specializes in homestay arrangements. They are designed to make our students feel at home when they have to be away from home. Benefits of the homestay option often include:
- Private bedroom
- Private or shared bath
- Internet access
- Access to television and telephone
- Safe and clean home environment
- Laundry facility in the home
- Study and quiet areas
- Convenient and reliable public transportation (30-60 minute commute)
- Neighborhood tour and orientation
- Three meal plan options: (Bed & Breakfast, Deluxe and Supreme)
Rates:
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Options
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What's Included
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Rate per (4-week)
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Rate per day
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Bed & Breakfast
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Includes breakfast 7 days per week.
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$775
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$38
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Deluxe
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Includes breakfast 7 days per week and dinner 4 days per week (Monday through Thursday).
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$900
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$46
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Supreme
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Includes breakfast and dinner 7 days per week.
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$975
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$51
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Just Like Home requires that a $195 registration fee (non-refundable) be paid to their organization at the time of placement. This fee is paid directly to Just Like Home.
Click here to apply for Homestay.
Roommate/Shared Housing
For students seeking a more independent alternative to a host family, shared housing is an ideal choice. Roommate and shared housing options include townhouses and single-family homes. Kitchen privileges are usually included in these arrangements. Rates range from $500 - $1,000 a month per person.
If you require help in finding shared housing, please fax (703-591-7048) or email
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with an Accommodation Assistance Request Form no later than 1 month prior to the beginning of the semester for which you are enrolling. The Office of Student Affairs will search for options in the area on your behalf and send you any necessary information.
Hotels
We understand that many students may want to get to know the area before deciding where they want to live. For these students, we recommend the hotel option.
The hotels listed here have special rates for VIU students. The Office of Student Affairs can help you to make reservations in these hotels, which are only a few blocks away from VIU’s Campus.
The hotels have many amenities, including free breakfast, wireless internet, an exercise room, and an indoor heated swimming pool.
Comfort Inn University Center
11180 Fairfax Blvd , Fairfax, VA, US, 22030
Phone: (703) 591-5900 Fax: (703) 591-3507
The rate per room is $69/ night, and each room can accommodate up to four people.
Spring Hill Suites
11191 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703.691.7880 Fax: 703.691.7884
The rate per room is $89/ night, and each room can accommodate up to four people.
Courtyard Marriott
11220 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax, VA 22030
Phone: 703.273.6161 Fax: 703.279.3505
The rate per room is $134/ night, and each room can accommodate up to four people.
* Based on availability of rooms and students. Please email
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to ask for VIU rate code.
Apartments
For students who prefer renting apartments, it can be done individually or as a group. Apartment rental information is available upon request from the Office of Student Affairs. Please remember that you will be renting the apartment independently and you will sign a lease directly with the property owner. VIU will not be involved in this process in any way.
Please be aware that monthly rent in this area tends to be much higher than what you may be accustomed to. Monthly rental rates range from $1,200 - $1,500 for a one bedroom apartment. Studio apartments average $1,000 a month. Renting terms range from 3 months to 1 year.
If you require roommates, we will try our best to find students who will share a room with you, but with no preference of race, religion, or ethnicity. The security deposit, rent, and utility bills will be divided among the occupants of the apartment.
Most apartments require you to submit a copy of your passport, I-20 form, and a Statement of Financial Support. All documents have to be submitted together to the apartment complex along with the required contracts and applications needed to reserve the apartment.
Below are various websites that you should explore when looking for apartment options in the local community. Virginia International University is not responsible for any problems or circumstances that you may have when renting properties listed below.
Airport Pickup
For new student’s arriving to the U.S. for the first time, VIU recommends that students use the Super Shuttle service that is available at the local airports in the Washington, DC/Metro area. Please contact us if you would like additional assistance or explanation, or if you would like to be informed of alternative transportation options.
How to schedule your airport pick-up
To reserve a Super Shuttle, please contact them by phone or visit their website.
Phone: 1(800)BLUEVAN
Website: www.supershuttle.com
Payment:
Pick up costs $29 - $64. Payment will be made by the student at the ticket counter.
To reserve your airport pick-up with Super Shuttle, you will need to provide the following information:
- First and Last name
- Airport where you will be arriving
- Date/ time you will be arriving
- Airline company
- Flight number
- Number of bags
- Destination address
How to find the Super Shuttle in the airport:
Reagan (DCA):
Upon arrival, and after collecting your luggage, proceed to the SuperShuttle ticket counters located in Terminal B and C baggage claim area located next to doors 4 and 9. Ticket counters are open daily from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Guests arriving in Terminal A should proceed outside to the SuperShuttle loading area immediately outside the Terminal A door. (Outside of regular hours please call 800-258-3826 for assistance.)
Dulles (IAD):
Upon arrival at Dulles IAD Airport, and after collecting your luggage, proceed to the SuperShuttle Dulles ticket counters, located on the lower level just before the East and West exits. After you purchase a ticket the shuttle service representative will escort you to the loading areas at 1D and 1E. SuperShuttle Representatives are on site from 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM daily. Outside of these hours please call 800-258-3826 for assistance at IAD Airport.
Baltimore (BWI):
After you claim your luggage at BWI, please proceed to one of the two BWI Shuttle ticket counters - both located on the lower level baggage claim area at BWI airport. One BWI shuttle ticket counter is near baggage claim #1 (Southwest Airlines Terminal – Concourse A) and the other BWI shuttle Ticket counter is near baggage claim #10 (Concourse C). The BWI Shuttle ticket counters are open between the hours of 6:00 AM and 2:00 AM. When counters are closed, please call (800) 258-3826 for information or to arrange service.
