As hundreds of U.S. schools begin to expand their recruitment strategies overseas, student housing has become a vital consideration—especially for students attending college thousands of miles away from home. But while dorms and on-campus apartments offer increasingly attractive amenities for international and domestic students alike, what do you do if you find yourself with no place to stay during a temporary dorm closing?

Know Your Schedule
From the time you arrive on campus, it is important to know exactly what days your campus will close during the academic term. Moreover, talk to your resident assistant (RA) or a representative from the office of international student affairs about which closings will require you to find alternate accommodations. Some residence halls stay open during breaks, but if yours isn't one of them, you'll need to have a plan. Give yourself time to consider your options and make arrangements.

Talk to Friends and Classmates
The next step is to let your friends and close classmates know about your situation. Campus faculty members are usually especially sensitive to the needs of international students living abroad, and many are happy to help students with temporary housing solutions. Additionally, start talking to other international students about their plans—dorm mates often stick together during breaks, so asking around could yield some fun holiday invites

Other Options
Don't worry if it's getting close to the break and you still don't know where you'll stay—think of it as an adventure rather than an inconvenience. For example, many students consider holidays and breaks the perfect time to organize a cost-friendly road trip to one of the United States' many fantastic cities. If you've always wanted to see the beach or ski the mountains, start planning your trip well in advance to get the best deals. If going away isn't possible, consider low-cost hostels and motels nearby. Most of these amenities range in price from $15 to $75 per night, and some even offer a discount for students. Additionally, students with private apartments sometimes rent to fellow students over longer breaks if they've made travel plans. Your campus's student union or other communal areas are a good place to find temporary rental notices.

Managing Your Stuff
If you are asked to take your belongings with you during holiday dorm closures, look into briefly storing them with friends, or ask your international advisor for help in securing an inexpensive storage unit until classes reconvene.