Best Student Accommodation in Malaysia: Complete Housing Guide 2025

Finding Your Home in Malaysia

Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for your student experience. The right living environment can enhance your studies, social life, and overall well-being. This guide will help you navigate all your options.

Types of Student Accommodation

1. University Hostels (On-Campus)

University-provided accommodation is often the most convenient and affordable option.

Advantages:

• Close to classes and facilities
• All-inclusive pricing (utilities included)
• Safe and secure environment
• Easy to make friends
• Academic support nearby
• No transportation costs

Disadvantages:

• Limited privacy
• Strict rules and curfews
• Shared facilities
• Room allocation may vary
• May be far from city center

Types of University Hostels:

Type

Description

Price Range (MYR/month)

Single Room	Private room, shared bathroom	400 - 800
Twin Sharing	Share with one roommate	200 - 400
Quad Sharing	Share with three others	150 - 300
Suite	Private bathroom	600 - 1,200

2. Private Student Hostels

Private companies operate hostels near university campuses.

Popular Options:

• Hostelworld
• COVA Hostel
• iStay
• Urban Living

Advantages:

• Modern facilities
• Flexible contract terms
• Social activities organized
• Better amenities
• More freedom

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than university hostels
• May require advance booking
• Variable quality

Price Range: MYR 500 - 1,500/month

3. Renting a Room

Renting a room in a shared house or apartment is popular among students.

Types:

• Master Room: Largest room with private bathroom
• Medium Room: Mid-sized with shared bathroom
• Single Room: Smallest, most affordable

Typical Prices:

Room Type

Kuala Lumpur

Shah Alam

Penang

Master	800 - 1,500	600 - 1,000	600 - 1,000
Medium	500 - 900	400 - 700	400 - 700
Single	400 - 700	300 - 500	300 - 500

4. Renting an Apartment

For those wanting more independence, renting a full apartment is an option.

Types:

• Studio: Single room with kitchenette
• 1-Bedroom: Separate bedroom and living area
• 2-3 Bedroom: Suitable for sharing with friends

Monthly Rental by Area:

Area

Studio

1-Bedroom

2-Bedroom

KL City Center	1,800 - 3,000	2,200 - 4,000	3,000 - 6,000
Petaling Jaya	1,200 - 2,000	1,500 - 2,500	2,000 - 3,500
Shah Alam	800 - 1,500	1,000 - 1,800	1,500 - 2,500
Subang	1,000 - 1,800	1,300 - 2,200	1,800 - 3,000
Cyberjaya	700 - 1,300	1,000 - 1,600	1,400 - 2,200

5. Homestay

Living with a Malaysian family provides a unique cultural experience.

Advantages:

• Cultural immersion
• Home-cooked meals often included
• Family support
• Safe environment
• Language practice

Disadvantages:

• Less independence
• Family rules to follow
• May be far from campus
• Limited privacy

Price Range: MYR 1,000 - 2,000/month (often includes meals)

Finding Accommodation

Online Platforms

Property Websites:

• iProperty.com.my
• PropertyGuru.com.my
• Mudah.my
• EdgeProp.my

Student-Specific:

• Hostelhunter.com
• RoomRental.my
• Spotahome

Social Media:

• Facebook groups (e.g., "KL Room for Rent")
• University student groups
• WhatsApp community groups

Tips for Online Searching

Start early: 2-3 months before arrival

Use multiple platforms: Compare options

Filter by budget: Set realistic limits

Check location: Proximity to campus

Read reviews: Previous tenant feedback

Verify listings: Scams exist online

Viewing Properties

Before Viewing:

• Confirm the address and meeting point
• Go with a friend if possible
• Prepare questions to ask
• Check transportation options

During Viewing:

• Inspect all rooms and facilities
• Test water pressure and electrical outlets
• Check for signs of pests or damage
• Ask about maintenance procedures
• Understand all costs involved

Questions to Ask:

• What's included in the rent?
• How long is the lease?
• What's the deposit amount?
• Are utilities included?
• What are the house rules?
• Is there a maintenance contact?

Understanding Rental Contracts

Key Terms

Deposit Structure:

• Security Deposit: Usually 2 months rent
• Utility Deposit: 0.5 - 1 month rent
• Advance Rent: 1 month rent

Total Upfront Cost: 3.5 - 4 months rent Contract Duration:

• Minimum: 6 months (typically)
• Standard: 12 months
• Some offer month-to-month (at premium)

Important Contract Points

Termination clause: How to end the lease

Renewal terms: Options for extending

Maintenance responsibilities: Who pays for what

Subletting policy: Can you share with others?

Modification rules: Decorating limits

Pet policy: If applicable

Accommodation by University Location

Kuala Lumpur Area

Universities: UM, UCSI, Taylor's, APU Popular Areas:

• Bangsar: Trendy, near UM
• Cheras: Affordable, near UCSI
• Subang: Near Taylor's
• Bukit Jalil: Near APU

Shah Alam/Klang Area

Universities: UiTM, UNISEL Popular Areas:

• Section 7: Near UiTM main campus
• Setia Alam: Newer developments
• Klang: More affordable options

Penang

Universities: USM, UTAR, Han Chiang Popular Areas:

• Gelugor: Near USM
• Kampar: Near UTAR
• George Town: Cultural hub

Johor Bahru

Universities: UTM, UMT Popular Areas:

• Skudai: Near UTM
• Iskandar Puteri: Modern developments
• JB City: Urban convenience

Money-Saving Tips

Reduce Accommodation Costs

Share with roommates: Split costs 2-4 ways

Choose outer areas: Slightly farther but cheaper

Negotiate rent: Especially for longer leases

University hostels: Most affordable option

Off-peak timing: Avoid semester start rush

Save on Utilities

Use fans over AC: Significant savings

Shorter showers: Reduce water bills

Unplug devices: When not in use

Natural lighting: Use during daytime

Shared internet: Split with housemates

Safety Considerations

Choosing Safe Accommodation

Look For:

• Gated and guarded compounds
• CCTV surveillance
• Well-lit common areas
• Working locks on all doors/windows
• Fire safety equipment
• Security personnel

Avoid:

• Isolated locations
• Buildings with poor maintenance
• Areas with high crime reports
• Unlicensed landlords

Personal Safety Tips

Share your location: With friends/family

Know emergency numbers: 999 (police), 994 (fire)

Lock doors always: Even when home

Keep valuables secure: Use a safe if possible

Know your neighbors: Build a support network

Checklist Before Moving In

Documents:

• [ ] Signed tenancy agreement
• [ ] Receipt for deposits paid
• [ ] Inventory list with photos
• [ ] Landlord/agent contact details
• [ ] Emergency contacts

Utilities Setup:

• [ ] Electricity account transfer
• [ ] Water account setup
• [ ] Internet installation scheduled
• [ ] Gas supply (if applicable)

Essentials to Bring:

• [ ] Bedding (mattress often provided)
• [ ] Toiletries
• [ ] Basic kitchen items
• [ ] Cleaning supplies
• [ ] First aid kit

Conclusion

Finding the right accommodation takes time and research, but it's worth the effort. Whether you choose a university hostel for convenience, a shared apartment for independence, or a homestay for cultural immersion, Malaysia offers options for every budget and preference.

Need help finding accommodation? [Contact our team](/contact) for personalized recommendations based on your university and budget.