In short: most international students in Malaysia live in a university hall, in a residence their university lists, or in a room in a shared condominium near campus. The universities publish rents from a few hundred to about two thousand ringgit a month, depending on the area and whether you share. TJS Studysteps, our operations partner in Malaysia, arranges housing for our students and helps them settle in when they arrive.
Your three main options
University halls and residences
Many universities run halls on campus or manage residences close to it. They are the simplest choice for a first year: the university handles the contract, the room is furnished, and you live among other students. Each university sets its own rules on contracts, deposits and what the rent includes, so read its housing page before you book.
Residences the university lists
Some universities publish a list of private residences near campus, often with prices agreed for their students. You sign with the residence, not the university, but you know the university has listed it.
Shared condominiums
Many students move into a shared condominium unit after their first year: each student rents a room and shares the kitchen and living room. Contracts and deposits vary by landlord. Never pay a deposit before you have seen a written tenancy agreement.
What a room costs
Rent depends on the area and on whether you share. A twin-shared room costs each student less than a single room, and a studio costs the most. The table below the area guides shows the range the universities publish for each area. Some halls charge per semester or per contract rather than per month, and some add charges on top of rent: Heriot-Watt Malaysia's residence, for example, lists a tourism tax of RM 300 a month for foreign residents.
Rent is only part of the monthly budget. Each area guide also shows what the universities say food, transport and other daily costs come to.
Staying safe
- Live close to campus or a rail station, so you are not travelling late at night.
- Choose a building with security at the entrance and access cards for residents.
- Never send money to a landlord or agent you have not met, for a room that neither TJS nor the university has seen. Ask for a receipt for every payment.
- Keep a copy of your passport and student pass on your phone, and the original in a safe place.
- Save Malaysia's emergency number, 999, and the number of your TJS contact.
Halal food and mosques
Islam is Malaysia's official religion and most Malaysians are Muslim, so in Peninsular Malaysia halal food is easy to find on and around every campus. Look for the official halal logo issued by JAKIM or a state religious authority on restaurants and packaged food. Most campuses have a prayer room (surau), and every town has mosques. In Sarawak, where Kuching and Miri are, Muslims are a smaller share of the population: halal food is available, but check for the logo more carefully.
Booking through TJS Studysteps
- Tell your counsellor your campus, your monthly budget and the room type you prefer.
- We shortlist options from your university's own residences and the residences it lists.
- You choose, and TJS Studysteps arranges the booking with the residence.
- When you arrive, TJS helps you move in and set up the rest: a SIM card, a bank account and your route to campus.
Read the deposit and refund terms before you pay anything. See our accommodation support service for what TJS does and what it costs.
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