Tanzania Housing Information

Essential Information
Housing Deadlines
Program-Specific Housing Information
Additional Points 

Essential Information

Photo by student Christine BrunsellAs a participant on an Arcadia University program, you are guaranteed housing. Your program fee includes accommodation and some meals.

Arcadia University’s priority is to accommodate you in a place that will support your studies and enable you to experience the local culture. Accommodation is selected by Arcadia University based on these factors, as well as on safety, security, and cost. For these reasons, Arcadia reserves the right to alter or change accommodation options at any time.

To indicate your housing preferences, submit them using your Arcadia Passport. Before completing this form, you should review the information below as well as the Arcadia University Housing Policy in the Student Handbook. Students are welcome to submit one roommate request; however, requests must be mutual, and in writing. While we will work to honor your housing preferences and roommate requests, specific assignments cannot be guaranteed.

If you require accommodations for any special needs – including dietary, medical, or physical – you should indicate this in your Housing Preferences. Any information will be treated as confidential, and will only be shared with those individuals involved in your housing placement.

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Housing Deadlines

In order to consider your preferences, Arcadia must receive your Housing Preferences by the housing deadline listed below. If they are not received before the housing deadline, you will automatically be assigned to available program accommodation. If you have any questions about completing the form, contact your program manager.

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Program-Specific Housing FAQs

Photo by student Christine BrunsellWhere will I live?
Participants will live in the Arcadia Undergraduate Student House.  The house contains several bedrooms, bathrooms, and a common living room, study, and equipped kitchen.

Who will I be living with? 
You will live with other program participants – mostly students from other colleges and universities around the United States.  During some terms, East African participants may also live in the house.

Will I be sharing a bedroom?
Probably.  Most bedrooms contain two twin beds; the largest has four.  Housing assignments will be announced either prior to departure or once you arrive in-country.

What meals are provided?
Breakfast and dinner will be provided for students daily.

How will I prepare other meals?
Students are responsible for purchasing food for and preparing other meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks).  The kitchen is equipped for cooking and there is space to store your food.

How is the house secured?
The house is gated and at least one security guard will be on the premises at all times.  Only Arcadia students and staff are permitted in the house.  Students will be given keys to the house and their bedroom at the beginning of the semester.  While every precaution is taken to ensure the security of the accommodation, students are reminded to have laptops and other such items insured and to not bring any unnecessary valuables with them to Tanzania.

Will internet be available in the house?
Wi-Fi is available at the house for students with laptops and wireless cards.  However, the signal strength and speed may be slower than you are used to so don’t plan on streaming your favorite TV shows or downloading a lot of material.  In general, access and speed can be more challenging than in the United States, but that is part of the experience!  Once course assignments have been made for the semester, students are advised to download any course materials available online prior to leaving the United States (links are available in most syllabi).  Other academic resources will be made available to you in-country.

Are linens provided?
Yes, each student will be equipped with sheets, towels, and a mosquito net for their bed.

How will I do laundry?
There is a washing machine in the house for students to do their laundry. Drycleaners are scarce so try to stick to items that are machine or hand washable.

Where is the house located?
The house is located in a residential neighborhood a 10-minute walk from the Nyerere Centre.  An additional classroom space, the post office, and some shops and restaurants are all within a 10-15 minute walk.

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Additional Points

Photo by student Christine BrunsellPlease also note that Tanzania is an environmentally friendly country, and air-conditioning and central heating are not standard in a typical residence. If your housing does not feature these amenities, remember that it will take some time for you to adjust to the climate.

Every room is different and unique and, while Arcadia ensures that all rooms satisfy general standards, there is no way to guarantee uniformity of apartment and room sizes, distance from your university, furnishings, or facilities. Arcadia reserves the right to alter or change accommodation options at any time should circumstances warrant.

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