For every student preparing to study abroad, receiving an offer letter is an unforgettable moment. Yet soon after the excitement comes one pressing reality: Where will I live in a completely unfamiliar country? Overseas renting is never as simple as signing a lease and paying rent. It involves navigating complex tenancy laws in a different country, overcoming language barriers, adapting to cultural differences, and ensuring personal safety and housing quality. For international students, the greatest challenge has always been information asymmetry: limited transparency, unreliable listings, and uncertainty around deposits and contracts. That is exactly why uhomes.com was created.
Founded in 2015, uhomes.com has spent the past decade specialising in overseas student accommodation. What began as a service for Chinese students has evolved into a global leader in international student housing. Today, uhomes.com offers access to:
- 27 countries
- 1,000+ cities
- 2 million+ beds worldwide
With more than 3.1 million users served and over 400,000 successful bookings, uhomes.com has become the trusted first choice for student renters worldwide. In 2025, uhomes.com achieved an annual Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) exceeding RMB 10 billion, bringing cumulative transactions to over USD 4.68 billion, reflecting global students’ choice of safety, transparency, and professionalism.
Global Strategy: From Local Expertise to Worldwide Reach
The success of uhomes.com is not driven solely by online traffic. It is built on a long-term commitment to doing things right. As its founder believed, overseas property rental is a high-stakes, high-risk sector where mere online platforms cannot provide sufficient reassurance, so service quality must be underpinned by a global network of physical locations.
Global Offices Supporting Students on the Ground
uhomes.com has established key operational hubs worldwide.
Domestically: Tianjin headquarters serves as the “brain centre”, supported by operations in Beijing, Zhengzhou, Chengdu, and other locations.
Overseas: uhomes.com has extended its reach to the forefront of the study abroad market:
London & Manhattan, New York: On-the-ground teams in two of the world’s most expensive rental markets, securing first-hand access to premium student accommodation.
Boston, near Harvard and MIT: Deeply rooted in a top academic centre, delivering high-quality housing solutions for students at elite universities.
Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi, Seoul, and other emerging markets: Strategically positioned across Asia’s rising study destinations, providing localised support ahead of evolving student demand.
This online platform + local presence model ensures students always have support beyond the screen.
A Housing Network Cover 4,000 Universities
uhomes.com now serves student communities near over 4,000 universities worldwide, from the UK’s G5 to Ivy League campuses and Australia’s Group of Eight. No matter which university you’re attending, we offer premium housing options with modern amenities, all within walking distance of your campus.
🏴Coverage across 27 countries and 1,000+ cities
🏚️Direct partnerships with 2,000+ leading accommodation brands
🛏️More than 2 million verified student beds
Multilingual Support Wihout Barriers
When renting property abroad, the greatest challenge is often not finding the perfect accommodation, but rather communication. Legal jargon in contracts, local tenancy regulations, or even a casual remark from the caretaker can all become sources of misunderstanding.
Global Team of 1,000+ Housing Specialists
uhomes.com operates with a global advisory team of over 1,000 professionals, offering support in:
- Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, French, and more
These advisors are not basic customer service agents. They are trained accommodation specialists with deep knowledge of tenancy regulations and university neighbourhoods. Many have lived abroad themselves, meaning they truly understand student anxieties — from contract clauses to move-in challenges.
- 24-Hour Support Across Time Zones
Through coordinated international teams, uhomes.com provides round-the-clock assistance, ensuring students always receive timely guidance.
Deposit Protection: Safeguarding Student Finances Worldwide
Deposit disputes remain one of the most common risks for international tenants. uhomes.com has developed tailored deposit protection strategies aligned with local laws, ensuring every penny paid by students is fully accounted for and legally safeguarded.
UK Deposit Protection Scheme
In the UK, landlords must place deposits into a government-approved scheme like the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPP), Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), and Letting Protection Service Scotland (LPS Scotland) within 30 days.
uhomes.com advisors will oversee the entire process to ensure students receive a Deposit Protection Certificate. Should any malicious deductions occur upon vacating the property, our UK office team will assist students in lodging a formal complaint with the relevant authorities.
Our Case:
Mr Xu from the University of Sheffield was informed by the property management that £350 would be deducted from his deposit due to ‘carpet stains’ upon vacating his accommodation. Our consultants retrieved the inventory photographs taken upon Mr Xu’s move-in, proving the stain existed prior to his occupancy. Following multiple rounds of email negotiations, Mr Xu ultimately recovered his full deposit. This closed-loop management of the ‘evidence chain’ exemplifies uhomes.com’s expertise.
US State-by-State Rental Regulation
In the United States, rental laws vary from state to state. For example, in New York State, landlords are required to place security deposits into a bank account within New York and must inform tenants of the bank’s name.
uhomes.com professionalism:
Our US-based returnee advisor team is highly familiar with the legal requirements across different states. At the contract-signing stage, we clearly inform students of key deposit rules, including:
Local deposit limits (for instance, in California, deposits are typically capped at no more than two months’ rent)
Refund timeframes (such as the requirement for deposits to be returned within 21 days)
A strong layer of protection:
uhomes.com cooperates with large, professionally managed student accommodation providers such as American Campus Communities (ACC), where deposit handling is highly standardised. This helps prevent common risks associated with private landlords, including disappearing landlords or landlords refusing to return deposits.
Australia RTA and RTBA
Australia’s rental market is highly regulated, with strict legal requirements around deposit protection. In Victoria, security deposits (bonds) must be lodged with the RTBA (Residential Tenancies Bond Authority).
Full-process assistance:
uhomes.com advisors guide students step by step through the online completion of the official Bond Lodgement form, and ensure they receive the government-issued confirmation email once the bond has been successfully submitted.
Localised on-the-ground support:
With offices in Sydney and Melbourne, uhomes.com is able to respond quickly to unexpected requests from local agents or property managers, ensuring that students’ legal rights and interests are fully protected throughout the tenancy.
In-Person Property Inspections: Trust Built Through Reality
False listings and misleading photos are major concerns for overseas renters. uhomes.com addresses this through professional on-site verification.
Every property is verified, filmed, or VR-certified
Students can explore accommodation remotely with VR tours and map-based search tools
This ensures transparency and reduces the anxiety of renting from abroad.
Global Inspection Coverage in Key Student Cities
Our footprints and efforts in popular student cities around the world are as follows:
| Region | Core Cities Covered | Inspection Approach & Outputs | Example Properties & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 10+ major cities including Los Angeles, Berkeley, New York, and Washington, D.C. | On-site internal inspections, HD real-life photography, plus first-hand incentives such as rent reductions and exclusive cashback. | The Eden, Los Angeles: Walkable to USC shuttle stop, with pool and gym. Studios from $2,130.18/month. |
| Australia | Three large-scale inspection campaigns (2023–2025), covering Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and five key cities overall. | Verified leading brands including Scape and Iglu, supported by VR tours, map search, and livestream replays. | Journal, Melbourne: Just 1–2 minutes’ walk to the University of Melbourne main campus. |
| United Kingdom | Two inspection tours in 2025 across eight core cities, including London, Manchester, and Sheffield. | Property videos and inspection reports, securing exclusive cashback and move-in welcome packages (e.g., Sheffield from £84/week). | The Grafton, Manchester: Exclusive twin-room offer from £170/week. |
| Hong Kong, China | 7-day “Hong Kong Apartment Deep Inspection Programme” (2025), covering Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. | Multiple teams capturing hundreds of properties via VR panoramas, HD video, and extensive livestream sessions. | Cosco inn: State-owned; 7-minute walk to HKU, with weekly cleaning included. |
| Japan | 7-day intensive inspection and livestream campaign across Osaka and Tokyo. | Focus on no-key-money, no-deposit social apartments, plus student residences with meals and strict security. | Campus Terrace Ikebukuro, Tokyo: Breakfast & dinner, triple access control, 24/7 CCTV, women-only floors. |
| Singapore | Continuous coordination with partner residences to ensure real-time availability. | Partnerships with branded residences offering 24-hour security, plus full guidance from application to move-in. | YOHA @ Evans: Near NUS, with single and twin room options. |
Core Value of On-the-Ground Inspections
For uhomes.com, property inspections are far more than a simple “site visit”. They form a complete trust and service loop designed specifically for international students:
100% Verified Listings:
Every property published on the platform is confirmed through offline verification, ensuring that addresses, photos, and descriptions are accurate and eliminating the risk of misleading or fraudulent listings.Transparent Pricing and Exclusive Benefits:
During inspections, uhomes.com also negotiates first-hand incentives such as cashback offers and rent reductions. Through official partnerships, pricing remains fully transparent, with no hidden charges.Deep Local Insights Beyond Online Information:
Inspections provide practical details that can only be gained on site, including precise commute times, neighbourhood safety atmosphere, and nearby lifestyle convenience.End-to-End Support in Your Native Language:
From personalised recommendations based on inspection findings to post-move-in maintenance coordination, uhomes.com delivers one-stop, multilingual support that removes cross-border communication barriers.
In short, uhomes.com’s on-the-ground inspection programme is a solid commitment to its mission of helping students truly find a home abroad. We believe that only properties seen and verified in person can genuinely provide peace of mind.
Technology-Driven Innovation with Digital Brain
In 2023, the R&D investment of Hometown Goodwill was nearly RMB 20 million, accounting for as much as 30% of revenue. This is extremely rare in the traditional service industry.
Immersive Viewing Tools
uhomes.com provides a user-friendly, comprehensive search experience. Students can browse and shortlist accommodation via the app, website, and mini-program, with detailed listing information covering in-room facilities, surrounding amenities, and transport connectivity—helping them make informed rental decisions.
Key capabilities include:
VR panoramic tours (720°):
Using advanced VR technology, students can “step into” a property remotely and view every corner of the room with a full 720-degree immersive experience—without travelling.Live guided viewings:
uhomes.com regularly co-hosts livestream sessions with accommodation partners. Property managers or uhomes.com advisors guide students through the building in real time and answer questions live, delivering highly interactive and efficient information.AI-powered listing recommendations:
Leveraging big data and user profiles, the system can accurately calculate commute times and match listings to budget preferences.High-concurrency reliability during peak season:
During the August–September booking rush, uhomes.com’s underlying infrastructure supports large volumes of simultaneous users, ensuring a smooth and stable booking process.
Smart Matching System
Once listing authenticity is ensured, the next challenge is speed: how do students quickly find the most suitable option?
uhomes.com answers this with technology. The platform’s self-developed smart matching system combines 3D mapping with AI algorithms.
How it works:
Students can enter your university location and even their faculty/school.
The system then visualises all nearby properties directly on the map.
Students can stack multiple filters at once, for example:
Within a 15-minute walk
Budget: £300–£350 per week
Ensuite bathroom
South-facing room
The AI system filters through large volumes of listings within milliseconds, returning the most relevant shortlist and significantly improving search efficiency.
Global Partnerships and Official Endorsements
Exclusive Offers and Price-Match
uhomes.com has built a strong global partnership network with leading international student accommodation providers. Through official direct cooperation, students benefit from:
Zero agency fees
Zero price mark-ups
Price-match guarantees (uhomes.com will refund the difference if a lower price is found elsewhere)
Exclusive cashback and rent-reduction offers unavailable through public channels
United Kingdom: Official Exclusive Booking Partners
In the UK, uhomes.com holds a leading position in student rental market through deep strategic alliances like “Exclusive Partnership” and “The Only Officially Designated Booking Platform”, including:
VITA Student & House of Social: Global exclusive partnership with launch-day rent reductions and free laundry benefits
Scape: Renewed global exclusivity as the only officially designated booking partner, covering full inventory for 26/27 academic year
Downing Students: Sole official platform in the Chinese market, with guaranteed official pricing
Long-term exclusive cooperation with iQ Student Accommodation, plus exclusive partnerships with Chapter, Canvas, Student Roost, YPP, Abodus, Now Student Living, Unilife, and more
These alliances cover both premium and high-value accommodation options across London, Manchester, and major UK university cities.
Australia & New Zealand: Major Exclusive Cashback Offers
For Australia and New Zealand, uhomes.com focuses on reducing student rental costs through strong exclusive financial incentives and partnership:
UniLodge: Long-term partnership with cashback offers reaching ¥8,000+
Iglu: Exclusive booking subsidies up to ¥10,580
Accolade by Greystar: Exclusive launch cooperation with discounts up to ¥29,000
Additional partnerships with The Switch, Journal Student Living, Dwell Student Living, EPIISOD and others
United States: Direct Partnerships in Core University Cities
In the US, uhomes.com partners with major operators to ensure secure, standardised leasing:
Strategic cooperation with American Campus Communities (ACC) and Campus Apartments, offering cashback up to $800–$840
Exclusive agreements with providers such as Subtext, covering Purdue, University of Michigan and other key cities
Localised partnerships unlocking student-only offers in UIUC, Ann Arbor, Philadelphia, Columbus and beyond
Greater China: Hong Kong and Mainland Expansion
In Hong Kong, uhomes.com provides exclusive supply and high cashback offers through partnerships with:
Dwell
HereIN
In Mainland China, uhomes.com has launched the “Return Home Plan”, expanding into major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou.
Official Recommendations from Leading Universities
With ten years of expertise in international student accommodation and strict service standards, uhomes.com has received official recognition from many of the world’s leading universities, becoming a trusted, institution-endorsed booking partner.
Key university partnerships include:
United Kingdom (Official Endorsements)
In February 2025, the University of Birmingham (world top-100) officially announced uhomes.com as its preferred recommended partner for student accommodation bookings, with explicit recognition on its website.
Universities including UCL, Imperial College London (IC), Istituto Marangoni London, and King’s College London (KCL) have also listed uhomes.com as an official accommodation partner.
Notably, for Imperial College’s designated Scape Hammersmith residence, uhomes.com is the only officially authorised booking platform, providing dedicated housing assurance.
Singapore (Strategic Collaboration)
In February 2025, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) named uhomes.com as its preferred officially recommended platform for student residence bookings.
This partnership supports NTU’s international student community from over 120 countries and regions, delivering safe and convenient housing solutions.
Global Scale and Trust
uhomes.com has established deep cooperation with 2,900+ educational institutions worldwide, with services covering 4,000+ universities.
The platform also holds an outstanding 4.9 rating on Trustpilot, reinforcing its position as an authoritative choice for student renters globally.
Student Reviews on 400,000+ Successful Bookings
High ratings reflect real student experiences. On Trustpilot, uhomes.com holds an outstanding 4.9/5 score, and on the App Store, a rating of 4.8/5. Behind every rating number is real feedback given by a real student after staying there.
Student feedback on uhomes.com reflects real support across the entire rental journey:
A Trusted Guide in London
A student nearly missed her ideal residence due to confusion over contract clauses. uhomes.com advisors liaised with the accommodation team overnight, explained key legal terms, and helped secure a smooth move-in. “Having someone to rely on abroad matters more than anything,” she shared.
Saving Smart in Sydney
One student saved almost a full month’s rent through uhomes.com’s group cashback programme and exclusive platform discounts, noting that the service was both professional and genuinely cost-saving.
A Successful Remote Booking in Los Angeles
Unable to view in person due to visa delays, a student booked confidently through VR tours and the “Across the World” video inspections, later finding the room matched the visuals perfectly.
Deposit Protection in Edinburgh
After an unfair damage claim at check-out, uhomes.com advisors retrieved the original check-in inventory, proving the issue existed before move-in. The residence withdrew the deduction request, demonstrating uhomes.com’s end-to-end protection.
Beyond Accommodation: Supporting Student Life Abroad
uhomes.com is more than a booking platform, it is a Global Student Accommodation Encyclopedia supporting students beyond accommodation.
Value-added services include:
Cross-border tuition payment solutions, helping families manage international transfers safely
Airport pick-up and settling-in support, ensuring students feel welcomed from arrival
Return Home Plan, offering high-quality rental options for graduates and young professionals in major Chinese cities
Industry Leadership and Social Responsibility
As a leading name in global student accommodation, uhomes.com believes that true value lies not only in business growth, but also in helping shape a more transparent and trustworthy industry.
Raising Standards in Overseas Student Housing
Before uhomes.com entered the market, the overseas rental agency sector was often fragmented, with inconsistent service standards and limited accountability. By promoting 100% verified listings and a zero agency fee policy for partner residences, uhomes.com has pushed the industry towards greater transparency.
uhomes.com also actively participates in international student housing forums and engages with accommodation departments at leading universities worldwide. By sharing insights into the needs of Chinese and international students, uhomes.com helps global residence providers continuously improve their offerings.
For example, through its partnership with VITA Student in the UK, uhomes.com highlighted students’ strong preference for features such as private kitchens and dedicated study spaces, encouraging more targeted room design in future developments.
Ecosystem Synergy Through New Oriental Investment
Strategic investment from New Oriental marks uhomes.com’s position within China’s largest study-abroad service ecosystem. This collaboration goes beyond financial support, enabling deeper integration across the student journey.
From New Oriental’s language training and overseas application services to uhomes.com’s accommodation support abroad, students benefit from a truly one-stop, seamless service loop.
This strong partnership provides international students with an end-to-end protection network, from preparation at home to settling in overseas, significantly reducing the complexity and risks of studying abroad.
Future Global Student Accommodation Encyclopedia
Entering its tenth anniversary, uhomes.com’s vision is clearer than ever: not only to remain a booking platform, but to become the digital foundation of student life abroad, the Global Student Accommodation Encyclopedia.
Continued Evolution of Intelligent Services
In the future, uhomes.com will further expand the application of AI technology. The platform is currently developing a large-model-based AI Rental Assistant, designed to replicate the logic of professional advisors.
Available 24/7, it will answer everything from “Which campus area should I choose?” to “How do I pay utility bills?”
By learning from millions of real booking and transaction records, AI will also provide forward-looking rental trend insights, helping students secure the right accommodation at the right time.
Combining Global Talent with Local Expertise
uhomes.com will continue expanding its global office network, particularly across emerging markets in continental Europe and Southeast Asia.
The goal is simple: wherever there is a top university, there will be a uhomes.com professional team nearby.
By recruiting more international talent who understand local culture and student needs, uhomes.com aims to deliver the same warmth and trust across every language and region.
10 Years of Commitment with Unchanged Mission
Looking back over the past decade, uhomes.com has grown from a small office in Tianjin in 2015 into a platform exceeding RMB 10 billion in annual GMV, serving more than 3 million students worldwide. Over these ten years, the world has changed, study-abroad trends have shifted, and technology has evolved — but uhomes.com’s mission has remained constant:
Helping every student find a true home abroad.
From London mornings to Sydney sunsets, from Boston libraries to Singapore laboratories, uhomes.com has become part of student life across the globe. Studying overseas can be a lonely journey, but uhomes.com hopes that through professionalism and genuine care, every dream can begin with a safe, comfortable, and welcoming place to live. Because we believe:
only when you live with peace of mind, can you truly study with confidence.
uhomes.com is more than renting, it is your strongest support system abroad.
Final Thoughts
Over the past decade, uhomes.com has become a trusted global leader in international student accommodation, supporting millions of students in finding safe, verified housing abroad. With coverage across 27 countries, 1,000+ cities, and more than 2 million beds, uhomes.com combines an extensive global supply network with on-the-ground local offices, multilingual advisors, and full-cycle protection, from property search and contract guidance to deposit support and move-in assistance.
More than a booking platform, uhomes.com is building the Global Student Accommodation Encyclopedia: a digital foundation for student life overseas. Through real-life property inspections, exclusive partnerships with leading residence brands, university-endorsed recognition, and technology-driven tools such as VR tours, livestream viewings, and AI-powered matching, uhomes.com continues to deliver transparency, affordability, and peace of mind, helping every student truly feel at home abroad.
FAQ about uhomes.com
Will booking through uhomes.com cost more than booking directly with the provider?
Not at all. uhomes.com guarantees zero price difference and zero agency fees. Prices are fully aligned with official residence websites, and in many cases, students can access exclusive cashback or rent reductions through our partner agreements. If you find a lower price elsewhere, uhomes.com will refund the difference.
How does uhomes.com ensure listings are genuine and reliable?
All properties on uhomes.com are 100% verified and sourced through official accommodation partners, never unregulated subletting or unofficial landlords. Every listing is supported by on-site inspections, video verification, or VR content. Our “Across the World” inspection team also revisits properties regularly to ensure accuracy.
What if my deposit is unfairly withheld at the end of the tenancy?
uhomes.com provides full-cycle support. Our advisors are familiar with local tenancy regulations and will help you retrieve check-in inventories and evidence documents. We guide students through deposit dispute procedures and, where needed, assist with claims through government-approved protection schemes.
Is payment through uhomes.com safe?
Yes. Rent is paid directly into the residence’s official account — uhomes.com does not hold rental funds. All transactions go through secure cross-border payment gateways and are fully transparent, traceable, and compliant with international financial regulations.
Do uhomes.com charge any service fees?
No. uhomes.com provides completely free advisory services for all partner accommodations. From accommodation recommendations and property selection to contract review and even pre-arrival and enrolment guidance, our professional advisors offer full end-to-end support throughout the entire booking and move-in process, with no service fees at any stage.
What if my visa is refused after I have paid a holding deposit?
uhomes.com understands the uncertainty students face. Many partner residences (including brands such as VITA and Scape) offer a “No Visa, No Pay” policy. With an official visa refusal document, uhomes.com will assist you in applying for a full refund of the deposit or booking fee.
What if the room looks different from the photos or videos after I move in?
This is covered under uhomes.com’s Verified Listing Promise. If the property, facilities, or room type is significantly inconsistent with what was provided during booking, uhomes.com will immediately intervene, assist with relocation or compensation, and provide emergency support through our global teams if needed.
My contract is long and full of legal English, what if I don’t understand it?
That is exactly why uhomes.com exists. Our advisors provide clause-by-clause explanations and can prepare a clear summary of key terms, including lease length, payment schedules, deposit deductions, cancellation policies, and maintenance procedures, so you sign with full confidence.
Can uhomes.com help if I want to live with a friend?
Absolutely. uhomes.com offers both friend group bookings and roommate matching support. Simply inform your advisor during booking, and we will coordinate with the residence to reserve adjacent rooms or shared apartments whenever possible. Our AI tools can also recommend compatible roommates based on lifestyle preferences.
