Where should I plan to stay while conducting my housing search?
We suggest that you make hotel, motel or youth hostel reservations for up to five nights after your arrival, as the majority of students typically find housing within five to seven days. Because Monterey is a tourist destination, motels and hotels are generally more expensive on Friday and Saturday nights, so we recommend that you arrive as early in the week as possible. Please visit the temporary accommodation listings on the Monterey Institute website.
I think I want to have a roommate for the summer—is that possible?
Many of the SILP students room with current MIIS students or with their SILP classmates. Student Services makes it easy for you to connect with other students in order to find a roommate. The MIIS Housing Website has a built in roommate finder that will allow to create a profile, similar to a Facebook profile, that will then allow you to search for a roommate. We also maintain a Facebook group for all incoming students, to which you will receive a link to join once you have been accepted into the program.
What is the MIIS Housing Website AND how do I get access to it?
The MIIS Housing Website is the newest service offered by the Office of Student Services to help all MIIS students locate and secure housing. The new online system makes it easier than ever to search for housing listings, contact landlords or student sublets, and decide where you will be living during your summer in Monterey. Once you have been accepted into the SILP program the Office of Student Services will send you information on how you can access the housing website and create a profile that will allow you to search all of the available listings.
How should I time my trip to Monterey?
We suggest that you arrive a week to ten days before the start of the SILP program so that you can find housing and get settled before your summer schedule of classes begin.
Does the Monterey Institute have on-campus housing or dormitories for SILP students?
The Monterey Institute does not have on-campus housing or dormitories available for students. This can cause some dismay for Summer Intensive Language Program (SILP) participants, but not to worry! There are several options available for summer housing.
- Option 1: Summer sublet
Many of the Master’s degree candidates spend their summers traveling, completing internships, or working for organizations related to their program and sublet their apartments or rooms during that time.
Where will I live during my stay in Monterey?
You will stay in two-bedroom apartments in the city of Monterey. The apartments are approximately a ten-minute bus ride to the Monterey Institute campus. High-speed internet is available at the apartments. The apartments all include two bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom. You have the option of cooking your meals inside your apartment or you can dine at any number of restaurants and cafes in downtown Monterey. During your stay you will share a two-bedroom apartment with three other Fulbright students - two students per bedroom.
Do I need a car for my housing search?
Many students do not have cars, so if you are hoping to find housing within walking distance of campus, you certainly could conduct your search without a car. However, a rental car would certainly make the process a bit easier and quicker. So, if your budget allows for renting a car for a few days, it is a good option. We do have students that opt to live further away and those areas require willingness to walk a longer distance, ride a bike (a recreation/bike trail stretches for miles along the waterfront), take public transportation, or have a car.
What is the average cost of housing on the Monterey Peninsula?
Housing costs vary considerably; some approximate costs are listed below. The housing prices do not include telephone or cable television expenses, and may or may not include utilities. (Most monthly rental fees do include garbage, sewer and water; some include gas and electricity as well.)
What type of housing is available?
Housing accommodations include rooms in private homes, apartments or houses shared with other students, studio apartments with one all-purpose room, and private apartments with one or more bedrooms. Both furnished and unfurnished housing is available.
If I provide you with information on the type of housing I would like, will you find me a place to live?
The Student Affairs Office provides a rental listing service only, not a placement service. While we cannot arrange housing for you, we can provide you with suggestions, support, and access to our exclusive database of available area rentals. Staff members will orient you to the service and to the various communities on the Monterey Peninsula and may be able to introduce you to other students who are looking for roommates. However, finding housing will be your responsibility.
