Dormitory vs Studio: What One Semester Costs
An example cost comparison for one semester (about 4 months) in a school dormitory and a one-room studio near campus in Seoul, with pros and cons and tips on applying and signing safely.
Housing is one of the biggest costs for a student. Here we compare one semester (about 4 months) in a school dormitory with a studio (one-room, 원룸) near a campus in Seoul. All numbers are examples to help you plan. They are not the real prices of any school or building.
Example cost for one semester
| Item | School dormitory | Studio near campus |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | None or a small amount (differs by school) | Often ₩3–10 million (returned when the contract ends) |
| Rent / dorm fee | About ₩1.0–2.0 million per semester (shared room) | About ₩450,000–700,000 per month |
| Maintenance fee | Usually included | About ₩50,000–100,000 or more per month |
| Utilities | Usually included | Extra: electricity, gas, water (sometimes internet) |
| Meals | Meal plan is optional | You cook or eat out |
| Furniture | Bed and desk provided | Often basic furniture; check before signing |
| Broker commission | None | Yes, if you rent through a broker |
| Example total (4 months) | About ₩1.0–2.0 million + meals | Rent + maintenance about ₩2.0–3.2 million + utilities + commission, and the deposit is held |
Pros and cons
- Dormitory – good: lower and simple cost, no deposit or contract stress, close to classes, easy to make friends.
- Dormitory – not so good: shared room, curfew and rules (guests, cooking, noise), and at some schools you must move out during breaks.
- Studio – good: your own space, no curfew, you can cook, and you can stay during breaks.
- Studio – not so good: a big deposit, higher total cost, contracts are often for 1 year, and you handle bills and repairs yourself.
Who should choose what
For your first semester, a dorm is usually the better choice. You do not know the area yet, and signing a housing contract in Korean is not easy. After one or two semesters, if you want more freedom and can pay the deposit, a studio can make sense. Choose an area you know and ask friends about real costs.
How to get a dorm room
- 1
Check the dorm notice
After you are admitted, look for the dormitory notice from your school or language institute.
- 2
Apply early
Rooms are limited. Some schools decide by application order, others give priority to new students.
- 3
Prepare documents
Some dorms ask for a health check, such as a chest X-ray or a TB test result.
- 4
Pay and confirm
Pay the dorm fee by the deadline and keep the confirmation.
- 5
Move in
Read the dorm rules. If you move later, report your new address to immigration.
Official sources
Written by KOVIA 편집팀
