Housing Options for International Students
Finding a safe and comfortable place to live is an important part of your experience at Pierce College. There are several housing options available to international students:
- Limited Availability - Shared Rooms Common
- Agreement Required
- Must be 18 years old
- Best suited for students attending the Fort Steilacoom (Lakewood) campus
The Center for Global Scholars (CGS) Dormitory offers a convenient housing option in a student-centered environment.
Transportation to Campus
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is approximately 1.5 miles from CGS Hall. Students can get to campus in several ways:
- Walking: About 30 minutes on foot
- Biking: Roughly 10 minutes
- Bus: Local Pierce Transit routes with stops near the dorm and campus (approx. 10-minute ride)
Housing Features
- Safe residential facility with events/programs
- 24/7 live-in staff support
- Community kitchen available (no meal service)
- Opportunities for meaningful relationships that support academic success and personal development
Visit the Pierce College Center for Global Scholars residence hall webpage for more details and application instructions.
Live with a local U.S. family and experience cultural exchange in a supportive environment. This is a great option for students looking for a family-oriented setting. but it’s not the right fit for everyone. If you’re 16 years or older and want the support, encouragement, and cultural immersion that comes from living with a U.S. family, homestay may be a great choice for you.
Homestays can include meals and a private or shared room. Students become part of the family, which means joining in daily activities such as meals, family time, and household chores. Open communication and respect for household rules, curfews, and preferences are essential. Our host families value cultural exchange and look forward to welcoming positive, engaged students who want to learn and grow while navigating U.S. life and language.
Students pay a monthly stipend directly to their host to help cover living costs. If you prefer a more independent lifestyle and less interaction with hosts, consider other options such as the Center for Global Scholars (ages 18+) or independent off-campus housing.
Homestay Rates
| Room Type | With Meals | No Meals |
|---|---|---|
| Single Room | $915 per month | $715 per month |
| Double Room | $765 per month | $565 per month |
One-time Non-Refundable Application Fee: $275
All homestay placements include:
- A fully furnished room
- Internet access
- A safe and supportive learning environment
- Homes are located within 45 minutes of campus by bus, with no more than one bus transfer.
Interested in becoming a host family?
The application process is very easy and requires submitting a completed application, attending a host family orientation, and having a host family home visit and interview.
For more information, or to request an application, email homestay@pierce.ctc.edu.
Some students choose to live with family or friends already living in the area. This option can offer more flexibility and familiarity.
Students who prefer more independence can explore housing platforms that connect them with recommended local hosts or landlords. The following platforms may be helpful and typically require background checks for those listing properties.
The resources listed below are provided for informational purposes only. Pierce College does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee any of the platforms, landlords, or listings mentioned. Students are responsible for conducting their own research and exercising caution when entering into rental agreements.
Zillow - Offers extensive listings for apartments, houses, shared housing, and off-campus
student housing—complete with photos, rent prices, neighborhood details, and contact
options.
Apartments.com - Features rental listings (apartments, houses, condos, townhomes), with built-in
tools to apply online, sign digital leases, and manage rent payments.
SpareRoom - A roommate/match-finding platform. It enables students to find roommates, rooms for rent, or sublets.
HousingAnywhere - Mid- to long-term rentals (rooms, studios, apartments). Listings include photos, floor plans, video tours, and verified landlords.
Associated Ministries Adult Home Share - A housing arrangement where home providers offer accommodations to home seekers in return for agreed-upon support, such as financial contribution, help with household tasks, transportation, or companionship.
Rent.com - A rental‑search platform that helps people find apartments, houses, and condos by offering verified listings, filters, and neighborhood insights.
We strongly recommend that students use caution and do their own research when using third-party housing services. If you’re unsure about a housing arrangement, feel free to ask us questions.