Housing Information

TCC offers great housing options for international students.

Homestays and apartments are located on bus routes or within walking distance from TCC. No matter what you choose, TCC's Housing Coordinator is there for you, every step of the way. We make it easy to find the perfect place to live while studying in America!

Contact Annemarie Martin for more information about being a host family.

Homestay with an American Family

Homestay is an exciting and unique way to learn about American culture. Through TCC's Homestay Program, carefully screened hosts provide students with a private room and some meals for a low monthly fee. The International Office strongly recommends that new students live in a homestay for at least their first quarter.

There are 2 homestay options at TCC:

• Complete Homestay offers a furnished, private room; utilities; 3 meals per day, of which the host prepares 1 and the student prepares 2.
  
• Bed and Breakfast Homestay offers a furnished, private room; utilities; breakfast. The host provides food for breakfast, and the student prepares it. For all other meals, the student buys and prepares the food.

Living in an American household offers a wonderful opportunity to practice English conversation. Hosts also introduce students to the surrounding community, offering advice about everyday activities such as using the transit system, shopping, and meeting new people. Students who choose homestay find it comfortable and affordable.

Apartment Placement

Apartment placement is not recommeded for New students. Beginning in their second quarter at TCC, some students prefer to live independently. The Housing Coordinator selects nearby apartments for these students using information provided on their applications. Apartments are all conveniently located and may vary in the amenities they offer. Rent will vary, and students must pay an apartment deposit before they arrive. The apartment housing option is only available to students age 18 or older.

Housing Information Deadline

In order to give our Housing Coordinator enough time to place each student in an appropriate and comfortable home, please complete the housing section of the application and submit it when you apply to TCC. Housing information for Winter 2009 must be received by November 15.

Airport Pick-Up

A TCC representative is available to meet students upon their arrival at Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (airport code: SEA). 

Students must send flight information to the Housing Coordinator no later than December 12. Please try to choose flights that will arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. This will help us with airport pick-ups.

Airport pick-ups for Winter Quarter 2009 will be available between December 26 and 28, 2008. Please note that there are only 3 possible arrival dates for Winter 2009. We will not place students with host families before the Christmas holiday (December 24-25, 2008). Please contact Annemarie Martin if you have questions.

• Winter 2009: December 26-28, 2008
• Spring 2009: March 16-22, 2009
• Summer 2009: June 8-14, 2009

Please note that there will be no airport pick-ups on the following days:

• Christmas Holiday - December 24-25, 2008
• New Year - December 31, 2008 - January 1, 2009

Current Rates and Forms

• Housing Placement Fee: $175 (includes airport pick-up)
• Complete Homestay Cost:  $500 per month (paid directly to host family)
• Bed and Breakfast Homestay Cost: $400 per month (paid directly to host family)
• Apartment Rent: Varies

For students who choose not to participate in TCC's housing program:

• Airport Pick-Up Only:  $75

Housing Placement and Airport Pick-Up Forms:

• Housing Application Form
• Arrival and Airport Pick-Up Information Form
• Credit Card Authorization (for placement/airport pick-up fees)