Homestay and Housing Search

Living in Tacoma, WA 

Students at Tacoma Community College can chose to live with an American homestay family, rent an apartment, home or condominium or live with local relatives or friends. 

Homestay

Homestay is an exciting and unique way to learn about American culture. Our homestay placements are quarterly commitments (3 months). 

• Homestay Placement Fee: $250

One-time placement fee for students who join the Homestay Program. Students receive the Homestay matching service, continued support from the staff throughout their time at TCC and airport pick up.

TCC offers two homestay options:

• Complete Homestay | $675 per month

3 meals per day, of which the host prepares dinner and the student prepares breakfast and lunch.

• Shared Homestay | $525 per month

No meals provided; the host provides a room for the student and access to a kitchen.

Homestay Terms	Application Deadlines*
Fall Quarter	August 15
Winter Quarter	November 15
Spring Quarter	February 15
Summer Quarter	May 15

*These are firm deadlines, so please do your absolute best to plan ahead and complete the below steps to be part of the TCC Homestay Program.

Applying for Homestay

HOMESTAY APPLICATION

1. Review the Homestay Handbook
2. Under 18? Submit the Parental Consent Form to TCC International Housing
3. Register for New Student Orientation and receive your StudentID
4. Arrival Services Confirmation (provide arrival information for airport pick up)
5. Pay the $250 Placement Fee (billed to student account after arrival)

TCC begins the matching process following the application deadline for that specific term. This process can take up to two weeks.

Applying early DOES give you priority in the matching process, but all students will receive their family's profile approximately 2 weeks prior to arrival. 

If you are experiencing a delay in receiving your visa or booking your flight, please make sure to communicate with TCC International Housing before the deadlines.

Renting

TCC International Programs does not place students into local apartments, homes or condominiums. Students should plan to contact local landlords directly. Leases for an apartment or home will typically be a minimum of six months. 

APARTMENTS

Below is a list of apartments within walking distance of TCC where international students can apply without requiring a co-signer:

• Ridgedale Apartments
• Abbey Lane Apartments
• Highland Court Apartments
• Narrows Ridge Apartments

Need more choices? Check out:

• Apartment Search
• CollegeStudentApartments
• Zillow
• Rent.com
• ApartmentGuide.com

ROOM RENTALS

Often times a current student is in need of a roommate or community members are looking to rent out an available room in their home. Students can visit TCC International Programs to review the Roomates Wanted board or ask International Programs staff for recommendations.

Hotel Information

For students and/or parents looking for short-term accommodations in Tacoma, the following hotels provide discounts to friends of TCC. 

• Extended Stay - Tacoma South (near the Tacoma Mall with direct public transit to TCC)
• Best Western Plus Tacoma Dome
• Clarion Inn