Bangkok Housing Guide for Exchange Students

A quick truth

Bangkok isn’t a “walkable city” in the way many exchange students imagine on day one. It’s a mobility city.

If you get your housing right, Bangkok feels effortless: rooftop pool after class, street food downstairs, a 15-minute ride to wherever your friends are.

If you get it wrong, Bangkok becomes: sweating to the metro, 45-minute taxi rides, and a weird feeling that the city is happening… somewhere else.

One Chula student put it brutally simply:

“Live close (MAXIMUM 800m, I’d recommend under 500m) to a BTS or MRT station.” (Malo, lived in Phra Khanong)

And another echoed the same lesson from the first semester week:

“Transport (BTS).” (Inès, lived in Siam)

So here’s our promise: by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to book, where, when, and how to avoid the Bangkok housing mistakes that cost students time, money, and social life.

The 2 Bangkok housing “worlds”

Most exchange students end up choosing between two very different lifestyles:

1) The Exchange Bubble

This is the “everyone lives together” style, student residences where you can meet people in the elevator, by the pool, or at the food stalls outside.

“Choose your housing carefully, because integration comes mainly from your residence.” (Candice, lived at Nonsi Residence) “For meeting people, it’s the best place!” (Candice) “Best atmosphere for exchange students by far.” (Julien, lived at Nonsi Residence)

Best for: arriving solo, wanting instant friends, doing Chula (especially Bachelor), or just wanting your social life to start itself.

Trade-off: often not central; you’ll depend on Grab/Bolt and sometimes shuttles.

2) The City Life

This is the condo/apartment lifestyle: you pick a neighborhood you love, live near a BTS/MRT station, and build your routine around the city.

“This is a good middle for someone who wants to actually live in the city and not an exchange student cluster.” (Malo, lived in Phra Khanong) “Good for non-Thai speaking as most of the area is catered for expats.” (Malo)

Best for: students who want independence, want to explore lots of neighborhoods, or are not chasing “residence parties” as the center of the exchange.

Trade-off: you must be intentional about meeting people (but you’ll still meet them, Bangkok is social if you are).

A simple decision table

If you are…	Your best housing move
Landing alone + want instant friends	A student residence with many exchange students (often Nonsi)
Want the “real Bangkok” routine	Condo near BTS Sukhumvit line (Phra Khanong / On Nut / Ekkamai vibe)
Studying at Kasetsart	Live on the Green line side (Phahon Yothin / near BTS access)
Studying at Chula + want central + budget allows	Siam / Ratchathewi / near Silom–Sathorn (BTS/MRT access)
Traveling constantly	Prioritize transport convenience, not “the prettiest room”

Neighborhoods in Bangkok

Let’s translate Bangkok into student logic.

Siam / Ratchathewi (central, convenient, pricey)

Siam is the “center-of-everything” feeling: malls, BTS connections, easy access. Students who lived here loved the convenience, but you’ll usually pay more for it.

“Siam.” (Inès, central living) “Close to Siam Square… Yes it was nice.” (Myriam)

If you find a good deal here, it’s a dream. If not, don’t force it, Bangkok has better “value zones”.

Sukhumvit line neighborhoods (the exchange student sweet spot)

This is where a lot of students quietly win Bangkok.

Phra Khanong / On Nut / Ekkamai area = BTS access, food, gyms, condos with pools, and it’s easy to reach nightlife.

“Front of the BTS and in the Sukhumvit Area… crazy rooftop pool… good gym… facilities.” (Malo, Phra Khanong)

If you want the “city life” option, this is our default recommendation.

Silom / Sathorn / Bang Rak (central-ish, mature, very Bangkok)

Think: offices, expats, rooftop bars, close to Lumphini Park, and strong transport links. Great if you like a slightly more “adult” Bangkok without losing the fun.

“Dynamic neighborhood close to the old town, Lumphini Park and Silom.” (Thom, Bang Rak)

Just know: some buildings here are older. (You can still find gems.)

Chong Nonsi / Khlong Toei side (where exchange residences often are)

This is where the big exchange-student residence ecosystem often lives.

“It’s a residence filled 90% with exchange students… everyone is there.” (Julien) “Not central… connected by moto-taxi and residence shuttle.” (Candice)

You won’t be in postcard-Bangkok every day, but you’ll have people around you constantly.

Chatuchak / Lat Yao / Phahon Yothin (Green line access, calmer, local)

Students around Kasetsart often land here because it’s efficient for campus and still connected.

“Pool, gym… convenient stores and street food next to the apartment… a bit far from the center (~40min taxi).” (Maïwenn, Chatuchak/Lat Yao) “Close to the green line which is perfect to reach uni.” (Romain, Phahon Yothin)

This area is a strong “balance pick” if your daily life revolves around northern Bangkok.

The housing options students actually use

Option A, Student Residence (Nonsi & friends)

This is the most repeated name in student stories: Nonsi Residence.

What students love:

• It’s social without effort.
• There’s usually a pool + gym.
• Many people from your intake will already be there.

“Best place to meet people, with pool, gym, and food stalls outside.” (Candice) “A crazy social atmosphere… we met people from everywhere.” (Achille) “Meilleure ambiance pour les exchange et de loin.” (translated: “Best atmosphere for exchange students by far.”), Julien

What students warn you about:

• It can feel expensive for Thailand.
• Some rooms/buildings feel older than expected.
• It’s not always close to the metro by foot.

“Maybe not… really expensive for what you get. Apartments are old.” (Ielena) “It’s quite far from the center… the metro is a 20-minute walk.” (Candice)

If you choose this route: do it intentionally. You’re paying partly for the social engine, not just the walls.

Links:

• Nonsi Residence
• (Useful to know the official contact often shared by students: info@nonsiresidence.com)

Option B, “Classic apartment / condo”

This is the path of students who wanted comfort + independence.

The highlights are very consistent:

• Condos often come with pool/gym/security.
• If you’re near BTS, life becomes smooth.
• Many buildings are designed for expats → easier in English.

“Good condo… Airbnb or website: The Address Siam Ratchathewi.” (Inès) “41m²… gym, pool, sauna, guard… but the building is a bit old.” (Thom (translated)) “Taking it early, it’s possible to find newer condos at the same price.” (Thom (translated))

And then there’s the “student-designed residence” style near certain universities:

“Everything is designed for student life… shared kitchen, working areas… free shuttle buses… negative point: no cooktop… and no Wi-Fi.” (Agathe, Kave Town Island)

That last line is important: Bangkok housing has random surprises. Always ask about Wi-Fi and cooking before you pay.

Option C, Airbnb (great as a landing pad, risky as a strategy)

Some students used Airbnb to arrive fast, then moved later.

“Airbnb (not recommended).” (Malo) “It was nice but there isn’t any student in the building.” (Romain)

Our team’s take: Airbnb is perfect for 7–14 days while you visit places in person. It’s rarely the best long-term deal for a whole semester.

University-by-university housing strategy

Chulalongkorn (Chula)

Chula students tend to split into:

• Nonsi Residence (social-first)
• Central condos around Siam / Silom / Sukhumvit (city-first)

Chula life is usually manageable and flexible (and many students build schedules to travel).

“Choose your courses… group them into 2 days for travel.” (Candice) “I have 5 courses in 2 days and then I travel.” (Philomène (translated))

If you’re in a Master’s program, students noticed less integration support from the university itself, so your housing choice matters more.

“In Master’s… the school didn’t organize anything for integration… that’s why choosing your housing is so important.” (Candice (translated))

Kasetsart University

Transport access is your superpower here. Kasetsart students often value the Green line connection and calmer neighborhoods.

“The campus is enormous and full of everything you need.” (Maïwenn) “The campus is amazing… next to the BTS.” (Juliette)

If you’re debating between “closer to campus” vs “closer to nightlife”: many Kasetsart students chose efficiency + quick access and then used Grab for nights out.

Mahidol (College of Management)

Mahidol CMM has a different rhythm (evening classes for some students), so living in a residence where everyone else has a totally different calendar can feel isolating at first.

“Most students in this residence are in Chulalongkorn… at the beginning you can feel alone.” (Isis)

If you’re Mahidol CMM: either pick a place closer to your routine or commit to the residence social life hard in the first weeks.

Thammasat (Bangkok programs)

One student lived very close to school first, then moved for lifestyle:

“It was perfect for school… but very far from daily activities… I moved two months after and it was perfect.” (Marie)

That’s a classic Bangkok arc: optimize for school first, then realize you want Bangkok life, not just “a bed near campus.”

If your class schedule is only a few days a week, longer commutes are tolerable.

“25 minutes by bike… but I had like 2 days of school per week so it was really okay.” (Marie)

What you should budget

From student experiences, monthly rent often fell roughly into:

• 300–400€: student residence / simpler apartments
• 450–550€: nicer condos, often with strong amenities
• 700€+: central Siam-area comfort (more premium)

Examples:

• 300€, Marie (residence)
• 350€, Isis (residence)
• 490€ / 18,000 THB, Malo (condo)
• 530€, Thom (condo)
• Around 700€, Myriam (near Siam Square)

And then the hidden costs Bangkok loves to sneak in:

• Electricity (A/C can change your monthly bill fast)
• Cleaning fees (some residences include it; some charge extra)
• Wi-Fi (yes, sometimes it’s not included, ask!)
• Deposit + advance rent up front (often the biggest cash hit)

On deposits: in Bangkok, many rentals ask for multiple months upfront, especially for condos and long-term contracts. If you’re renting from a “professional leasing business,” Thailand has contract-control rules that limit certain unfair terms and set requirements (these rules were updated in 2025), so don’t be shy about asking for a proper written contract and receipts.

The Bangkok transport rule

Students repeat the same pattern:

• BTS/MRT is great where it exists
• But it doesn’t cover everything
• Grab/Bolt fills the gaps
• Motorbike rides are fast and cheap… and a bit chaotic

“Grab will be your best friend.” (Ielena) “Use Grab and Bolt motorbike.” (Isis) “Compare Bolt and Grab prices.” (Julien (translated))

BTS tip (student life cheat code): If you’re eligible, the Student Rabbit Card exists for students aged not over 23 (with conditions). Start here: BTS Rabbit Card info

MRT tip (tap-to-pay reality): Bangkok’s MRT has expanded contactless EMV options on multiple lines and official programs exist through operators, meaning your bank card can sometimes work directly at the gate depending on line/system.

The deeper point: don’t choose housing “by vibes.” Choose it by your commute. Bangkok traffic is not a theory.

How to actually find housing

In Bangkok, the fastest way to land well is not “scroll listings for 12 hours.” It’s talking to people who just lived your exact semester.

Here’s the move we recommend to every Studcasa student:

1. Read a few student experiences (not just one)
2. DM 2–3 students with different lifestyles
3. Ask one simple question: “If you could restart your exchange, where would you live and why?”

You’ll immediately see the pattern: who says “go Nonsi or you’ll miss everyone,” and who says “go BTS Sukhumvit line and live like a king.”

Then: use the group. Don’t be a ghost. Ask who’s booking where. People find roommates constantly that way.

Booking timeline that works in Bangkok

The “safe” timeline (minimal stress)

• 3–6 weeks before arrival: shortlist neighborhoods + 2 housing styles (residence vs condo)
• 2–3 weeks before arrival: book a temporary landing spot (7–14 days) or lock a residence if you’re sure
• Week 1 in Bangkok: visit 5–8 places fast, choose, move

The “social-first” timeline (residence route)

• Book the residence earlier (popular ones fill)
• Arrive, meet everyone, then decide later if you want to switch to a condo

Marie did exactly that in reverse, close to campus first, then moved for lifestyle:

“I regret the first 2 months.” (Marie)

So if you already know you’ll want the “Bangkok life,” don’t wait two months.

Viewing checklist (Bangkok-specific, no nonsense)

When you visit a condo/apartment, don’t just look at the pool and get hypnotized.

Use this checklist:

Inside the room

• A/C works + doesn’t smell (old A/C = bad sleep)
• Water pressure + hot water actually works
• Noise test: stand silent for 30 seconds (traffic, neighbors)
• Windows seal properly (Bangkok rain is real)
• Ask: Wi-Fi included? (don’t assume)
• Ask: can you cook? (some places have no cooktop)

“There is no cooktop… and there is no Wi-Fi.” (Agathe)

Building life

• 24/7 security or guard (common and nice)
• Package delivery process (you’ll order things)
• Gym condition (some are “gym-shaped rooms”)
• Elevator wait time (high-rises can be slow at peak)

Location reality

• Walk to BTS/MRT in the heat (yes, do it once)
• There’s a 7-Eleven nearby (this is Bangkok survival)
• Food options nearby (street food = cheap + social)

“Convenient stores and street food next to the apartment.” (Maïwenn)

Scams & traps students warned about (and how to avoid them)

1) Scooter rental scams (not housing, but it hits your life hard)

“Be aware of scams when renting scooters.” (Maïwenn)

Rule: photograph the scooter everywhere, don’t leave your passport, and use reputable shops.

2) Housing bait-and-switch

If the “agent” refuses video calls, won’t share exact location, or pushes you to pay before viewing: walk away.

3) The “tourist price” lifestyle

“Pad Thai over 60 baht = tourist trap.” (Candice)

This matters for housing because tourist zones often mean tourist pricing, both for rent and daily life.

The Nonsi question (let’s answer it clearly)

You’re going to hear “Nonsi” a lot. So here’s the honest summary.

Nonsi is perfect if…

• You want instant friends
• You’re okay not being central
• You want your residence to be the social engine

“Everyone is there.” (Thomas) “The best to meet people.” (Candice) “Hyper nice atmosphere.” (Philomène (translated))

Nonsi is not perfect if…

• You’re optimizing for “best value” purely by room quality
• You want a super central, walkable neighborhood
• You’re in a different uni rhythm and fear arriving before your classmates

“Expensive for what you get… old.” (Ielena) “At the beginning you can feel alone.” (Isis)

Our team’s advice: if you go Nonsi, go for the people. If you go condo, go for the city. Don’t half-choose both.

Your first week in Bangkok

Bangkok friendships form fast, especially early.

So if you want the best exchange possible, treat week one like it matters:

• Go out a lot (even if you’re tired)
• Say yes early
• Don’t over-optimize comfort
• Meet people at your housing first (pool, lobby, food stalls)

“Your first week: make or break.” ((Studcasa Team rule we live by))

And yes: Bangkok can be overwhelming at first… until it becomes addictive.

“Bangkok is overwhelming when you stay only 2–3 days… but if you stay longer you’ll love it.” (Marie)

Mini guide to “living well” at home in Bangkok

A few student truths that make daily life smoother:

• Taxis are affordable, especially compared to many capitals

  “Taxis are really affordable (especially scooters).” (Maïwenn)

• The city is very safe in how it feels day to day for many students

  “I felt safer than in France.” (Candice) “I never felt scared even alone.” (Philomène (translated))

• Pollution + heat are real

  “It’s good to exit the city from time to time (too much pollution).” (Maïwenn) “Mid-March/April becomes humid and very hot.” (Philomène (translated))

So: pick housing where you can recover. A pool, a park nearby, or just a quiet room can change your entire semester mood.

Where students actually went out (and why this matters for housing)

Nightlife in Bangkok is not “one district.” It’s scattered. That’s why transport access matters.

Students repeatedly mentioned:

• Khao San Road (do it once, opinions vary)
• Sukhumvit nightlife + rooftops
• Clubs like Sing Sing
• Rooftops like Tichuca, Octave
• Exchange favorites like Pastel, Mami Rose

“Khao San Road is a must do but not that good TBH.” (Malo) “Khao San… too touristic… I preferred more intimate bars.” (Marie) “Rooftops are chill… you’ll always find a better one.” (Malo)

If your housing makes it hard to move at night, you’ll go out less. That’s the hidden housing cost nobody tells you.

Reliable platforms students used (and how to use them without losing your mind)

Students mentioned:

• FazWaz
• Hipflat
• Facebook expat groups (use carefully)
• Airbnb (short-term landing)
• Residence websites directly (Nonsi, Kave, etc.)

“FazWaz, Hipflat, Expat Groups… and even Airbnb (not recommended).” (Malo)

Our practical rule:

• Use platforms to discover buildings
• Then try to visit in person (or at least do a live video tour)
• Never pay a deposit to “hold it” unless you trust the process and have documentation

Final “Bangkok Housing Blueprint”

Step 1, Pick your lifestyle

• Social-first: choose a big exchange residence
• City-first: choose a condo near BTS Sukhumvit line

Step 2, Pick your non-negotiables

Most students’ non-negotiables ended up being:

• BTS/MRT access
• A/C that works
• Safe building
• Basic amenities (7-Eleven, food)

Step 3, Do the smart arrival

If you’re unsure: arrive with 7–14 days temporary housing, visit places fast, decide with confidence.

Step 4, Use the people

Talk to 2–3 students who already did your exchange. Ask what they’d redo.

That’s how you skip the “first two months regret” story.

One last note from us

Bangkok rewards the students who choose a home base on purpose.

If you want the easiest social life: live where the exchange students live. If you want the richest city experience: live where BTS makes your life smooth.

And whichever path you pick, commit to it, show up in the first weeks, and build your semester from a place that supports the life you actually want.

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Made with ❤️ by the Studcasa Team