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Finding the Right Housing Option for Your Internship
March 9, 2023
They’re all over social media: laptop in one hand, fresh coconut in the other as they work beachfront in an exotic location. In addition to their photo-taking skills, there’s a lot to potentially learn from these digital nomads - individuals who travel place to place while working a full-time job from wherever they go. If you also travel for work, especially for extended periods of time, it may be a good idea to look to these fellow travelers (so to speak!) for trips and tricks.
Like many extended stay business travelers, you may find yourself staying in a serviced apartment, such as those offered by Synergy Global Housing. You’ll have everything you need for a long-term stay: furnishings, a full kitchen, housewares, linens, 24/7 guest service and more. However, there’s always room to make your business travels even more efficient, comfortable and productive.
We’ve rounded up numerous resources that digital nomads love, divided into categories, that business travelers like you can benefit from as well. Take advantage of them on your next trip.
Congratulations! You've just landed your first internship, and now it's time to tackle the next challenge: finding suitable housing for your endeavor. As a college student or recent graduate, navigating the world of intern housing options can be overwhelming. But fear not! We'll help ease any pain points you may experience when preparing for your internship — your first sort-of foray into the “real world,” if you will. Here’s an overview of the types of housing programs you may encounter, and what you can expect.
Fully Managed Corporate Housing Program
When it comes to intern housing, there are different options available. One popular choice is a fully managed, all-inclusive corporate housing program, which is precisely what Synergy offers. What is corporate housing? It’s a form of housing designed for businesses needing to accommodate their employees, perhaps for a short-term assignment, extended work trip, or — you guessed it — an internship. The provider will work with your employer and take care of everything, making your housing search stress-free.
Here's what you can expect from a corporate housing program:
No need to choose your housing: Your employer will select the housing for you, ensuring it meets your needs and is conveniently located near your internship site.
Furnished accommodations: Corporate housing comes fully furnished and equipped with the essentials, so all you have to bring is yourself and a packed suitcase. It's ready for you to move in and feel at home.
Full kitchen: Enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen to prepare meals and eat at home. It’ll be fully equipped with kitchenware, too, so don’t worry about stocking it with pots and pans.
Utilities included: Electricity, water, gas, WiFi, etc. will be included and working upon arrival.
Work-from-home setup: The apartment will have a desk and fast, reliable WiFi so you can work from home as needed.
Laundry: An in-unit washer and dryer, or laundry facilities in the building, will make laundry a breeze.
Amenities: The apartment building or community may have amenities you can use, such as a fitness center, swimming pool, recreational facilities or communal spaces. Before you arrive, find out what amenities the building offers.
Pet-friendliness: If you have a four-legged companion, you may be able to bring them along! Many corporate housing buildings allow dogs and cats and even have pet amenities like on-site dog parks.
Customer service: In addition to the customer service provided by the building, your corporate housing provider is also ready to assist with whatever you need, making your stay that much easier and comfortable.
Also with this solution, chances are you’ll be housed near your fellow interns, in the same building or very close to each other. This is great for getting to know your colleagues and socializing outside of work, so be sure to take advantage! In general, corporate housing is the easiest housing option you may encounter when starting your internship, due to how efficient and stress-free it is for both you and your company.
Housing Stipend
As a new intern, another option you might encounter is receiving a housing stipend. Your company will give you a set amount of money, either as a lump sum or on a month-by-month basis, and you’ll be responsible for finding your own housing and paying for it with the stipend. Depending on the market, your stipend amount and the accommodations you choose, the stipend may or may not fully cover your housing costs and you’d have to pay the difference out of pocket. There are potential challenges you may face with this solution, but it’s nothing to worry about if you equip yourself with the right knowledge.
Here’s what to expect with a housing stipend:
Lease limitations: Finding short-term leases can be challenging, as most traditional rentals require a longer commitment of one year or more. This can make it harder to align with your internship duration. Look for short-term furnished housing or a month-to-month rental — they’re harder to find, but they’re out there!
Furnishings: The housing you find might not be fully furnished, which means you'll need to buy or rent furniture yourself. Don’t forget about other necessities like cookware, and you may need to set up (and shortly after, cancel) the utilities. All of this will make the move-in and move-out a bit more laborious.
Amenities: Because the short-term duration of your internship may limit your options, try to be flexible on amenities, as you may not find housing that has all the ones you desire. Prioritize the amenities that are your must-haves over the ones that are nice-to-haves.
Customer service: The level of customer service you receive will vary depending on the housing you select, and it can be unpredictable.
That said — what’s your stipend budget, and what do you need? You can work with Synergy directly or through your company’s travel manager to book our short-term furnished housing. That way you receive all the benefits of corporate housing, and put your stipend to the best possible use. Our award-winning, white-glove customer service will also ensure your stay is comfortable and seamless. Otherwise, there are alternatives like Airbnb, Vrbo and extended-stay hotels that might be right for you — see more on these below.
Things to Consider
Whether you’ve been assigned short-term furnished housing or need to choose your own accommodations, there are a few things you should consider when preparing for your internship, such as:
Transportation: Will you be bringing a car, or renting one during the internship? If so, what’s the parking situation? How will you be getting to the office? Is your housing near the office, or public transportation? Are Ubers readily available in the area?
Pets: If you’re choosing your own housing with a stipend, it’s still worth looking for a pet-friendly building — more and more apartments are allowing pets these days.
Laundry: Will your apartment have a washer and dryer, or are there laundry facilities in the building? An in-unit washer and dryer can be a game-changer, saving you time and making your stay easier, so you may want to prioritize this perk if you’re searching for your own housing.
Other amenities: If you’ve been assigned housing, it’s a good idea to check what amenities the building offers so you can plan accordingly. For example, a swimming pool calls for packing your bathing suit, and a fitness center means you may want to bring your workout clothes. Otherwise, if you’re on a housing stipend, decide which amenities are important to you and prioritize them in your search.
Roommates: You probably won’t be required to live with a roommate, but if you have the option, it’s worth considering. It can be a great way to make friends during your internship, not to mention save money if you’re on a housing stipend.
Other Alternatives
Aside from the aforementioned intern housing options, there are other alternatives you may be considering for your internship. Before you move forward with any of these options, you should know their pros and cons.
Airbnb or Vrbo accommodations come furnished and are typically houses or apartments, so they’re well suited for a summer or fall internship. However, they can be inconsistent in terms of what they include, and the check-in and check-out procedures. The customer service may be inadequate, and you’ll often be required to clean up the place when your stay comes to an end. It might be hard to find an option that’s close to your internship site at a reasonable cost, too.
Extended-stay hotels are meant for longer stays and can work well for internships, as they include kitchens. But the kitchen may be a kitchenette, and there may not be a separate living area or work-from-home setup. Plus, they can be lacking in pet-friendly options, amenities and laundry facilities.
Whatever housing you choose, or are assigned to, should provide you with a comfortable place to lay your head after a hard day’s work. If your company is using a fully managed housing program — great! Take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer. But if you have a housing stipend or are just looking for your own accommodations, give Synergy a shout. Learn more about our housing solutions and set yourself up for success at your internship, and in life!
Our friendly team is on hand to discuss your furnished apartment requirements today.
Need to pack a hefty coat or jacket, or even a puffer? Use vacuum storage bags to compress them so they don’t take up your whole suitcase. Most come with a small hand pump, perfect for travel.
Noise-canceling headphones
Just like at home, there’s never a guarantee that your workspace during travel will be quiet. Thankfully, you don’t have to don a clunky pair of bucket-style cans: today’s noise-canceling headphones are slim and sleek. Get yourself a pair of AirPods Pro, Bose QuietComfort® Earbuds, or any of these alternatives.
Laptop stand
A laptop doesn’t have to be on your lap, or even flat on a surface. Being able to elevate and adjust your laptop can vastly improve your ergonomics while on the road, and you can do so with a laptop stand. The one appearing most frequently on digital nomad blogs is the Roost V3, or any similar products by Roost.
Wireless mouse
Using a mouse can make all the difference when it comes to precision and dexterity on your laptop. Stay minimalist and go with a wireless one, for which you can’t beat Logitech. Your filthy touchpad will thank you.
Long charging cables
Most of us have a standard 1-meter charging cable for our smartphone, but savvy travelers know to pack a 2-meter or even a 3-meter cable as well. You never know where your nearest outlet is going to be, and we all love being able to use our phone in bed while charging it.
Getting Around
On an extended stay business trip, the travel doesn’t end when you reach your destination. Here are some great solutions for transportation and finding your way around during your stay.
Turo
Looking for an alternative to traditional rental car companies? Turo is like Airbnb for cars, in that you rent a car directly from the car’s owner. It’s available in major cities across the US, as well as Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto and London (all cities Synergy serves, by the way!).
Uber One / Lyft Pink
We all know Uber and Lyft, but did you know they each offer memberships? Uber One is $9.99/month and gets you 5% off Uber rides, 5% off Uber Eats orders and other perks. Lyft Pink is $19.99/month and gets you 15% off Lyft rides, priority airport pickups and more. Use the services enough and the membership will pay for itself.
Google Maps (with a hack)
You can’t beat Google Maps for directions, especially when it comes to public transit. And there’s a great hack for international travel or poor reception: find out how to use the app offline. It’ll save you on international data fees – and frustration.
Rome2rio
Sometimes you just need to figure out the best way to get from point A to point B, but your usual maps application isn’t cutting it. Rome2rio will help you plan a route to where you need to be, even if it involves multiple modes of transportation: car, bus, train, bike, walking, ferry or plane.
Work & Productivity
Put the “business” in business travel with the help of these resources for working on the go.
ExpressVPN
Using a virtual private network, or VPN, is a good idea no matter where you’re working from. When traveling for work and using unfamiliar WiFi networks, like in a hotel or coffee shop, it’s even more important.
ExpressVPN is a favorite among many, not just digital nomads. It costs as little as $8.32/month, and is a frequent advertiser on podcasts – listen in to your favorites and look out for a discount code. NordVPN also tops many lists.
Workfrom
A change of scenery from time to time is a great way to keep the creative juices flowing and break up your workday. When the need arises, use the search functionality offered by Workfrom, which allows you to find places to work nearby! You can filter by which establishments have power outlets, fast WiFi, late-night hours and more.
World Time Buddy
What time is it? What day is it? Business travel across time zones can be disorienting, and it’s important to know your local time and that of your colleagues.
World Time Buddy is a popular solution that allows you to see world times in a simple visual format, convert time zones and even schedule meetings. No more accidentally Slacking your coworker when it’s 2am where they are.
Google Workspace
Most of us are familiar with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, etc. However, you’d be amazed by how many (free!) apps and tools Google Workspace offers, all cloud-based, including but not limited to:
Google Drive – Cloud storage up to 1TB
Google Flights – Search for flights across multiple airlines, all at once
Google Calendar – Create shared calendars
Google Meet – Video and voice calls
Google Forms – Generate and distribute simple forms or surveys
Google Keep – Maintain notes, lists, photos, audio, drawings and more
All of these apps can be accessed on desktop or mobile, for the ultimate on-the-go productivity.
Health & Wellness
Work-life balance still matters when you’re on business travel. Stay physically and mentally well while away from home with these resources.
Classpass
Although it’s evolved a bit over the years, Classpass is still going strong. Here’s how it works: first, choose a plan that allots you a number of credits per month, ranging from 6 to 80 credits. Then, use your credits to attend classes at local fitness establishments (yoga, spin, crossfit, etc.) or for open gym time.
Here’s the best part: you can also use credits for beauty and wellness treatments, such as manicures, haircuts or massage! Participating establishments are located all over the world, so it’s great to use while traveling.
Teladoc
Ask your healthcare provider if they offer Teladoc, or a similar telehealth service. It’s a tremendous benefit during travel when you need to speak with your doctor, and you can usually secure an appointment on short notice – even same-day. If you need medication, your provider can prescribe you what you need via video call and have it sent to a local pharmacy.
Calm
Move over Headspace, hello Calm. This increasingly popular meditation app can help you get better sleep, reduce stress and anxiety, improve your focus and more. Plus, who wouldn’t want to drift off to a calming Sleep Story read by Matthew McConaughey? Try it free for seven days, after which a premium subscription is $14.99/month.
Food
Whether you prefer to go out, stay in or a little of both, these foodie and traveler-approved resources will keep you well-fed during extended stay business travel.
Eater
You may think Yelp is the go-to site for finding the best local restaurants, but real foodies know that’s not the case. Many Yelp reviews are written by tourists, not locals, and people are generally more likely to write about negative experiences than positive ones on review sites. Instead, see if the city you’re staying in has an Eater site. Eater has a pulse like no other on local restaurant scenes, from ethnic eateries to fine dining.
The Infatuation
The Infatuation is another great food site for honest reviews, guides and features on local restaurants. With coverage in nearly 50 cities, including international ones, there’s even more to love. Follow them on Instagram, too – they have an account for almost every city they cover!
Meal kit delivery services
Those staying in a serviced apartment or other extended-stay housing are fortunate to have access to a full kitchen. Being able to cook your own meals is a huge plus, and meal kit delivery services can make it a whole lot more convenient. The ingredients for each meal come in just the right amounts, so you’re not stuck buying a bundle of carrots when all you need is a single carrot. Travel blogger Cory Lee lists even more reasons it’s great for digital nomads and extended stay business travelers. There are too many options to name just one, so check out Bon Appétit’s top favorites.
Community
Creating a sense of community is worth the effort no matter where you are, and for how long. Use these tools to help you connect with others during your travels, either online or in-person.
Reddit
Reddit is one of the best places on the internet for people from all over to discuss topics and share resources. Because it’s less commercialized, you’ll find some of the most honest and real insights. Topics are divided into what are called subreddits.
For instance, there’s a subreddit on business travel, one on travel hacks and one for digital nomads. You can also find subreddits for almost any country, city or neighborhood in the world. Just use Reddit’s search bar to find subreddits, or individual posts.
Meetup
Who says you can’t make friends during business travel? It’s important to socialize and meet new people outside of work, even in a city you’re only staying in temporarily. Meetup is where people go to do just that. Use the site or the app to find in-person meetups near you, or host your own!
Nextdoor
You may use Nextdoor at home, but why not use it away from home too? Download the app and find the neighborhood you’re staying in, then get to know your temporary neighbors and the community. Members use it to share information and resources, ask question.
Other
We couldn’t let you go without mentioning these resources, which can save you a lot of hassle.
Dark Sky
No one can perfectly predict the weather – but Dark Sky comes pretty close. The hyper-accurate, hyper-local weather app can tell you down to the minute when to expect rain, snow, sun, clouds, etc.
When you’re traveling and unfamiliar with the local climate, this level of accuracy is key. You can even enable push notifications to know just when to whip out your umbrella. Dark Sky is $3.99 to download, and only available on iOS.
CLEAR
You may have noticed lately that TSA PreCheck lines at airports are getting longer and less efficient. Due to its popularity, PreCheck’s benefit of shorter, smoother security lines is beginning to dwindle. It may be time to upgrade to CLEAR, which allows you to confirm your identity via biometrics rather than traditional ID documents. CLEAR operates in over 50 airports throughout the US, and its lines tend to be shorter than those for PreCheck. An annual membership is $189, a bit more than TSA PreCheck, but some credit card reward programs offer a complimentary or discounted membership.
Congratulations! You've just landed your first internship, and now it's time to tackle the next challenge: finding suitable housing for your endeavor. As a college student or recent graduate, navigating the world of intern housing options can be overwhelming. But fear not! We'll help ease any pain points you may experience when preparing for your internship — your first sort-of foray into the “real world,” if you will. Here’s an overview of the types of housing programs you may encounter, and what you can expect.
Fully Managed Corporate Housing Program
When it comes to intern housing, there are different options available. One popular choice is a fully managed, all-inclusive corporate housing program, which is precisely what Synergy offers. What is corporate housing? It’s a form of housing designed for businesses needing to accommodate their employees, perhaps for a short-term assignment, extended work trip, or — you guessed it — an internship. The provider will work with your employer and take care of everything, making your housing search stress-free.
Here's what you can expect from a corporate housing program:
No need to choose your housing: Your employer will select the housing for you, ensuring it meets your needs and is conveniently located near your internship site.
Furnished accommodations: Corporate housing comes fully furnished and equipped with the essentials, so all you have to bring is yourself and a packed suitcase. It's ready for you to move in and feel at home.
Full kitchen: Enjoy the convenience of a full kitchen to prepare meals and eat at home. It’ll be fully equipped with kitchenware, too, so don’t worry about stocking it with pots and pans.
Utilities included: Electricity, water, gas, WiFi, etc. will be included and working upon arrival.
Work-from-home setup: The apartment will have a desk and fast, reliable WiFi so you can work from home as needed.
Laundry: An in-unit washer and dryer, or laundry facilities in the building, will make laundry a breeze.
Amenities: The apartment building or community may have amenities you can use, such as a fitness center, swimming pool, recreational facilities or communal spaces. Before you arrive, find out what amenities the building offers.
Pet-friendliness: If you have a four-legged companion, you may be able to bring them along! Many corporate housing buildings allow dogs and cats and even have pet amenities like on-site dog parks.
Customer service: In addition to the customer service provided by the building, your corporate housing provider is also ready to assist with whatever you need, making your stay that much easier and comfortable.
Also with this solution, chances are you’ll be housed near your fellow interns, in the same building or very close to each other. This is great for getting to know your colleagues and socializing outside of work, so be sure to take advantage! In general, corporate housing is the easiest housing option you may encounter when starting your internship, due to how efficient and stress-free it is for both you and your company.
Housing Stipend
As a new intern, another option you might encounter is receiving a housing stipend. Your company will give you a set amount of money, either as a lump sum or on a month-by-month basis, and you’ll be responsible for finding your own housing and paying for it with the stipend. Depending on the market, your stipend amount and the accommodations you choose, the stipend may or may not fully cover your housing costs and you’d have to pay the difference out of pocket. There are potential challenges you may face with this solution, but it’s nothing to worry about if you equip yourself with the right knowledge.
Here’s what to expect with a housing stipend:
Lease limitations: Finding short-term leases can be challenging, as most traditional rentals require a longer commitment of one year or more. This can make it harder to align with your internship duration. Look for short-term furnished housing or a month-to-month rental — they’re harder to find, but they’re out there!
Furnishings: The housing you find might not be fully furnished, which means you'll need to buy or rent furniture yourself. Don’t forget about other necessities like cookware, and you may need to set up (and shortly after, cancel) the utilities. All of this will make the move-in and move-out a bit more laborious.
Amenities: Because the short-term duration of your internship may limit your options, try to be flexible on amenities, as you may not find housing that has all the ones you desire. Prioritize the amenities that are your must-haves over the ones that are nice-to-haves.
Customer service: The level of customer service you receive will vary depending on the housing you select, and it can be unpredictable.
That said — what’s your stipend budget, and what do you need? You can work with Synergy directly or through your company’s travel manager to book our short-term furnished housing. That way you receive all the benefits of corporate housing, and put your stipend to the best possible use. Our award-winning, white-glove customer service will also ensure your stay is comfortable and seamless. Otherwise, there are alternatives like Airbnb, Vrbo and extended-stay hotels that might be right for you — see more on these below.
Things to Consider
Whether you’ve been assigned short-term furnished housing or need to choose your own accommodations, there are a few things you should consider when preparing for your internship, such as:
Transportation: Will you be bringing a car, or renting one during the internship? If so, what’s the parking situation? How will you be getting to the office? Is your housing near the office, or public transportation? Are Ubers readily available in the area?
Pets: If you’re choosing your own housing with a stipend, it’s still worth looking for a pet-friendly building — more and more apartments are allowing pets these days.
Laundry: Will your apartment have a washer and dryer, or are there laundry facilities in the building? An in-unit washer and dryer can be a game-changer, saving you time and making your stay easier, so you may want to prioritize this perk if you’re searching for your own housing.
Other amenities: If you’ve been assigned housing, it’s a good idea to check what amenities the building offers so you can plan accordingly. For example, a swimming pool calls for packing your bathing suit, and a fitness center means you may want to bring your workout clothes. Otherwise, if you’re on a housing stipend, decide which amenities are important to you and prioritize them in your search.
Roommates: You probably won’t be required to live with a roommate, but if you have the option, it’s worth considering. It can be a great way to make friends during your internship, not to mention save money if you’re on a housing stipend.
Other Alternatives
Aside from the aforementioned intern housing options, there are other alternatives you may be considering for your internship. Before you move forward with any of these options, you should know their pros and cons.
Airbnb or Vrbo accommodations come furnished and are typically houses or apartments, so they’re well suited for a summer or fall internship. However, they can be inconsistent in terms of what they include, and the check-in and check-out procedures. The customer service may be inadequate, and you’ll often be required to clean up the place when your stay comes to an end. It might be hard to find an option that’s close to your internship site at a reasonable cost, too.
Extended-stay hotels are meant for longer stays and can work well for internships, as they include kitchens. But the kitchen may be a kitchenette, and there may not be a separate living area or work-from-home setup. Plus, they can be lacking in pet-friendly options, amenities and laundry facilities.
Whatever housing you choose, or are assigned to, should provide you with a comfortable place to lay your head after a hard day’s work. If your company is using a fully managed housing program — great! Take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer. But if you have a housing stipend or are just looking for your own accommodations, give Synergy a shout. Learn more about our housing solutions and set yourself up for success at your internship, and in life!
Our friendly team is on hand to discuss your furnished apartment requirements today.
For extended stay business travel, a hotel may not cut it. Most of them are not well suited for long-term stays, containing little more than a bed, bathroom, nightstand and dresser. Let us key you in on another extended stay travel secret: serviced apartments.
They’ve got everything you need for a longer stay, and Synergy has them available all over the world. Search and book your accommodations and make your next business trip your most seamless one yet.
We have worked relentlessly to secure ISO 27001:2022 certification, the gold standard in global data security practices. This gives you absolute confidence that we uphold the most stringent standards of data security, and that your sensitive information is safeguarded to the highest possible degree.
Health & Safety
SynergySMART (Simple Mobile Apartment Reporting Technology) is a cloud-based application that facilitates the tracking and measurement of Synergy’s health, cleanliness and safety protocols across our global apartment inventory. A first of its kind in the accommodation sector, SynergySMART aims to elevate the level of consistency across our global portfolio to ensure guest satisfaction and traveler confidence.
24/7 support
By developing local teams with deep knowledge of their regions allows us to seamlessly serve clients everywhere. Our 24/7 regional teams are the cornerstone of Synergy's renowned guest support, but it's our real-time communication that truly sets us apart. We collaborate directly with clients, ensuring immediate responsiveness and adaptability in any market situation. This level of transparency and partnership creates lasting value for every guest.
Our friendly team is on hand to discuss your furnished apartment requirements today.
