Housing Near Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS): A Guide for Students
Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) is a public university in Surabaya, Indonesia, ranked 509 in the QS World University Rankings. With a Google rating of 4.8 from 3,589 reviews, the campus receives generally positive feedback, though student experiences vary. This guide focuses on finding accommodation near ITS, drawing on actual campus reviews and the surrounding city context.
What Campus Reviews Reveal
Student opinions highlight both strengths and challenges at ITS. A review by M. Sahlaa (Mr. Boombastic) gave 5 stars:
“Nice place. Have many improvement facilities. Hopely, this Institute still cheaper, so clever student with economic limitation can still studying here, and delevop more high quality of Graduatee Engineers.”
This suggests the campus environment is improving, and affordability matters to the student community. Wiwin Adi (5 stars) noted:
“Often did Ashar pray at Manarul Ilmi Mosque which beautiful and located not far from entrance gate, a very2 good environment to me as a passer”
The mosque near the entrance gate is a local landmark and can help orient students looking for housing nearby. However, a critical 1-star review by Inter states:
“As an International Student, Institute Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya is hell as they will burden you with lots of syllabus plus language barrier as their Professors and Students are so illiterate in English. They will say you came here by your own choice so manage it. Can you imagine hand writ”
This underscores language barriers that international students may face. On the positive side, LINA KURNIA PUTRI (5 stars) commented:
“The best engineering campus in Surabaya, the campus is cool, the lecturers are professional”
So while academic pressure exists, many students value the professional teaching and the campus atmosphere.
City Context: Surabaya
Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city, a major port and economic hub on the island of Java. The climate is tropical, with a wet season from November to March and a dry season from April to October. Traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. The cost of living is generally lower than in Jakarta, but it varies by neighbourhood.
ITS is located in Sukolilo District, East Surabaya, at Jl. Raya ITS, Keputih. This area is a mix of student housing, local shops, and residential kampungs (traditional neighbourhoods). The main campus entrance is on a busy road, with many food stalls, mini markets, and photocopy shops within walking distance. The Manarul Ilmi Mosque, referenced in reviews, is near the main gate and serves as a convenient landmark.
Public transportation includes bemos (small minibuses), buses (such as Suroboyo Bus), and online ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab. Many students use motorcycles for flexibility.
Budget Bands for Student Housing
Rental prices near ITS vary widely depending on room type, facilities, and distance from campus. The following ranges are indicative — confirm with the operator.
- Low budget (shared / basic room): Simple boarding houses (rumah kos) with shared bathroom, often include electricity and water. Expect a room with a bed, desk, and fan. Price range indicative: IDR 400,000–800,000 per month (confirm with operator). Suitable for students willing to share facilities and live a bit further from campus.
- Mid budget (private room, basic amenities): Better boarding houses or small apartments with private bathroom, air conditioning, and possibly a small kitchenette. Price range indicative: IDR 800,000–1,500,000 per month (confirm with operator). These are often located within 1–3 km of ITS.
- High budget (studio / apartment, fully furnished): Modern studios in apartment complexes like The Sutorey or similar, with gym, pool, and 24-hour security. Price range indicative: IDR 2,000,000–4,000,000 per month (confirm with operator). More common in areas like Surabaya Barat or MERR, but commuting distance may be longer.
Note: Prices in Surabaya rose moderately in recent years. Always negotiate for long-term stays and check if utilities are included.
Walk vs Transit Trade-off
Walking to campus is the most convenient option, but it limits your housing choices. The immediate surroundings of ITS (Keputih, Sukolilo) are densely built and offer many boarding houses within a 10–15 minute walk. You can easily attend morning classes, return for lunch, and use the campus mosque or library.
However, walking-only options may be noisy (along the main road) or lack amenities like supermarkets or parks. For a quieter environment, you might need to walk a bit further or use a bicycle.
Transit opens up more affordable or higher-quality housing a few kilometres away. Common transit scenarios:
- Bemo: Routes connect ITS to Pasar Keputih, Sukolilo terminal, and further to Kertajaya. Bemos run frequently but can be crowded.
- Online motorcycle (ojek): Cost effective for short trips (IDR 5,000–15,000 per ride). Most students use Gojek/Grab.
- Private motorcycle: Many local students own one. Parking on campus costs a small fee (indicative IDR 1,000–2,000 per day, confirm with operator).
If you live in areas like Gebang, Manyar, or Kertajaya, commuting by motorised vehicle takes 10–20 minutes one way. Public bus services are less frequent but connect to larger malls. Consider the total time and cost: living farther may save rent but increase daily transport expense.
Shortlist Logic for Nearby Residences
When selecting a place to stay near ITS, apply the following logic using criteria derived from student reviews and city context. Since no specific residence names are given in the source data, the logic below helps you evaluate any available option.
Step 1: Distance to campus gate. From the reviews, the mosque near the entrance gate is a reference point. Choose accommodation within 1 km of the main gate if you prefer walking. Use Google Maps or ask local agents about “kos-kosan di sekitar ITS” (boarding houses near ITS).
Step 2: Safety and environment. Look for areas with good street lighting, local security (security posts), and neighbours from the university. The campus area is generally safe, but avoid dim alleys at night.
Step 3: Facilities for studying. Given the heavy syllabus mentioned in reviews, a quiet room with a desk and reliable Wi-Fi is essential. Some boarding houses include Wi-Fi; confirm speed and stability.
Step 4: Language support. International students facing English illiteracy may want housing with Indonesian-speaking landlords who are patient. Look for houses that host other international students, or choose a homestay where you can practice language.
Step 5: Budget and contract terms. Ask about deposit (usually one month’s rent), advance payment (monthly or quarterly), and rules on guests. Compare prices with the indicative bands above. Always confirm with the operator before signing.
Sample area shortlist (based on typical nearby locations):
- Keputih (walking distance): Many stand-alone boarding houses. Quick access to campus. Noisy near main road but quieter in inner lanes.
- Sukolilo (slightly farther): More residential, some budget options with gardens. Requires 5–10 minute motorised ride.
- Kertajaya (transit zone): Student hubs with more facilities (food, minimarts). Bemo route connects to ITS. Mid to high budget indicative.
- Gebang (alternative): Slightly less crowded, good for those preferring bicycles. Distance around 2–3 km.
Use these criteria to shortlist 3–5 places and visit them in person. Speak to current tenants about their experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does ITS provide on-campus dormitories? ITS has limited on-campus accommodation, typically for first-year students and postgraduates on specific programmes. Priority is often given to scholarship holders. Most students live off campus in surrounding areas. It is advisable to contact the university’s student affairs office for current availability. Prices for on-campus rooms are likely lower than private options — confirm with the operator.
Q2: Is the area around ITS safe for international students? The campus area is generally considered safe during the day and early evening. However, like any large city, petty theft can occur. Choose well-lit streets and avoid walking alone late at night. Many boarding houses have security guards or CCTV. The reviews do not mention safety incidents, but the reviewer “Inter” mentioned a difficult academic environment, not safety issues.
Q3: How important is it to speak Indonesian when renting? Indonesian is the primary language for communication with landlords, especially in traditional boarding houses. The critical review highlighted that English is not widely spoken among professors and students, which likely extends to the surrounding community. If you do not speak Indonesian, consider using an Indonesian-speaking friend or hire a local agent to help negotiate contracts and explain rules. Learning basic phrases will greatly improve your housing search.
Data last updated: 2026. Prices are indicative — confirm with the operator at the time of rental.
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