Initial Stay

Where to stay while you find a permanent home — hotels, hostels (musafir khane) and subletting a furnished house from a student away for the summer.

Single students will usually have the option to stay in the dormitory on arrival, but if you are coming with your family it pays to plan ahead for a smoother transition — finding a longer-term home can take several weeks.

Hotels

Staying at a hotel is often the most hassle-free option on arrival, though that convenience comes at a higher price, especially over the weeks it may take to settle. Qum has a range of hotels of varying ratings and quality, most conveniently located near the haram. Check-in is generally 2 pm and check-out 12 pm, and prices fluctuate by season, ranging from about $15–$40 per person, per night. Popular options include Qum International, Karimeh, Az-Zahraa, Mahsan, Khorshid and Sana.

Hostels (musafir khane)

An affordable alternative is a hostel (musafir khane), offering more basic amenities. These provide private rooms, but showers and washrooms may be shared with other guests. Qum has numerous hostels scattered throughout the area, with prices starting from around $3 per person, per night. Suites can also be hired at very reasonable prices through websites such as qomsuite.com.

Subletting a furnished home

Especially in the summer months, a very useful option is to rent an already furnished house from another student who has returned home for the holidays. Many students are happy to sublet their homes for temporary stays — both to help newcomers and for peace of mind, so their house is not left empty for a long period.