Initial Stay

While single students will usually have the option to stay in the dormitory upon arrival, students arriving with their families should plan ahead for a smoother transition.

Hotels

Staying at a hotel is often considered one of the most hassle-free options when arriving in Qum. However, it is important to note that this convenience comes with a higher price tag, especially since it can take several weeks to find a longer-term accommodation solution and settle down. Qum has a range of hotels with varying ratings and qualities, most of which are conveniently located near the haram. Generally, the check-in time for hotels is 2pm, and check-out is at 12pm. Hotel prices fluctuate depending on the season and can range from $15 — $40 per person, per night. Some popular hotels include: Qum International, Karimeh, Az-Zahraa, Mahsan, Khorshid and Sana.

Hostels (Musafir Khane)

An affordable alternative to hotels is staying in a hostel (musafir khane) that offer more basic amenities. While these hostels provide private rooms, it is important to note that the 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. Additionally, suites can be hired for very reasonable prices using websites such as divar.ir.

Subletting a Furnished Home

Another very useful option, especially during the summer months, is to rent out an already furnished house of another student who has returned to their home country for the holidays. Many students are willing to sublet their homes for temporary accommodation, both to assist newcomers and for security reasons, ensuring that their houses are not left unoccupied for an extended period of time.