Staying in hostels vs renting outside? which one's better abroad?

Just wanna know what most students do when they go to study abroad… like do they live in college hostels or rent flats n stuff outside? i’m trying to figure what’s more chill or budget-friendly :sob: also looking up best art courses in the world rn so any help there too would be awesome :heart_hands:

Hostels in 1st year usually… makes it easier to settle in and meet ppl. not all unis offer hostel after that tho so ppl move out n share apartments. depends on city tbh