Accommodation
Living with a host family
Living with a family in the UK can be a very enjoyable experience and we hope that you will find that this is so. Some of our students become so much a part of their family that they stay in touch with them for many years.
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The school can arrange homestay accommodation for you with host families. Our Accommodation Manager visits homes before we use them and they are visited regularly after this. We are in constant touch with our hosts, many of whom have been working with us for many years: we know them very well and they understand the needs of our students. We also carefully check student feedback to make sure that students who stay there are happy.
You may find the home and lifestyle different from your country but we are sure you will enjoy the experience of living in an English-speaking environment but please remember that you are staying in a private home. Your host(s) will also want some privacy and to lead their own lives. Do not expect them to be there all the time just for you. Remember also that the facilities and service will not be the same as in a hotel.
Once you have booked homestay accommodation through the school you will be sent the host family name, address and contact details. For individual students we strongly advise you contact your host family BEFORE your day of arrival so you can be sure someone is there to meet you. Many families work or need to shop and cannot stay indoors all day waiting for an arrival when they have not been informed of the time. If there are delays at the airport, please also inform the host family.
Expect British houses to have:
- usually only one bathroom (therefore no private bathroom facilities)
- no servants
- women often have careers & work outside the home
If you have a question about your homestay family you may find the answer in the list below. Please contact us if you cannot find it here.
- Do you meet all accommodation requests?
We do our best to meet any other accommodation requests, but we cannot guarantee to meet all requests.
- Will I be in a family with another student with the same mother tongue?
We guarantee that you will not be placed in the same private home stay family as a student with the same mother tongue, unless you specifically request this or the school seeks your agreement in advance.
- What is a typical British family?
A host family will not always be two parents and children. Many hosts are couples who have children who have grown up and left home or they are single people without children.
- How far is my accommodation from the school?
We will arrange private home stay accommodation within reasonable distance of the school (e.g. 15 - 30 minutes walk or a local bus journey).
- Can you describe the sort of bedroom I can expect?
We provide a single room and a place where you can study. Rooms will have: a bed with a good supply of bedding, somewhere to put your clothes and normally a writing desk or table.
- What about meals?
You will have breakfast and dinner on schooldays and all weekend meals with your family. You will be expected to eat the usual family meals, but please tell the family what types of food you like and dislike when you arrive. Do not use the family kitchen or help yourself to food unless you have agreed this with your host family.
- What are the laundry arrangements?
Some hosts will show you how to use the washing machine and tell you when you can use it. Others will ask you to give them your laundry and they will wash your clothes for you. They will not usually iron your clothes.
- How often can you use the shower or bath?
You will have access to bathroom facilities and can take a daily shower or bath but you will normally be expected to share the facilities with family members and any other students. Remember to use your own toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
- Will I be able to do what I want?
Living with a host family is not like living in a hotel. Please remember you are a guest in their home and you will be treated like a member of the family. If you are going to be out overnight, let your host know so they will not worry about you. If you are going to be late or away for a meal, tell the host family in plenty of time.
- Will I have a key?
If you are over 18 you will be given a key to the home. Your host will tell you any arrangements for locking up and setting any alarms. If you are under 16 you are expected to be home by 10.30 p.m. This is the law in Britain.
- Do you ask the students for information about the families?
Yes, we value your comments. You will be asked for feedback. If you are unhappy about something, please discuss it with your host family. If it continues to be a problem, please talk to the Accommodation Officer Ann Bunny.
- What happens if there is an emergency outside school hours?
We provide a 24-hour emergency telephone number in case of real emergency, e.g. accident or serious illness. Your private home stay family is also available to help you.
- Can I use the phone?
Please do not use the family phone to make outgoing calls. You can receive calls from your family but you will be expected to keep the calls short. If you have a phone card you must ask permission before using the family telephone.
- What about pets?
Many British families have cats or dogs as family pets. Please inform the school if you do not wish to stay in a house with animals.
- Can I use my personal computer?
Because your private homestay family cannot get a detailed bill quickly from the telephone company they will not want you plugging your computer in at the house. We recommend that you hire a mobile phone to connect your laptop computer to your Internet Service Provider. Please remember that you also have email and other internet facilities at the school.
- Can I bring my own electrical appliances?
You will need to bring an adaptor if you wish to use your own appliances. British sockets have three pins and the voltage is 240 volts.
(Please also see ‘Terms and Conditions’)
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