Homestay Accommodation
Homestay accommodation is available for students wishing to live with a local family or single person in their home. It is customary for students who are under 18 at the start of their course must stay in a Homestay. There are two types of Homestay accommodation – half board or self catering.
What does ‘Homestay’ mean?
You will live in an English speaking home, sharing with your host and sometimes with other students. It is an opportunity to experience home life in England and importantly, to practise your English language skills. You will be expected to live as ‘part of the family’, sharing meal times and taking part in home-life.
What facilities are provided in Homestay accommodation?
Most homes in England are modest in size with an average of 3 bedrooms. You will be provided with:
- A private bedroom with a bed, study desk and clothes storage space
- You will have access to the house bathroom, or rarely may have your own private bathroom
There is normally one bathroom in the house, used by all those living there and you should use the bathroom at reasonable times of day and leave it in a clean condition afterwards.
What will the Homestay be like?
Many Homestays have many years experience of welcoming students into their homes. When you arrive, normally your Homestay will discuss any house rules and this helps to avoid misunderstandings. Some typical rules may be about not smoking in the house or what time you need to be home at night. There may be other students living with the Homestay, but the Colleges tries to not put students of the same nationality or language together. In the evening you can either spend time with the family (maybe watching television, eating or talking), or you can meet friends or study in your room. Laundry (but not always ironing) is normally included.
What about meals?
If you choose Half Board, your Homestay will provide breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday and all meals at weekends. You will need to provide your own lunch and snacks. If you choose Self Catering, you would need to provide and cook your own food, and you would have access to your Homestay’s kitchen and utensils to prepare your food.
Some Homestay's are able to cater for specific dietary requirements, but most will provide a traditional British menu of dishes. For example, a typical breakfast might be cereal and milk, a cup of tea and toast with jam. A typical dinner might be grilled lamb chops and vegetables, or chicken curry with rice.
If you have special dietary requirements, please indicate this on your Booking Form and we will try to accommodate your needs.
Where is Homestay accommodation?
All Homestay accommodation is within 30 minutes walk or travel by public transport. Bradford and the surrounding areas have good public transport links, and most students walk to College or get the bus. Buses are inexpensive, and you can purchase a student bus pass that costs around £30 per month.
Your Responsibilities in Homestay Accommodation
When you stay with a Homestay, you will be treated as part of the family and expected to take a part in home life. It is the norm in UK families for everybody to take an active part in looking after the home. It is not common to have any domestic help such as a maid or cleaner. You will not be expected to do any major cleaning, but there are some tasks you will have responsibility for:
- Tidying your bedroom
- Arranging your laundry ready for washing
- Cleaning the bathroom after you have used it
- Tidying away any belongings you have left around the house
- Clearing away any food or snacks that your prepare
From time to time your Homestay might ask you to take part in other domestic tasks too, and this should be viewed as an opportunity to experience everyday life in the UK.
Costs
If you choose Homestay you will be expected to stay for a minimum of 1 term, with most students staying around 1 year. The rent does not usually include use of the house telephone, and you are encouraged to purchase your own mobile phone on arrival.
Rents for the 2010/2011 academic year are:
- Half board - £100 per week
- Self catering - £65 per week
For more information on costs, go to the Apply page.
Before Arrival
When you are allocated to a Homestay, you will be given some basic background on them and their contact information. It is a good idea to write or email them before you arrive to introduce yourself. This is a good opportunity to get to know your Homestay a little before you arrive – you could tell them where you are from, what hobbies or activities you like to do, and what you are looking forward to about staying in Bradford.