So you’re thinking of learning English in the UK and wondering where you will live? There’s a great variety of student accommodation in the UK, so there will be something to suit your needs.
You don’t need to worry about booking your accommodation as your language centre or agent can organise it for you. But it is a good idea to consider your options and decide what you prefer.
All student accommodation in accredited centres meet the same high standards around care, space, meals and access to washing and laundry facilities. Language centres will have a member of staff whose job it is to make sure students are in the right accommodation.
Where you stay may help with your language learning and also help you to experience UK culture.
Homestay accommodation – the authentic UK experience
Homestay means you’ll live in someone’s house or flat. This is a great way to experience life in the UK and improve your English in the evenings and over dinner. This is a very special part of what learning English in the UK has to offer. Often, hosts and students stay in touch for years after meeting.
Sometimes homestays mean you’ll live as part of a family with children and teenagers, and sometimes it’s just adults.
You’ll usually have a single bedroom and eat breakfast and dinner in the home. You may be able to choose half-board (with breakfast and dinner) or full board accommodation (with all meals included). Language centres select their hosts carefully to ensure students are happy.
Student residences
Are you seeking a bit more independence in your student accommodation? Student residences – built for students to live together – are a popular choice.
Students usually have their own bedroom but share a kitchen and sometimes a sitting area. Residences have normally been planned and built as student accommodation in apartment blocks in city centres. Luxury residences may have ensuite bathrooms, cinema rooms and gyms.
In smaller towns, students may have the option of sharing a house with other international students.
Interested in hosting English language students?
Language centres are always keen to hear from people with a spare room who would like to become homestay hosts, welcoming people from round the world and earning some extra money.