A Homestay does not mean that you will live with a typical mother, father and two
children family; such families are often too pushed for space to take in overseas
students. Often people whose children have left home offer homestay accommodation.
Homestay homes are all very different. They can be:
Flats, apartments, small houses, large houses, old properties, new properties
In the middle of the city, out in the countryside, in the suburbs
Cramped, spacious, very clean, chaotic
Always ask your school for details about your homestay accommodation so you know what to
expect when you arrive in the UK
You will probably be given a key to the house, but not one to your room as British
people do not usually lock the rooms inside their houses. Your room will be heated, but
may be cooler than you are used to. Ask for additional blankets or for extra heating. The
electrical voltage in the UK is 240 volts. It is considered polite to turn off lights and
electrical items when you leave a room because electricity is expensive. If you want to
move the furniture in your room, or put up posters or photos, please ask the family for
permission first. If you damage anything, please tell your family as soon as possible and
offer to pay.
You will eat most of your meals with the family - eating what they eat! Homestay
families do NOT offer restaurant style food - just normal family meals. A lot of students
mistakenly think that English families all eat full cooked English breakfasts, take
afternoon tea, have three course meals in the evening and a light supper before bed. Most
families are very busy and eat convenience foods - such as cereals and toast in the
morning. Please let the family know if you cannot eat anything in particular and tell them
if you are going to be late or absent from a meal.
Please do not use the homestay family's telephone without asking. You will be expected
to pay for your telephone calls. You can make a reverse charge call, if necessary.
You will be expected to make your own bed and it is polite for you to offer to help with
minor chores around the house; like clearing the table after a meal or washing-up. Please
ask for permission to use the kitchen or to help yourself to additional food and drink.
Most houses only have one bathroom and there is normally a queue in the morning. Find
out when it is best for you to use the bathroom and please leave it clean when you have
finished.
Sheets and towels will usually be provided, but you will be responsible for cleaning
your own clothes. Ask your family about their arrangements.
Please tell your family if you are going to be away overnight. If nobody knows where you
are, they may get very worried and contact the police to report you as being lost!
Please remember that your homestay will want some privacy, especially if they are
entertaining friends. You might be included, but not always. If you want to invite your
own friends, it is best to check this with your family first, and to find out what time
your friends are expected to leave.
Try to fit in with everyday life. You might have some minor difficulties or
misunderstandings, but you should not have any real problems.
If you want to leave your Homestay before your original planned date, you should give at
least one week's notice. Ask the Accommodation Officer at your school for advice.
