What’s included
The following items should be provided and are included in the cost of your homestay:
Bedroom
- Bed with clean, stain-free, firm mattress (replacement mattresses must be new)
- wardrobe (not canvas or plastic)
- mirror - full length
- chest of drawers with adequate storage
- desk or table (minimum size 2.5ft x 3ft) with desk lamp - or alternative study area
- upholstered desk chair which is suitable for studying
- book case or wall shelving of an appropriate size
- rubbish bin
- lined curtains or blinds
- at least four electrical plug sockets
- bedding
- linen and towels – to be changed weekly.
Other
- use of the kitchen (with a cupboard and fridge space for storing food if you are self-catering)
- use of the bathroom and toilet, with enough hot water for a shower or bath once a day
- use of the washing machine, and suitable space to dry clothes
- internet access.
- Heating. (You will have adequate heating in your room. Please do not leave heating switched on overnight or when you are out. If you need additional bedding or blankets, please speak to your host.)
Moving in
It may take a few days to settle into your home, get to know how things work and for you and your host to get used to living together. This is a good time to discuss the house rules and agree what is expected of you when you are living in their home.
Licence agreement
You will need to agree and sign a licence agreement with your host when you move in. The licence agreement sets out exactly what is included in your monthly payment and what will cost extra. The university provides a model agreement that you and the host can adapt to meet your requirements.
The licence agreement is extremely useful in helping to avoid confusion and misunderstanding at a later date. The agreement should also set out the main house rules. It is legally binding on you as well as on your host. You will be given your own copy of the agreement.
The licence agreement does not cancel out any obligations that you or your host have in terms of the homestay code of standards.
Please remember this is your host’s home and it is important that you are considerate and respectful at all times. Some things to discuss with your host are:
- Whether you can you bring friends home or have a guest to stay
- Keys and security
- Times when you may be away overnight or for a longer period
- Cleaning arrangements
- Mealtimes and dietary requirements
- Catered option: Your host is likely to cook the same food for you as they do for themselves, so it is a good idea to tell them what you like and do not like to eat as early as possible. You will need to fit in with the host’s mealtimes, but we advise hosts not to serve the evening meal before 6.30pm. Please let your host know in advance if you will be late or do not require your evening meal. If you have any special dietary requirements please declare these on your application form and discuss your needs with the host when you arrive.
- Self-catered option: You should agree with your host at what times you can use the kitchen to cook meals. Please remember to leave the kitchen clean and tidy after using it.
- Smoking
Most of our registered hosts do not permit smoking in their home. Please respect the host’s wishes and if you need to smoke, check with your host if there is a suitable place outside. Make sure you extinguish your cigarettes and dispose of them safely. - Telephone
Most students rely on mobile phones, but if you wish to use the host’s landline, you must discuss and agree this with them. Overseas calls can be expensive so your host may ask you to reimburse them for any telephone costs. - Using your homestay address
If you need to use your homestay address for bank accounts, please ask the host for permission first.
Transport
Our homestays are usually close to public transport to the campuses. Your host will be able to advise about local bus and train services, and you can also find more information about tickets prices and timetables in our section on useful contacts.
Moving out
Remember to change your address details with the bank or any other contacts before you leave and ensure that your host has a forwarding address for any mail.
Please also ensure that all outstanding bills are paid before you leave.
Within seven days of the end of your Homestay, your host must return your deposit and along with a receipt to support all deposit deductions.
