STAYING WITH A HOST FAMILY Click here for host family fees Return to Accomodation Index   Here is some general information about what to expect from your stay with a host family.   1. YOUR HOSTS All our hosts are regularly inspected and should be of a high standard. However, please remember that a host family does not always consist of a couple with children. Often retired couples or single ladies make excellent hosts, with more time to spend with their guest than busy parents! The most important thing is that they spend time with you at meal times and should chat in the evenings and provide a welcoming atmosphere. The maximum number of students in any family is usually three but there will not be students of the same nationality unless specifically requested.   2. YOUR ROOM Your room should have a bed (and bed linen, blankets etc.), table, chair, adequate lighting and heating and storage space for your belongings. If there is no desk in the room there should be another room where you can work quietly. You should not have to share a room unless you have requested a twin room with a friend or partner. Although the family should change the bed linen each week and clean the room for you, please keep the room tidy to help with the cleaning.   3. THE BATHROOM You should have free access to the bathroom and should be allowed to take a bath or shower every day, but please try to arrange in advance with the family when the best times are for this. If washing and toilet facilities are in the same room, try not to shower when everyone else is getting ready first thing in the morning! Showers are not as common in Britain as in many other countries - if your host family does not have a shower, try to get used to having a bath instead.   4. MEALS If you have requested half board accommodation your family will provide you with an evening meal. In England this is generally between 6.00pm and 7.30pm but your family will confirm the time with you. If you are going to miss a meal or if you have any special dietary needs or dislikes please let your family know well in advance.   5. TELEPHONE Overseas phone calls are expensive and you should not expect to be allowed to make phone calls from your host family's phone. You can either ask them where the local public phone box is or you can buy an ARELS phonecard from reception at school which enables you to phone abroad and have calls charged to your card.   6. LAUNDRY Your host family will make sure that your sheets and towels are washed about once a week but they are under no obligation to do your personal laundry for you. However, many families are willing to do this (sometimes at an extra charge). Please talk to your host about this. Alternatively, your family will be able to show you the nearest launderette.   7. KEYS Some families will provide you with your own house keys which are your responsibility so please look after them carefully. Alternatively, you may just be given a key at certain times - please ask your host about this. Make sure that you know how to lock the door and if you are going to be late back at night let your family know so that they do not accidentally lock you out!   It is very important to remember that your hosts are not expected to provide the facilities of a hotel - you are guests in their homes and should respect their wishes. Many of our students remain in close contact with their host families for years after they leave and find that staying with a host family in London is a valuable and exciting experience.   TRAVEL INFORMATION When you receive the information regarding your host family it is very important that you telephone or write to them to let them know your approximate arrival time. If the family does not live very near to the underground station they may be able to collect you from the station when you arrive or suggest a bus or taxi service that you can take if you have a heavy suitcase. Your hosts should also be able to give advice on the quickest way to get to school and can advise you about getting a monthly or weekly travelcard which will save you money when you travel on the bus or underground. You will need a passport-sized photograph for your travelcard which you can get from many underground stations.   Here is some information about travelling to central London from the major London airports. If you would like a transfer from the airport to your accommodation please let us know your arrival details and we can arrange this for you (price depends on your airport of arrival).   Information Price Frequency First Last Journey time Heathrow Underground (Piccadilly line) £3.50 4-15 minutes 05.08 23.49 50 minutes   Train to Paddington £12 15 minutes 05.07 23.52 15 minutes   Bus A2 to Kings Cross £10 30 minutes 05.30 21.45 75 minutes Gatwick Train to Victoria station £10 15 minutes by day/1 hour at night 24 hours   30 minutes Luton Train to Kings Cross £9 20 minutes 03.19 01.16 45 minutes Stanstead Train to Liverpool St £11 30 minutes 05.00 23.30 45 minutes  Click here for host family fees Return to Accomodation Index