Homestay's

What is a Homestay?

So to explain. Homestay accommodation is living in someone else's home as their guests - similar to a B&B but not as formal or as coherently run. A good comparison is to imagine your parents offering a spare room as a place to stay for a few weeks. You live with what are called 'host families', although these days hosts can live by themselves, be single, with children or without - basically they are generally people who enjoy having international visitors and often who also appreciate the short income boost it gives them!!

Where are the Homestays?

Homestay families can be arranged for the majority of towns within Greater London - Homestay accommodation in the Home Counties may also be possible - you will be asked to give details on your enquiry form. Most people opt for a Homestay close to where they are working but they can be arranged anywhere you choose - provided accommodation can be provided there.

Is the accommodation checked?

All the accommodation has been assessed to ensure that it conforms to British Council requirements. All the homes have been selected to ensure that certain quality criteria are met, including cleanliness, health & safety requirements, and location of property to public transport and room size. Most of all though it is our host's commitment to making guest feel welcome that really counts and something that we constantly monitor through on-going feedback requests.

Who finds the Homestays

BritBound works with many different agencies to arrange the Homestay accommodation - we will manage your booking but the relationship you have will be between you and the Homestay Company. On booking you will have their full contact details and will be bound by their terms and conditions.

Who are Homestay's suited to?

Homestays are best suited to those travelling by themselves. It is also a popular choice for couples and friends willing to share a room (although we often have hosts with more than one room available).

How long can the Homestay be arranged for?

Any time from two weeks onwards although we have a maximum of 4 that you can arrange. If you decide to extend after that time then you should be able to. Your contract will be between yourself and the agency that finds the accommodation.

What are the positives and negatives associated with this type of accommodation?

A Welcome Alternative to usual types of Accommodation on offer. Staying with a local host will save you from the anonymity of a hotel and the lack of privacy in a hostel - it will be especially

No Cooking! - Breakfast and an evening meal is included 7 days a week.

Stress Free - Everything is arranged - you just need to turn up to the address when you arrive.

Environment Conducive to work - You will have the privacy of your own room should you need time to prepare for employment.

Residential Address - Necessary for immigrations, opening a bank account, applying for their National Insurance number and so on.

Financial Simplicity - There is no deposit - the rent is paid before you arrive meaning that you won't need to budget for accommodation and food (apart from lunch) whilst you are here.

Local Insight - If you opt to live close to work (if you have a job to arrive to) then you will quickly get to know the surrounding area - very handy if you decide to find your own place.

A Comfortable Base - Homestay accommodation gives you somewhere where you can unpack and feel 'at home' whilst looking for private long-term accommodation.

The negatives are that:

•  If you don't select HalfBoard then you will have to eat out somewhere, as the kitchen will be off limits to you.

•  You will need to get on with a huge variety of people as many of the hosts will have other guests from different parts of the world - more often language students from Asia !

•  It is not a B&B so you will not be waited on to that degree and if you would prefer a more service style environment then book a B&B.

•  As with any accommodation booking you will be bound by your booking - once booked you will incur charges if you do not give sufficient notice of amendments to your original booking.

How much does the Homestay cost?

The weekly cost will vary depending on the area of London you choose - in other words if you opt for a Homestay in central London (Zones 1 & 2) then you will pay a higher weekly amount than for the outer Zones (3-6).

The following is intended as a guideline to the cost of the Homestays and are for within the Greater London.

You will also have to pay an arrangement or administration fee of £25.

What is included in the price?

The prices are inclusive of all utility bills (not phone), council tax and other rates. Price also includes weekly access to washing facilities. Bed linen is provided and changed by your host once a week.

To book accommodation

Please complete the following enquiry form. An accommodation offer (provided we can satisfy your criteria) will be with you within 48hours. This is only an offer and should you wish to go ahead and book this then you will then need to arrange payment to secure your booking.