Homestay FAQs

Your Homestay Frequently Asked Questions answered

Q: When should I book my Homestay?

A: We recommend that you contact us about your accommodation as soon as you have an unconditional offer to come and study at the College. There can be a very heavy demand for places to live in Brighton and Hove so the more notice we have, the easier it will be for us to make sure that we match you up with the right family. You are likely to be informed about which family you will be staying with up to 2 weeks before you arrive.

Q: How will I find out which family I am staying with?

A: Once you have sent us your completed Homestay Request Form, we will find you a homestay. When we have found a family for you, we will fax or e-mail you the details which will include the homestay address and telephone number. If you have not received your homestay details by 48 hours before your departure date, then please contact Margaret Seymour the Accommodation Officer at accommodation@ccb.ac.uk.

Q: Where will my homestay be located?

A: All our homestay families are within 30 minutes bus ride from the College with the majority being closer than this. The College is in the centre of Brighton making it accessible to most bus routes around the city.

Q: What will my Host family be like?

A: There are many different types of host families. It is important to understand that a "homestay family" does not always consist of 2 parents with children. Some families may consist of a widower, single people or couple married with children living at home. We always take into consideration what you have written on your Accommodation Form to try and match you with the right family.

Q: What will my room be like?

A: Homes in Brighton come in many different sizes - some are large houses and others are smaller flats - no 2 homes are the same. Your room should have a chair, lamp, a desk for studying, a bed, wardrobe and drawers for your clothes.

Q: Can I use the whole house or only by bedroom?

A: As part of the homestay family, you should have access to the shared rooms such as the lounge, bathroom, kitchen and the dining room.

Q: Can I use the telephone?

A: You will be able to use the telephone to receive calls but must use a phone card to make calls. Calling internationally can be expensive if done without a phonecard and these are cheap and easy to buy.

Q: Will the hosts have Internet access?

A: Most hosts are connected to the internet but access is not part of the homestay package. It is therefore your host who will decide if you can use the internet at home. There is free internet access at the College which you will be able to use so access at home is not a necessity.

Q: I like to shower every day? Will this be possible?

A: Yes. But remember if it is a busy household you will need to agree on a suitable time.

Q: I am worried about the food. What will my hosts give me to eat?

A: Our hosts are accustomed to hosting students from all over the world and are often able to cook many different types of food. We have a selection of hosts who are able to cater for special diets, such as vegetarian, diabetic and Halal.

Q: What happens if I don't like my hosts?

A: If you are not happy we will try to resolve whatever problems you are having and, if necessary, move you to a different host.

Q: If I go back to my home country during the holidays, do I have to pay for the Homestay while I am away?

A: If you go home for a week or more then you will have to pay 50% of your normal rent or £49 per week. This will hold your room for you while you are away. If you do not pay this then you will have to move all your belongings out and may have to find another homestay when you return.

Q: What if there are problems with my homestay?

A: Most of our students really enjoy their time with their host families and a number of them stay in close contact even after they return to their home country.

In the unlikely event that there is a misunderstanding between you and your host family or you are unhappy about anything, you should discuss it with your family, and the family with you first. If this is not successful, then you should speak to the Accommodation Officer at the College.

Do you have a Homestay question you would like us to answer?

Please email us: accommodation@ccb.ac.uk

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