Living Accommodation

The College takes the responsibility for arranging your accommodation, if requested, when you first arrive. We have a full-time team looking after International students' needs. We can offer homestay and information on a range of other types of accommodation.

For students who are new to the UK we strongly recommend that you go into homestay when you first arrive, and our advice would be to stay with the family for the first year. The reason for this is very simple - in a family your English ability will develop very quickly because you are having to listen and speak English all the time. Also family accommodation is strongly recommended for younger students (under 18 years) from the point of safety and security. The College, as a child care organisation, is a member of the Bournemouth and Poole Language Liaison Committee, and are subject to inspection by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (Government body).

Our homestay accommodation is carefully selected and host families are monitored on a regular basis. Students are then matched to a family that suit their requirements. Students will normally be offered a bedroom of their own, although they can share, if this can be arranged. Homestay accommodation also provides breakfast and dinner Monday to Friday and all meals at the weekend. Families will vary in terms of what they offer e.g. free or charged laundry, use of extra facilities, but there is a minimum level of support and service that The College insists on for students. Equally the student should understand that they are living in a family home and must be sure to observe the rules of the house. The minimum length of stay with a host family is 4 weeks but for students under 18 years of age we require written permission from a parent or guardian before a student moves from College arranged homestay accommodation. Our Accommodation office is available to help with any problems that might occur.

However, should you still be dissatisfied, then you can approach the Office of Standards in Education (OFSTED) directly, to complain. Their contact details are as follows:

OFSTED,
Freshford House,
Redcliffe Way,
Bristol.
BS1 6NL
Tel: 08456 404040
Email: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk

The cost for homestay accommodation is shown in the tuition fees on the course section of the website.

Requirements for Homestay Providers

• Download - PDF Advice and Guidance for Host Families

Student’s looking for Homestay Accommodation

• Download - Accommodation Guide • Download - Accommodation Application Form • Download - Homestay Agreement

What Our Students Have Said…

Tian Tian Zhang, is from China and is studying International Access to University for Business at The Bournemouth and Poole College.

"I find my course stimulating and enjoyable the tutors and staff have given me plenty of help to get me ready for university studies. Bournemouth is a lively place with beautiful landscapes, and I am very impressed by the cultural diversity in this town."