Accommodation options while studying at a language school

When choosing a language school, students are primarily focused on the language courses. And that’s correct. After all, the main goal of the trip is to improve your foreign language skills. However, don't forget that part of the success lies in your well-being during your studies in a new country and city, and well-being is closely related to the conditions in which you live. This includes sleep quality, food, and mood. Therefore, the value of choosing the right accommodation is paramount when organizing language studies abroad.

Of course, each country has its specific features, but we will try to outline the accommodation options offered by language schools for international students.

Staying with a Host Family

This is considered a classic option, and schools offer this type of accommodation first and foremost. The host family can be a full family (parents, children) or a single retiree renting out rooms to students.

Staying with a host family is considered cost-effective in terms of "price-quality" ratio, primarily due to the included meals. If you have a limited budget, the included meals will help you save. Typically, the price is similar to other accommodation options but without meals. The number of people sharing a room varies—1 to 4 people, sometimes 5, but such a high number is more typical for teenagers rather than adults. The bathroom is shared with other students and possibly the host family. A premium option is a room for one student with a private bathroom. Such options are rare and more expensive.

Advantages:

• You will see how people live in the country;
• Chance to practice the language with native speakers in everyday situations, ultimately improving your language skills;
• Typically, meals are included—breakfast, half-board (breakfast and dinner), or full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

Challenges:

• You will have to live with strangers and share daily life with them;
• You might not like the local cuisine or the cooking style in the host family;
• Cultural differences in communication between you and the family you live with;
• You will need to respect the family's rules and participate in their life, dedicating some time to communication.

Room in an Apartment / Student Dormitory

This type of accommodation varies depending on the school. Sometimes it involves single-room accommodation, while other times, two people are placed in one room. Apartments can have up to 5-6 bedrooms, each housing 1 or 2 people. In rare cases, each bedroom has its own bathroom. Common areas include a living room and kitchen with all the necessary cooking facilities.

Student dormitories typically feature a café where you can prepay for meals according to an individual plan, such as just breakfast and dinner. There are usually showers on each floor. Generally, a kitchen is not provided.

Advantages:

• Living in an international student community, you will learn about cultural traditions and meet people from different countries;
• Typically, close proximity to the language school for adults, although there may be exceptions in larger cities;
• Access to a kitchen and washing machine;
• Bedding is usually provided;
• Cleaning services may be included in the price, with the frequency of cleaning varying.

Challenges:

• Often, some payments are not included in the price, such as electricity. In hot countries during summer, the cost of running the air conditioner may be unexpectedly high;
• Sometimes a rental contract needs to be signed;
• Limited attention from the school administration;
• Need to share living space with strangers;
• You will need to wash your own dishes and not leave dirty plates until the next day.

Apartments

This refers to a flat or even a studio. It is an independent living option but more expensive compared to others.

Advantages:

• You manage your own daily life without the involvement of strangers;
• You can plan your own schedule and not worry about being disturbed on a weekend morning or someone occupying the bathroom for a long time in the morning, making you late for school;
• Nothing distracts you from studying while you are at home.

Challenges:

• High cost;
• Smaller social circle due to the lack of neighbors;
• Sometimes a rental contract needs to be signed;
• Additional payments, which can be difficult to estimate precisely. This includes costs for electricity, internet, gas, television, and the list of services is regulated by the school;
• Sometimes apartments are rented without bedding and towels, so you will need to buy them;
• You will need to clean the apartment yourself.

Another possible type of accommodation is a hotel or hostel. Don’t forget to ask the school administration about special discounts at hotels near the school; this is a common practice and can save you up to 30 percent of the accommodation cost. There’s no need to detail the specifics of such accommodations, as they depend on the type of hotel or hostel. There is a significant difference between a bed in a 10-bed room and a room in a 5-star hotel.

In summary, each of the above accommodation options has its pros and cons. Mostly, the criteria concern the cost of housing and the balance between independence and sharing living space with others. Although, perhaps some might say that the quality of food in each option is also important. In other words, as many people as there are opinions. We hope this overview of accommodation types in language schools will be useful and help you make an informed choice.