Accommodation (2)
Checklist for arranging accommodation
Discuss your needs with your British Council contact as early as you possibly can. If you have any special needs – for example, if you have a disability that requires special arrangements, you intend to bring your family with you, your stay is for less than six months, or you will be arriving late – discuss these fully with your British Council contact as early as possible. Complete the accommodation application form and send it to your institution in time to meet the deadline date. Make a copy of your completed application form for your records before you send it to the institution.
Pay any reservation deposit required at the time it is requested. In case of difficulty, inform your British Council contact in your home country and in the UK. Read your accommodation contract carefully, ensuring that you are clear on all costs, what facilities are available and that the duration of your contract is appropriate and reflects the length of your study programme. For example, if you are studying on a one year course and sign a 40 week accommodation contract, you will need to find further short term accommodation in the final stages of your course which will be difficult. If your accommodation contract is too long you will be required to pay for accommodation beyond your return date.
Be realistic – your British Council contact will help clarify the options available to you. Accommodation in the UK may be very different to what you are used to. Take advice about the most suitable date to arrive in the UK to satisfy your needs, especially regarding private and family accommodation.
Question
What if the institution doesn't offer accommodation?
Answer
Most do, particularly if you are studying at an academic institution for an academic year or longer however in some circumstances institutions do not offer accommodation. This may happen if you on an industrial training attachment, have a number of different centres of study or are on a short course or visit. In these cases, you must talk to your British Council contact as soon as you can. You can also use the British Council’s Hotel Reservation Service (freephone 0800 783 6695) throughout the UK.
Question
Will I know where I’m staying before I travel to the UK?
Answer
This depends on your institution. Some can give you an exact address. Most will be able to give you all the general information you need but may not give you precise details until you arrive.
Question
Can I change accommodation when I get there?
Answer
This will depend on the kind of contract or agreement you have signed. You may be able to change rooms in the first few days, if you have good reason, and if you arrive early and other rooms are still free but it is very difficult to change mid-term. If you have a real problem, email your British Council contact in the UK, but remember that you are legally bound by the terms of the contract or agreement that you have signed.
Question
Who do I go to in the UK with any accommodation problems?
Answer
The Accommodation Officer at your institution should be the first point of contact. If the Accommodation Officer is unable to respond to your problems satisfactorily, you should refer the problem to your British Council contact in the UK.
Question
I am thinking about bringing my family with me - is it easy to find family accommodation?
Answer
Most visitors are advised not to take their families with them. University accommodation suitable for couples or families is in short supply and the cost of private accommodation and other living expenses are generally very high.
If you decide to bring your family to the UK, we suggest that you initially travel to the UK alone and stay in temporary accommodation while you look for suitable accommodation for your family. Your family can join you once the accommodation has been arranged. It should be stressed that in all cases, the costs of travel, accommodation and living expenses for your family have to be covered by you.
