1. How do I register for accommodation? Do I have options or do I have to follow the College’s choice?

Ashbourne’s accommodation officer will contact you and give you a series of options depending on your age, sex, budget and any other criteria. They will give you a recommendation of where you might like to apply, but you are under no obligation to follow this advice, and essentially it is your own choice that we will try and accommodate as best as possible.

2. What is it like to live in a homestay? Would the host family be far away from the College? How many students are there per host family?

A homestay is a fantastic choice for students who need to improve their spoken English, new to the city or perhaps just don’t want to live alone as they are truly made to feel like part of the family. The host family are keen to make the student feel as if it is their own home, and care is taken by the organising company to try and assign students to families with a similar background and interests.

Host families are located throughout London. These are usually not in zone 1, the very centre of London, but from zone 2 outwards. Some commuting may be necessary for host family accommodation, such as a bus or tube journey, but all host families are located near to stations so they are in travelling distance. The closer host family accommodation is to zone 1, the more expensive the rent will be.

As with every family, there are different circumstances per host family. There are always different numbers of family members living in each house, and the families are all of different ages and occupations. Some families have only space for one student, and some have many vacancies. However, where possible, Ashbourne students will be placed together.

3. Can I have a special request on my homestay application form?

Yes, this is possible. As there are many homestay families, all special requests will be accommodated where possible. The host family company we frequently interact with will always try to assign students to suitable families, for example for specific dietary requests. This is obviously dependent on the nature of the request.

4. How far are the hostels from the college?

We use a few hostels throughout London. There are two we regularly use, Queen Alexandra and Lee Abbey, which are only a fifteen minute walk to college. Others are a further distance from college. Hyelm House in Hampstead for example requires a longer commute on the tube or bus. However, the student will not be recommended a hostel that is an unreasonable distance away from college. The student’s circumstance will be looked into and an appropriate hostel will be recommended, but students under 18 who are looking for hostel accommodation may have to accept a longer commute, as there are less readily available options.

5. Are these hostels boys-only, girls-only or mixed?

Ashbourne uses a number of hostels. The hostel types most common in London are girls-only hostels and mixed over-18s hostels. This does mean that boys under 18 are at a bit of a disadvantage, but there are still plenty of accommodation options available.

6. How many room options do I have for hostels?

This depends on the hostel, but usually there is a choice between a single and shared room (usually a twin room but up to a dormitory of 4 people at some hostels) and between ensuite and shared bathroom facilities. There is also sometimes the choice between catered and self catered hostels, or meal options (for example bed and breakfast only, half board, or full board).

7. Do I have to pay for meals, laundry and cleaning services?

At catered halls meals are included in the price, but obviously at self-catered hostels you would have to buy (and cook!) your own food. Laundry and cleaning services generally depend on the hostel. Cleaning services are usually free, with the use of the laundry for a small fee, for example £1.50 a large load. These do differ per hostel though.

8. Is wireless internet included at hostel facilities?

At most hostels wireless internet is available. Sometimes this is available only in certain areas of the hostel, and sometimes there is an extra charge, but this is usually quite low.

9. Do hostels have any entertainment facilities for students?

Yes, all the hostels Ashbourne students are with have entertainment facilities. These include lounges, TV facilities, computer and study rooms, and occasionally music facilities such as practice rooms. These are the standard entertainment facilities, although some have additional facilities including garden space, pool tables, themed entertainment evenings, and other social events. One hostel even has a gym for its residents use.

10. How does the College take care of students’ life through hostels?

The College is always aware of where each student is staying, and takes special care of students who are not living with family, particularly if they are under 18. The accommodation officer meets regularly with any students in hostels or homestays to discuss any issues. These students are also given emergency contact numbers in case they need to get hold of a member of staff outside school hours. In addition to this, all students have a weekly meeting with their Personal Tutor, and are welcome to speak about anything that is troubling them, whether it is academic or outside issues. The friendly atmosphere at Ashbourne ensures all students feel confident in the knowledge that they can approach a member of staff with any problems.

We also have an excellent relationship with the hostels and homestay companies we interact with. All hostels have been visited by a member of staff to check the facilities are suitable. This also means they can give an accurate description to a student considering their accommodation options. This strong relationship is a great asset as it means any concerns or issues the hostel has is instantly reported to the accommodation officer. In addition to this, hostels quite often have a welfare officer students can speak to, and at all hostels there is a member of staff on site at all times in case of emergency.